Medieval Italy - 13D/12N

• Arrive at the airport in Milan, the cosmopolitan capital of Lombardy. Known for its industrial, commercial, and financial importance, Milan boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and style. Named Mediolanum by the ancient Romans, the city is renowned for Leonardo da Vinci’s heritage, world-class museums, and fashion districts. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to get acquainted with the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
• Dinner Included.

• Embark on a full-day exploration of Milan. Begin at Piazza del Duomo, home to the impressive Gothic cathedral adorned with the golden “Madonnina.” Visit the adjacent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for upscale shopping and admire Santa Maria delle Grazie with Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. Art lovers can visit the Brera Gallery and the Ambrosiana Library, while opera enthusiasts can see the renowned Teatro alla Scala. Wander through the Golden Quadrilateral for luxury shopping, discover alternative boutiques along Via Torino, and enjoy the charming Navigli canals for an evening stroll.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Depart Milan and journey into the Emilia-Romagna region. First, stop in Parma to explore its historic center, renowned for its refined atmosphere, art treasures, Parmesan cheese, and prosciutto. Visit the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Cathedral, and the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista. After enjoying a coffee at Garibaldi Square, proceed to Maranello to experience the Ferrari Museum and Factory, a must for car enthusiasts. Continue to Bologna, the lively capital of Emilia-Romagna.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Begin with a guided tour of Bologna, celebrated for its distinctive medieval architecture and the endless red roofs of its UNESCO-listed historic center. See landmarks such as the Two Towers, Basilica di San Petronio, and Piazza Maggiore. Stroll under Bologna’s vast network of arcades, visit the traditional Bolognina neighborhood, and relax at Giardini Margherita park. Conclude the day by sampling Bologna’s rich gastronomic offerings, from ragù alla bolognese to tortellini. Return to the hotel and enjoy leisure time.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Depart Bologna and head for Tuscany and its celebrated capital, Florence. Enjoy the unforgettable landscapes dotted with medieval towers, Renaissance villas, vineyards, and rolling hills. Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, delights visitors with its iconic art, architecture, gourmet cuisine, and world-class wines. Enjoy a leisure day, taking in the city’s romantic charm, masterpieces, and vibrant ambiance at your own pace. Check in at the hotel for a two-night stay.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Embark on a comprehensive tour of Florence. Begin at the illustrious Uffizi Gallery, housing Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Explore the Palazzo Vecchio, climb the tower, and see the replica of Michelangelo’s David. Cross the legendary Ponte Vecchio, renowned for its historic goldsmiths and scenic beauty. Families may visit the Ospedale degli Innocenti and the Museo Galileo. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure, discovering the city’s boutiques and culinary offerings.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Depart toward the serene monastery of La Verna on Monte Penna, a spiritual site for Franciscans. Continue to Arezzo, one of Italy’s oldest cities with deep Etruscan roots, and explore its historic upper town with the cathedral, Medici castle, and town hall. Later, visit Cortona, a charming hill town with labyrinthine medieval streets and Etruscan walls. Settle in and enjoy free time sampling the renowned cuisine of Tuscany, from panzanella to truffle dishes.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Begin another day immersed in the wonders of Tuscany. Start in Pienza, a beautifully preserved medieval village, and see the cinematic landscapes featured in The Gladiator. Continue to San Giovanni d’Asso and discover its unique Truffle Museum. In Montalcino, famed for Brunello wine, visit a regional winery. Drive through Monticchiello in Val d’Orcia, arriving at Montepulciano for breathtaking views. End the day in Perugia, the lively university city, for a sightseeing tour including Piazza IV Novembre, Corso Vannucci, and the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria. Overnight in Perugia.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Depart Perugia for the microstate of San Marino, the oldest constitutional republic in the world. Discover its medieval paths, the three fortress towers, Liberty Square, and Palazzo Pubblico. Visit the State Museum, the Basilica of San Marino, and explore the surrounding scenic Castelli. Enjoy panoramic views, local museums, and the unique culture of San Marino. Arrive at the hotel for an overnight stay.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Depart northwards with the goal of reaching Venice. Along the way, visit Ravenna, renowned for its three-times-capital status, exquisite Byzantine mosaics, and connections to Dante Alighieri. Explore sites such as the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Then stop in Ferrara, touring the Castello Estense, Cathedral, and palaces, while enjoying local dishes.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Embark on a tour of Padua, the city of Giotto and Galileo. Visit Prato della Valle, the largest square in Italy, and the UNESCO-listed Botanical Garden. Marvel at the Basilica di Sant’Antonio with its rich interior and relics, and Donatello’s equestrian statue. Admire Giotto’s frescoes at the Scrovegni Chapel, and relax at the storied Caffè Pedrocchi. Sip an Aperol in its city of origin and enjoy the evening at leisure.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Take a short transfer to Venice, the “Queen of the Adriatic.” Explore its historic canal-ringed streets, starting from Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, and St. Mark’s Basilica. Walk across the Bridge of Sighs, visit the island of Murano for its glass-blowing artistry, and enjoy a traditional gondola ride along the Grand Canal.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Breakfast and transfer to the nearby airport for your departing flight. Bid farewell to this remarkable journey across northern Italy, filled with memories of vibrant cities, historic towns, world-class art, and culinary delights.