Compare Highlights of Northern and Central Italy by Viandando Luxury Travel vs Italian Escape: 2 Weeks by Euroventure

Day 1: Arrival At Venice Airport And Private Transfer To Your Accommodation

Arrival at Venice International airport and private transfer to your accommodation. At sunset take a private gondola ride to enjoy a different perspective of this amazing city.

Day 2: Orientation Tour Of Venice

Join our Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Small Tour for an entertaining and educational way to explore the history of Venice! Together with a professional local tour guide you will get privileged access (no waiting in lines) to the two main sites of Venice including the panoramic terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica.

Late afternoon enjoy our Venice Wine tour. During this fascinating 2-hour walking tour of Venice, you’ll receive an insider’s glimpse into the lives and habits of authentic Venetians while visiting a favorite local Venetian hangout: winebars called baccari (or bacari).  Your private walking and wine-tasting tour includes stops in two baccari (winebars) that are filled to the brim with Venetians at the classic aperitivo time of 7pm. At the winebar, crowded with locals, you can sip a bubbly Prosecco or a smooth Soave and devour a cicchetto, a local Venetian snack, while your expert local guide tells you more about the traditional cuisine, native wines, history, and assorted lore. Some typical cicchettos are small pieces of toast with baccala, tiny meatballs, hardboiled eggs filled with anchovies, or pieces of fried, seasonal vegetables.

Day 3: Visit Of Murano And Burano

Morning dedicated to the visit of the amazing islands of Murano and Burano. First stop is Murano. This island, where all of Venice’s glass factories have been located since the 13th-century, is the most famous place for glassmaking in the entire world – and for good reason, as you’ll see soon. You’ll stop at an authentic glassmaking factory, which we’ve handpicked both for its history and quality. Then you will continue to Burano, a working fisherman’s island, famous for its brightly painted buildings. Return to Venice around lunch time and afternoon at your leisure.

Day 4: Private Transfer To Lake Como With A Stop In Verona

Following breakfast and check out your private driver will meet you at your accommodation and take you to Verona. Enjoy a private guided tour of Verona. Juliet, the squares, the arena: don’t miss this tour of the downtown historical centre of Verona, fully embraced by the bend of the Adige river. In ancient Roman times, the city of Verona received its chess-board layout and was adorned with the Arena, the world’s best preserved Roman amphitheater that today still provides hours of good music and entertainment. The visit also includes the 14th century house of Juliet, a lovers’ venue and a very popular stop: in everyone’s mind Verona is linked to her image and her sad love story. Another 14th century attraction consists of the bizarre “Arche” of the Della Scala family, namely the stone lace structures pointing up to the sky that still harbour suspicions and mysteries. Along the way you will cross three main squares that have maintained their peculiar and very popular, aristocratic or institutional character throughout the centuries.

After lunch continue to your accommodation at Lake Como area.

Day 5: Tour Of Lake Como

With your private guide discover Lake Como and Bellagio, “the pearl of Lario”. Visit this lively village and the gardens of Villa Melzi! You’ll begin the day on board a ferry that will sail slowly among villages, villas and gardens, introducing you to the atmosphere of Lake Como. Your guide will tell you about local traditions, old and new anecdotes and it’ll be possible to spot Villa d’Este in Cernobbio, Villa Oleandra (George Clooney’s retreat!), Villa del Balbianello (Star Wars and 007 location), the mysterious Island Comacina, Villa Carlotta with its botanical gardens and much more. Once you arrive in Bellagio you will explore the steep alleyways full of shops and the buzzing lakeside. Then free time for a typical lunch (suggestions provided) or shopping: Bellagio is famous for silk and olive wood items. The highlight of the afternoon is the visit of the gardens of Villa Melzi, that stretch out along the lakeshore with an impressive collection of plants, antique sculptures and beautiful architectures. Return to your accommodation.

Meals included – Breakfast

Day 6: Tour Of Como And Brunate

Today discover the elegant city of Como and its highlights: the Cathedral, piazza Volta, via Vittani, San Fedele church and the ancient medieval walls. The city of Como is charming and has many stories to tell: you’ll be fascinated with the quaint alleys and the tradition of silk weaving, with the history of how the electrical battery was invented here and the mystery of the two statues on the Cathedral front-side. Founded more than 2000 years ago, Como is rich in art masterpieces. After a pleasant stroll in the centre, a walk along the lake will take us to the Funicular station. You will reach the cute village of Brunate with a short ride: only 7 minutes! Enjoy the panorama over the lake, admire the Art-Nouveau style villas and breathe the fresh and pure air of Brunate. The tour may end with a well deserved aperitivo before lunch time. Return to your accommodation and afternoon at your leisure.

Day 7: Private Transfer To Milan

Following breakfast and check out your private driver will meet you at your accommodation and take you to Milan city center. Check into your accommodation and lunch at your leisure.

In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Milan to visit Milan’s marvellous Cathedral and rooftop terraces, the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the Brera district and the Castello Sforzesco to learn about the family who sponsored much of da Vinci’s work and brought Milan to prosperity.

Day 8: Leonardo Da Vinci’s Tour

Your day will start with a visit of  one of the most famous paintings in the world. This artwork was painted between 1494 and 1498 under the government of Ludovico il Moro and represents the last “dinner” between Jesus and his disciples.

Next you will continue with a visit of Leonardo’s Vineyard, or La Vigna di Leonardo, that lies tucked within the lush gardens of the Casa degli Atellani, an elegant private residence that provides a unique opportunity to experience the Milanese Renaissance. 

Leonardo Da Vinci spent a productive period in Milan working on numerous projects for the Duke Ludovico Sforza over twenty years. He engineered the city’s canal district, drew thousands of sketches preserved in his Codex Atlanticus notebook and painted The Last Supper (1495-1498), housed within the refectory of the convent of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. To demonstrate his gratitude, Ludovico Sforza gifted Leonardo a small vineyard which the artist tended to while he painted The Last Supper. Leonardo himself hailed from a family of winemakers and took great care of the vineyard, even including it in his will at the end of his life.

Day 9: Private Transfer To Portovenere

Following breakfast and check out your driver will take you to the lovely village of Portovenere, one of the most romantic spots on the Italian Riviera thanks to the multicolored tower houses, that in the ancient times were built as defense against the pirates, the tiny square and its fountain, the beautiful ancient church of St. Peter on the white and black rocks of the point from where the poet Byron used to swim, the church of S. Lorenzo with its precious works of art and the massive 16 century castle.

While in Portovenere don’t miss the chance to enjoy a dinner at Locanda Lorena located in the rugged island of Palmaria across the small bay of Portovenere. To get here, take the restaurant’s free riva boat from the Portovenere jetty.

Day 10: Full Day Tour Of The Cinque Terre

Today enjoy a private guided visit of the Cinque Terre: five stunning towns perched on seaside cliffs overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. The full-day Cinque Terre Walking Tour allows you to visit these small fishing villages, famously connected in older times exclusively by a winding, steep, rock-laden and root-crossed trail. Each village has a distinct character, and offers different amenities. Your knowledgeable, friendly English-speaking tour guide specializing in outdoor excursions will take care of you for the full-day tour, and tell you more about these unique villages. Return to Portovenere and overnight stay.

Day 11: Private Transfer To Florence With A Stop In Lucca

Following breakfast and check out your private driver will take you to Lucca, actually my favourite Tuscan city after Florence and enjoy a guided tour of this relatively unknown gem. Hidden behind imposing Renaissance walls, its cobbled streets, handsome piazzas and shady promenades make it a perfect destination to explore by foot. Continue to Florence and check into your accommodation.

Day 12: Orientation Tour Of Florence Including The Uffizi And The Accademia Galleries

Start your Florentine sojourn with a guided orientation walk to admire the most important Florentine sites: the Cathedral with its Giotto Bell Tower, Piazza della Signoria with the Palazzo Vecchio and the Ponte Vecchio knowing for its gleaming gold shops. The tour also includes the visit of the Accademia Gallery which houses the famous statue of David by Michelangelo and of the Uffizi Gallery with masterpieces of Caravaggio, Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci and many other famous painters. Afternoon at your leisure.

Day 13: Visit Of A Winery Of The Chianti Area And Leisure Time In San Gimignano

Your private driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the Chianti area which offers a unique landscape, with green, gentle hills covered with wide fields of vineyards and olive groves, small stone villages, characteristic parishes and countryside homes in stone. Visit one of the most prestigious wineries of the area. The visit will be followed by tasting of their superb wines and a delicious Tuscan lunch. After lunch your driver will take you to the romantic hilltop town of San Gimignano where you will spend some time at your leisure. Return to Florence and overnight stay.

Day 14: Florence Food Tour And High – Speed Train To Rome

Florence is not just paintings and palazzos; it is also home to one of the most palatable and well-known cuisines in the world. With your private guide visit one of Florence’s most characteristic food market, Sant’Ambrogio, and learn about history and traditions of Tuscan cuisine. During the visit you will taste some local specialties: cheeses, salami, focaccia, extra – virgin olive oil.

After lunch take your high – speed train to Rome. Upon arrival transfer to your accommodation.

Day 15: Colosseum Underground Tour

Feel the fear and hear the roars of the crowd above you as you enjoy this full Colosseum Underground tour. Stepping beneath the arena floor, you’ll walk in the footsteps of gladiators who waited here before battle. As you tour the tunnels, your guide will tell you about the real life of gladiators before taking you back up to the arena floor. Walk out onto a recreation of the stage where the fighting took place and be blown away by the most impressive view of the Colosseum (seen by so few!). After your Colosseum and Colosseum Underground tour, you’ll experience the very heart of Ancient Rome: the Roman Forum. Here was where Rome ruled its empire of untold political and cultural influence—and of more than 2.5 million square miles and 65 million people. At the Palatine Hill you’ll discover the origins of Ancient Rome. Legend has it that this is the spot where Remus and Romulus were found by the she-wolf and where they battled to decide which would have the privilege of building their own town. Hear how this legendary battle impacted the world you know today (your very own life even!) We owe the Ancient Romans more than you’d believe! Afternoon at your leisure.

Day 16: Early Bird Vatican Museum Tour With Breakfast

Your early bird Vatican tour lets you carpe diem, seize the day, by getting the most out of your time in Rome. Starting with a breakfast fit for the Pope in the verdant Pinecone Courtyard, you’ll be thoroughly energized to meander through the expansive halls of the Vatican Museums, gaze up at the stunning ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and explore the world-renowned Saint Peter’s Basilica. Afternoon at your leisure.

Day 17: Fly Back Home

Private chauffeured transfer to Rome International airport to take your flight back home

Day1: London

London may be huge, but Central London can be walked all over, from the quirky pop-up stalls of the south bank to the glitz of the West End and out to Hyde Park. The buzzing cosmopolitan nature of the city probably makes it the most culturally diverse in the world.

Day 2: Paris (1 night)

Your first night in Paris is only a quick pit-stop, but don’t worry, you’ll be back for 2 nights at the end of your trip and will have plenty of time to make the most of this beautiful city.

Highlights

• Check out the Eiffel Tower of course
• Take a leisurely cruise along the Seine and marvel at the views

Day 3 to 4: Milan (2 Nights)

Milan is cosmopolitan and fast-paced, a beacon of Western fashion with an addiction to culture as much as clothes. The world-acclaimed La Scala Opera House sits here, as does Leonardo da Vinci’s famous The Last Supper on the wall of Santa Maria Delle Grazie Basilica.

Highlights

• Visit the vast 14th century cathedral
• Get (window) shopping at Europe’s fashion capital
• See a performance at the famous La Scala Opera

Day 5 to 6: Florence (2 Nights)

If you are touring the big cities of Europe and want to escape to the countryside, then the capital of Tuscany is one of the easiest places to do it from. Not that you’d want to of course once you are seduced by the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture.

Highlights

• See Michelangelo’s statue of David
• Explore countless Renaissance chapels and churches
• Eat any number of fun flavours of exquisite ice-cream and gelato

Day 7 to 9: Rome (3 Nights)

Home to endless culture, stunning architecture and buzzing nightlife, Rome is one of the classic quintessentially European hubs to tick off your travel checklist. Take in the unreal food, fascinating culture, laidback lifestyle and experience it all!

Highlights

• Marvel at the ruins of the Roman Forum
• See the world-famous Colosseum
• Try real Italian coffee, ice-cream and pizza

Day 10 to 11: Venice (2 Nights)

Venice is nothing short of unique, built on mudbanks in the lagoon, having forgone the convenience of cars for the charisma of canals. Getting lost in Venice is part of the fun, and if you’re on foot you’ll only find small backstreets or large piazzas, not a single road in sight.

Highlights

• Cross the iconic St Mark’s Square
• Get lost in the alleyways and canals of the city
• Ride the vaporetto down the grand canal
• Night Train to Paris – 14.5 hours

Day 12 to 13: Paris (2 Nights)

Paris is a byword for romance, a synonym for style and the epitome of elegance. The pride of France and one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Paris needs little introduction, from the Eiffel Tower to the Pont Neuf, bedazzling visitors and oozing charisma at every turn.

Highlights

• See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre museum
• Watch a cabaret act the famous Moulin Rouge
• Experience the colourful nightlife of the Marais

Day 14: London

End your trip back in the English capital – if you didn’t get chance at the start of your tour, make sure you spend time here and check out one of the most vibrant cities in Europe!

Highlights

• See some world-famous landmarks
• Watch a show at one of many West End Theatres
• Experience the quirky nightlife of Soho

How to get there

All you need to do is make your way to and from London and we’ll take care of the rest! You can use your Interrail pass to travel for free from your nearest UK station to and from London on the same day as departure and arrival – easy!