Lake Garda & Desenzano
A full day tour of Lake Garda offers a scenic contrast to the wealth of history and culture on the other excursions on this tour. Flanked by picturesque villages along its shoreline with a dramatic backdrop of mountains and hillsides dotted with vineyards, the lake is regarded by many as the most beautiful, as well as the largest, of the Italian lakes. The lakeside towns are a delight too, such as Riva and pretty Sirmione. The base for the tour is Garda’s largest town, attractive Desenzano which offers lovely lakeside restaurants and some interesting sights including the remains of a Roman villa, High Speed Monument, Archaeological Museum and Church of Santa Maria Maddalena which is home to a version of the Last Supper by Tiepolo.
Verona
One of the highlights of this tour is a visit to one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, to rival Florence or Venice. Renowned as the city of Romeo and Juliet and for its opera festival held each summer, Verona is an ancient and beautiful city in its own right. Highlights include Juliet’s legendary balcony, the magnificent Roman arena, the church of San Zeno Maggiore, and lovely piazzas including the heart of the city, the Piazza delle Erbe.
Mantova & Madonna della Scoperta
Another of northern Italy’s most beautiful cities is on the agenda today as you head to Mantova. Described as “the most romantic city in the world” by Aldous Huxley, Mantova, surrounded by lakes and often described as “piccola Venezia” (little Venice), has an immaculate medieval centre that includes the impressive Palazzo Ducale and an evocative skyline of ancient towers. This wonderful and final day continues with a farewell lunch in a rustic trattoria on a farm in the hills around Lonato, scene of bloody battles in 1860 which led to the formation of the Red Cross thanks to the work of local villagers in assisting the wounded. The sanctuary of Madonne della Scoperta provides a post-lunch finale to the tour.
Vicenza and Padova
Another day of glorious architecture and art as you visit Palladio’s city of Vicenza and the beautiful university city of Padova. A delightful city, overlooked by most tourists, Vicenza is the home and bears the influence of the architect Andrea Palladio with a host of his hallmark buildings giving the city a distinctive look. Most important among the sights are the Monte Berico church, the Basilica in the beautiful main square, the Corso Andrea Palladio lined with his buildings including his home, and the Teatro Olimpico, Europe’s oldest indoor theatre. Padova, renowned for its university, has a wealth of sights, particularly the wonderful Giotto frescoes at the Scrovegni Chapel, the imposing Duomo and Baptistry, Palace of Reason, several beautiful squares and the Palazzo del Capitano.