PROGRAMME
DAY 1
- Arrival in Milan, check-in in the hotel
- Walking tour of Milan: visiting the Duomo (famous gothic cathedral, the symbol of Milan), the Gallery of Vittorio Emanuele 2nd, La Scala opera house, the Sforza castle.
- Dinner & getting acquainted with the group
Night in the hotel
DAY 2
- Today we will be learning from the geniuses of all areas (history and art, including contemporary art, science and more…) — so we are dealing with a multi-functional and multi-talented Leonardo da Vinci
- Brera Art Gallery – visiting a small but an abundant art gallery situated in the heart of the city
- Lunch (OPTIONAL)
- Excursion: Milan as the city of Leonardo da Vinci. This is an introduction to the creative work of genius, as an inventor of war machines, artillery, bridge constructor, creator of the channels. We will also get acquainted with the concept of Leonardo Da Vinci for the design and reconstruction of Milan. The tour will be continued in the National Museum of Science and Technology after Leonardo Da Vinci, in which the vehicles, machines, a model of diver in a suit and mask, bombs, missiles, cannon are shown.
- (OPTIONAL): a visit to Santa Maria delle Grazie, renaissance monastery of the 15th century, where the world famous painting «The Last Supper» by Cenacolo is exhibited.
- Dinner (OPTIONAL)
- Visit of world famous La Scala Theatre
- Night in the hotel
DAY 3
- The great lakes of Italy: Como Lake. There are the villas belonging to the famous Hollywood actors (including George Clooney), also amazing scenery would be another reason of visiting this lake situated close to the border of Switzerland, near the city of Como. After a walking tour of Como historical centre and fortress (which is possible only on foot), you should be acquainted with the history of the city and prominent personalities that had been born here. Further, we will see the main places of interest of Como: Basilica of St.Fedele (dated of the 6th century), a charming antique church, special because of its unique layout. After having visited the labyrinth of Como and its attractions, let us get off at Cavour square, bordering the lake that replaced the port that had been here before.
- Familiarization with the surroundings of the lake and historical villas (D’Este, Olmo and many other beautiful villas of Como’s aristocracy of the 18th and 19th centuries).
- Bellagio as the surroundings of Como. You can visit a fantastic place – the Bellagio, which is located at the junction of the branches of the two lakes — Como and Leko. We will also observe the historic buildings, make a trip by the train, the route of which covers all the areas and places in interest of the city, and, of course, a visit to Punta Spartimento, one of the most picturesque places of the lake where lake Como is separated into its three “sleeves”.
- You can rise by cable car up to the highest point — the lighthouse of San Maurizio, where in good weather seven lakes can be seen, the chain of the Alps, the Ticino and the Brianza, at a glance. Or we can climb by the car to Bromance Mountain, to have lunch in one of the typical restaurants with local cuisine on the veranda overlooking the fabulous scenery of the lake as a giant ice-skating rink.
- Lunch (OPTIONAL) — is possible in one of the restaurants of the historic centre, which is situated on the coast with a magnificent view of the lake.
- Return to the hotel
- Dinner (OPTIONAL)
- Night in the hotel
DAY 4
- The great lakes of Italy: Maggiore. It is also located in the north of Italy, on the border with Switzerland. Undoubtedly, it is a very beautiful place, second largest one and the most picturesque of the Italian lakes. The length of the lake is 66 km (the longest in Italy!) but still, it can be visited within 1 day. Thanks to the Alps, which are closing the lake from the Northern winds, the climate remains mild and equable all year-round, like in the Mediterranean. This is one of the few places in the world where during 12 months of the year a variety of azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons in the gardens of majestic villas and public parks can be seen. The beauty of this place became the reason for so many luxury historic villas, some of which can be admired from the lake only, as they are on the Islands of the Borromeo Gulf. Taking a short trip by boat (or a motor boat) is the optimal opportunity for tourists who are limited in time but wishing to see the main attractions of Maggiore lake.
- Lunch (OPTIONAL)
- Return to the hotel
- Dinner (OPTIONAL)
- Night in the hotel
DAY 5
- The great lakes of Italy: Garda. Being the biggest out of the 4 great lakes of Northern Italy, it is famous for breathtaking scenery and monuments of different eras, as well as by the local wines, cuisine and traditions. Due to its exceptional location, the lake has a unique microclimate: situated at the foot of the Alps, it is considered to be an island of the Mediterranean sea.
- The tour starts from the southern part of the lake — Sirmione, which is called “the pearl of the lake”. The town is located on the end of a narrow promontory, is the only entrance to this medieval town takes you through the gates of the 13th century. Being completely surrounded by water, the town preserves the medieval atmosphere, as the narrow cobbled streets take the visitors to many centuries ago. About the Roman period of history you will be told by the archeological complex of the Grotte di Catullo (dated 1st century B.C.).
- Tour of Desenzano, the largest town of the lake with a medieval castle where you can admire the ancient Roman floor mosaics.
- Peschiera — the fortress surrounded from all sides by the walls and water moats is practically inaccessible, and, along with Verona, Legnago and Mantua it was included in the «rectangle» Empire of Habsburg. In Desenzano and Peschiera there are plenty of stores of famous Italian and international brands, where you can also enjoy excellent shopping.
- A visit to the Park of landscape culture Sigurta, which is considered to be one of the 5 most amazing parks in the world. This natural Eden covers an area of 600 000 m2. A landscape with ponds, grottoes, lawns, a labyrinth, flowers, trees, manicured hills fascinates the gaze. The Park is home to the world famous “Rose Avenue” where 30 000 rose bushes have been planted, yew maze with a tower in the centre, which offers a beautiful view of the surroundings, enjoy the lush greenery and spacious lawns, lakes and fountains, to see the stone of eternal youth — 400-year oak tree, garden of medical herbs and more.
- The Park is close to Borghetto Sul Mincio – this is one of the places, entering into which you are definitely moved into real middle ages. Borghetto is located straight on the water that creates a very special atmosphere. Old houses, water mills, picturesque views — all this helped to include Borghetto in the list of the most beautiful places of Italy. The bridge «Ponte di Visconteo», an unusual strengthening in the form of a dam, built in the 14th century, an engineering marvel of that time.
- The next item on the agenda is a visit to the wineries — wine region of Franciacorta where you will learn all about wine production and you will be able to personally observe that creative process. Wine tasting will end this exciting visit.
- Lunch (OPTIONAL)
- OPTIONAL: the end of the day you can enjoy visiting the famous Aquaria thermal complex
- Dinner (OPTIONAL)
- Night in the hotel
DAY 6
- Bergamo: the city of Truffaldino and the Comedy of Masks. Just 40 minutes drive from Milan, there is a tower with the Winged Lion of St. Mark. Look up amazes and fascinates with its power and antiquity, the city wall on a high hill. It’s Bergamo Alta — the old town on the hill is a real pearl of Northern Italy, the birthplace of harlequin — Truffaldino. Walking around the cobble-stoned streets, it seems as if you are in the Middle Ages, and this illusion is underlined by the names: streets “Shoe Market” and “Fish Market”, an Ancient Tower and the Town Hall with sundial. Panorama of the Lower city can be admired from the walls of Upper Bergamo, or to climb one of the towers of the Romanesque Bergamo, or to the castle of La Rocca on the site of the Roman Capitol…
- Lunch (OPTIONAL) — cuisine connoisseurs will have a pleasant surprise while tasting the polenta with game, venison jerky… It’s no wonder the flag of Bergamo — yellow-red in colour (which means polenta and home-made wine)
- Gala Dinner with the participation of Toto Cutugno
DAY 7
- Farewell to the group
- Check-out from the hotel
- Transfer to the airport or to the hotel in Milan
Tour Cost: Euro 2,500
Included into the price:
- Residence in the hotel
- Meals: half-board (breakfast & dinner)
- Transfer on the arrival date + during the tour
- Excursions as per the program
- Master-classes
- Guide assistance during the whole trip
- Bus for the whole group
Not included into the price:
- Lunches
- Additional excursions (indicated as “optional” in the above program)
- Flight tickets
- Visa service (if required)
- Medical Insurance
- Transfer to the airport on the last day
- Additional nights in Rome
- Horse-riding (60 Euro)
- Entry tickets to the baths (20-50 Euro)
- Truffle hunting and lunch with the truffles (100 Euro)
