Cultural tour of Italy, Verona to Milan

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€950

€1020

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7 Days excluding flights

More info:Price variation depends on the seasonality of hotel rates

Tailor made

“Travel mostly by train on a cultural tour of the beautiful towns and cities of the north, exploring their crafts, architecture and, of course, food. ”

Highlights

Description of Cultural tour of Italy, Verona to Milan

Take a week to discover the architectural, artistic and culinary gems of northern Italy on a cultural tour, taking in its fascinating small towns and exceptional cities, including Verona and Milan. In each location, ancient wealthy families patronised great artists, who went on to give each place its special, unique character.

This seven day tour begins in Padua, which is packed with cultural sites, including a chapel by Giotto, the teaching desk that belonged to Italian polymath Galileo Galilei, and the world’s first permanent anatomical theatre, dating from the 16th century. You’ll also find the Caffe’ Pedrocchi here, famous for the delicious wine spritzes it serves. Then onto Verona, immortalised in Romeo and Juliet, where you can visit its famous piazzas and Roman arena, but also stroll its network of narrow streets and visit a mosaic maker’s workshop. Explore Mantua, too, home to the impressive Palazzo Ducale, and try some of its foodie specialities, including tortelli di zucca (pumpkin-filled pasta) and sbrisolona cake. You’ll visit the beautiful Sigurtà Park and Garden by Lake Garda, sample wine in local wineries, explore Cremona’s historic centre and see how violins are made on a tour of a craftsman’s workshop. Spend some time relaxing on Lake Como before ending the trip in the beautiful, fashionable city of Milan.

This cultural tour is tailor made and runs throughout the year, staying in charming hotels. Much of the transport is by rail, and on Lake Garda you’ll enjoy a cruise on a boat that creates zero impact on the lake’s environment.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.

01273 823 700 Calling from outside the UK? rosy@responsibletravel.com

Departure information

This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements

Vouchers

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Responsible tourism

As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your holiday will help support conservation and local people.

We use the train as the main mean of transport, when places cannot be reached by railways, we rely on local companies to operate the transportation service. On Lake Garda, we prefer to work with a company which has introduced the first boat with zero impact on the environment in the lake area; we are talking about an electric boat that makes use of the most advanced technology to reduce to zero the boat emissions and consequently the air and water pollution. The use of this boat will not only have a positive impact on the lake environment but it will also allow you to enjoy the lake at its best without the annoying noise of the jet engine, surrounded only by the sound of running water under the hull.

Along this itinerary you will come across many historical buildings and places which stand witness to an ancient culture and the passing of different historic ages. The preservation of such heritage is quite a hard task for the local administrators because many attractions are unknown to most of the visitors who come to Italy every year and who tend to limit their visits only to famous cities. By visiting these smaller towns, you will help with the maintenance of their rich cultural heritage which can be kept safe for future generations

The Impacts of this Trip

On this tour you will have the opportunity to visit some craftsmen’s workshops and local food laboratories to discover ancient arts like violin making or the art of making hand made tortellini. These competencies belong to the rich Italian cultural heritage and they are still alive thanks to the efforts and hard work of dedicated artisans. You will experience an authentic journey into the Italian crafts and discover the real Made in Italy while supporting the survival of old craftsmanship rooted in a far away past. The possibility to discover old crafts goes beyond the experiences that we suggested here, we have a wide range of visits and workshops that we can arrange for you and include in this programme according to your interests and what you like best. Artisans will open for you their workshop’s doors, unveil their secrets and share their story rooted in their lands. At the tortellini laboratory you can ask to see how the ladies still make tortellini every day by hand.

Artisans have a tale to tell and share with passion, you will discover the soul of your destination through the words of unique storytellers. In the historic centre of most of the towns that you will visit, you will find traditional shops run by generations of the same family and you will have the chance to buy typical local products. You will realize how these shops stand out from the rest of the commercial offer and with no effort, you will be able to buy like a local. We can provide some suggestions on request and in case of need, do not be afraid to ask people for help, the English language is not of common knowledge in small towns but rest assured that people’s open and friendly attitude overcomes any communication issue

Environment

Community

The Impacts of this Trip

Climate

2 Reviews of Cultural tour of Italy, Verona to Milan

4.5 out of 5 stars

SHOW

Reviewed on 14 Sep 2019 by Ambika Thandavan

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

I found the entire holiday memorable, and especially enjoyed the wine tour as well as the visit to the mosaic artist's workshop. Also, Giovanna was extremely helpful and approachable throughout

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

I would say this tour is ideal for someone who would like a customized experience spending a few days in each place to absorb its essence and soak in its cultural nuances.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

I felt that it did benefit local people and also enabled interaction with them.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience! Felt enriched and rejuvenated after

Read the operator's response here:

Dear Ambika,
thank you for taking the time to share your holiday experience.
I think that you enjoyed the time you spent with us because you have been curious enough to get to know the people you met.
I am really glad to know that you appreciated the visits as I can assure you that it was a mutual benefit, we loved to have you here and I hope you will come
back one day soon.
A big hug from Italy!
Giovanna

Reviewed on 29 Nov 2017 by Hooi Lee

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The local delight in Amalfi is very delicious, especially seafood. The architecture in Rome in very unique.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

The service is very good and worth the money.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Awesome.

Read the operator's response here:

A HUGE thank you for planning your holidays with us and for taking the time to get to know our habits and way of living exploring the lively districts of Rome and discovering the delicious seafood in Cetara. We look forward to your next visit!