Cultural tour of Italy, Verona to Milan





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.
Price information
Departure information
Travel guides
Reviews
5 Reviews of Cultural tour of Italy, Verona to Milan
Reviewed on 22 May 2023 by Inge Kirkwood-Bleys
We most enjoyed the small group tours in Tuscany. Our guides were very informative and it was pleasant to be in a very small group. And, of course the scenery and the old villages were beautiful. Read full reviewReviewed on 02 Aug 2022 by Colin Johnston
Giovanna was incredibly helpful in organising my trip and adjusting it according to my interests and budget. She obviously wanted to show the best of North Italy. I recommend this tour operator unreservedly. Read full reviewReviewed on 24 Oct 2022 by Sheila Thomas
It was a good mix of places to visit. Some places were more beautiful than others, but all had enormous history and so all of them were interesting. Read full reviewReviewed on 14 Sep 2019 by Ambika Thandavan
I found the entire holiday memorable, and especially enjoyed the wine tour as well as the visit to the mosaic artist's workshop Read full reviewReviewed on 29 Nov 2017 by Hooi Lee
The local delight in Amalfi is very delicious, especially seafood. The architecture in Rome in very unique. Awesome trip! Read full reviewResponsible Travel
Planet
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
People
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
Popular similar holidays
Verona to Venice cycling holiday in Italy
From €495 5 days excluding flights
Easy cycling holiday through the best of Veneto
Tuscany walking holiday, Italy
From €780 - €950 8 days excluding flights
Discover Tuscany hiking from town to town
Lake Garda to Venice cycling holiday, Italy
From €795 - €940 8 days excluding flights
Easy linear cycling holiday from Verona to Venice