Unesco Tour for individuals

Seven Unesco sites in seven days. After exploring the enchanting Renaissance town of Mantova, we gently wend our way along the majestic Po, the longest river in Italy. Five bus excursions will allow us the discovery of the art cities of Verona, Ferrara, Vicenza and Padua. Finally, we sail into the most celebrated and best preserved of all ancient cities: Venice.

Route

Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Mantua, a wonderful city settled on the shores of three lakes. Sail with us into the Po Delta and discover art cities like Verona, Ferrara, Vicenza and Padua. We will conclude this magic cruise in the Venetian Lagoon.

Itinerary

1. Mantua and Sabbioneta.
A day dedicated to the discovery of this cultural gem, its three picturesque “lakes” formed by the Mincio: once a City State ruled by the Gonzaga family and now considered by many as Italy’s “Sleeping Beauty”. We will then continue across the surrounding countryside, and the little town of Sabbioneta, built in accordance with the ideal standards of the Renaissance.

2. City of Verona. 

Private bus excursion (40 min. there + 40 min. back).
A private transfer will lead us to Verona. With the Adige crossing it, this is one of the most important and beautiful cities in the Veneto region. Worth visiting are: the Roman Arena, the Church of San Zeno and Juliet’s House. Overnight on Mantua Lakes.

3. Ferrara, city of Renaissance, and its Po Delta (70 min. there + 40 min. back).

Cruise on Mincio River and private bus excursion to Ferrara: once ruled by the Este dynasty and a key city state of the Italian Renaissance, Ferrara is now a thriving university town and Italy’s “Cycling Capital”. This tour culminates in the heart of the Po Delta Nature Reserve, with its broad swathe of lagoons, fishing farms and beaches. Overnight in Zelo. 

 

4. City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto (70 min. there + 80 min. back).

Private bus excursion in the morning: elegant Vicenza was home to the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, and the pedestrianised historic centre offers many of his celebrated designs and majestic villas. It is also a great place for a spot of shopping! Overnight in Adria.

5. Padua, Botanical Garden (70 min. there + 80 min. back).

Morning cruise to Porto Viro and private bus excursion to Padua. On our arrival, we will find the great basilica dedicated to St. Anthony, the historic Caffè Pedrocchi and Prato della Valle. Padua Botanical Garden is the oldest in the world, dating back to 1545, and recently enriched with a brand new biodiversity wing. Overnight in beautiful Chioggia, picturesque fishing village.

6. Venice and its Lagoon. 

Morning cruise through the Lagoon with possible visit of the islands of Pellestrina, Lido with the lovely Malamocco, Murano and the colorful Burano. Venice, the capital of the ancient “Serenissima Republic”, which held sway over much of the Mediterranean (and beyond) for centuries, offers its visitors a timeless beauty and invites us to stroll its “calli” (narrows streets) and countless bridges. Overnight on Certosa island. 

 

7. The Dolomites (2 hrs. there + 2 hrs. back).

Short cruise to Venice airport, then private bus excursion to Cortina. Cortina is a famous Ski and Mountainsport Resort, with a very elegant and lively centre, where you can go shopping. The landscape is very relaxing here, and the range of the Dolomites features some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes anywhere. Return to Venice and overnight.

8. Venice and its Lagoon. 

After breakfast end of services. 

 

NB: a reverse programme is also possible.