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Verona, Bologna & VeniceRomance, gastronomy & art
Italy is a land of passion, a land of great art and stylish fashion – and a land of excess. From the heady days of the Roman Empire through the explosion of high art in the Renaissance to the excitement and expression of chic modern design that leads the world today, Italy is the perfect place in which to indulge and immerse yourselves in one of the world’s great cultures. We invite you to explore three of Italy’s most important northern cities, each with its own fascinating character, as you gorge yourself on gastronomic delicacies and look longingly on beautiful works of art, leaving you with memories to cherish forever. Following in the footsteps of heroes, warriors and artists, our detailed walking notes guide you through the historic streets on walks that take you from one magnificent monument to the next. In all three cities, your stay is on a bed and breakfast basis, leaving you free to dine out in our especially recommended restaurants, where you will enjoy all that Italy’s famous cuisine has to offer. Nights: 6
Starting point: Grand Hotel (4*), Verona. Well-located on the broad Corso Porta Nuova, your first hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from the Roman arena. Formerly an aristocratic residence, this Art Nouveau townhouse has been renovated to maintain its historic charm, with paintings and sculptures of famous artists on show in the public rooms and hallway. Day 1: enjoy a full day exploring the wonderful city of Verona, where dusky pink limestone buildings line the banks of the River Adige. Given the city’s rich and colourful history, Verona has so much more to offer than the well-known story of star-crossed Romeo and Juliet. Indeed, there is a wealth of sites to discover, not least several superbly preserved Roman monuments – the arena, Roman theatre, Porta dei Borsari and Pietra Bridge. Other highlights include the fascinating collection of paintings and artefacts housed in the Castelvecchio, the elaborate Gothic tombs of the Scaliger family, and the magnificent Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, one of the most important Romanesque churches in northern Italy, decorated with 12th-century reliefs and frescoes. Our walking route will help you discover Verona’s undertones – evocative streets, romantic plazas and magnificent architecture. For wine lovers, there is a chance to stop and taste a Valpolicella or Amarone in an ancient osteria frequented by locals. Accommodation: Grand Hotel, as above.
Day 2: today you take the train for the short journey to magnificent Bologna. The city has earned itself the nicknames of La Dotta, La Grassa and La Rossa (the ‘Learned’, the ‘Fat’, and the ‘Red’) relating to its university, the oldest in the world; its outstanding cuisine which has led to the city being considered Italy’s gastronomic capital; and the red-brick façades of its jumble of medieval buildings and arcaded streets. The focal point is the Piazza Maggiore with its famous two towers – Torre Garisenda and Torre Asinelli, whose 500 steps you can climb for marvellous views over the rooftops – and its statue of Neptune, surrounded by sirens, water babies and dolphins. Most of Bologna’s sights are within walking distance of one another, and our notes guide you around this scholarly and gastronomic city, with a stop or two along the way to sample some of its specialities. Accommodation: Hotel Porta San Mamolo (3*), Bologna. Tucked quietly away, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the Piazza Maggiore. The 43 bedrooms are individually and elegantly decorated, the delicate colours creating a relaxed atmosphere. Day 3: you have a full day to explore Bologna further, a chance, perhaps, to stroll along its famous portici, the longest arcade in the world, which leads all the way to the hill-top Sanctuary of San Luca, where you are rewarded with wonderful views. Accommodation: Hotel Porta San Mamolo, as above.
Day 4: your final destination, again reached by train, is the jewel in Italy’s crown, Venice. Many Italian cities, at one time in their history, eventually came under the despotic rule of one man or one family. This never happened to Venice, which is one of the reasons for the city’s very special atmosphere. While so much of the mainland was in a state of turbulence, the Venetians were left alone to build their floating city – one of the few cities in the world that can be truly described as unique. Venice will seduce you in winter, arguably the best time to visit, when the crowds have mostly disappeared. Our notes guide you through its myriad of rios and campos but don’t worry if you get lost, as this is a bonus in Venice – there is always something else to discover around each corner. Accommodation: Hotel Flora (3*), Venice. Run by the welcoming Romanelli family, this charming and characterful hotel is located just behind St Mark’s Square and is housed in a 17th-century mansion that was once the School of Painting, frequented by great Venetian artists. Bedrooms are individually styled, with 16th and 17th-century-style furniture. Day 5: enjoy a final day exploring ‘La Serenissima’. Accommodation: Hotel Flora, as above. Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system. Similar holidays: A Trail of Three Cities Prices & travel
#Add £80pp if starting your holiday on any of the following dates: 1-5 Oct, 4-9 Nov, 13-24 Feb, 2-8 Mar & 5-7 Apr Room upgrade: Hotel Flora in Venice, superior room £28pp/n (£42pp/n 12-30 Apr) Extra Night Prices
Recommended destination airports: Verona & Brescia > Notes on prices > Any queries? Let us call you back  |
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Inimitable Venice 
