Day 1 - Arrive in Venice. City Walking Tour

Upon arrival at Venice airport you will be welcomed to Italy and transferred to the pier, where your private boat will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. 

This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Venice. Your private tour of the St Mark’s square area will include St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Once the home to Venice’s rulers and the offices of State the Doge’s Palace is a triumph of Gothic architecture. It was also where countless prisoners were held captive and tortured. Famous inmate Casanova made a dramatic escape across the rooftop in 1756.  In the evening enjoy a welcome cocktail at your hotel

Overnight: Hotel Bauer

Day 2 - Grand Canal Cruise, Palace Visit and Opera Performance

Today you will enjoy a 4-hour private canal cruise along the famous Grand Canal, where you can admire the many Palazzi and bridges. Visit the sumptuous Venetian residence Ca’ Rezzonicois, that houses a precious collection of 18th-century Venetian furnishings and paintings. Continue your tour in the Jewish Ghetto where you will be shown many of the remaining synagogues in the area, whilst hearing about the interesting history of Jews in Venice.

This evening enjoy a cocktail followed by dinner at a luxury fish restaurant in the vicinity of San Marco. After dinner witness a stunning operatic performance of “Il Ponte Sulla Drina”, by Dejan Sparavalo, at the famous La Fenice theatre. 

Overnight: Hotel Bauer

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 3 - Accademia Gallery and Lagoon Islands

Today explore the lesser-known Dorsodoro area across the Grand Canal, which will include a visit to the Accademia Gallery; home to a dazzling collection of masterpieces spanning the full development of Venetian art.

This afternoon take a private motor-boat to explore some of the Lagoon Islands. Burano is a quaint and colourful fisherman’s island famous for its lace-making traditions and charming architecture. Also visit Murano, where glass has been made in the same way for over 700 years.  

This evening enjoy dinner in a special Venetian venue.

Overnight: Hotel Bauer

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 4 - Transfer to Verona. City Walking Tour and Opera Performance 

This morning you will be privately transferred to Verona. In the afternoon enjoy a short walking tour, including visits to Juliet's House and the Arena; once host to early AD gladiator battles it today houses modern opera performances. Enjoy lunch and the afternoon at leisure. 

Dinner this evening is at the illustrious Il Desco restaurant. Later enjoy a cocktail at the Arena before this evening’s performance of Puccini’s “Tosca”.

Overnight: Palazzo Victoria

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 5 - Around Lake Garda

Today enjoy a full day sightseeing tour in the Lake Garda area. You will visit Desenzano del Garda, one of the liveliest and most popular towns on Lake Garda, where you will see Roman ruins dating back to the 4th-century. Next visit Sirmione and the ruins of a Roman villa; it is one of the most impressive examples of an ancient Roman dwelling in Northern Italy.  

Later explore the pleasant resort town of Gardone Rivera and the nearby estate Vittoriale degli Italiani, where the writer Gabriele D’Annunzio lived. After lunch (paid locally) in a local restaurant visit the town then head to see the Villa Bettoni near Bogliaco.

Overnight: Palazzo Victoria 

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 6 - Verdi’s Parma and Villa Verdi

Today you will be privately transferred to Parma, the “Maestro” Verdi’s birthplace. You will be welcomed in Parma by a musicologist who will first show you Museo Casa Barezzim, the place where Verdi started to develop his musical talent. Continuing your visit you will see the Regio, or Verdi Theatre. Built in the 17th-century it was here that Verdi formally established his talent. 

Enjoy lunch in the Busseto restaurant, which Verdi used to frequent with his friend the singer Teresa Stolz. Sample some of Parma’s typical produce such as culatello di Zibello, prosciutto di Parma, cheeses and wine. 

After lunch continue to Villa Verdi in Sant’Agata, the estate Giuseppe Verdi bought in 1848. Today Villa Verdi is preserved as it was during the age of the great composer. Before your transfer back to Verona you will visit the house where Verdi was born.

Overnight: Palazzo Victoria

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 7 - Transfer to Lake Como

Today you will be privately transferred to Lake Como. The remainder of the day will be at leisure.

In the evening enjoy a welcome cocktail on the hotel’s terrace.

Overnight: Hotel Villa D'Este

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 8 - Opera Performance

This morning will be at leisure. In the afternoon you will be transferred to Milan for your opera evening at the theatre La Scala and a performance of Verdi’s “Othello”.

Afterwards enjoy a private dinner at La Scala Museum at the Esedra room, before being privately transferred back to your Hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Villa D'Este

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 9 - Depart Milan

Today you will be privately transferred to Milan airport for your departure flight.

Meal Plan: B