Cremona and Parma

A stroll through the historical centre of Cremona reveals its hidden artistic and architectural treasures. Head to the medieval square to see the huge duomo and tower before visiting a violin-maker’s workshop. Stop at Fratelli Spigaroli to visit the cellars where they cure the famous Culatello ham and Parmigiana cheese.

We’ll indulge in a tasting of Italian cheeses and cold cuts before this afternoon transferring to Parma —located in the confines of the Lombardy and Emilie-Romagna Regions and known for its castles and ancient churches. Visit the pink-marble Baptistery, which contains some amazing frescoes representing the life of Christ, and also admire the frescoes on the dome of the cathedral.

Ferrari Museum

Car lovers will not want to miss this chance to tour of the Ferrari Museum in Modena. The modern museum is devoted to the life and work of Enzo Ferrari, founder of the Ferrari sports car brand, and not only tells the story of the ‘prancing horse’s’ founding father but also showcases some of the most beautiful cars ever built.

Three hours

Following the footsteps of Casanova in Venice to Doge's Palace and its hidden passageways

Giacomo Girolamo Casanova was born in Venice in 1725. Both his parents were actors, and he was the first of six children in the family. He entered the University of Padua at age 12 and graduated five years later with a degree in law. Over his lifetime, he was a lawyer, soldier, violinist, courtier, economist, philosopher, writer, and of course, a lover who got into sexual escapades resembling operatic plots.

Your guide will fill you in on all the details of his titillating life, including a darker period where he was imprisoned in Doge’s Palace and his daring escape. Even today, Casanova and his lusty reputation remains a legend in itself.

Please note: this excursions can only be booked on board.

Three hours

Guided Tour of Mantua

Although Mantua is not well known, it is one of the most artistically rich and romantic cities in northern Italy. Visit the Palazzo Te, the masterpiece of Italian High Renaissance art and architecture, designed and decorated by Giulio Romano in the early 16th century. Along with its architecture, the palace is known for its Mannerist-style fresco paintings that adorn many of its rooms. Afterwards head to see the imposing Ducal Palace and visit the Rotonda di San Lorenzo and the Basilica of Sant'Andrea.

Three hours

Guided Tour of Vicenza

Vicenza is the epitome of gorgeous Italian landscapes, art, food, and wine. The most beautiful buildings in the city are found around the Piazza dei Signori. Here, you can take in the gorgeous facade of the Teatro Olimpico, which opened in 1585 and contains the oldest standing stage set still in existence. The theatre was the final design by Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio and is just one of the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites in the city.

Three hours

Guided walking tour of Venice and the Doge's Palace

After your walking tour of Venice you’ll head to Saint Mark’s Square to marvel at its famous basilica from the outside before you take a tour inside Doge’s Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes and the seat of the government until 1797. The current palace date back to the 14th century and is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the world. A trek to the top of the Golden Staircase brings you to massive works by Tintoretto and Veronese and gives you access to the antechambers and a magnificent view from the balcony.

Three hours

Murano and Burano islands

This afternoon join an excursion to the islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is actually a series of islands linked by bridges, once home to the Venetian aristocracy and now world-famous for the production of decorative glassware. Glassmakers relocated to Murano at the end of the 13th century as a fire prevention measure and to help keep their production techniques a secret. Watch the craftsmen at work or enjoy a stroll to see the byzantine mosaic pavement at the Church of Sante Maria e San Donato.

The picturesque former fishing village of Burano consists of four islands divided by narrow canals. It is famous for its brightly painted houses and for exquisite needlepoint and lacemaking.

Three hours

Verona

Board a coach in Rovigo this morning and head to Verona, the “City of Love” made famous by Shakespeare’s legendary tragedy Romeo and Juliet. We’ll get to see the outside of Juliet’s House – Casa di Giulietta – and the balcony where she stood when Romeo declared his love. Verona encapsulates 2,000 years of history from an architectural, urban, and artistic point of view. The amphitheatre, the historic symbol of the city, is a fantastic example of its longevity and influence.

If the amphitheatre is closed and in July and August, your tour will instead visit the magnificent Giusti Gardens.

Three hours