MILAN TO ROME ITALY GOURMET TOUR - CODE: GCT2025
Duration: 9 days 8 nights
Places: Milan, Brescia, Verona, Venice, Florence, Rome
Price: upon request
Participants: minimum 15
Do not hesitate to contact us for customized itineraries for individuals
ITINERARY
Embark on a captivating 8-day journey through the heart of Northern Italy, where history, art, and gastronomy converge to create an unforgettable experience. From the bustling metropolis of Milan, renowned for its fashion and architectural marvels, to the romantic canals of Venice and the Renaissance splendor of Florence, this tour offers an immersive exploration of Italy's most iconic cities. Along the way, indulge in the culinary traditions of each region, with exquisite wine tastings, a hands-on cooking class, and a Venetian mask-making workshop. Conclude your adventure in the eternal city of Rome, where ancient history and vibrant street life await. Join us for a journey that tantalizes the senses and enriches the soul.
Day 1: Arrival in Milan
Upon arrival at Milan Malpensa Airport, the group is greeted by a private bus and transferred to a 4-star hotel in the heart of Milan.
Check-in and settle into the hotel.Afternoon: Exploring Milan.Guided visit to the majestic Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Walk through the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery, and admire its stunning glass and iron architecture.
Explore the historic La Scala Opera House, one of the leading opera and ballet theatres in the world. Visit the imposing Sforza Castle, a symbol of Milan’s cultural heritage. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Milanese restaurant, savoring local specialties such as risotto alla Milanese and ossobuco.
Day 2: Milan to Brescia
After breakfast, depart for Brescia by private bus.
Arrival in Brescia and guided tour of the majestic Brescia Castle, offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
Stroll through the historic city center, visiting Piazza della Loggia, Piazza del Duomo, and the Capitolium archaeological area, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Lunch: Free Time. Lunch at leisure in one of Brescia's local taverns, where you can savor traditional Brescian cuisine. Afternoon: Wine Route and Lake Iseo. Drive to the scenic hills surrounding Brescia and visit a winery on the Colli dei Longobardi Strada del Vino e dei Sapori. Enjoy a guided tour of the winery followed by a tasting of exquisite local wines. Continue to Lake Iseo, known for its picturesque landscapes and charming villages. Check into a 4-star hotel near Lake Iseo.
Day 3: Brescia Cooking Class and Transfer to Verona
Morning: Cooking Class. After breakfast, participate in a hands-on cooking class in the Brescia countryside. Learn to prepare traditional dishes, such as Casoncelli, using fresh, local ingredients, guided by an experienced chef. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious meal. Afternoon: depart for Verona by private bus.
Arrival in Verona and check-in at a 4-star hotel. Guided walking tour of Verona, exploring the city’s rich history and romantic charm. Visit Juliet's House, with its famous balcony, and the well-preserved Roman Arena, an ancient amphitheater still used for concerts and operas. Stroll through Piazza delle Erbe, a vibrant square filled with cafes, market stalls, and historic buildings. Dinner at a local Veronese restaurant, enjoying regional dishes such as bigoli pasta and Amarone wine.
Overnight stay in Verona.
Day 4: Verona to Venice
After breakfast, depart for Venice by private bus. Arrival in Venice and check-in at a 4-star hotel. Afternoon: Venice Exploration. Guided visit to St. Mark's Basilica, a stunning example of Italo-Byzantine architecture. Tour the Doge's Palace, once the residence of the Doge of Venice, and admire its magnificent halls and artwork.
Stroll across the iconic Rialto Bridge, offering views of the Grand Canal and bustling markets below. Lunch at leisure. Dinner at a traditional Venetian restaurant, sampling dishes such as sarde in saor and risotto al nero di seppia. Overnight stay in Venice.
Day 5: Venice Mask Creation Workshop
After breakfast, participate in a Venetian mask creation workshop. Learn about the history and cultural significance of Venetian masks, and create your own unique mask to take home as a souvenir. Lunch at leisure. Afternoon: Free Exploration. Spend the afternoon exploring Venice at your own pace. Optional activities include a gondola ride through the canals or a visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, one of Europe’s most important museums of modern art. Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying more Venetian delicacies. Overnight stay in Venice.
Day 6: Venice to Florence
fter breakfast, depart for Florence by private bus. Arrival in Florence and check-in at a 4-star hotel. Afternoon: Florence Exploration. Guided visit to the Florence Cathedral (Duomo), with its iconic red-tiled dome designed by Brunelleschi. Climb Giotto's Campanile for breathtaking views of the city. Visit the Baptistery of St. John, renowned for its bronze doors known as the "Gates of Paradise." Explore Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of Florence, and visit the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Lunch: Lunch at leisure. Evening: Dinner at a traditional Florentine restaurant, featuring dishes such as bistecca alla Fiorentina and ribollita. Overnight stay in Florence.
Day 7: Florence to Rome
After breakfast, depart for Rome by private bus. Arrival in Rome and check-in at a 4-star hotel. Afternoon: Exploring Rome Guided tour of the Colosseum, one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. Walk through the Roman Forum, the center of political and social activity in ancient Rome. Explore Palatine Hill, the most central of the seven hills of Rome, offering stunning views of the city. Lunch: Free Time Lunch at leisure. Dinner at a traditional Roman trattoria, enjoying classic dishes such as carbonara and cacio e pepe. Overnight stay in Rome.
Day 8: Rome Exploration
Morning: After breakfast, continue exploring Rome. Guided tour of the Vatican Museums, home to one of the most extensive art collections in the world, including the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's stunning frescoes. Visit St. Peter's Basilica, an architectural marvel and one of the holiest sites in Christendom. Lunch: Lunch at leisure. Afternoon: Free Exploration. Explore more of Rome’s iconic sites at your own pace. Options include visiting the Pantheon, wandering through the picturesque streets of Trastevere, or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the Tever River. Evening: Farewell dinner at a renowned Roman restaurant, indulging in a feast of local flavors and fine wines. Overnight stay in Rome.
Price includes:
- 8 nights in 4-star hotels (Milan, Brescia, Verona, Venice, Florence, and Rome) with breakfast included.
- Meals:Welcome dinner in Milan.Daily breakfast.Dinners at traditional restaurants in Milan, Verona, Venice, Florence, and Rome.
Farewell dinner in Rome. - Private bus transfers between cities and for scheduled excursions.
- Arrival and departure transfers to/from Milan Malpensa Airport and Fiumicino Airport.
- Guided Tours and Activities: Guided city tours in Milan, Brescia, Verona, Venice, Florence, and Rome.
- Entrance fees to all mentioned attractions (Milan Cathedral, La Scala Opera House, Sforza Castle, Brescia Castle, Roman Arena in Verona, St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Florence Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica).
- Cooking class in Brescia.Venetian mask creation workshop.
- Wine tasting at a winery on the Colli dei Longobardi Strada del Vino e dei Sapori.
- English-speaking tour leader throughout the trip.
Price doesn't include:
- International Flights: Flights to Milan and from Rome are not included.
- Meals Not Specified: Lunches and some dinners at leisure as specified in the itinerary.
- Optional Activities: Gondola rides in Venice.
- Visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or other optional sites not included in the guided tours
- Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature such as drinks, snacks, laundry, telephone calls, and tips.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance covering health, trip cancellation, and baggage is not included.
- Additional Hotel Services: Any additional services at the hotels, such as minibar, room service, and spa treatments, are not included.
- City Taxes: Local city taxes, where applicable, payable directly at the hotel.
- Visa Fees: Visa application fees (if required) for entry to Italy are not included.