Essential Cities of Northern Italy

Bologna is an old city with many nicknames – and not all of them complimentary. But those who poke fun at Bologna often do so out of jealousy and if being called la grassa (‘the fat one’) is the consequence of delicious ragu, tiramisu and gelato, then some prices are worth paying. In addition to the cuisine, Bologna is home to some beautiful architecture, medieval walkways and one of the world’s oldest universities which ensures that this venerable city remains youthful and vibrant.

You will have a final few hours to enjoy la dotta (‘the learned one’ – not all the nicknames were bad!) before getting back to the central station for your train to Venice shortly before midday. It will be a relatively quick journey of around an hour, but you will feel you will have travelled to a different world as you step out into a city dominated by its relationship with water. Following a transfer by boat, you will check into the Hotel Bisanzio (or similar) for a 3-night stay.

Whether it’s the Grand Canal, St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, the gondolas or the Bridge of Sighs, Venice’s world-famous attractions draw visitors from all over the world to this unique city. The canals and waterways mean that making your way across Venice will require using a boat of some kind, but there is also plenty to explore on foot, from neighbourhood cafés and restaurants to the renowned art galleries which show case work by Canaletto, da Vinci and Titian. Venetians also like to shop and the city has something to appeal to all tastes, from fantastic food markets to the beautiful products of artisan glassblowers.

Another late morning departure onboard a slick Frecciarossa means you will arrive in fair Verona’s Porta Nuova station just in time for lunch. You might choose to drop your bags at the Grand Hotel des Artes (or similar) first, your home for the next 2 nights, before heading out to choose which of the café-lined piazzas you’re going to settle in for a long and enjoyable meal.

Although he never visited Verona, Shakespeare could hardly have chosen a better setting for his tale of the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, as the city is undeniably romantic. Weaving cobbled lanes, small town squares, little bars and restaurants serving delicious food and wine, all work to create a wonderful atmosphere in which to spend time with someone special to you. Verona is also well placed to take a day trip to the beautiful Lake Garda, and whether you want to stay to take in an opera performance, or instead just marvel at the nearly 2000 year old construction, be sure to pay a visit to the city-centre Roman arena.

After a final morning to enjoy Verona and its riverside location, you will board a train back to where your Italian adventure began, arriving into Milan Central Station . From here, you can continue through the Alps to Zurich, catch a train to Lake Como, or simply return to the airport for your onward flight.