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Lake Garda & the Cities of Veneto

Lake Garda & the Cities of Veneto

8 days from $5,510

Departing: April 2027 - October 2027

Romans to the Renaissance

From Roman Province to Doge Republic, the Veneto has a long and illustrious history. We take a closer look at the intriguing area around Lake Garda and explore a truly unique mix of archaeology, art and architecture. From a prehistoric cave site adjacent to a 15th century ‘Roman’ villa to a medieval monastery perched on the steps of an ancient Roman theatre, there is a great deal to unpick here. Visiting in the quieter months of spring and early autumn, we enjoy the undulating landscapes of vineyards and olive groves which surround the southern shores of Lake Garda and explore the pretty piazzas, medieval market places and tangled streets of Verona, Vicenza, Mantua and Padua. We’re sure this tour will hold your imagination and to cap it all, we enjoy the region of the Valpolicella wine villas – noted for their products and histories.

Included

  • Explore the cave of Fumane & Verona Archaeological Museum, with entrance fees included
  • All other visits as outlined in the itinerary
  • Expert Guide Lecturer & professional Tour Manager
  • 7 nights at the Hotel Continental Thermae & Spa, Sirmione
  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners
  • Wine & tea or coffee with dinner
  • Private air-conditioned coach travel
  • Field notes, taxes & gratuities for local staff

Highlights

  • Discover the extraordinary cave site of Fumane, one of the major prehistoric archaeological sites in Europe
  • Enjoy the picture-perfecting setting and cobalt blue waters of Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake
  • Explore the beautiful cities of Verona and Vicenza, Padua and Mantua and their plethora of UNESCO World Heritage sites

Eireann Marshall

Dr Eireann Marshall is a Research Associate and Associate Lecturer with the Open University, specialising in Ancient North Africa. A published author and editor, she has led archaeological tours across Italy, Morocco and Tunisia and is bilingual in English and Italian.

Tour Itinerary

Arrive into Sirmione and meet your expert Guide Lecturer and fellow travellers at your hotel.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Continental Thermae & Spa

In the morning, we travel to the Desenzano Roman Villa, a once-large and sumptuous property which enjoys stunning views of the lake. Here we discover a rich group of coloured figurative mosaic floors depicting various scenes of cupids, maenads and satyrs, wild beasts and images of the four seasons. We return to Sirmione by ferry and after lunch, take the small train up the hill to the Villa Catullus, the largest and most complete Roman villa in northern Italy. The villa was constructed with long porticoes and terraces to maximise the views over the lake and at its centre was an extensive garden.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Continental Thermae & Spa

Today is devoted to Verona, a city immortalised by Shakespeare and blessed with an abundance of Roman and medieval remains reflecting the evolution of this fortified town over its 2,000-year history. We explore the core of the Roman town, its city gate, Porta Borsari, the Arco dei Gavi and the Roman theatre. We also view the amphitheatre from the outside as unfortunately, access is not possible due to renovation works. We also pay a visit to the Archaeological Museum, housed in a deconsecrated monastery which was literally built on top of the Roman theatre.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Continental Thermae & Spa

We spend our day today in Mantua, a gem of Italian art and architecture often overlooked by unenlightened visitors to the region. Once home to many literary figures of the late 1st century BCE Augustan age, it is also full of Renaissance wonders and contains the Palazzo Ducale, the largest residence in Italy after the Vatican. For 400 years, this was the home of the Gonzaga family, the dukes of Mantua who ruled until 1707. We explore this labyrinth which includes a castle, basilica, courtyards, sumptuous galleries and gardens. Our last site visit of the day is to Palazzo Te, a masterpiece of Mannerism built by Giulio Romano in the 16th century.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Continental Thermae & Spa

We take a step further back into the past this morning when we visit the cave site of Fumane. The cave contains traces of Neanderthal man and evidence of habitation by modern Homo sapiens, including sharpened flints, bones and decorations made from seashells. The finds provide a crucial link in the history of human life on Earth as well as a first glimpse of the creative instinct that inspired Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo in a later age. Afterwards, we visit nearby Villa della Torre, a beautiful villa by architect Giulio Romano, where we enjoy a wine-tasting and lunch before returning to Sirmione for some free time.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Continental Thermae & Spa

We spend our day in Vicenza: a UNESCO World Heritage site and almost archetypical ideal of the Renaissance and Baroque era. Vicenza was a Roman settlement, which came under the sway of the Scaligeri family from Verona and was passed between Napoleon’s empire, Austria and Venice several times in its history. This jewel of a place is full of galleries, palaces and churches and is noted for the works of the great architect Andrea Palladio. We visit his amazing villa at La Rotunda.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Continental Thermae & Spa

Our final visit of the tour is to Padua, which according to tradition going back at least to Virgil’s Aeneid, was founded in 1183 BCE by the Trojan prince, Antenor. This university town was home to some of the greatest philosophers, scientists and artists in Western culture: Dante, Galileo, Giotto, Donatello and Copernicus and the city is one of Europe’s great cultural and artistic destinations. Our visits include the Scrovegni chapel, with its priceless frescoes by Giotto, the Civic Museum, located in the cloister of the former Eremitani monastery and the Palazza del Bo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Continental Thermae & Spa

Depart for the airport or continue your trip at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation

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Availability & Booking

2027

27th April from $5,510

Call to Book

11th October from $5,340

Call to Book

from $5,510

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Romans to the Renaissance

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From Roman Province to Doge Republic, the Veneto has a long and illustrious history. We take a closer look at the intriguing area around Lake Garda and explore a truly unique mix of archaeology, art and architecture. From a prehistoric cave site adjacent to a 15th century ‘Roman’ villa to a medieval monastery perched on the steps of an ancient Roman theatre, there is a great deal to unpick here. Visiting in the quieter months of spring and early autumn, we enjoy the undulating landscapes of vineyards and olive groves which surround the southern shores of Lake Garda and explore the pretty piazzas, medieval market places and tangled streets of Verona, Vicenza, Mantua and Padua. We’re sure this tour will hold your imagination and to cap it all, we enjoy the region of the Valpolicella wine villas – noted for their products and histories.

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