Verona, Mantua and Valpolicella – Natural beauty, fine gastronomy and noble wines, 4 Nights

Period: All year round

A 4-night journey through art cities, lakes, and vineyards, discovering the refined flavors and landscapes of Verona, Mantua, and the Valpolicella hills.

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Day 1 – Arrival in Verona
Meet your guide at your hotel in Verona. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of the city’s historic center, from Piazza Brà to Juliet’s House, from Piazza delle Erbe to Piazza dei Signori, and the splendid Arena (entrance included). Overnight in Verona.

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Day 2 – Verona and Lake Garda
With its mild climate and crystal-clear waters, Lake Garda feels almost like a sea nestled between the Alps and the Po Valley. Surrounded by palm trees, oleanders, olive groves, and vineyards, its shores touch three regions – Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Veneto – and host picturesque villages, lively resorts, and nature parks.

We start from Peschiera del Garda, where the Mincio River flows out of the lake and winds through a beautiful natural park leading to Mantua, the city of the Gonzaga family. Continuing along the Venetian shore, we reach Lazise, a charming medieval village famous for its thermal baths and breathtaking views, and Bardolino, known for the renowned red wine that bears its name, produced in this mild climate ideal also for Italy’s northernmost olive oil.

Further north we find Garda, framed by alpine peaks, and Malcesine, from where a rotating cable car ascends to Monte Baldo (2,000 m) for a 360° panorama of pure beauty and emotion. At the northern tip, Riva del Garda welcomes us before we descend along the Lombard side, through Limone – its name recalling the fragrant lemon groves that perfume the area. A scenic road, the “Strada della Forra”, carved through the mountain, offers one of the most spectacular drives in the world, with tunnels and views suspended between cliffs and lake.

Crossing the picturesque villages of the Garda Bresciano Park, we reach Toscolano-Maderno, Salò with its elegant lakeside promenade, and finally Desenzano del Garda and Sirmione, whose fairytale castle seems to rise directly from the water. Overnight in Verona.

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Day 3 – Mantua, the City of the Gonzaga Family
Located in the Po Valley and surrounded by three lakes formed by the Mincio River, Mantua enchants visitors with its Renaissance harmony, palaces, and noble villas. Once the seat of the powerful Gonzaga dynasty, it remains one of Italy’s most elegant art cities.

Our tour begins in “Piazza Sordello”, the city’s heart, where stand the “Ducal Palace” – a true city within a palace with over 500 rooms, courtyards, and gardens – the “Palazzo del Capitano”, and the “Cathedral”. Nearby “Piazza delle Erbe” features the “Palazzo della Ragione”, the “Podestà Palace”, and the “Clock Tower”, masterpieces of medieval architecture. The “Basilica of Sant’Andrea”, designed by Leon Battista Alberti, houses the tomb of Andrea Mantegna and treasures of sacred art.

After a lunch of traditional Mantuan dishes, such as “tortelli di zucca” and “risotto alla salsiccia”, we continue to “Palazzo Te”, Giulio Romano’s celebrated villa adorned with extraordinary frescoes.

In the afternoon, we visit “Sabbioneta”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, conceived by Vespasiano Gonzaga as the “ideal Renaissance city.” Within its 16th-century walls stand the “Porta Imperiale”, the “Gallery of the Ancients”, the “Ducal Palace”, the “Giardino Palace”, the “Church of Santa Maria Assunta”, and the “Teatro all’Antica”, decorated with frescoes by Paolo Veronese.
Return to Verona and overnight.

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Day 4 – The Valpolicella Wine Region
A land of rolling hills, vineyards, ancient olive groves, and scenic villages between Lake Garda and the Alps, Valpolicella is a feast for the senses.

We reach “Marano di Valpolicella”, where farms and wineries blend with medieval hamlets and noble villas. In a local estate, enjoy a tasting of Valpolicella wines, extra virgin olive oil, and regional cheeses such as “Monte Veronese” and “Ubriacone all’Amarone”, along with traditional cured meats.

Continuing through “Valgatara”, “Fumane”, and “Gargagnago” – known as the “Village of Amarone” – we stop at another beautiful winery for lunch featuring local specialties. The route passes through enchanting landscapes, with vineyards and stone houses overlooking the valley.

In the afternoon, we drive through “San Pietro in Cariano”, “San Floriano”, “Pedemonte”, and “Arbizzano”, where we make our last delicious stop before returning to Verona.
Evening at leisure. Overnight in Verona.

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Day 5 – Departure
Breakfast and transfer to Milan, Bologna, or Bergamo airport at the appropriate time. End of services.

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Price per person in double room: from €1,230.00

The package includes:

* 4 nights in 4-star hotel with breakfast
* Private coach transport for the entire tour (for groups of minimum 8 participants)
* Tour escort for the entire period (for groups of minimum 8 participants)
* 3 lunches and 1 tasting
* City tax
* Medical and luggage insurance
* 1 free place in double room every 16 paying guests

Not included:

* Transfers to/from Milan, Bologna, or Bergamo airports or stations (available on request)
* Personal expenses
* Dinners
* Anything not expressly mentioned in the program