Day 01, Friday: Arrive Bologna
On arrival in Bologna, your private transfer awaits to takeyou to your hotel. You are free to explore the city and dine on yourown tonight before your northern discovery begins tomorrow. Overnightin Bologna.

Day 02, Saturday: Bologna, the city and the food!
Meet your guide at your hotel to discover Bologna, the capitalof the region of Emilia-Romagna and according to many, also agastronomic capital of Europe. The city, home of the oldest universityin the western world, has precious cultural life and intriguinghistorical legacy, linked to the Etruscans, then the Gauls and Romans.Visit the Piazza Maggiore, with the Basilica di San Petronio. Walkthrough the knot of tiny alleys behind the church getting a flavor ofthe city, one that is pervaded with music and youthful energy. Thisafternoon, complete your immersion in the local culture joining acooking class in a lovely location. Learn how to make tortellini ortagliatelle al ragu. At the end enjoy a wonderful dinner in one of thecity's great osteria. Overnight in Bologna (B,D) 

Day 03, Sunday: Renaissance in Ferrara & Byzantine inRavenna
Today meet your driver escort and start your exploration oftwo unique cities, the Queen of Renaissance, Ferrara and the capital ofByzantine in Italy, Ravenna. so close but yet so different one fromanother. You'll stop in Ferrara for an independent visit to the city.Ferrara, a town on the low Emilian plain surrounding the ford of the PoRiver, is an enchanting result of Medieval and Renaissance art andarchitecture. During the Renaissance, some of the most essentialItalian maestros, called by the Estense Court, realized palaces andcastles of exceptional value. Between the 13th and 16th Centuries,Estense Family made Ferrara the magnificent place it is today. Ravennais a Byzantine town, totally different from any other Italian city,known for the colorful mosaics decorating many of its centralbuildings, like the Basilica di San Vitale, the 6th-century "Basilicadi Sant'Apollinare Nuovo" and the cross-shaped Mausoleo di GallaPlacidia. Return in Bologna late afternoon. Overnight in Bologna(B,D) 

Day 04, Monday: Modena & Mantua
 Meet your driver escort and motor to Verona. Stop along the way in Modena and Mantova for an independent visit. It'seasy to fall in love with Modena, home of excellent food and great carssuch as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati. In Modena,visit a local producer to learn more about balsamicvinegar and have a tasting in a little traditional farm, then you willenjoy a lunch in a local trattoria to taste the best of local recipes:tortellini, prosciutto ham, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Later, motor toMantua, one of the most beautiful jewels of Italian Renaissance. It wasdeclared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 2008. The city extends overthree clear, reflecting lakes, created artificially as a defense of thetown and designed using the curves of the River Mincio. Free time to explore the city before heading to Verona, arriving in the late afternoon. Overnight in Verona(B) 

Day 05, Tuesday: Verona and Valpolicella
Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, Verona ismost famous as the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet but hasmuch more to offer. While there's little evidence that this love storyactually took place here…there are so many things to see while enjoying Verona. Don't miss Piazza Erbe, the heart of the city sincethe ancient Roman time, the fortress of Castelvecchio, now the site ofthe Modern Art Museum; the Scaliger Bridge, an outstanding example ofMedieval architecture; and the Scaliger Arches, tombs built for thelords of Verona. On the other bank of the river, you can visit theremains of the Roman Theatre, where currently, performances ofShakespeare or the Verona Jazz Festival are heard. Not far away is theGiardino Giusti, one of the most beautiful Italian gardens of theRenaissance. Not far away is the Giardino Giusti, one of the most beautiful Italian gardens of the Renaissance. Your afternoon is free or you may consider an optional visit to beautiful Valpolicella wine region with an expert driver-guide (not included). Overnight in Verona (B)

Day 06, Wednesday: Franciacorta & Lake Iseo
In the morning, meet your driver escort and transfer to Milan.En route stop in Franciacorta and Lake Iseo to discover this uniqueterritory. Franciacorta stretches for over km 200 and encompasses 19municipalities: every town and village has unique treasures and adouble common thread; good wine and nature. The landscape ischaracterized by fascinating hills covered in vineyards, which overtime have replaced the original woods. The first vineyards appeared inPrehistory; this agricultural activity continued to expand under theRomans until well into the Middle Ages, thanks to favorable climate andsoil conditions. Lake Iseo is a real hidden gem, with its romanticcharm and the unique natural world on Monte Isola. The atmosphere hereis different from any other Italian lake. Nature regulates the time andplaces, such as the Torbiere Natural Reserve, declared a priority areafor biodiversity, the workshops that create nets and wooden boats, thefishermen's trattorias where they cook freshly caught fish. Then to Milan, arriving in the late afternoon. Overnight in Milan (B) 

Day 07, Thursday: Milan - U.S.
Return transfer is included today to the airport in Milanwhere it is time to say goodbye to Italy, with a promise to return.