EXPERIENCE THE AMAZING VIBRANT COLOURS OF ITALIAN CARNIVALS

Day 1: Arrival in Venice & The Architectural Treasures of Padua
Upon your independent arrival at Venice Marco Polo Airport, you will transfer to the elegant city of Padua (Padova), a destination renowned for its rich history and unique architectural treasures. Here, you will meet our local expert guide for an inspiring afternoon tour. Begin with a visit to the world-famous Scrovegni Chapel, where you can marvel at the magnificent, ground-breaking frescoes painted by Giotto. Continue through the vibrant Piazza dei Signori to admire the graceful porticoes of the historic Palazzo della Gran Guardia, before concluding your tour at the majestic Basilica of Saint Anthony. Afterward, transfer to your hotel for check-in, followed by a welcome dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.

Day 2: The Magic of Venice – Gondolas, Grandeur & Carnival Spirit
After breakfast, transfer to Venice where one of the world's most romantic boating experiences awaits you. Step aboard a traditional gondola for an unforgettable ride along the sweeping Grand Canal (Canal Grande), leading you toward the iconic St. Mark's Square—an absolute must-see when visiting Venice. Your guided exploration continues with an immersive tour of the majestic Doge's Palace and the breathtaking St. Mark's Basilica. Throughout the day, you will be surrounded by the unique, enchanting, and festive atmosphere of the world-famous Venice Carnival. In the afternoon, return to your comfortable hotel in Padua, where you will enjoy an evening dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Day 3: The Artisan Islands – Glassblowing in Murano & The Brilliant Colours of Burano
After breakfast, transfer back to Venice and cruise across the lagoon to the beautiful island of Murano. Here, you will step inside a traditional glassblowing workshop to witness a live demonstration of the ancient, masterful art that has made Murano famous worldwide. Afterward, continue by boat to Burano, historically known as a charming fishing island. You will have time to admire its famously picturesque streets lined with houses painted in a dazzling array of vibrant colours, and discover the intricate history of handmade Burano lace. In the afternoon, return to your hotel in Padua to relax, followed by an evening dinner and your overnight stay.

Day 4: From Padua and the Renaissance Elegance of Ferrara
Enjoy breakfast, and check out of your hotel before departing for Cento to the beautiful city of Ferrara in the morning. After check in your hotel, meet your local expert guide to explore the captivating city of Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its Renaissance brilliance. Your guided tour highlights the elegant Palazzo Schifanoia, famous for its exquisite frescoes, the magnificent moated Estense Castle (Castello Estense), and the stunning Gothic facade of the Cathedral of Saint George. The afternoon is entirely yours to enjoy at leisure. Take the opportunity to discover why Ferrara is proudly nicknamed the "City of Bicycles," indulge in some boutique shopping, or relax with a classic Italian aperitivo in a historic piazza. In the evening dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day 5: Bologna 
Following breakfast, transfer to the stunning city of Bologna. Meet with our local expert guide for a walking tour through the historic centre offering an unforgettable sensory journey through one of Italy's most vibrant, red-hued medieval landscpaes. The exploration begins in the heart of the city at Piazza Maggiore, where the imposing Basilica di San Petronio and the magnificent Renaissance Fontana del Nettuno. From there you can enjoy lunch at your laisure heading to the Quadrilatero, a labyrinth od narrow medieval alleys packed with historic markets overflowing with local culinary treasures. Emerging from the market and following the city's UNESCO-listed porticoes arrive at the iconics Two Towers (Asinelli & Garisenda), the leaning architectural symbols of Bologna's skyline. Visit the complex of the Seven Churches at Santo Stefano and conclude your visit with a stroll down the elegant Via dell'Indipendenza for some shopping. In the afternoon return to your hotel in Ferrara, dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Florence – The Capital of the Renaissance
Enjoy breakfast and check out of your hotel before departing for Florence, the magnificent capital of the Italian Renaissance. Upon arrival, you will meet our local expert guide to discover this living museum of art and history. Together, you will stroll along the narrow, cobbled streets of the historic center, marveling at the breathtaking Gothic architecture of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo). Your walking tour continues through the majestic Piazza della Signoria to admire the grand Neptune Fountain and the historic Palazzo Vecchio, before concluding with a walk across the iconic Ponte Vecchio. In the afternoon, transfer to your hotel for check-in, followed by an evening dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.

Day 7: The Grand Spectacle – The Viareggio Carnival
After breakfast, depart for the Tuscan coast to experience Viareggio, home to one of the most spectacular and celebrated Carnivals in the world. The magic behind this historic festival lies in the sustainable "cast paper" or papier-mâché technique (carta a calco), a masterful art perfected by local artisan Antonio D’Arliano in 1925. You will witness the incredible work of the master carristi (float builders) as their massive, intricate moving sculptures parade along the iconic Viareggio seafront promenade in a dazzling display of music, satire, and color. In the late afternoon, return to your hotel to relax before gathering for your farewell evening dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Arrivederci Bell'Italia, Torniamo Presto

Breakfast, check out and transfer to Florence Airport for your return flight home.