Essential Cities of Northern Italy

From £1,149 per person // 10 days
Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Italy’s northern cities are lively centres of history, art and gastronomy. Enjoy visits to four of Italy’s most iconic cities, Venice, Verona, Milan and Bologna, with easy centre to centre connections by rail.

Essential Cities of Northern Italy

From £1,149 per person // 10 days
The Essentials
  • Explore one of the world’s centres of food and fashion with two nights in Milan
  • Visit the oldest university in the world in the historic city of Bologna
  • Enjoy gondolas, palaces and canals in romantic Venice
  • Wander the medieval streets of Verona, home to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
Tailor make your holiday
  • Add rail travel from the UK with stops en route
  • Start or finish in different locations
  • Add stops in Lake Como or Switzerland
  • Upgrade hotels and rail journeys

 

What's included
  • Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
  • 9 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Comprehensive directions to your hotels
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection

 

 

THIS HOLIDAY STARTS IN MILAN – CALL US TO ADD RAIL CONNECTIONS FROM OTHER CITIES

Suggested Itinerary

Essential Cities of Northern Italy
DAYS 1 & 2 - MILAN

Your trip through northern Italy begins with two days to explore Milan’s galleries, restaurants, plazas and shops. There is so much to enjoy, from beautiful opera houses and Michelin-starred eateries, through to the simple pleasures of people watching with an excellent coffee, that it is worth planning your time carefully. TMR particularly recommends setting aside a few hours to visit the stunning Duomo di Milano – the largest gothic cathedral in the world. Whilst in Milan, you will stay centrally at Hotel Berna (or similar).

DAY 3 - MILAN TO BOLOGNA

Milan is so stylish that even its central station is a remarkable piece of design. You will depart from here by late morning, boarding one of the fast and comfortable Frecciarossa services to take you directly to Bologna in a little over an hour. On arrival, make your way to Al Cappello Rosso (or similar), where you will be staying for 2 nights.

DAY 4 - BOLOGNA

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.

DAY 5 - BOLOGNA TO VENICE

You will have a final few hours to explore the sights of Bologna 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.

DAYS 6 & 7 - VENICE

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.

DAY 8 - VENICE TO VERONA

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.

DAY 9 - VERONA

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 2,000 year-old construction, be sure to pay a visit to the city-centre Roman arena.

DAY 10 - VERONA TO MILAN

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.

Typical hotels on this itinerary

Essential Cities of Northern Italy
MIlan
Hotel Berna

The Hotel Berna is located within easy walking distance from Milan Central station. All bedrooms are sound-proofed and come with Wi-Fi internet access air-conditioning, a safe and an en suite bathroom. There is also a welcoming bar and the hotel serves a large, continental breakfast buffet including fresh fruit, pastries and a selection of teas and coffees.

Bologna
Phi Hotel Bologna

With a history going back to 1375,  Phi Hotel Bologna is one of the oldest hotels in Bologna, conveniently located next to Piazza Maggiore in the heart of town. Bedrooms are all furnished with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi internet access, tea & coffee making facilities and an LCD TV with satellite channels. There is an on-site restaurant serving lunch and dinner and the hotel also offers free bike rental to explore the city.

Venice
Hotel Bisanzio

Combining the traditional Venetian style with a great location and modern facilities, the Hotel Bisanzio is a great base in Venice, just 10 minutes’ walk from St Mark’s Square. Guest rooms come with free Wi-Fi, wooden floors and Murano-glass lamps. There is also a delicious buffet breakfast served daily.

Verona
Accademia Hotel

Located a short distance from the Arena di Verona, Hotel Accademia occupies an historic building with free Wi-Fi available throughout.  Bedrooms are spacious, with satellite LCD TV, tea & coffee facilities and a mini bar.  There is a 24-hour reception with a concierge where you can organise guided city tours and tickets for museums, theatres and the opera. There is also an on-site bar and fitness centre.

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These prices are based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Single supplements will apply for sole occupancy. It is based on Standard Class rail travel and includes seat reservations as necessary. It is based on the best fares on the trains. If you travel during a peak period, particularly at short notice, then supplements may apply.

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