The Trip

Founder Alessandra Gardino has planned for the fourth year in a row a very special winter journey that will take you into the heart of Venice’s world-famous Carnival. The dramatic costumes and unforgettable masks of the Carnival’s Tiepolo Ball will transport you to a world of lavish colors and symphonic sounds.

Along with the Grand Ball you will also explore key Italian cities and amazing sights including Milano, Bologna, Modena, Parma, Ravenna and Rome. Two additional highlights include a visit to your guide’s privately owned palace in Umbria and Tuscany’s famous Carnival float parade in Viareggio.

Itinerary

Day 0 - February 12: Fly from the USA to Milan

Day 1 - February 13 - Monday:  Milan
Upon arrival in Milan, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the center of the city. You’ll have a few hours to relax before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome aperitivo followed by an Italian feast at a quaint local restaurant. Sleep in Milan

Day 2 – February 14 - Tuesday: Milan
Today you will explore the highlights of Milano including the spectacular Gothic Duomo and one of the most famous art masterpieces of all times, the “Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci. Sleep in Milan

Day 3 – February 15 - Wednesday: Venice
This morning we enjoy a scenic drive from the province of Lombardy to Veneto and the famed “City of Masks” – Venice. You will see for yourself during a late afternoon city tour how Venice has blended decadence and charm like no other city on the planet. Sleep in Venice

Day 4 – February 16 - Thursday: Venice and the Grand Ball
Today we will start early in the morning to prepare for the Grand Ball Tiepolo. If you don’t have your own historic costume, we can help you pick out and rent an unforgettable one. Tonight you will be taken to the splendid Palazzo Pisani Moretta, which overlooks the Grand Canal, where you will enjoy music, dinner and dance at the most glamorous Ball on the planet. Sleep in Venice

Day 5 – February 17 - Friday: Venice
You will more than likely want to sleep in late this morning! Later in the day, we will visit La Fenice Theatre and just enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Carnival. Tonight we will gather for a Venetian feast. Sleep in Venice

Day 6 – February 18 - Saturday: Bologna
Today we will travel to sophisticated Bologna, the home of the western world’s oldest university and a long-time European capital of culture. You will marvel at the awesome Piazza Maggiore and the city’s unique medieval towers, the symbols of Bologna. You will also stroll under the famous “portici” and sample tortellini, tagliatelle and lasagna with the region’s world-famous meat sauce. Sleep in Bologna

Day 7 – February 19 - Sunday: Modena and Parma
Today we will make our way to Modena to sample its world-famous balsamic vinegar. With an aging period of approximately 25 years, traditional Modena vinegar is one of the most delicious dressings ever conceived. Modena vinegar (produced from wine must) once constituted an integral part of a young bride’s dowry. Fortunately for Italy and the world, the people of Modena still respect the roots of this long and patient production. Later in the day, we will make our way to Parma where you will be blown away by the beauty of the countryside and the old Parma’s architecture (not to mention its famed prosciutto and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese!) Sleep in Bologna

Day 8 – February 20 - Monday: Ravenna
This morning you will visit Ravenna, a historic city that served as the capital for the Western Roman Empire, the “barbarian” Ostro-Goths and finally the Byzantines. Ravenna’s incredible mosaics were created between 400 and 500 AD to decorate the city’s great churches. Still visible today, these mosaics display a kaleidoscope of rich images of people, plants and animals all on golden backdrop that will leave you speechless. Sleep in Bologna

Day 9 – February 21 - Tuesday: Viareggio and the Carnival floats
Today will make our way to Viareggio where a group of wealthy young locals gathered in 1873 at the Caffe’ Casino to devise a Carnival festival of grand floats. After checking out the scene in Viareggio we will make our way to Perugia, a spectacular Umbrian hilltown. Sleep in Perugia

Day 10 – February 22 - Wednesday: Gubbio
Today we will depart late in the morning for Gubbio, one of the most beautiful and best preserved medieval towns in Italy. Upon arrival you will tour Gubbio's beautiful cathedral and join Alessandra for lunch in her private palace, the Palazzo Ranghiasci. In the afternoon you will drive back to beautiful Perugia. Sleep in Perugia

Day 11 – February 23 - Thursday: Perugia
This morning you will have time to explore Perugia and to sample amazing treats in an authentic Umbrian pastry shop (this area is home to Perugina chocolate!) while discovering centuries-old masterpieces and walking on one of the loveliest shopping streets in Central Italy. We will then leave for Rome, our final destination. Sleep in Rome

Day 12 – February 24 - Friday: Your festive journey in Italy ends after breakfast. You can then choose to stay few more days in Rome or head back home to the USA.

What’s included in the trip:

• Accommodation in carefully selected, centrally-located hotels and charming country inns
• All group transportation in a deluxe private bus
• Meals: all breakfasts, 3 dinners (several courses with wine) including the Grand Ball dinner, two lunches (including Palace Ranghiasci lunch)
• Entrance fees to the Grand Ball Tiepolo, reception, dinner, and entertainment including transfer to Palazzo Pisani Moretta on the Grand Canal
• Tour leading by highly professional tour guides
• Entrance to museums and attractions as per itinerary
• Pre and post tour planning assistance

What’s not included in the trip:

• International airfare to and from Italy
• Personal expenses
• Tips for drivers and guides
• Travel Insurance

12 days, 11 nights
$4,185 per person in double room (land only)
$945 single supplement

Itinerary details:
2 nights in Milan
3 nights in Venice
3 nights in Bologna
2 nights in Perugia
1 night in Rome