Hidden Gems of Italy

Day 1 | Friday 23 October
Arrive Bologna
Airport transfers from Bologna Airport to our hotel in Bologna will be arranged by Academy Travel. We meet our tour leader in the hotel in the early evening for a welcome drink, followed by dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Bologna (D)

Day 2 | Saturday 24 October
Bologna
A modern city with a rich past, Bologna offers the visitor a wealth of artistic and architectural treasures, yet it remains relatively undiscovered by the tourist crowds. After a talk in our hotel this morning, our guided walking tour takes us through the historic city centre, resplendent with centuries old porticoes recently awarded World Heritage status. We visit the magnificent Piazza Maggiore and 14th-century Basilica of San Petronio, before continuing to the nearby Piazza del Nettuno, dominated by Giambologna’s monumental statue of Neptune. Where the ancient Via Emilia once entered the city we see the Due Torri, two precariously leaning medieval towers which define Bologna’s skyline, then stop for a lunch break at the Quadrilatero markets, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. In the afternoon our tour continues to the Sette Chiese, a fascinating complex of churches, chapels, courtyards and cloisters. The later afternoon is at leisure. Overnight Bologna (B)

Day 3 | Sunday 25 October
Modena and Ferrari
Joining our coach this morning we head to the nearby town of Modena, a city which combines a rich medieval history with its status as the centre of Italian luxury car production. Our guided walking tour takes us through the historic heart of the city, visiting the World-Heritage listed Romanesque cathedral and its soaring belltower, a collaborative masterpiece by the architect Lanfranco and sculptor Wiligelmo. The life of Luciano Pavarotti, one of Modena’s most famous sons, was celebrated here after his death in 2007. After a break for lunch in the historic centre we visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum, a complex which combines the Ferrari founder’s original house and workshop with an ultramodern exhibition space displaying some of the company’s most influential cars. En route back to Bologna we discover how the region’s famous balsamic vinegar is made with a visit and tasting at a local producer. Returning to our hotel the evening is at leisure. Overnight Bologna (B)

Day 4 | Monday 26 October
Bologna’s University Traditions
Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is one of Europe’s oldest and it remains a prestigious and innovative place of learning. Our walking tour takes us through some of the original university buildings including the 16th-century Archiginnasio Palace, with its long 30-arch portico and interior decorated with the familial coats-of-arms of illustrious students. Once the seat of the university, the palace today houses the municipal library whose rich archives hold thousands of ancient texts and manuscripts. On the upper level of the palace we see the original, carved wooden anatomical theatre, one of the first of its kind. Our tour concludes at the nearby Church of Santa Maria della Vita and Niccolo Dell’Arca’s extraordinary Compianto Del Cristo Morto, a group of anguished terracotta figures gathered around the body of Christ, as well as the moving Transit of the Virgin by Alfonso Lombardi. The afternoon is free to explore the city at your own pace. Overnight Bologna (B)

Day 5 | Tuesday 27 October
Etruscan Marzabotto
An early departure this morning as we make our way to Fiesole, stopping at the hilltop Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, connected to the city by a monumental 3.8km portico with 660 arches. Completed in 1723 on the site of an earlier church, the Sanctuary offers superb views back across the city. Our picturesque route continues to the town
of Marzabotto, site of the ancient Etruscan settlement of Kainua. Here we visit the archaeological site and excellent museum displaying artefacts found nearby before lunch and a wine tasting at a local trattoria, whose menu is focused on fresh, seasonal dishes and locally sourced ingredients. Arriving in Fiesole, we check in before meeting for an aperitivo in the early evening. Evening at leisure. Overnight Fiesole (B, L)

Day 6 | Wednesday 28 October
Fiesole
Situated on a hillside offering panoramic views across the valley towards Florence, the history of Fiesole dates back to the Bronze Age and our walking tour this morning explores the early Etruscan and Roman origins of the town, visiting the archaeological site and museum. We also head up to the 15th-century Convent of San Francesco, sitting peacefully on a hill overlooking the countryside, before a break for lunch. The afternoon is then at leisure, reconvening this evening for dinner together in an excellent local bistrot. Overnight Fiesole (B, D)

Day 7 | Thursday 29 October
Villas and Castles
Our morning begins at one of the oldest and best-preserved Medici villas, located in the hills of Fiesole. Built by Michelozzo between 1458 and 1461, according to the wishes of Giovanni de’ Medici, the second born of Cosimo the Elder, the Villa’s reputation is owed to Lorenzo the Magnificent, who inherited it in 1469 after the untimely death of his brother. The Medici ruler turned the Fiesole Villa into a meeting place for artists and philosophers and it remained in possession of the Medici family until 1671. While the villa is closed to visitors, a special appointment allows us to explore its formal gardens, considered among the first to embody the principles of the Italian Renaissance. The terraced gardens descend gracefully down the slope and offer panoramic views across the Arno valley to Florence. After time for lunch back in Fiesole, we then make our way into the Chianti Colli Fiorentini (Chianti Hills of Florence) where we find Castello di Poppiano, long associated with the noble Guicciardini family. This imposing medieval castle, once a defensive outpost for the Florentine Republic, was transformed over the centuries into a noble residence and working estate. Our afternoon visit focuses on the castle’s centuries-old wine cellars, where traditional techniques are still used to produce Chianti wines. After time to sample the estate’s fine DOC wine and also their extra virgin olive oil, we return to Fiesole with an evening at leisure. Overnight Fiesole (B, WT)

Day 8 | Friday 30 October
Via dei Sette Ponti
Departing Fiesole, we make our way to Città di Castello, following the scenic Via dei Sette Ponti, a historic route that winds through postcard-perfect landscapes of olive groves, vineyards and rustic farmhouses. Along the way, we pass a series of pievi – small Romanesque churches – many of which house remarkable artworks within their otherwise modest interiors. Our first stop is Reggello, where we enjoy a specially arranged visit to the Masaccio Museum of Sacred Art, housed in the former rectory of the Church of San Pietro a Cascia. The museum is home to an exquisite altarpiece by Masaccio, one of the pioneers of early Renaissance painting. We then continue to Pian di Scò to view the Church of Santa Maria, featuring frescoes by Paolo Schiavo, followed by a visit to the serene Abbey of San Salvatore a Soffena. Continuing along the route, we arrive in the tiny village of Gropina, where the Church of San Pietro reveals a magnificent sculpted pulpit and crypt. Before reaching our final destination, we pause to view the Ponte Buriano, the stone bridge widely believed to feature in the background of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Upon arrival in Città di Castello, we check in to our hotel before gathering for dinner. Overnight Città di Castello (B, D)

Day 9 | Saturday 31 October
Arezzo and Città di Castello
This morning we travel to Arezzo, one of Tuscany’s most artistically rich yet often overlooked cities. On arrival, we enjoy a guided walking tour, beginning in the heart of the old town at the Piazza Grande, a striking and irregular square lined with medieval towers, Renaissance loggias and historic palazzi. The nearby Church of San Domenico holds a hauntingly expressive Crucifix by Cimabue, one of the earliest masters of Italian painting, and the Basilica of San Francesco features the celebrated fresco cycle, The Legend of the True Cross, painted by Piero della Francesca between 1452 and 1466. After a break for lunch, we return to Città di Castello. Perched on the slopes of the Apennines, this walled town has been called a Renaissance oasis in the heart of medieval Umbria with much of its historic centre built for the powerful Vitelli family who ruled the city in the 14th century. We spend the afternoon at the Palazzo Albizzini, home to an exceptional collection of works by Alberto Burri. Burri’s pioneering work in painting and sculpture challenged traditional materials and techniques through his use of tar, burlap, plastic, and welded iron. For those interested, the nearby Ex Seccatoi del Tabacco, a series of former tobacco-drying sheds transformed into vast exhibition spaces, house Burri’s monumental later works. Following our visit, the evening is at leisure. Overnight Città di Castello (B)

Day 10 | Sunday 1 November
The Piero della Francesca trail
Artist and mathematical theorist Piero della Francesca has become one of the most admired painters of the early Renaissance, combining a mastery of perspective with a subtle and elegant palette. Today we see more of his exceptional work including the Madonna del Parto in the village of Monterchi and the striking Resurrection in his hometown of Sansepolcro, commissioned for the communal meeting hall. After enjoying lunch together, we continue to the beautiful medieval town of Anghiari, deep in the Tuscan countryside. The town was the site of a significant battle between Milanese and Florentine forces in 1440, which is said to have been immortalised in a grand painting by Leonardo da Vinci for the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, though only preparatory studies exist, held in the Louvre. Returning to Città di Castello the evening is at leisure. Overnight Città di Castello (B, L)

Day 11 | Monday 2 November
Gubbio
Departing Città di Castello this morning we make our way to Urbino via Gubbio, one of the largest and best-preserved medieval towns in Italy. Rising in terraces up the lower slopes of Mount Ingino and crowned by forest, many of Gubbio’s most beautiful buildings date back to its Golden Age in the 1300’s. Our walking tour through the medieval heart of the town includes the impressive Palazzo dei Consoli, now the civic museum, which holds the intriguing 3rd-century Iguvine tablets, inscribed in the ancient Umbrian language, and a fine collection of majolica, produced in the town from the late 15th century. After lunch we continue to our hotel, situated just outside of Urbino in the gentle hills of the Marche region. Dating back to the 18th century, the property is now an organic farm and covers an area of 460 hectares. Dinner this evening is enjoyed onsite and will feature seasonal ingredients from the estate. Overnight Urbino (B, D)

Day 12 | Tuesday 3 November
Urbino
Today we explore the magnificent walled city of Urbino, which became one of Europe’s major cultural centres under the enthusiastic patronage of Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino in the late 15th century. Despite its decline and political stagnation after Federico’s death, the city has preserved much of its Renaissance appearance and today our guided tour explores its World Heritage listed historic centre. Perched high above the city, the imposing Palazzo Ducale now houses the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, one of Italy’s most important art collections. Here, we view an array of Renaissance masterpieces, including the celebrated Flagellation of Christ by Piero della Francesca – a work famed for its masterful use of perspective. Following a break for lunch, we visit the unassuming Oratory of St John the Baptist. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, this small chapel is home to a superb cycle of frescoes by the brothers Lorenzo and Jacopo Salimbeni which vividly illustrate scenes from the life of John the Baptist. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore Urbino at your own pace. Overnight Urbino (B)

Day 13 | Wednesday 4 November
San Leo and Rimini
We depart Urbino this morning and head north towards Ravenna. En route we stop in San Leo, a spectacular stronghold which inspired Piero della Francesca and the poet Dante. Officially designated “one of the most beautiful villages of Italy”, we explore San Leo’s medieval heart before making our way to the impressive castle for views over the town and countryside. After a break for lunch, we continue to the seaside resort of Rimini to visit the Tempio Malatestiano, one of the outstanding monuments of the Italian Renaissance designed by Leon Battista Alberti, with exquisite interior relief sculptures by Agostino de Duccio. Continuing to Ravenna we pass the ancient salt pans of Cervia, now transformed into a protected natural reserve that attracts a rich variety of birdlife, including flamingos and herons. On arrival we check-in to our hotel, reconvening this evening for dinner. Overnight Ravenna (B, D)

Day 14 | Thursday 5 November
Ravenna
Once the seat of the Western Roman Empire, then Byzantine Italy until the 8th century, Ravenna’s rich historic and cultural heritage blends Roman architectural forms with interiors covered in breathtaking mosaics. This morning our guided walking tour takes us to Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the Basilica of San Vitale, where we admire the sumptuous interiors which have accorded the monuments their UNESCO World Heritage status. After a break for lunch, our tour continues to the Casa dei Tappeti, a complex of buildings whose floors are entirely covered with marble mosaic “carpets”, and to the Baptistery of Neon, whose interiors moved Carl Jung to describe them as a “wonderful hallucination” when he visited. The evening is at leisure. Overnight Ravenna (B)

Day 15 | Friday 6 November
Faenza
Our day trip takes us to the city of Faenza, famed through the 15th and 16th centuries for its production of distinctive tin-glazed pottery also known as majolica or faience. Our guided visit to the renowned International Museum of Ceramics shows us the diversity of historic ceramic pieces gathered from across the world. Local artisans still produce beautiful ceramic pieces in both traditional and contemporary styles, displayed in galleries and shops in the town. After lunch together in a local restaurant, our city tour continues to Faenza Cathedral on the impressive Piazza della Libertà, then finishes at the tiny Romanesque Church of the Commenda, with its beautiful frescoes by Girolamo da Treviso. Returning to Ravenna, the evening is at leisure. Overnight Ravenna (B, L)

Day 16 | Saturday 7 November
Sant’Apollinare in Classe
This morning we travel the short distance to Classe, Ravenna’s small harbour town in antiquity. Our visit begins at the remarkable 6th-century Basilica of Sant’Apollinare, named for Ravenna’s first bishop and patron saint, martyred in Classe and believed to be buried here. One of the great basilicas of the early Christian period, the interior is filled with magnificent polychrome mosaics, including a depiction of Sant’Apollinare himself, as well as marble sarcophagi from various centuries. The adjacent 37-metre-high cylindrical belltower, a 10th-century addition to the basilica, dominates the landscape as we continue to the nearby Classis Museum, dedicated to the history and archaeology of Ravenna and its territory. On our return to Ravenna, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight Ravenna (B)

Day 17 | Sunday 8 November
Abbey of Pomposa
Departing Ravenna this morning we make our way to the beautiful town of Padua, a city steeped in history, learning, and artistic brilliance. En route we stop at the Abbey of Pomposa, a former Benedictine monastery which became one of the most influential cultural centres in medieval Italy. This imposing Romanesque structure boasts stunning frescoed interiors, inlaid mosaic floors, a massive campanile and a fine museum in what was once the monks’ dormitory. Continuing to the town of Adria, we have a break for lunch before our guided visit of the outstanding National Archaeological Museum which documents the splendour of this ancient port city. Arriving in Padua we check-in to our hotel, meeting in the early evening for dinner. Overnight Padua (B, D)

Day 18 | Monday 9 November
Padua
A prosperous town since the Middle Ages, Padua’s University was the intellectual base of Venetian society. Our day begins in the Palazzo Bo, home of the University’s anatomical theatres where the great Renaissance physician Andreas Vesalius famously carried out some of the first public dissections. After a break at the famous Caffe Pedrocchi, proudly serving the Paduan locals for over 200 years, we continue to the 14th-century Basilica Sant’Antonio, built to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims who flocked to Padua to venerate St Anthony, the city’s patron saint, and the adjacent Oratorio San Giorgio, whose austere façade belies an interior filled with vivid 14th-century narrative frescoes. After time for lunch in the bustling Piazza delle Erbe, we then spend the afternoon admiring Giotto’s extraordinary fresco cycle in the Scrovegni Chapel. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner in one of Padua’s fine restaurants. Overnight Padua (B, D)

Day 19 | Tuesday 10 November
Depart to Venice
The tour ends after breakfast this morning. There are transfers available to Venice’s Marco Polo airport for those on late afternoon flights. (B)