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Itinerary
Day 1
We meet at London Heathrow Airport for our direct scheduled British Airways flight, departing at 0800am for Bologna. On arrival in Bologna we are met by our tour manager, who will accompany us on all day trips and transfers. We then check in at the centrally located 3* Hotel Porta San Mamolo in Bologna for a four night stay. This afternoon we enjoy an included lunch, followed by a guided walking introductory tour of the buildings and porticoed streets of Bologna, home to medieval palaces and the oldest university in Europe. A welcome set three course dinner without drinks is served at a restaurant near our hotel this evening, and the remaining three nights are on bed and breakfast basis.
Day 2
This morning a guided tour of the Pinacoteca Nazionale introduces works of the great Northern Italian artists including Giotto, Raphael and Perugino. This afternoon we visit the Anatomical Theatre in Bologna. The room, named Theatre for its characteristic amphitheatre form, was designed in 1637 by Antonio Levanti and is constructed with spruce wood.
Day 3
Our guided tour of Ravenna this morning is a wonderful introduction to the city that was once the capital of Rome’s Western Empire and one of the great seats of Byzantine art in Europe. Our tour takes in the magnificent mosaics at the 6th century church of Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo, the Basilica di San Vitale and Mausoleo di Galla Placidia. En route back to Bologna this afternoon we visit the beautifully decorated Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare at Classe, dating back to the early 6th century.
Day 4
Our full day in Mantova begins with a guided tour of the Palazzo Ducale, once one of Europe’s largest palaces and now housing a wonderful art collection including the frescoes in the ‘Camera degli Sposi’ by Mantegna. The rest of the day is at leisure in Mantova and you may choose to join our optional excursion to the magnificent Palazzo Te and Giulio Romano’s ‘Room of Giants’.
Day 5
After checking out of our hotel this morning, we enjoy a guided tour of Ferrara, introducing us to one of the region’s greatest walled towns and one of Italy’s hidden gems, with many attractive streets and medieval houses, a 12th century cathedral and the palaces of the d’Este dynasty. We continue to Bologna Airport for our direct scheduled British Airways flight to London Heathrow Airport, from where we make our own way home.
NB: Please note we reserve the right to alter the above itinerary if required for operational reasons. Given the historic nature of the places visited, a certain degree of walking will be involved, and this holiday may not be suitable for those with mobility problems. Flight details may be subject to change. Price based on twin share. Minimum numbers required. Normal booking conditions apply. This holiday and the flights are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Tailored Travel's ATOL number is 5605.
Featuring
Centrally located Bologna hotel
Full programme of included excursions & guided tours
Welcome dinner included
One lunch included
Direct scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Bologna
Professional tour manager in Italy
Executive coach in Italy
Audio headsets included on Days 2 to 4
Bologna – guided walking introductory tour
Pinacoteca Nazionale – guided tour
Anatomical Theatre
Ravenna – guided city tour
Mosaics of Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo, San
Vitale & the Mausoleo di Galla Placidia
Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare at Classe
Palazzo Ducale at Mantova & Camera Degli Sposi – guided tour
Ferrara – guided city tour
Hotel
We stay four nights at the centrally located 3* Hotel Porta San Mamolo in Bologna (www.hotel-portasanmamolo.it). Located close to Piazza Maggiore, facilities include a breakfast room and a bar. All rooms are en suite and feature television, telephone, an in-room safe and a mini-bar. A welcome set three course dinner without drinks is served at a restaurant near our hotel on the first evening, and the remaining three nights are on bed and breakfast basis.
Extras
Single room supplement £99
Insurance £38
Entrance fees to places visited as part of this itinerary
Gratuities
Local accommodation tax to be paid directly to the hotel (approximately €2 per person per night)
Optional Excursions
Palazzo Te & Giulio Romano’s ‘Room of Giants’ on Day 4
