City Lights
Ancient cities, UNESCO heritage, local flavours and the charm of northern Italy.
What makes this journey special
A cultural journey through ancient cities of the regions Emilia-Romagna, Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, from Bologna and Ravenna to Verona, Padova, Valdobbiadene and Aquileia. UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic centres, museums and archaeological treasures reveal northern Italy’s heritage. Leisurely walks and free time allow for discovery at an unhurried pace, while a hands-on cooking class and tastings of local specialities such as Prosecco add a culinary dimension. Public transport makes the journey environmentally friendly and offers an even more local experience.
Next dates
13 to 27 September 2027
Days
15 days / 14 nights
Journey character
CULTURE
FOOD
NATURE
RELAXATION
ACTIVITY
The journey at a glance
Regions
Emilia Romagna, Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia
Group size
6 to 16 travelers
Travel style
small-group, slow travel, cultural immersion, culinary moments
Accommodation type
b&b and small hotel
Transport
public
Starting point
Bologna
End point
Grado
The Hidden Moments
- The historic Botanical Garden of Padova, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- A hands-on Italian cooking class in Ravenna
- The ancient Roman ruins of Aquileia
- A bike ride along the Adriatic coast
- A Prosecco tasting among the UNESCO-listed hills of Valdobbiadene
THE ITINERARY
The journey, day by day
Arrival in Bologna
Get together & welcome dinner
Accommodation in hotel in Bologna
Breakfast
Walk in Bologna (UNESCO)
Guided visit of the Observatory Museum
Free time in Bologna
Accommodation in hotel in Bologna
Breakfast
Walk in Ravenna (UNESCO)
Free time in Ravenna
Accommodation in hotel in Ravenna
Breakfast
Bike trip to the beach
Free time at the beach
Cooking class
Dinner
Accommodation in hotel in Ravenna
Breakfast
Walk in Ferrara (UNESCO)
Free time in Ferrara
Accommodation in hotel in Ferrara
Breakfast
Walk in Verona (UNESCO)
Free time in Verona
Accommodation in hotel in Verona
Breakfast
Walk in Mantova (UNESCO)
Accommodation in hotel in Verona
Breakfast
Free time in Verona
Walk in Padova (UNESCO)
Accommodation in hotel in Padova
Breakfast
Visit of Botanical Gardens (UNESCO)
Free time in Padova
Accommodation in hotel in Padova
Breakfast
Walk in Treviso
Accommodation in hotel in Treviso
Breakfast
Free time in Treviso
Prosecco tasting in the hills of Valdobbiadene (UNESCO)
Accommodation in hotel in Treviso
Day overview
After breakfast, continue eastwards to Palmanova, the remarkable star-shaped fortress town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historic centre before walking along its impressive medieval walls, offering a different perspective on the town and its carefully planned architecture.
Breakfast
Visit of Palmanova (UNESCO)
Walk on the medieval walls
Accommodation in hotel in Palmanova
Day overview
After breakfast, set off by bicycle towards Aquileia, travelling through the landscapes of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. A guided visit to the archaeological area and the Patriarchal Basilica reveals the remarkable Roman and early Christian heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Grado for some free time before coming together for a farewell dinner.
Breakfast
Bike trip to Aquileia
Guided visit of the Archaelogical Area and the Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia (UNESCO)
Free time in Grado
Farewell dinner
Accommodation in hotel in Grado
Breakfast
Departure. See you soon!
What’s included
in this journey
In carefully selected b&bs and small hotels
17 meals
14 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Personal travel guidance
Small-group support throughout the journey
15 experiences
Guided visits, walks, bike tour
2 culinary experiences
Visit to a local producer and tasting, hands-on cooking class
Transport
Public transport throughout the journey
What is not included
- Travel arrangements to/from Italy
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Lunches and services not specified
Download all the information about the journey here
Your The City Lights tour starts here!
City Lights
Ancient cities, UNESCO heritage, local flavours and the charm of northern Italy.
EUR 2.290,00*
*Price per person in double room.
Single room possible at extra charge of a total of EUR 450,00.
13 to 27 September 2027
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What our travellers say
”Every journey leaves a story behind. We’re still collecting some of those shared by our travellers — stories of people met, places discovered and flavours remembered. Perhaps yours will be among them.
Good to know, frequently asked
Where does the journey start and end?
The journey begins in Bologna, where the group meets before setting off through Emilia-Romagna, Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The journey ends in Grado, from where you can continue your journey independently.
What interests does this journey focus on?
This journey brings together culture, history, art, architecture and local traditions across three regions of northern Italy. From historic city centres and UNESCO World Heritage Sites to museums, archaeological treasures and local culinary traditions, each destination offers a different perspective on Italy’s rich cultural heritage.
How physically demanding is this journey?
This is a moderate-paced journey, but a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. You should be comfortable walking for longer periods, including during city visits, guided walks and cultural experiences. Some historic centres and archaeological sites include steps, cobbled streets or uneven surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
How much free time will I have?
The itinerary combines organised experiences with time to enjoy the destinations at your own pace. There is room to explore historic city centres, visit museums, stop for a coffee or simply enjoy the atmosphere. The journey is designed at an unhurried pace, leaving space for your own discoveries along the way.
How will we get around during the journey?
We travel by public transport throughout the journey, offering a more local way to experience northern Italy while keeping our environmental impact lower. Trains and regional connections take us between the different destinations, with time to sit back and enjoy the changing landscapes along the way.
What kind of experiences are included?
The journey combines guided visits, historic sites, museums, walks, local encounters and culinary experiences. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed Botanical Garden of Padova, the ancient Roman ruins of Aquileia, a hands-on Italian cooking class in Ravenna, a bike ride along the Adriatic coast and a Prosecco tasting among the UNESCO-listed hills of Valdobbiadene.
Is this journey suitable for solo travellers?
Absolutely. Solo travellers are very welcome on all our journeys. You can either share a double room or, subject to availability, book a room for single use at the applicable supplement.
What kind of accommodation can I expect?
We stay in carefully selected b&bs and small hotels, chosen for their character, comfort and location. They provide a welcoming base in the heart of the cities and towns we visit, allowing us to experience each destination at a relaxed pace.
How is the 15-day journey different from the 8-day best of journey?
The 15-day journey is the full edition of our City Lights itinerary, following the complete route through Emilia-Romagna, Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia and allowing more time to explore each destination in greater depth. While the 9-day Best Of version brings together the key highlights in a shorter format, the longer journey offers a more relaxed pace, more experiences and more opportunities to discover the cities, cultural heritage and local traditions along the way.
SEEN ALONG THE WAY
Memories from past journeys
STORIES AND PEOPLE
Discover the places & stories behind this journey
Seven Generations of Lemon Growing on the Amalfi Coast
Seven Generations of Lemon Growing on the Amalfi Coast
From the Forests of Monferrato to the Table
From the Forests of Monferrato to the Table
Painting Emotions: Art, Colours & the Strength Within
Painting Emotions: Art, Colours & the Strength Within
Espresso stories: Jasmin Dobrovsky
