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A Taste of Italy - Verona Opera, Florence & Palio
Break Available: SOLD OUT FOR 2022
8 days
Price Per Person: From £2,350
This break has something for everyone. Begin in Romeo & Juliet’s city Verona, where you have a night in the Very Best seats in the Roman open-air arena for the opera, then travel onto Florence for some art and culture. Finish your trip in Siena for the historical Palio horse race. With the best seating in Verona and a wide range of viewing positions for the Palio race, including balcony, grandstand and window options, you have the perfect trip.
We arrange all the transfers from each city, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your wonderful holiday in style.
Highlights
- Attend the Opera at Arena di Verona in the Very Best seats (Complimentary Free Upgrade)
- Witness the Palio in Siena (Viewing positions include balcony, terrace, grandstand, window)
- Unique opportunity to participate in Contrada open-air dinner and watch the Palio Trials
- Guided Introduction to the history of the Palio given by local Sienese guides
- Private Guided Florence Duomo Tour
- Verona Pass giving free access to key sites avoiding the queues
Day 1 – 10 August
Fly to Verona and Private Transfer to your hotel
Day 1 – 10 August
Fly to Verona and Private Transfer to your hotel
Fly to Verona where your private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your chosen hotel in the centre of Verona. So, why travel to Verona?
All of the hotels we use are within easy walking distance of the arena and the main sights. We do not believe in group transfers, your transfer is private to you.
Waiting for you at hotel reception will be your opera tickets and your Verona Pass Card. The Verona Pass Card allows free access to many of the local churches and museums. It also comes with a map so you can prioritise the sights of most interest to you and make the most of your time.
This evening head out and see where your nose takes you for dinner. If there is an opera being performed tonight at the arena, we recommend you head to one of the restaurants just outside, as you get to enjoy the acoustics while you dine!
Day 2 – 11 August
Day at Leisure and Attend the Opera at Arena di Verona
Day 2 – 11 August
Day at Leisure and Attend the Opera at Arena di Verona
Spend the day exploring Verona. You can enjoy Juliet’s Balcony and Tomb, Castelvecchio, The Natural History Museum and the various museums and churches all free with your Verona Pass Card.
We would also recommend you head to the Arena Museum where you can see the old sets and some of the costumes worn by Maria Callas. Head to the arena where you can see the Roman building before the sets are installed for your opera evening.
For those wanting to purchase the libretto you can buy this and so much more if you visit the arena shop located within the arena.
This evening attend your opera performance of Carmen at the Arena di Verona in the Very Best seats which we are currently offering as a Complimentary Free Upgrade. Located on the ground and the first 11 rows affords the best view of the stage.
For more information on Seating advice and other Practical Information.
For a flavour of this spectacle please click on the first photo link to the right.
Video & photos 1 and 2 opposite copyrighted to the Fondazione Arena di Verona.
A la Carte Optional Extras
- Verona - Al Cristo Wine Tasting
- Verona - Lake Garda Boat Trip
A la Carte Optional Extras
Verona - Al Cristo Wine Tasting
We have two great options for you. The first is for those wine connoisseurs. Located within walking distance of your hotel is this small family run restaurant. The Maitre will take you to the cellar and introduce you to 3-4 wines.
Alternatively, if you have done a wine tasting tour before and want to skip straight to the tasting part, why not combine with a meal, and sampling the wines with each course.
Price Per Person: From £50 for Wine Tasting
Price Per Person: From £95 for Wine Tasting with Lunch
Price Per Person: From £110 for Wine Tasting with Dinner
Verona - Lake Garda Boat Trip
This is our most popular tour and with good reason. You take a private transfer to the pier where you will join a public boat, to be taken across the scenic lake arriving at the privately owned Isola del Garda.
Once there you will be given a tour of the island, perhaps even by the Borghese Cavazza family themselves, and get to learn the history of the island. The tour will include the neo gothic Venetian style villa, the landscaped luscious gardens and the fantastic view over the lake, along with tasting some of the local wine and olive oil.
After arriving back on the mainland, your private transfer will take you to Sirmione, a mediaeval castle town where you can wander at your leisure through the town, purchase some souvenirs and enjoy lunch. We recommend La Speranzina Restaurant which boasts beautiful views over the lake.
Your private transfer will return you to your hotel late afternoon.
Price Per Person: From £245
Day 3 – 12 August
Train Transfer to Florence and Private Transfer to your hotel
Day 3 – 12 August
Train Transfer to Florence and Private Transfer to your hotel
Private transfer to the train station for your first class train to Florence. (Around 1 ½ hrs train time.)
On arrival in Florence your private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
4 Star Hotel Brunelleschi is fantastically located in the centre of Florence in Piazza della Repubblica, just below the Duomo. Surrounded by the markets and high end shops, it is also an easy walk for all the main sights. The hotel has a great restaurant for if you don’t always want to eat out.
Why not make the most of your time in Florence by upgrading your room to a Deluxe Duomo View room? You won’t even have to leave your room for the views over this iconic building! See Optional Extras below for more information.
Rest of day at leisure exploring Florence.
A la Carte Optional Extras
- Florence - Upgrade Hotel Brunelleschi Deluxe Duomo View Room
A la Carte Optional Extras
Florence - Upgrade Hotel Brunelleschi Deluxe Duomo View Room
Hotel Brunelleschi is strategically placed for fantastic views over the Florence Duomo but without an upgrade to a deluxe Duomo view room, you will not be able to enjoy A Room with a View!
Price Per Person: From £65 per person per night
Day 4 – 13 August
Private Guided Tour of the Duomo and Evening at Leisure
Day 4 – 13 August
Private Guided Tour of the Duomo and Evening at Leisure
This morning your guide will take you to the Duomo for your private guided tour.
The Duomo is the main gothic style church in Florence. It was completed in 1436 with the famous dome created by Filippo Brunelleschi. To date it is still one of the largest in the world. The cathedral consists of the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile, which between them are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
At this point your guide will leave you to your own devices for your rest of day at leisure. There are plenty of fantastic places to visit depending on whether you are a first timer to the region or have been before.
If you are a first timer then we recommend you add in our Optional Extras Priority Line Passes as these are the only way to guarantee access to both the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David, and the Uffizi Gallery to see the best art gallery in the world. You can’t go home without seeing The Birth of Venus!
If however, you have been to Florence before, then we recommend the Medici Chapels, the Uffizi Palace and the Galileo Museum. Alternatively, why not add one of our Optional Extras below.
A la Carte Optional Extras
- Florence - Priority Line Passes for the Accademia & Uffizi Galleries
- Florence - Chianti Wine Tasting & Dinner
- Florence - Vasari Corridor & Uffizi Gallery
A la Carte Optional Extras
Florence - Priority Line Passes for the Accademia & Uffizi Galleries
Visiting these two museums is quintessential Florence, but the queues can be horrendous. These timed entrance tickets means you get to see both Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery, before moving onto the Uffizi Gallery, bypassing the long lines and getting to witness Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus painting, amongst many others.
Price Per Person: £40 for both the Uffizi and Accademia Gallery tickets
Florence - Chianti Wine Tasting & Dinner
Your private transfer will take you to the Chianti region where you can explore a castle, visit Greve and Castellina, before being taken to a characteristic tavern for an authentic Chianti dinner and wine. On the menu is Florence’s famous T-bone steak along with the following wines to sample:
-Chianti Classic
-Chianti Riserva
-Vin Santo (or Supertuscan)
Available from the 01 April – 31 October on Tuesdays and Fridays only and must be for a minimum of 2 people.
Price Per Person: From £110
Florence - Vasari Corridor & Uffizi Gallery
Today you will take the “Prince’s Itinerary;” the elevated passageway which connects the Palazzo Vecchio and Pitti Palace. Continue over the Ponte Vecchio to the Uffizi gallery. View the Uffizi highlights of “Birth of Venus” in all her glory, before moving onto Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael’s exhibits.
Venture along the Vasari Corridor, created so that the ruling families could safely travel between government and their homes. Finish the tour at the enchanting Boboli Gardens and admire Buontalenti’s Grotto.
Price Per Person: From £85
Day 5 – 14 August
Private Transfer to Siena and your hotel
Day 5 – 14 August
Private Transfer to Siena and your hotel
Private transfer to Siena for the last part of your trip and your final hotel. (Around 1.5hrs)
All of our hotels are located within the city walls and an easy 5-10 mins walk into the campo, where the Palio Race takes place and is also the centre of Siena.
Rest of day at leisure.
Day 6 – 15 August
Palio Trials and Contrada Open Air Dinner
Day 6 – 15 August
Palio Trials and Contrada Open Air Dinner
Morning at leisure.
This afternoon in your small group, your guide will give you a guided introduction to the history of the Palio. This will include taking you to the Campo to view the Palio Trials, where horses and jockeys race three times around the square.
We do not believe in large groups. You will be in group sizes of no larger than 8 people in total.
This is not to see who wins the race, but for the judges to choose which ten horses and jockeys are eligible to race and which Contrada district they are representing. On the terrace you will get to see all the action as you are five flights up, which provides a good aerial view of the track.
This evening participate in an open-air good luck dinner with your Contrada with the Sienese inhabitants and the chosen jockey. Excitement and expectation will be in the air for tomorrow’s big race.
Day 7 – 16 August
Attend the World Famous Palio in Siena 2022
Day 7 – 16 August
Attend the World Famous Palio in Siena 2022
After a leisurely start, meet your guide and small group in the campo. Here you get to witness the build up to this legendary event. If you are lucky, you might even get to see one of the horses being blessed in church!
Take your position before an event that has been happening since 1310 commences.
Please see video link on the photo opposite for a flavour of this world famous event.
We have a range of positions to suit your budget or viewing requirements. Please note these are extremely sort after tickets and do book up very early:
1. On the Terrace you can see 80% of the race from a bird’s eye view of the Palio Horse race. These are standing positions and five floors up.
2. The Balconies are right on the square with a superb vantage point. Overlooking the Campo at the Casato bend, you have the perfect clos up view of the race. These are seated positions.
3. The Grandstand view is of most of the square. The joy of the grandstands is that these positions are the closest positions to the track with all the drama that that provides. It is also the position of choice for the local Sienese, and so the atmosphere is particularly electric! These are seated positions.
4. The Windows – you will be standing at the window while watching. There are seats in the room where you will be, but you cannot see the view seated. You will have access to the whole apartment and to the main hall refreshments are offered. There are around 30 steps to these positions.
Which viewing position is best for me?
Once the race has been completed, the winning Contrada will take to the streets for more entertainment and the celebration will go well into the night.
We would recommend you visit the winning Contrada to see Italian exuberance at its best!
Header photo and photos 1, 2 and 3 opposite copyrighted to Chrys Tremththanmor.
Day 8 – 17 August
Private Transfer to Pisa Airport for Flight home
Day 8 – 17 August
Private Transfer to Pisa Airport for Flight home
At leisure until your private transfer to Pisa airport for your flight home, after your Verona Opera, Florence and Palio Short Break.
Alternatively, if your flight is not until mid afternoon, why not add on our Optional Extra trip to Pisa, where you have some free time to explore this iconic structure.
Please see Optional Extra below.
A la Carte Optional Extras
- Palio - Explore The Leaning Tower of Pisa with Private Airport Transfer
A la Carte Optional Extras
Palio - Explore The Leaning Tower of Pisa with Private Airport Transfer
Today, if you have a late afternoon flight, why not have some time in Pisa to explore. Our private driver can collect you from your hotel and take you to Pisa where you have 2hrs to wander and explore. The driver will hold onto your luggage while you do so.
The Pisa complex has quite a bit to see. Start with the iconic Leaning Tower and see if you can resist taking the photo all tourists take – “holding” the building up! Then explore the church, museums and various outbuildings, the last of which includes some interesting frescos on Heaven and Hell.
Then meet your driver for your onwards travel to Pisa airport for your flight home.
Price Per Person: From £125 (includes private transfers only)
Please note if you want to climb to the top of the Leaning Tower, this must be prebooked in advance as it is now restricted to up to 20 people every 15 mins. The additional supplement is £25 per person.
Where You'll Stay
Hotel Firenze - Verona (4 Star)
Hotel Firenze - Verona (4 Star)
The Hotel Firenze is located in Corso Porta Nuova. From this elegant hotel, guests can reach all the most important monuments and touristic places of the city:
the Arena, the House and Tomb of Juliet, the Roman Theatre, Castelvecchio with its unique military bridge and Scaligeri Arches along with the tombs of the medieval Signoria family.
All rooms have recently been refurbished, have air conditioning and bathrooms either with Jacuzzi or shower with steam sauna.
This hotel is only a 10 minute walk from the Arena.
Hotel Accademia - Verona (4 Star)
Hotel Accademia - Verona (4 Star)
The Accademia Hotel is in the centre of Verona. The hotel is in the heart of the exclusive shopping area of Verona, conveniently positioned between the Brà Square with the Arena and Erbe Square with Giulietta's House and balcony.
All rooms are spacious and feature air conditioning.
A breakfast buffet is served every morning and includes both sweet and savoury options. Restaurant Accademia specialises in Veneto food and wine, with meals prepared with fresh local products.
This is our most popular hotel for Verona, which consistently comes out top on fantastic feedback.
Hotel Brunelleschi - Florence (4 Star)
Hotel Brunelleschi - Florence (4 Star)
Hotel Brunelleschi is a luxury hotel in the centre of Florence: only a stone’s throw away from the Uffizi Gallery, “Piazza della Signoria” and one of the world’s most famous shopping street.
This 4 star hotel offers 2 restaurants, a gym and 96 rooms and suites some with jacuzzi and spectacular views of the “Duomo”.
Hotel Brunelleschi was created within a circular Byzantine tower and a medieval church, reconstructed, but keeping the original characteristics. Inside you can find a private museum with the ruins discovered during the restoration. It is mentioned in Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code”.
Residenza d’Epoca Locanda di San Martino, Siena
Residenza d’Epoca Locanda di San Martino, Siena
The Residenza d’Epoca Locanda di San Martino is located within the city walls, around a 5 minutes walk from the Piazza del Campo, where twice yearly the famous, historical Siena Palio horse race takes place.
This boutique, mediaeval hotel has been renovated but with most of the original structure is still intact. It is adorned in rich, detail throughout and very much in keeping with a race that has been taking place for over 500 years now.
The Junior Suites all have city views overlooking Siena.
Il Chiostro del Carmine, Siena
Il Chiostro del Carmine, Siena
Located within the city walls, with a view of the Tuscan Hills, this hotel is perfect for those attending the Palio horse race, being only a few metres from Piazza del Campo where the famous race takes place twice yearly. All of the deluxe rooms feature city views over Siena.
Il Chiostro del Carmine originated as the Convent of Carmelite monks dating as far back as the 14th century. Now, restored into a 21 room hotel, this former convent has preserved its original features, including a breakfast area by the cloisters, a bell tower and a church dating back to the 8th century which includes works of arts. Some of these include pieces by Alessandro Casolani Franceso Vanni and many others. At the back of the convent is the famous Diana’s Well, which Sienese obsessively believe leads to the mythical underground Diana’s River, traces of which feature in Dante’s Play.
Palazzo Ravizza - Siena (Equivalent 4 Star)
Palazzo Ravizza - Siena (Equivalent 4 Star)
A stay at Palazzo Ravizza, historic hotel of Siena since 1924, is a leap into the past: still managed by the same family, Palazzo Ravizza has mantained not only the style and classic ambiance of a heritage hotel but also the atmosphere of an elegant and welcoming private home.
Located in the historic centre of Siena close to the Cathedral and providing private parking on site, Palazzo Ravizza is a convenient base to see the city.
The rooms of Palazzo Ravizza reflect the character and style of an old time mansion: all different in size and furnishings they maintain the original setting of the 1920’s home with the necessary renovations for modern accommodation. All rooms have air conditioning.
Hotel Athena - Siena (4 Star)
Hotel Athena - Siena (4 Star)
The Hotel Athena is a 4 stars hotel in Siena located into the city walls. The Hotel offers a very central location, a few minutes away from the Campo’s square and the Duomo.
In addition to the typical services arranged by a 4 stars hotel, the Hotel Athena offers to all the guests a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside showing the beauty of the green Tuscan hills and his medieval farmhouses. The hotel is equipped with all the modern comforts, including air conditioning, a fantastic restaurant and a private car park.
Verona - Al Cristo Wine Tasting
We have two great options for you. The first is for those wine connoisseurs. Located within walking distance of your hotel is this small family run restaurant. The Maitre will take you to the cellar and introduce you to 3-4 wines.
Alternatively, if you have done a wine tasting tour before and want to skip straight to the tasting part, why not combine with a meal, and sampling the wines with each course.
Price Per Person: From £50 for Wine Tasting
Price Per Person: From £95 for Wine Tasting with Lunch
Price Per Person: From £110 for Wine Tasting with Dinner
Verona - Lake Garda Boat Trip
This is our most popular tour and with good reason. You take a private transfer to the pier where you will join a public boat, to be taken across the scenic lake arriving at the privately owned Isola del Garda.
Once there you will be given a tour of the island, perhaps even by the Borghese Cavazza family themselves, and get to learn the history of the island. The tour will include the neo gothic Venetian style villa, the landscaped luscious gardens and the fantastic view over the lake, along with tasting some of the local wine and olive oil.
After arriving back on the mainland, your private transfer will take you to Sirmione, a mediaeval castle town where you can wander at your leisure through the town, purchase some souvenirs and enjoy lunch. We recommend La Speranzina Restaurant which boasts beautiful views over the lake.
Your private transfer will return you to your hotel late afternoon.
Price Per Person: From £245
Florence - Upgrade Hotel Brunelleschi Deluxe Duomo View Room
Hotel Brunelleschi is strategically placed for fantastic views over the Florence Duomo but without an upgrade to a deluxe Duomo view room, you will not be able to enjoy A Room with a View!
Price Per Person: From £65 per person per night
Florence - Priority Line Passes for the Accademia & Uffizi Galleries
Visiting these two museums is quintessential Florence, but the queues can be horrendous. These timed entrance tickets means you get to see both Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery, before moving onto the Uffizi Gallery, bypassing the long lines and getting to witness Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus painting, amongst many others.
Price Per Person: £40 for both the Uffizi and Accademia Gallery tickets
Florence - Chianti Wine Tasting & Dinner
Your private transfer will take you to the Chianti region where you can explore a castle, visit Greve and Castellina, before being taken to a characteristic tavern for an authentic Chianti dinner and wine. On the menu is Florence’s famous T-bone steak along with the following wines to sample:
-Chianti Classic
-Chianti Riserva
-Vin Santo (or Supertuscan)
Available from the 01 April – 31 October on Tuesdays and Fridays only and must be for a minimum of 2 people.
Price Per Person: From £110
Florence - Vasari Corridor & Uffizi Gallery
Today you will take the “Prince’s Itinerary;” the elevated passageway which connects the Palazzo Vecchio and Pitti Palace. Continue over the Ponte Vecchio to the Uffizi gallery. View the Uffizi highlights of “Birth of Venus” in all her glory, before moving onto Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael’s exhibits.
Venture along the Vasari Corridor, created so that the ruling families could safely travel between government and their homes. Finish the tour at the enchanting Boboli Gardens and admire Buontalenti’s Grotto.
Price Per Person: From £85
Palio - Explore The Leaning Tower of Pisa with Private Airport Transfer
Today, if you have a late afternoon flight, why not have some time in Pisa to explore. Our private driver can collect you from your hotel and take you to Pisa where you have 2hrs to wander and explore. The driver will hold onto your luggage while you do so.
The Pisa complex has quite a bit to see. Start with the iconic Leaning Tower and see if you can resist taking the photo all tourists take – “holding” the building up! Then explore the church, museums and various outbuildings, the last of which includes some interesting frescos on Heaven and Hell.
Then meet your driver for your onwards travel to Pisa airport for your flight home.
Price Per Person: From £125 (includes private transfers only)
Please note if you want to climb to the top of the Leaning Tower, this must be prebooked in advance as it is now restricted to up to 20 people every 15 mins. The additional supplement is £25 per person.
Testimonials
What's Included?
- 7 nights accommodation with breakfast (Hotel Firenze – Verona),(Hotel Brunelleschi – Florence), (Residenza d’Epoca Locanda di San Martino – Siena)
- Activities outlined including terrace viewing of Palio race and Free Complimentary Upgrade to the Best seating at the Verona arena
- Verona Pass Card
- Private Airport and train transfers
- 1st Class Trains
- Flights from the UK (includes 1 hold bag per person)
Departure airport:
Gatwick
Our international clients are welcome to book their own flights.