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Next Level Italian

10 Days / 9 Nights

Verona, Sirmione, Monterosso Al Mare, Bologna

from$3,225 per person

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This itinerary is designed for all Italy lovers who just can’t resist coming back to the land of the dolce vita. If you think you already saw the best of Italy in Rome, Florence, and Venice, then we have something to surprise you. You'll be exploring across the northern part of the country, starting in fair Verona. On Lake Garda you'll be based in Sirmione, at the tip of a promontory into the lake. Some time on the Italian Riviera isn't to be missed, with several nights in one of the charming villages of Cinque Terre. Your tour concludes in boisterous Bologna, the red city in the heart of Italian food and motorsport territory. We prepared a set of exciting tours, from historical city tours to scenic boat tours as well as hiking and food activities, all perfectly combined into your next Italian itinerary.

The services that we include as a part of our comprehensive travel package include small and boutique accommodation, various themed city, and day tours. To optimize your travel package cost we use the combination of public train service and private car transportation for the ideal balance of cost and convenience.

In addition to the tours included we can arrange a number of excursions based on your own interests. All of our tours are custom, and this is just a sample meant to give an idea of what our trips are like, and the opportunities our destinations provide.

One of our team members in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and spacious apartments. With our first-hand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.

Route for Verona, Sirmione, Monterosso Al Mare, Bologna tour

2 Nights in Verona

2 Nights in Verona

3 days in Verona
3 days in Verona

2 Nights in Verona

The city where Romeo and Juliet lived their epic love story, Verona is a bustling center, well-known for its Shakespeare associations. It is one of northern Italy's most attractive cities, thanks to its history, stunning buildings, beautiful landscapes, and delicious dishes. Verona's city center hosts a 1st-century Roman amphitheater, the famous Arena, where concerts and other performances still take place nowadays. As if Verona's many charms weren't enough, the city's location on the River Adige renders it the perfect gateway to the beautiful Lake Garda and the Valpolicella wine region, renowned for the Amarone and Rispasso reds.

The city where Romeo and Juliet lived their epic love story, Verona is a bustling center, well-known for its Shakespeare associations. It is one of northern Italy's most attractive cities, thanks to its history, stunning buildings, beautiful landscapes, and delicious dishes. Verona's city center hosts a 1st-century Roman amphitheater, the famous Arena, where concerts and other performances still take place nowadays. As if Verona's many charms weren't enough, the city's location on the River Adige renders it the perfect gateway to the beautiful Lake Garda and the Valpolicella wine region, renowned for the Amarone and Rispasso reds.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Verona

Upon arrival at Venice Marco Polo Airport, our driver will wait for you and take you straight to your accommodation in Verona. Journey takes about two hours on a nice highway.

Aperitivo Capital

Suggestion to explore on your own

For your evenings and nights in Verona, we highly suggest a visit to Antica Bottega del Vino. Our local team loves this place since it has a great selection of wines, wine tastings and awesome food paired with knowledgeable staff. Verona, as well as Venice and Padova, is the city of aperitivo, where the Spritz cocktail was invented and created, so first thing to do as soon as you set foot in the city, is to go for a spritz! Some of the best places to do so are Scapin 1935, Casa Mazzanti, and Terrazza Bar al Ponte - for aperitivo with a view.

Aperitivo Capital

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Verona

Verona Private Walking Tour

Verona Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Juliet, the squares, the arena: don’t miss this tour of the downtown historical centre of Verona, fully embraced by the bend of the Adige river. In ancient Roman times, the city of Verona received its chess-board layout and was adorned with the Arena, the world's best preserved Roman amphitheatre that today still provides hours of good music and entertainment.

The visit also includes the 14th century house of Juliet, a lovers' venue and a very popular stop: in everyone’s mind Verona is linked to her image and her sad love story. Another 14th century attraction consists of the bizarre "Arche" of the Della Scala family, namely the stone lace structures pointing up to the sky that still harbour suspicions and mysteries. Along the way you will cross three main squares that have maintained their peculiar and very popular, aristocratic or institutional character throughout the centuries.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 3 Hours

Visit Padova

Suggestion to explore on your own

Located just 1.5 hours by car (and 30 minutes by train) from Verona, Padova is one of the most beautiful town of the region. Full of art, architecture and history, it houses some of the most famous sights and monuments of Italy. The Scrovegni Chapel, Giotto main masterpiece, Sant'Antonio Basilica and, last but not least, the biggest square of Italy: Prato della Valle.

Visit Padova

Day 3

Day 3 - Traveling to Sirmione by Private Transfer

Today you're trading Romeo and Juliet's hometown for quiet lakeside Sirmione. Your driver will meet you at your accommodations and take you straight to Verona, an hour away. Please note that this is a non-guided transfer.

Sirmione By Private Transfer

2 Nights in Sirmione

2 Nights in Sirmione

3 days in Sirmione
3 days in Sirmione

2 Nights in Sirmione

What do the Roman poet Catullus, James Joyce, Maria Callas, and several other notable people have in common? They all fell in love with Sirmione, this bijou town of unfathomable charm, built on a peninsula caressed by the waters of Lake Garda. Home to one of the best-preserved castles in Italy, the 14th-century Scaligero Castle, and a historic center that's almost unbearably idyllic with its narrow alleys and quintessentially Italian architecture, Sirmione is the perfect place to stay on Lake Garda if you want to make the most of your vacation on this unique setting but also explore beyond the lake.

What do the Roman poet Catullus, James Joyce, Maria Callas, and several other notable people have in common? They all fell in love with Sirmione, this bijou town of unfathomable charm, built on a peninsula caressed by the waters of Lake Garda. Home to one of the best-preserved castles in Italy, the 14th-century Scaligero Castle, and a historic center that's almost unbearably idyllic with its narrow alleys and quintessentially Italian architecture, Sirmione is the perfect place to stay on Lake Garda if you want to make the most of your vacation on this unique setting but also explore beyond the lake.

Day 3

Day 3 - Arrival in Sirmione

Once you arrive in Sirmione, a driver will leave you in front of your accommodation.

Sirmione Sunset Private Boat Tour

Evening on the Lake

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

There's no better way to admire this splendid Lake and town than from the water in the calm of early evening. This private evening boat ride is a romantic and charming experience to share with your loved ones. From 7 o’clock onwards, take a romantic trip to discover the beauty of the peninsula at sunset with a bottle of Prosecco. 


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 45 minutes

Day 4

Day 4 - Your First Full Day in Sirmione

Isola del Garda Private Boat Tour

Isola del Garda Private Boat Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This magical boat trip feels like visiting a distant world that no longer exists. Isola del Garda (AKA Borghese Island), Lake Garda's largest island, is a small rocky island only accessible by boat, and with the permission of the noble family that still calls it home. The island features lush greenery, including Italian- and English-style gardens, and part is deliberately kept wild. At the island's heart is a majestic Venetian Gothic villa. Departing from the small harbor in front of Sirmione Castle, this private boat tour will take you around Sirmione's peninsula, and past the coast's sights, to Isola del Garda. Returning home, you'll pass under the Castle's two bridges, and enjoy scenic views of the place from new angles.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 1.5 hours

Chill in Garda Lake

Suggestion to explore on your own

If you are tired of walking around and just want to enjoy some relaxing time on the beach, this is the place where you want to go! The best area in Sirmione is Jamaica Beach, a beautiful and unusual beach, made of flat slabs of rock extending out into the water. Enjoy bathing in the shallow waters or you can rent kayaks from nearby for more active exploration.

Chill at the Beach

Day 5

Day 5 - Traveling to Monterosso Al Mare by Train

It's time to trade freshwater for Mediterranean salt - you're headed to Cinque Terre! Your driver will meet you at your accommodations and take you to the train station in time to board a train for Monterosso al Mare. The total duration of this scenic journey is about 6 hours. We have included standard class train tickets in your package but an upgrade to higher class is possible at an extra fee.

Monterosso Al Mare by Train

You can upgrade your transfer

Upgrade to Monterosso Al Mare by Private Transfer

Monterosso Al Mare by Private Transfer

Upgrade for an additional cost

3 Nights in Monterosso Al Mare

3 Nights in Monterosso Al Mare

4 days in Monterosso Al Mare
4 days in Monterosso Al Mare

3 Nights in Monterosso Al Mare

As the northern-most of the Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso-al-Mare (literally the red mountain by the sea) is the most accessible of five. Road, rail and ferry links, and a wide choice of hotels make this an excellent base for visiting all the other villages and neighboring towns as well. This choice and accessibility comes at a price – it is the least pretty of the five. Yet that will hardly seem to matter when you're looking out to sea, or hiking the steep trail to Vernazza, the next village. Monterosso has the largest and best equipped beach of all the Cinque Terre villages so if some sun worship is on your vacation agenda, this is the perfect spot. As well as the opportunity to hike in the Cinque Terre national park between some of the villages you can also take the regular trains or if seas allow, the ferry service to the other villages. Private and boat day trips provide another way to admire the villages from their most natural aspect, the sea.

As the northern-most of the Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso-al-Mare (literally the red mountain by the sea) is the most accessible of five. Road, rail and ferry links, and a wide choice of hotels make this an excellent base for visiting all the other villages and neighboring towns as well. This choice and accessibility comes at a price – it is the least pretty of the five. Yet that will hardly seem to matter when you're looking out to sea, or hiking the steep trail to Vernazza, the next village. Monterosso has the largest and best equipped beach of all the Cinque Terre villages so if some sun worship is on your vacation agenda, this is the perfect spot. As well as the opportunity to hike in the Cinque Terre national park between some of the villages you can also take the regular trains or if seas allow, the ferry service to the other villages. Private and boat day trips provide another way to admire the villages from their most natural aspect, the sea.

Day 5

Day 5 - Arrival in Monterosso Al Mare

We will provide instructions on how to reach your accommodation from the train station.

Swim in Splendid Waters

Suggestion to explore on your own

If you like swimming, you have more than a few options on the coast. In warmer weather we recommend the tiny harbor of Vernazza and Riomaggiore. The only equipped beach nearby is in Monterosso, and this one is suitable for families as well. So grab your towel and maybe a focaccia and a drink or gelato. As usual, the best suggestion is follow the locals!

Swim in Splendid Waters

Day 6

Day 6 - Your First Full Day in Monterosso Al Mare

Cinque Terre Private Hiking Tour

Cinque Terre Private Hiking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Hiking is the only way to truly experience the magic of the Cinque Terre. You'll take a break from the bustle of the city and hike through this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site on this six-hour excursion. It's a unique and memorable experience, exploring the only unspoiled survivor of the genuine Italian Riviera. Due to the peculiarity of the Cinque Terre, the detailed program of the day will be fine-tuned according to your rhythms and preferences. Your guide will pick you up at your accommodation in the morning, and you'll set out together.


Activity Level : Strenuous
Duration : 6 hours

Cinque Terre Group Boat Cruise at Sunset with Dinner on Board

Sunset Cinque Terre Small Group Boat Tour with Dinner on Board

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Ready to relax? Hop aboard a local skipper's boat and soak up the last rays of the sunset as they cast their spell. Then sip a tasty aperitif and watch the beautiful coast slip by as you float along the waves! What a way to get a new point of view on the Cinque Terre, one of the most beautiful parts of Italy.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 3 hours

Day 7

Day 7 - Your Second Full Day in Monterosso Al Mare

Visit Portofino and Private Tour of Genoa

Private Tour to Portofino and Genoa from Monterosso

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

This Private Tour to Portofino and Genoa is a great way to explore more of this beautiful landscape. With an expert local guide you'll have time to explore the breathtaking Italian Riviera, with its many luxury boats, before you proceed to explore Genoa. Genoa is famous for being the home of Christopher Columbus and its also one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 9 Hours

Pesto: The Green Gold of Ligurian Gastronomy

Suggestion to explore on your own

Pesto, one of the flagships of Italian cuisine, originates in Genoa. To be more precise, it comes from the tiny village of Pra, whose hills apparently produce the only basil suitable for making the best basil after blending with pecorino (and/or parmigiano reggiano, opening endless discussions among locals and chefs). Discover it for yourself in the area's many delicious local restaurants.

Pesto: The Green Gold of Ligurian Gastronomy

Day 8

Day 8 - Traveling to Bologna by Train

Today you'll head off to Bologna. As there are no direct trains, depending on where you're staying you will need to change at least once. We'll arrange standard class train tickets but we can upgrade to business/first class for an additional fee. Your hotel will be able to arrange a transfer to the train station if needed.

You can upgrade your transfer

Upgrade to Bologna by Private Transfer

Bologna by Private Transfer

Upgrade for an additional cost

2 Nights in Bologna

2 Nights in Bologna

3 days in Bologna
3 days in Bologna

2 Nights in Bologna

Bologna is the capital of Emilia Romagna and makes a fantastic base for exploring the legendary 'food valley'. The city's history stretches back a few hundred years before Christ and it is home to the oldest university in Europe. These facts are responsible for two of the nicknames Bologna owns with pride. La Dotta – 'the learned one' and La Grassa – 'the fat one'. Truly you're never far from a spectacular meal in Bologna, as long as you're not vegan. Emilia Romagna might not be a name that's as well known as neighboring Tuscany but its food specialties are renowned the world over. The king of Italian cheeses: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and traditional Aceto Balsamico are all from around here and a visit to see how they're produced is a must. Petrolheads will also find much to love in Emilia Romagna. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati and Maserati are all produced close by and have museums or factory tours available. If 'slow food' and fast cars aren't your thing then Bologna still doesn't disappoint. A thriving arts scene means you'll easily find a more cultured diversion, from art galleries to operas. And if you want to work up an appetite, the gently leaning Asinelli Tower's almost 500 steps will help you burn some calories. From the top you'll see why Bologna has another nickname 'La Rossa' – the red one, as you gaze out over the red tiled roofs of the old city, which escaped WWII largely undamaged by Allied bombing raids.

Bologna is the capital of Emilia Romagna and makes a fantastic base for exploring the legendary 'food valley'. The city's history stretches back a few hundred years before Christ and it is home to the oldest university in Europe. These facts are responsible for two of the nicknames Bologna owns with pride. La Dotta – 'the learned one' and La Grassa – 'the fat one'. Truly you're never far from a spectacular meal in Bologna, as long as you're not vegan. Emilia Romagna might not be a name that's as well known as neighboring Tuscany but its food specialties are renowned the world over. The king of Italian cheeses: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and traditional Aceto Balsamico are all from around here and a visit to see how they're produced is a must. Petrolheads will also find much to love in Emilia Romagna. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati and Maserati are all produced close by and have museums or factory tours available. If 'slow food' and fast cars aren't your thing then Bologna still doesn't disappoint. A thriving arts scene means you'll easily find a more cultured diversion, from art galleries to operas. And if you want to work up an appetite, the gently leaning Asinelli Tower's almost 500 steps will help you burn some calories. From the top you'll see why Bologna has another nickname 'La Rossa' – the red one, as you gaze out over the red tiled roofs of the old city, which escaped WWII largely undamaged by Allied bombing raids.

Day 8

Day 8 - Arrival in Bologna

Bologna's train station is on the edge of the historic center of the city where your hotel is located. We'll arrange for our driver to pick you up from the platform and take you to your centrally located accommodation.

Bologna Private Walking Tour

Bologna Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This tour will show you the best of Bologna. You'll be picked up from your accommodation by an expert local guide and then set off on foot. Over 2.5 hours you'll see the most interesting tourist monuments in the heart of the city, from the Piazza Maggiore to the Neptune Fountain, which is considered one of Italy's most elegant Renaissance fountains.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

Day 9

Day 9 - Your First Full Day in Bologna

Private Food Walking Tour

Private Food Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Explore one of Bologna oldest food markets with an insider and visit the most traditional food shops. Learn about the history, culture, architecture, that make Bologna's medieval market so unique. During this tour you will enjoy a variety of food specialties that has secured Bologna’s reputation as the foodie capital of Italy. Discover the secrets to having the ultimate food and cultural experience off the beaten path with an expert local guide.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 2.5 hours

Day 10

Day 10 - Departure Day

Today our driver will meet you at the accommodations and take you to Bologna's airport in time to meet your flight.

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Verona

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Verona - Venice Airport Private Transfer
Verona Private Walking Tour
Verona - Sirmione Private Transfer

Sirmione

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Isola del Garda Private Boat Tour
Sirmione Train Station Transfer
Sirmione - Monterosso Standard Class Train Tickets

Monterosso Al Mare

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Cinque Terre Private Hiking Tour
Monterosso - Bologna Standard Class Train Tickets

Bologna

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Bologna Train Station Transfer
Bologna Private Walking Tour
Private Food Walking Tour
Bologna Airport Transfer

package excludes:


  • Flights to and from Europe.
  • Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
  • Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
  • Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
  • Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by  an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.
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