ARAWJOTOURS PADUA, VERONA AND BOLOGNA ITALIAN TOUR 2026

The following tour is designed for people who would like to visit some of the more off-the-beaten path towns of Italy. Although Padua, Verona and Bologna are visited by tourists, you might find that the crowds are less overwhelming and the experience more genuine. We hope you like the itinerary and look forward to having you travel with us on this special Italian adventure.

Day 1: Arrival in Italy - Marco Polo to Padua - Wed May 27 (departure from USA May 26)

After arriving at the Marco Polo Airport, you will travel directly to Padua to check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon strolling through the atmospheric city streets and enjoy your first Italian dinner on your own.

Day 2: Padua - Thurs May 28

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a morning walking tour with a visit to the Scrovegni Chapel and its stunning Giotto frescoes. You will also visit the Palazzo della Ragione situated in the historic Piazza delle Erbe.

The afternoon and evening are free. Suggestion: Relax at the Caffe Pedrocchi, a historic café.

Day 3: Padua - Fri May 29

After breakfast, another morning walking tour to visit the Basilica of Saint Anthony, an important pilgrimage site. We continue to the historic piazza of Prato della Valle and the Botanical Garden of Padua, a UNESCO World Heritage site, followed by a free afternoon.

Day 4: Vicenza and Verona - Sat May 30

Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and begin your journey to Verona.

En route, visit the city of Vicenza. Take guided tours of 2 of Palladio’s architectural masterpieces, Villa La Rotonda, on the outskirts of Vicenza, and the Teatro Olimpico, centrally located. Enjoy lunch on your own in Vicenza and then continue to Verona.

The evening is free to explore the beautiful city of Romeo and Juliet. Suggestion: Enjoy a dinner by the Adige River, enjoying dishes like risotto all’ Amarone.

Day 5: Verona - Sun May 31

After breakfast, enjoy a full day walking tour of Verona including a visit to Juliet’s Balcony and a visit to the Verona Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheatre. After free time for lunch visit the Castelvecchio Museum and its picturesque bridge.

The evening is free for leisure. Perhaps relax with a stroll along the river or visit the San Zeno Maggiore Basilica.

Day 6: Verona or Optional Excursion to Lake Garda - Mon Jun 1

Full day optional excursion for those who sign up in advance. Take a short drive to the delightful small town of Sirmione on Lake Garda, where we will have a panoramic boat trip followed by an included lunch. After some free time to enjoy the town we continue for a wine tasting experience in the famous Valpolicella region before returning to Verona. Or free day in Verona.

Day 7 Mantua and Bologna - Tues Jun 2

Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and begin your journey to Bologna.

En route, visit the city of Mantua with a visit to the vast and imposing Palazzo Ducale (if open). After free time for lunch, continue to Bologna with a stop along the way for some balsamic vinegar tasting and a tour of the production process in the vicinity of Modena, the traditional home of this world-renowned condiment. Continue to Bologna for a 4-night stay.

Day 8 Bologna - Wed Jun 3

After breakfast, take a half-day guided walking tour including visits to Piazza Maggiore, the famous Anatomical Theatre, the Basilica of San Petronio, the Santo Stefano complex and the multitude of food- and wine-themed stores located just off the central piazza.

The afternoon and evening are free for individual exploration. Suggestion: Try local specialties mortadella, tortellini, and pasta with Bolognese sauce.

Day 9 Day trip to Ferrara - Thurs Jun 4

Today, after breakfast, we take a day trip to Ferrara. A 45-minute drive form Bologna, Ferrara is an exquisite Renaissance city, former home to the Este family. Take a guided walking tour around the city including a visit to the Este Castle. We follow this with a lunch of local specialities and free time to wander the historic centre before returning to Bologna.

Evening free in Bologna

Day 10 Bologna - Fri Jun 5

Free day in Bologna. As the foodie capital of Emilia-Romagna, Bologna has ample opportunities for tastings, workshops and cooking classes. The Mercato delle Erbe is a good place to start. Centrally located, with multiple stalls selling local produce, it is a veritable assault on the senses.. Visit one of Bologna’s many top-class museums, or take a ride up to the Basilica of San Luca which overlooks the city. You could also walk this nearly 3-mile distance under cover of the 666 arcaded arches leading up to this spectacular viewpoint..

Day 11 Return to USA - Sat Jun 6

Arrivederci Italia! Depart for Bologna airport for our return flight to USA.