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IATA number:
19-595391
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These one-day adventures can be combined with one another or simply added on
to a trip you have already planned.
JEWISH VENICE – Soak up the history
and fascinating ambiance of the world’s first Jewish ghetto.
Hear about life an Italian Jew in Shylock’s time as well
as today. Learn the Venetian origin of the word ghetto as well
as about the Jewish printing and banking industry which thrived
in the years of ghetto life. A visit to several of the ghetto’s
historic synagogues, plus tastes of some Italian Jewish specialities
(including pane azzime, Italian matzoh) at a local kosher bakery
are included.
Mornings only (except for Saturday), 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
A PILGRIMAGE TO PADUA – In honor of Padua’s
status as home of one of Italy’s great pilgrimage churches,
Il Santo, we make our own unique pilgrimage to this lively town,
exploring all facets of its historic character, including world-famous
frescoes by Giotto in the Arena Chapel, and a visit to the famous
University, where the likes of Dante and Galileo once taught.
A visit to Padua, of course, would not be complete without a look inside the
Basilica of Saint Antonio, where the relics of the saint (including his shriveled
tongue) are displayed next to sculpture by Donatello and other Renaissance masters.
Mornings only (except Sunday and Monday), 10 a.m. –
1 p.m.
CASTLES & GRAPES: THE JOYS OF SOAVE – Tired of paintings and
saints? Then some hedonistic fun is just what you need. Begin your day with a
pleasant walk among the garganega grape vineyards to the best-preserved medieval
castle in Northern Italy.
Perched high atop the picturesque medieval town of Soave, the
castle offers marvelous views of the surrounding countryside.
After climbing the castle ramparts, its time for a short tour
of a prestigious vineyard, where you will enjoy the estate’s
fine Soave wines (not to worry – they bear no resemblance to that mass produced,
vapid liquid widely exported to the United States in the 1970s), including one
commonly referred to as the
“nectar of the Gods”. Lunch and gelato, if you dare,
at a wine bar down the street following our tough morning.
Mornings, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
ON THE TRAIL OF ROMEO AND JULIET -
Shakespeare’s
tragic play about the world’s favorite star-crossed lovers
was set in Verona in the year 1303. While a little bit has changed
in the city since their time, there are still many places that
evoke the medieval tale, including the so-called Casa di Giulietta,
complete with balcony. Even if you want to hear the “real
story”, you can enjoy reveling in everything else Verona
has to offer – from the magnificently preserved Roman Arena,
to the glorious pink marble sidewalks made of local Valpolicella
marble, to the city’s colorful piazze and palazzi. Romeo
and Juliet aside, this is a vibrant and charming town that should
not be missed.
Mornings (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.) or afternoons (3 p.m.-
5 p.m.), except Mondays.
RIVIERA OF THE OLIVES – Lake Garda’s bewitching Eastern shore
(otherwise known as the Riviera of the Olives for the thousands of olive trees
that grow along its shoreline) beckons travelers of all kinds – some come
merely to take in the magnificent scenery of this Alpine Lake, others to windsurf
in its gentle winds, others still to explore the fascinating history this border
region played in both World Wars.
Our day-long trip takes us through breathtaking Alpine scenery, and includes
stops at four lakeside towns: Riva (the northern-most town on the Lake, with
a distinct Austrian feel), Malcesine (with a picturesque medieval castle from
which to enjoy sweeping views of the lake), Bardolino (located in the heart of
the local wine-making and olive oil producing region) and Lazise (a one-time
Venetian port) and culminates with a delicious lunch of fresh lake fish.
Weekdays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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