This journey, expertly and passionately guided by an archaeologist, begins on Lake Garda, a place whose awe-inspiring views are indescribable, so much so that even Goethe was impressed: Sirmione, Peschiera, villages, and Scaliger castles are just a few of the wonders we visit. From the lake, we then move along the lush Mincio Valley, where our guide leads us through a fertile yet rugged landscape populated since prehistoric times, witnessing the rise and fall of dozens of cultures, including the Etruscans, Celts, Romans, and Lombards. Always known for its horses, this valley was also one of the cradles of the Italian Renaissance, shaped and chiseled by the expert hands of the immortal masters of the time. Let yourself be transported through places of art, fragrant vineyards, and breathtaking landscapes.

Day 1: Lake Garda and the magic of Sirmione
Meet at the Desenzano sul Garda train station. After a short stroll along the lakeside, we'll board the ferry to Sirmione. Once docked on the peninsula, you'll be able to wander through the colorful alleys of the historic center for a first glimpse of this unique place. A visit to the Rocca Scaligera, with its unique dock surrounding crenellated towers, is a must. From here, you'll enjoy a marvelous view of the entire Lake Garda. The tip of the peninsula is dominated by the imposing ruins preserved in the Grotte di Catullo archaeological site. We'll definitely visit these, thanks to our guide, an archaeologist specializing in Roman times, who will help us better understand the strategic importance of this settlement. Before evening, you'll have free time to relax in Sirmione's famous thermal baths. Overnight stay at the hotel and dinner on your own.

Day 2: Peschiera, the fortified city
We'll travel by water again, by boat, along part of the lake's southern shore to reach Peschiera del Garda. This fortified city, built during the Renaissance to protect the point where the Garda River merges with the Mincio River, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. After visiting one of the bastions and the historic center, we'll exit through the main gate of the so-called Venetian Fortress. After lunch, we'll reach San Martino della Battaglia, where the towering monumental tower was erected in the early 20th century to honor Victor Emmanuel II and those who fought for the unification of Italy, defeating the Austrians on June 24, 1859. Transfer to Valeggio sul Mincio. Overnight stay in Valeggio sul Mincio.

Day 3: A beautiful strategic town
Visits to Valeggio and Borghetto sul Mincio deserve a full day, as although they are less renowned towns, they are rich in interesting monuments and unexpected natural attractions. We visit Santa Maria on the Mincio Falls, which became a preceptory of the Knights Templar in the 12th century; we tour the Scaliger Castle (13th century), the bridgehead of a system of fortifications approximately 16 km long, which includes the unique Visconti Bridge, built a hundred years later. For lunch, we head to a private estate to explore the winery and its 40 hectares of typical vineyards (Garganega, Rondinella, Molinara), and taste the dry and smooth Bardolino DOC, the pride of the area. In the afternoon, we'll enjoy some relaxation in nature, exploring the sumptuous Sigurtà Garden Park, named Italy's most beautiful park in 2013 and Europe's second most beautiful park in 2015. In the evening, we'll transfer to Mantua. Overnight stay in Mantua.

Day 4: Mantua, a city of art and a protagonist of the Renaissance
Mantua was the capital of the Duchy of Gonzaga, which during its five centuries of rule over those lands attracted masters of art, architects, and enlightened minds, including Leonardo da Vinci, Leon Battista Alberti, Andrea Mantegna, and Giulio Romano. Thanks to the legacy they bequeathed to us, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008. We visit the key sites—perfectly preserved—that bear witness to the transformation of a simple medieval village into a vibrant ducal city capable of rivaling the European Renaissance capitals. Among the many sites: Castel San Giorgio, the Ducal Palace, and the Archaeological Museum; the Basilica of Sant'Andrea, where Mantegna and many of the Gonzaga family are buried; the evocative Loggia di Giulio Romano; and, to conclude, immersed in nature, the verdant Virgilian Gardens, commissioned by Napoleon in 1797. Overnight in Mantua.

Day 5: Palazzo Te and a boat trip on the lakes of Mantua
Mantua never ceases to amaze. Ruler of the lands that have always been in touch with water, it has undergone several land reclamation projects, such as the one that transformed the island of Tejeto into a small promontory where the 16th-century Palazzo Te still stands. The residence is so sumptuous and richly decorated that it was key to Francesco II Gonzaga's rise to the title of Duke. After visiting Palazzo Te, the tour concludes with a boat trip on the lakes of Mantua, a unique ecosystem combining rivers, lagoons, and marshes rich in lotus flowers and birdlife (optional). An excursion with lunch on the boat is also available.

Spring, summer and autumn

Milan, Verona