The 4 Grand Carnivals of Northern Italy & Tuscany – An Exclusive Tour

Upon arrival at Milan or Bergamo airports (Linate, Malpensa, or Orio al Serio), a private transfer to our hotel can be arranged upon request for a smooth and comfortable start to your journey. In the afternoon, we will meet at our hotel in central Milan like Sina De la Ville Hotel or similar for a welcome briefing, presentation of the tour itinerary, and dinner.

This morning we will leave Milan and travel east to the city of lovers, Romeo and Juliet – Verona. We will visit Piazza Bra, see the impressive Roman amphitheater, and learn about the opera festival held there annually. Then we will gather in the city center for the Carnival parade, led by the King of Fools, locally known as Papa del Gnocco – the dish at the heart of the celebration. The colorful procession moves through the city streets with dozens of bands, children’s and adult dance groups from neighborhoods all around Verona. Prepare for a shower of flour and confetti (Coriandoli).
At the end of the carnival, transfer to our hotel in the area like NH Collection Palazzo or similar. In the evening, we’ll gather at a charming local restaurant to savor authentic regional specialties.

Today we will dedicate ourselves to the breathtaking Venetian Carnival, which transforms the city – already a living stage – into a giant open-air theater, filled with masks and costumes preserving centuries-old tradition. We will stroll through the festively dressed alleys, discover Venetian bacaro taverns and the local spritz, visit mask and costume shops, and more. We will gather in Piazza San Marco, the heart of the festivities, and blend into the crowd of costumed celebrants: colorful characters from past and present, all in an unforgettable carnival atmosphere.
Arrive to our hotel like Leonardo Mestre or similar. Dinner will be enjoyed in a traditional trattoria, where the flavors of the land come alive.

This morning we will head south toward Firenze (Tuscany) by train where we will visit the city and then we will continue by bus for our next stop – the famous Carnival of Viareggio. We will arrive around midday and join the lively atmosphere of the traditional parade. This grandiose procession is centered on gigantic satirical papier-mâché puppets carried on motorized floats, accompanied by dance troupes, music, and song. The enormous figures depict local characters as well as international political and cultural figures, offering a colorful, satirical spectacle.
Transfer to our hotel in the Genoa area like Hotel Bristol Palace or similar where we have a relaxing dinner.

In the morning we will tour Genoa’s main sites before heading north to Piedmont. Our destination: Ivrea, famous for its unique Carnival tradition – the legendary Battle of Oranges, reenacting the people’s historic revolt against the tyrant and his guards. Nine teams of “rebel” orange-throwers on foot (Arancieri a Piedi) face off against the tyrant’s guards, riding on horse-drawn carriages (Arancieri sui Carri). The battle recalls the story of the folk heroine Violetta, who resisted the tyrant’s demand for the “right of the first night” and took brutal revenge.
Evening transfer to our hotel in Turin like Grand Hotel Sitea or similar. Tonight, we’ll share a meal at a beloved local spot, discovering the authentic tastes of the area.

This morning we will explore Turin, the elegant capital of Piedmont at the foot of the Alps. On our walking tour we’ll discover Piazza San Carlo, known as the “salon of Turin,” the Carignano Palace, Piazza Carlo Alberto, and the Subalpina Gallery. We’ll also stop at a specialty chocolate shop for tastings and learn what makes Turin’s chocolate so famous. Along the way we’ll enjoy some of the city’s iconic flavors – tramezzini, grissini, and the famous bicerin – local delicacies that have become symbols of Italian taste.

We’ll continue to Piazza Castello and the Church of San Lorenzo, once the private chapel of the Dukes of Savoy. After some free time for lunch, each participant can choose one of three outstanding museums for the afternoon:

• Automobile Museum – an engaging journey through the history of the car and its role in the modern world.
• Egyptian Museum – home to one of the world’s most important collections of Egyptian antiquities, second only to Cairo.
• National Cinema Museum – inside the iconic Mole Antonelliana, an extraordinary experience through the history of film in one of Europe’s most spectacular museum settings.

We’ll return to our hotel in Turin and end the day with a hearty dinner in a traditional local restaurant, tasting the best dishes of the region.

Our morning takes us to the rice fields near Turin, where the story of Italy’s treasured grain comes to life. Surrounded by tradition, we’ll enjoy a flavorful risotto in a rustic trattoria. We’ll then continue to Vigevano, birthplace of the stiletto heel. Here we’ll admire the elegant main square and visit the International Shoe Museum (Museo Internazionale della Calzatura), located in a historic fortress. before making our way to Milan bringing our memorable journey to a graceful close.
Private transfers to Milan and Bergamo airports (Linate, Malpensa, Orio al Serio) are available upon request, ensuring a smooth and comfortable end to your Italian experience.

Note: The itinerary is subject to change depending on the official carnival schedules.