Tours designed and leadered by our Experts
Immersive week ends to discover your passion
One day special moments within your passion
Hands-on: explore your passion with the artisans
Art Guide always present
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Group Size: Min. 6 Max. 10
Next Departures:
19 – 28 May 2025
20 – 29 Oct 2025
Cancellation policy and safety measures
Our small group or private journeys can be fully customized. We can help you to design a lifetime cultural tailor-made experience.
Please contact us for further details.
info@elestatravel.it
Towns made of mosaics in northern Italy
The art of tiny pieces can shape a town. Floors and walls of northern Italian cities have been decorated with mosaics using different stiles. Stone mosaics in Milan’s Duomo, gold mosaics in Venice and the 4th – 11th centuries mosaics of Spilimbergo, Grado, and Aquileia, in Friuli Venezia Giulia region. The history of this ancient technique has been formally recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage by nominating eight monuments situated in Ravenna.
Two half-days workshop at Luciana Notturni mosaic school in Ravenna.
Day 1 – MILAN
Transfer to the Hotel, welcome lunch at the hotel, and introduction to the expert.
Lunch and walking tour to admire contemporary mosaic design in the very city center of Milan. From Vittorio Emanuele Gallery walk to a charming Coffee Shop decorated by a famous mosaic artist and to the fine mosaic floors of another gallery.
Light dinner at the historical bar that invented the famous Italian aperitivo tradition.
Overnight in Milan.
Day 2 – MILAN
Walking tour with the expert guide to explore some mosaic masterpieces in Milan, both in the rich collections of the Archeological Museum and in ancient churches, such as Sant’Ambrogio and San Lorenzo.
Light lunch and then visit to a wonderful atelier where a mosaic artist creates artworks sold all around the world.
Dinner at leisure and overnight in Milan.
Day 3 – VENICE
Transfer to Venice. Arrival at lunchtime.
Light lunch, city tour, and time to admire the astonishing mosaics in Basilica di San Marco.
Dinner at typical Osteria and overnight in Venice.
Day 4 – VENICE
After breakfast, visit the island of Murano to learn about the lagoon of Venice and see how glass and art are forged. Visit some of the many glass factories and workshops. Learn about the magic of glass from the experts.
Lunch and return to Canareggio, to visit Furnace Orsoni and discover Venice’s history, spectacular wonders, and secret corners across its canals and bridges.
Private water-taxi tour of Venice to admire mosaic on palace facades.
Dinner at leisure, overnight in Venice.
Day 5 – SPILIMBERGO, PALMANOVA & GRADO
Private transfer to the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Visit an important and famous Mosaic School.
Lunch in the medieval city centre and guided tour of this little town, an excellent example of the star fortress of the Late Renaissance.
Transfer and dinner.
Overnight in Grado.
Day 6 / GRADO & AQUILEIA
Short visit to Grado and private transfer to the ancient Roman city of Aquileia to admire the magnificent cathedral mosaic floor.
Light Lunch, time to visit the Archeological Museum.
Dinner and overnight in Grado.
DAY 7 / RAVENNA
Breakfast and transfer to Ravenna following the Adriatic Coast. Stop at the Colli Euganei park for a short visit at the Villa dei Vescovi.
Private lunch at Villa Vescovi with views over the Adriatic coast.
Dinner at leisure and overnight in Ravenna.
DAY 8 / RAVENNA
Guided tour to discover five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit of Basilica of St. Vitale; to experience the strong emotions that accompany the entry into the Mausoleum Galla Placidia, where cobalt blue mosaics embrace a dome of golden stars.
Light lunch.
Afternoon workshop in the famous mosaic school of Luciana Notturni.
Dinner at leisure and Overnight in Ravenna.
Day 9 / RAVENNA
After breakfast accompany the Virgins and Martyrs of St. Apollinare Nuovo on their journey, and stand awestruck before the elegant movement of the Apostles in the Neonian Baptistery, almost a joyful dance around Jesus, baptized in the River Jordan. Discover the refined details sculpted in the ivory of the Throne of Maximian and admire the light as it reflects in the gold and radiates throughout the Chapel of St. Andrew kept in the Archiepiscopal Museum.
Light lunch.
Afternoon workshop.
Farewell dinner and overnight in Ravenna.
Day 10 – Departure
Transfer to the airport.
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Included:
- Expert guide
- Entrance fees
- Accommodation (4* or equivalent)
- Private transfers
- Breakfast
- Meals as mentioned
- Domestic flights (if any)
- Private boat tours (if any)
- Workshops (if any)
Not included:
- International flights
- Tips
- Beverage
Cancellation Policy and Safety Measures
As restrictions and mobility are constantly being changed and evaluated to help contain the spread of Covid 19, we have adopted a policy of 100% refund and total flexibility. We believe uncertainty should not keep you away from dreaming of your next destination. Please contact us to be informed on the evolution of the situation in Italy and to learn about details of our cancellation or change policies.
