Cities of the Renaissance - Mantua and Ferrara

Mantua and Ferrara - both intellectual and artistic centres that attracted many leading lights of the Renaissance, both ruled over by great families that were rivals to the Medicis, and both gloriously overlooked destinations. Join Clare Ford-Wille to explore the art and architecture of two of Italy's Renaissance gems: Mantua, encircled by water, with its romantic skyline of domes and towers; and Ferrara, home to colossal palazzi and a wealth of wonderful art.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival and visit to Sabbioneta
Fly from London Heathrow to Bologna and transfer to Sabbioneta, a UNESCO heritage site with a unique layout and architecture inspired by ancient Roman and Greek cities. There will be time for lunch and a walking tour before we continue to Mantua to check-in to the hotel. This evening enjoy a welcome drink, lecture, 'The patronage of the Gonzaga in Mantua' by Clare Ford-Wille and dinner with wine at the hotel.

Day 2: Full day in Mantua
This morning will be spent exploring Mantua's magnificent Palazzo Ducale which was built between the 14th and 17th centuries by the Gonzaga as the royal residency of their Duchy. A labyrinth over 500 rooms there is plenty to see. This afternoon, visit the Early Renaissance church of San Sebastiano, Renaissance artist Andrea Mantegna's House, which he designed himself, before spending time examining the mannerist architecture of the Palazzo Te. The masterpiece of Giulio Romano, the palazzo was built between 1524 and 1534 for Frederico II Gonzaga, the frescos painted by local painters are still the most striking feature. There will also be a visit to the Palazzo San Sebastiano.

Day 3: Full day in Ferrara
This morning, visit the Cathedral and the Cathedral Museum which displays objects from the cathedral such as 13th century wall panels, a collection of illuminated hymnbooks and paintings. Next to the breath-taking Renaissance Palazzo dei Diamanti to visit collections of the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Ferrara for an overview of Ferrarese art from the 13th to 17th centuries. The first of this afternoon's visits will be Castello Estense, the moated medieval residence to the ruling Este family, followed by Palazzo Schifanoia, the Este pleasure palace which is home to Ferrara's most famous frescoes. This evening there will be an aperitif, lecture, 'The patronage of the Este in Ferrara and Mantua' and dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Morning visit to Modena
Here, amongst other sights, there will be time to explore the magnificent Romanesque cathedral and Galleria Estense with Clare’s guidance before an afternoon transfer to Bologna airport for the return flight to London Heathrow.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers. 

Tour Grading: This tour is graded as moderate due to the amount of walking involved throughout the tour. Some attractions may have uneven, slippery flooring, and uneven steps with no handrail. The tour is designed to include many attractions, so a good level of fitness is needed. Visit the mobility page of our website, or contact our team for more information. 

INCLUDED

• Return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow to Bologna
• Three nights' bed and breakfast at the four-star Casa Poli, Mantua, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room 
• Two dinners with wine
• Two lectures at the hotel 
• Airport transfers, tours and entrance fees as per the itinerary
• Clare Ford-Wille and tour manager throughout 

NOT INCLUDED

• Single room supplement - from £141
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc 
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTELS

Casa Poli, Mantua
Perfectly located a 10-minute walk from the centre of Mantua, the four-star Casa Poli is a sophisticated, modern design hotel set in a 19th century building. Facilities at the hotel include lounge bar and internal garden. Bedrooms are stylish and minimalist with en-suite bathroom with shower/bath, air-conditioning, TV, telephone, wifi, safe, minibar and hairdryer.

Casa Poli website

MORE INFO 

Your Lecturer - Clare Ford-Wille
Clare has lectured in most areas of art history for over thirty-five years. She still teaches at the University of London, where she obtained her degree at Birkbeck, but also lectures regularly for Morley College, the City Literary Institue, the Victoria and Albert Museum and Branches of The Arts Society throughout Britain, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Every year since 1978 Clare has led art study tours to places of artistic importance throughout Europe and the USA, including Amsterdam, Padova and Vicenza.