Sirmione - Brescia - Bergamo

Route: Trento - Sirmione - Brescia - Bergamo - Trento
Duration: 11 h
Our first stop we will make at the Sirmione which is famous for it’s thermal water with it’s healing properties and situated on the south bank of Lake Garda, in correspondence with a long and narrow peninsula that divides the gulfs of Desenzano and Peschiera. Remembered as "Mansio", after the fall of the Roman Empire, Sirmione became a part of the Longobard kingdom, and in the XII century, it had its own independent administration from Verona. During the Scaligera regime, in XIII century, a wall was built around it and also an impressive fortress, after that it passed to Venice in the XV century. Apart from hosting a Spa of international level, it also has a rich historical and artistic heritage, that includes the ruins of an ancient Roman Villa of the first imperial era, known as the Catullo Grottoes,the Scaligera Fortress and the church of "S. Pietro" in Mavino, that dates back to at least VIII century. The city centre is characterised by the narrow alleys with the walls of stone,  offering its visitors romantic and suggestive views. Next we will visit to Brescia which is called the Lioness of Italy is one of the most important cities in Italy which it is full of history and in northern Italy Brescia is the only one place where we can still admire and study ruins of the Age of the Roman Empire. The architectural and urban planning wonderfully combines monuments, buildings and squares built over the centuries, allowing non-stop time travel backwards and forwards. Some of the local artists, who contributed to the splendour of this town, feature among the greatest in Italian art history. During the tour you will be surprised to get down under the surface of the road to enter to a special chamber with controlled air pressure to keep safe the mosaics in this environment that were made during the 1st century. Also you will see one of the most famous temple in Brescia of the Age of the Roman Empire is the Forum called "the Capitolum". During this guided tour we will also proceed to Santa Giulia museum an UNESCO protected area where you can find many other manufacts of the Roman Empire and also 14th century frescos painted inside Santa Giulia monastery that will really amaze you. We will also see the Lodge medieval square, Roman ruins of Piazza del Foro, the medieval buildings in Piazza del Duomo, the Renaissance art in Piazza della Loggia, Piazza della Vittoria, the Castle, the Monastery of San Francesco , the Torre della Pallata, the popular Quartiere del Carmine, the cathedral and much more. Next we will drive toward the Upper Town of Bergamo the beautiful "Upper" city, surrounded by Venetian walls built in the 16th century, which is a partially hidden gem of Italian cultural and architectural heritage.  Our tour tour will start from Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe; from there you'll walk through medieval streets that have maintained their ancient charm until you reach the Rocca castle. In the past the Rocca represented a defensive structure for the city, but today it's just a wonderful spot from which you can enjoy an unexpected view on the Lower Town and the neighboring valleys.The walk will continue towards Piazza Vecchia, the heart of the Upper Town, surrounded by ancient communal palaces and the imposing civic tower.Once you enter Piazza Duomo, you'll be fascinated by the majestic and unique Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a real jewel of Romanesque art. There you'll also see the Cathedral, the Baptistery and the Colleoni Chapel, an outstanding Renaissance building.Walk along Via Corsarola, the main street of the Upper Town, and enjoy the lively atmosphere created by the old and modern shops, restaurants and coffee-houses. Next you will see the charm and beauty of the Cittadella, built by the Visconti family in the XIV century. After free time for exploring of Bergamo we will return to Trento.
Price: per person