Unbeknownst to many discerning travelers, the wealth of art and architecture created by Courts of Northern Italy in Parma, Sabbioneta, Cremona, Fontanellato and Mantua is outstanding! A must experience, far from the maddening crowds.

Parma: the opulence of Renaissance and Baroque architecture and art is witnessed by the palaces, churches, monasteries, founded or restored, thanks to the Farnese dynasty’s indelible patronage of the arts; such as: the grandiose Palazzo Pilotta, and the innovative Farnese theatre.

Cremona: jewel of a small town with its remarkable Roman-Gothic Cathedral and Bell Tower–the tallest in Europe–home to the celebrated violin makers Amati and Stradivarius, where we will visit one of today’s world-renowned masters.

Mantua: home of the astounding Palazzo Te and its stupendous frescoes by Giulio Romano, a foremost student of Raphael, with admirable architecture, decor and art, thanks to the patronage of the Princely Courts.

We will see great Renaissance works of art by Mantegna and Giulio Romano, with exquisite frescoes and architectural gems, in Mantua and Sabbioneta, a charming, small fortified town.

We will be specially invited by distinguished hosts for receptions at their impressively beautiful, historic palaces and villas.

Milan, an early capital of the Roman Empire, is now Italy’s vibrant capital of fashion and design.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the stylish city of Milan offers a realm of cultural and artistic importance. The stately elegance of its historic center, Romanesque churches, the flamboyant Gothic Duomo, the Palazzo di Brera Art Gallery and its unique painting and sculpture collection, the fascinating Pinacoteca Ambrosiana picture gallery, the ultimate in 1930’s design of Piero Portlauppi’s Villa Necchi Campiglio house-museum.

Among other exclusive invitations, we will enjoy: a private visit to the Teatro di Scala, a private visit to the Studio of a foremost architectural firm in Europe, a private viewing of Leonardo da Vinci’s 15th-century mural painting “Last Supper”.

Lakes Maggiore & Como – astonishing natural beauty, unrivaled and unspoiled is Lombardy’s sub-Alpine Lake region, with privately-owned villas and gardens, impeccably preserved by their owners.

Lake Maggiore An hour from Milan, we will enjoy a day on Lake Maggiore, including Isola Bella, a sublimely harmonious balance between nature and architecture, to discover the Borromeo palace, its terraced gardens and the Teatro Massimo. We enjoy lunch on the picturesque Isola dei Pescatori, and a visit to the majestic palazzo Borromeo and superb botanical gardens on Isola Madre.

Lake Como We conclude our journey with a relaxing two-night stay on the breathtaking Lake Como. The awe-inspiring natural beauty of Lake Como – praised by writers, poets, and celebrities – is unrivalled. We will be invited by eminent hosts to their impeccably preserved, private villas and gardens, not open to the public.