Central Po Valley

Located right the centre of the Po Valley, Piacenza is the epitome of the northern Italian provincial town - authentic, quiet, unblemished by excessive tourism, yet full of history to savour and soak in. As part of the ancient pan-European Via Francigena pilgrimage route, it is also a major stopping point for visitors who seek a more spiritual perpective to their travels. Picture ©emiliaromagnaturismo

Duration: 3-7 hours
Overnight in Pavia, Cremona, or Piacenza itself

From S$120/person (group of 4 persons)

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Pavia has a history that goes back to long before the ancient Romans arrived. As home to one of the earliest universities in Europe, it remains a major cultural centre which is overshadowed only by the glamour and brashness of nearby Milan, and makes an excellent base to explore the  equally excellent countryside. Picture vivipavia

Duration: 3 hours
Overnight in Pavia

From S$120/person (group of 4 persons)

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Lodi started out as a Celtic settlement which the ancient Roman absorbed into its expanding empire. While mostly overshadowed by nearby Milan, which destroyed the city in 1158, it still holds its own with its wealth of Romanesque churches, medieval townscape, and Liberty-style architecture, distinguishing itself from the other towns of the central Po valley. Picture Wikimedia Commons

Duration: 3-7 hours
Overnight in Pavia or Lodi

From S$150/person (group of 4 persons), excluding the journey there and the eventual return by train

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Most famous for producing some of the best violins in the world, the crftmanship of which has become a recognised UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2012, Cremona is nevertheless far more than this. First documented as far back as 400BCE, Cremona today is a wealth of medieval architecture, and claims itself as the birthplace of the nougat. Picture ©Andrea Wyner for NYT

Duration: 3-7 hours
Overnight in Cremona or Pavia

From S$120/person (group of 4 persons), excluding the return journey

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A very imposing monastery and an even more imposing church is one of the major highlights when visiting Pavia and its surroundings, a splendid example of Lombard Gothic architecture and home to a collection of artworks representative of the region. Picture Wikimedia Commons

Duration 3 hours
Overnight in Pavia

From S$200 per person (group of 4 persons)

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Once a private property that was later bequeathed to the city of Pavia, this 34 hectares of wooded nature is a marvelous miniature of the ancient ecosystem of the Po Valley, located just minutes from the centre of town. A sanctuary for many species of brids, this reserve is a perfect counterpoint to the urban sights of the city, especially during the warmer months when fireflies provide a spectacular show in the evenings. Picture ©LIPU

Duration: 4-5 hours
Overnight in Asolo or Treviso

From S$180/person (group of 4 persons)

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The Via Francigena was a very important ancient pilgrimage route that runs from Canterbury in England all the way to Rome, which in recent years has become a major corridor of tourism not only for the religious but also for those interested in medieval history, unnusual cultural itineraries, and those who love hiking and cycling off the beaten track, and has become quite a major pan-European phenomenon. Picture ©italia.it

Duration: 5-9 hours depending on mode of transport.
Overnight in Pavia

From S$180/person (4 persons per group)

Select from the activities below (you can remove them later if you wish to):

The Via Francigena was a very important ancient pilgrimage route that runs from Canterbury in England all the way to Rome, which in recent years has become a major corridor of tourism not only for the religious but also for those interested in medieval history, unnusual cultural itineraries, and those who love hiking and cycling off the beaten track, and has become quite a major pan-European phenomenon. Picture ©italia.it

Duration: 5-9 hours depending on mode of transport.
Overnight in Pavia, Piacenza or Cremona

From S$180/person (4 persons per group)

Select from the activities below (you can remove them later if you wish to):

A 17th century aristocratic farm residence run by the same family since the 1700s, providing a almost surreal backdrop to the farming activities which take place. Has a beautifuil restaurant serving their own produce, which includes a signatue cheese. PictureBoat ride from Cremona up and down the river Po, with several itiineraries to choose from. Picture ©Lombardiasecrets

Duration: 3 hours
Overnight in Cremona

From S$100/person (group of 4 persons) inlcuding lunch

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The Oltrepò Pavese is considered by Italians to be the "Tuscany of Northern Italy", but is relatively unknown abroad. Yet the rolling hills, medieval villages, castles and panoramic views take you back to a lost past that will linger in your mind for a long time. Picture ©Comune di Fortunago

Duration: 3 hours
Overnight in Pavia

From S$180/person (group of 4 persons)

Select from the activities below (you can remove them later if you wish to):