Welcome to #myUNESCOtrip! My name is Nicole and a come from Vigo Meano, a small village about 14 Km from Trento (Italy). I decided to start my #goUNESCOtrip from my city and in 15 days I�ll bring you to 11 different UNESCO World Heritage sites located in northern Italy.
DAY 1: Trento � Malga Ciapela – Marmolada �the Queen of the Dolomites�
The first World Heritage I would like you to visit is the Dolomites: the most beautiful mountains in northern Italy. In particular I would like people to discover the beautiful queen of the Dolomites: the �Marmolada�.
(Watch this impressive video made for the promotion of the Dolomites:)
The day will start pretty early and we are supposed to take the bus 101 around 6 a.m. in order to be able to reach Malga Ciapela (Malga in Italian is the name of the mountain houses used today as shelters, restaurants or hostel) around 9.30 a.m., maximum at 10 a.m.
My suggestion is to buy some food in the minimarket of the station for the day. I think 20� in water, biscuits (or crackers), sandwiches and a cappuccino with a croissant (Italian breakfast!) would be enough for the journey.
From Malga Ciapela we will continue our journey by cable car by purchasing a 24 � ticket that will bring us to the highest mountain, the Marmolada. Once we reach the top we will be able to enjoy the great view. The position will give us the chance to have a good panoramic of the surrounding mountains and valleys and we will have a very unique experience.
We will descend the mountain around 2 p.m. by using the cable car again. Once we reach Malga Ciapela we will enjoy a relaxing break and we can purchase here food and drinks. I personally like to eat cakes and strudel. A slice of cake, strudel or a panna cotta (special kind of pudding with cream and a warm sauce made with small fruits like blueberries and strawberries) would cost around 5�.
After the relaxing break we will leave again in order to be able to reach Trento around 8-9 p.m.
Transportation:
1. Trento to Malga Ciapela � BUS 101 (3h18min) – Euro 16
2. Malga Ciapela � Marmolada with cable car – 24 Euros
3. Malga Ciapela � Trento � Bus 101 (3h18min) � Euro 16
Overnight accomodation: Ostello Giovane Europa (Trento) � ca. Euro 18
DAY 2: Trento � Venice – Padua
The Second day is dedicated to the beautiful and worldwide famous city of Venice.
We will again leave the city of Trento very early in the morning and we will take the 6:05 train in the direction of Bassano del Grappa and from there we will take the second and last train that will bring us to Venice.
Venice is a great city and it was inscribed on the World Heritage List with its Lagoon in 1987 under all the six cultural criteria (i, ii, iii, iv, v, vi). I never follow a precise route in Venice, I like to explore the city and try different places. Considering that we are spending here one day we will only see the main highlights.
From the station we will visit different points: San Marco square and the Basilica, the Gran Canale, the Bridge of Rialto and the Palazzo Ducale, the beautiful churches of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari and Santa Maria dei Miracoli and the oldest Ghetto in Europe.
During the stay in Venice we will experience Italian�s most wanted tradition: the aperitivo con stuzzichini (aperitif with small degustation, similar to tapas).
In the evening we will leave and reach the city of Padua.
Transportation:
1. 06:05 Train from Trento to Bassano del Grappa
2. 08:25 Train from Bassano del Grappa to Venice Santa Lucia (Main Station) � arrive at 09:34
Total cost of the Train: 10.15 Euros
3. Departure from Venice at 20:05 and arrival in Padua at 20:54 – Euro 4.04
Overnight accommodation: Ostello della Giovent� Citt� di Padova � ca. 20 Euros
DAY 3: Padua & Vicenza
Padua is only 29 Km away from Venice. The city is famous for its Botanical Gardens that were inscribed on the WH List in 1997 under criteria ii and iii. As the UNESCO page of the gardens says �The world’s first botanical garden was created in Padua in 1545. It still preserves its original layout � a circular central plot, symbolizing the world, surrounded by a ring of water. Other elements were added later, some architectural (ornamental entrances and balustrades) and some practical (pumping installations and greenhouses). It continues to serve its original purpose as a center for scientific research.� (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/824)
We should wake up around 7.30-8 a.m. in order to be able to leave the hostel around 9 a.m. and grab a coffee with a croissant (ca 3.50 �).
Our first stop will be the Botanical Garden, the entrance fee for the site is 2� for students and 5� for adults. The botanical garden is a beautiful and relaxing place! The visit will last around 2-3 hours and we should be able to leave the garden around 1 p.m. On the way back to the city center we will be able to grab some street food (pizza or a panino � the Italian sandwich, and a bottle of water. ca. 5�). In the afternoon we will visit two masterpieces of Padua: Saint� Anthony Basilica and the Scrovegni Chapel.
We should be done around 6 p.m. and we will immediately head in the direction of the main station in order not to miss our train to Vicenza. Once in Vicenza we could grab some street food or some food from the supermarket (ca. 4�) and head to our hostel.
Transportation:
1. Departure from Padua at 18:26 and arrival in Vicenza at 18:52 � Euro 4.05
Overnight accommodation: Ostello Olimpico di Vicenza � ca. 21 Euros
DAY 4: Vicenza
Vicenza is worldwide famous mainly for the amazing villas built by Andrea Palladio in the XVI century. �Palladio’s urban buildings, as well as his villas, scattered throughout the Veneto region, had a decisive influence on the development of architecture. His work inspired a distinct architectural style known as Palladian, which spread to England and other European countries, and also to North America.� (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/712)
During this day in Vicenza we should focus on the city center. Some of the Palladian villas are located outside the city and they are somehow difficult to visit in one day with the public transportation.
In the city center we will look at several buildings: the Roman Criptoportico, the cathedral, the Palladian Basilica, the Oratorio del Gonfalone and the Piazza dei Signori. In the late afternoon we will finally enjoy a break: we will join another aperitif with stuzzichini (degustation).
Overnight accommodation: Ostello Olimpico di Vicenza � ca. 21 Euros
DAY 5: Vicenza � Verona
We will leave Vicenza around 9 a.m. Our next stop is Verona.
I am in love with Verona. I did my bachelor studies at the University of Verona and I sent in this city almost three years. The city is beautiful, livable and perfect for students.
Verona �was founded in the 1st century B.C. It particularly flourished under the rule of the Scaliger family in the 13th and 14th centuries and as part of the Republic of Venice from the 15th to 18th centuries. Verona has preserved a remarkable number of monuments from antiquity, the medieval and Renaissance periods, and represents an outstanding example of a military stronghold.� (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/797)
We are going to visit a lot in Verona!
The itinerary will cover different places around the city and we will walk around the whole day. The highlights of the visit will be: the Arena, the House of Juliet (Shakespeare�s �Romeo and Juliet), the Basilica of San Zeno, the Church of Saint Anastasia, Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Br�, the Scaligero Bridge, the Giusti Garden and the Archaeological Museum.
We will also try to do some shopping in Via Mazzini!
Transportation:
1. Departure from Vicenza at 08:59 and arrival in Verona at 09:39 � Euro 5.35
Overnight accommodation: B&B Navi � ca 21�
DAY 6: Verona � Milan
Milan is not only the city of fashion! The city of Milan hosts a variety of heritage places and inside the city is located the WH site of the �Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with �The Last Supper� by Leonardo da Vinci�. The importance of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie is mostly connected with two great figures: the architect Donato Bramante and the genius of Leonardo Da Vinci (and in particular his painting, the �Last Supper�).
We will reach Milan around 10:25 and we will immediately reach one of Milan�s highlights: the Dome (decorated with more than 3000 statues). After the Dome we will visit the Castle of the Family Sforza and the Brera Art Gallery. In the afternoon we will head to the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The visit of this world heritage site has to be planned in advance and the ticket for the Convent should be purchased online at least 3 months in advance.
In the evening we will explore the areas of Milan�s nightlife: the �Navigli.
Transportation:
1. Departure from Verona Porta Nuova (train station) at 09:02 and arrival in Milano Centrale (Main Station at 10:25) � Euro 21,50
Overnight accommodation: Scream Hostel � ca 13�
DAY 7: Milan – Turin
We will leave Milan quite early in the morning in order to be able to travel with a cheaper train.
We will reach Turin at 9 a.m. and we will go to the famous �Mole Antonelliana� and afterwards we will visit �Palazzo Madama� (Museum of Ancient Art). The afternoon will be dedicated to the Egyptian Museum and its fabulous collection.
Finally some free time J
Transportation:
1. Departure from Milano Centrale (Main Station) at 07:18 and arrival in Turin Porta Nuova (train station) at 9:10 � Euro 12,20
Overnight accommodation: Bamboo Eco Hostel � ca 22�
DAY 8: Turin
This day will be focused on the WH site of the �Residences of the Royal House of Savoy�.
(Background from UNESCO: �When Emmanuel-Philibert, Duke of Savoy, moved his capital to Turin in 1562, he began a vast series of building projects (continued by his successors) to demonstrate the power of the ruling house. This outstanding complex of buildings, designed and embellished by the leading architects and artists of the time, radiates out into the surrounding countryside from the Royal Palace in the ‘Command Area’ of Turin to include many country residences and hunting lodges.� http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/823)
During this day we will visit one of the many palaces of the Savoy Family. (ca 30�)
Overnight accommodation: Bamboo Eco Hostel � ca 22�
DAY 8: Turin � Genoa
Day 8 will be dedicated to Genoa, one of the Ancient Italian Marine Republic. In 2006 the �Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli� was inscribed on the WH List as �the first example in Europe of an urban development project parcelled out by a public authority within a unitary framework and associated to a particular system of �public lodging� in private residences, as decreed by the Senate in 1576. The site includes an ensemble of Renaissance and Baroque palaces along the so-called �new streets� (Strade Nuove).� (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1211)
During the day we will visit the World Heritage site (see map.)
Transportation:
1. Departure from Turin Porta Nuova at 08:20 and arrival in Genoa Piazza Principe (train station) at 10:30 � Euro 12,20
Overnight accommodation: Albergo Acquaverde � ca 30�
DAY 9: Genoa
After all this walking and visiting we need a break! � FREE DAY IN GENOA
(�36 hours in Genoa� from NY Times – http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/30/travel/30hours.html?pagewanted=all)
Overnight accommodation: Albergo Acquaverde � ca 30�
DAY 10 � 11: Cinque Terre
Finally a cultural landscape! Day 10 is dedicated to the site of Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto). The site was inscribed in 1997 under criteria ii, iv and v. �The Ligurian coast between Cinque Terre and Portovenere is a cultural landscape of great scenic and cultural value. The layout and disposition of the small towns and the shaping of the surrounding landscape, overcoming the disadvantages of a steep, uneven terrain, encapsulate the continuous history of human settlement in this region over the past millennium.� (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/826)
We will visit at least two of the five villages of Cinque Terre (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso). We will hike around and we will taste the local wine produced on the traditional stone-dry terraces. (Cinque Terre Card included)
Transportation:
1. Train from Genoa to La Spezia.
2. Train from La Spezia to Vernazza (Cinque Terre)
Overnight accommodation: Ostello Porto Venere � ca 22�
DAY 12: Cinque Terre � Modena
We will arrive in Modena in the afternoon.
We will visit the Museum and House of Enzo Ferrari.
Transportation:
1. Travel from Portovenere to La Spezia.
2. Train from La Spezia at 10:12 and arrival in Modena at 13:30.
Overnight accommodation: Ostello San Filippo Neri � ca. 18,50�
DAY 13: Modena � Ferrara
During day 13 we will discover the elements of the WH site in Modena: �Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena�. Modena was inscribed on the WH list in 1997 under criteria i, ii, iii and iv. The justification for the inscription reports that �The Committee decided to inscribe this property on the basis of criteria (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), considering that the joint creation of Lanfranco and Wiligelmo is a masterpiece of human creative genius in which a new dialectical relationship between architecture and sculpture was created in Romanesque art. The Modena complex bears exceptional witness to the cultural traditions of the 12th century and is one of the best examples of an architectural complex where religious and civic values are combined in a medieval Christian town.� (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/827)
Transportation:
1. Train from Modena at 18:34 and arrival in Ferrara at 19:49. � Euro 6,90
Overnight accommodation: Hotel Daniela � ca. 24�
DAY 14: Ferrara
This is our last World Heritage Site for this trip! �Ferrara, City of the Renaissance, and its Po Delta�. The site was inscribed in 1995 and extended in 1999. The criteria of inscription are: ii, iii, iv, v, vi and vii.
The highlights of this visit will be: the Estense Castle, the cathedral, the Palace of Diamonds, the Monastery of Saint Antony and the Schifanoia Palace.
We will dine in a typical Osteria in the area, with traditional Italian food from Modena and Parma.
Overnight accommodation: Hotel Daniela � ca. 24�
DAY 15: Ferrara � Trento
We will return to Trento and finally enjoy some sightseeing in my city. We will visit the Buonconsiglio Castle, the MUSE, the Dome and we will taste local food and wine.
Transportation:
1. Train from Ferrara at 10:32 and arrival at 10:57 in Bologna.
2. Train from Bologna at 11:00 and arrival in Trento at 13:30
Budget:
|
Accommodation |
Travel Costs |
Food & drinks |
Entrance fees |
Total per day |
|
| Day 1: Trento � Malga Ciapela – Marmolada |
18,00 |
56,00 |
25,00 |
99,00 |
|
| Day 2: Trento � Venice – Padua |
20,00 |
14,19 |
25,00 |
15,00 |
74,19 |
| Day 3: Padua & Vicenza |
21,00 |
4,05 |
12,50 |
14,50 |
52,05 |
| Day 4: Vicenza |
21,00 |
15,00 |
9,00 |
45,00 |
|
| Day 5: Vicenza – Verona |
21,00 |
5,35 |
15,00 |
18,50 |
59,85 |
| Day 6: Verona – Milan |
13,00 |
21,50 |
25,00 |
13,75 |
73,25 |
| Day 7: Milan – Turin |
22,00 |
12,20 |
20,00 |
11,50 |
65,70 |
| Day 8: Turin |
22,00 |
20,00 |
20,00 |
10,00 |
72,00 |
| Day 9: Turin – Genoa |
30,00 |
12,20 |
15,00 |
12,00 |
69,20 |
| Day 10: Genoa |
30,00 |
15,00 |
45,00 |
||
| Day 11: Cinque Terre |
22,00 |
11,00 |
20,00 |
7,50 |
60,50 |
| Day 12: Cinque Terre – Modena |
18,50 |
14,65 |
15,00 |
12,00 |
60,15 |
| Day 13: Modena – Ferrara |
24,00 |
6,90 |
15,00 |
5,00 |
50,90 |
| Day 14: Ferrara |
24,00 |
40,00 |
17,00 |
81,00 |
|
| Day 15: Ferrara – Trento |
14,10 |
30,00 |
20,00 |
64,10 |
|
|
Total: |
971,89 |
||||