Pavia rose to prominence as the capital of the Lombards, builders of many churches, monasteries and nunneries. Later the powerful Milanese Visconti family made it a center of arts and education. The University of Pavia (1361) is still a preeminent Italian university! Walking tour of Pavia’s medieval and early Renaissance monuments, including landmarks such as San Michele Church, the Duomo, the red brick Castello Visconteo (outside only) and the covered bridge, Ponte Coperto. Visit the Palazzo Cornazzani, the one-time home of the legendary Albert Einstein. Later, 8 km outside Pavia, tour the Certosa (1396), a Carthusian monastery and its gardens, with a monk as your guide.
*NOTE: Lunch is not included