Legacies of Plagues - A Social and Medical History Tour of Italy, France and England

Plague has shaped our world. From ancient times through the Black Death to COVID-19, our medical, economic, culinary, social and art history has been irrevocably influenced by plague.

This tour follows the route of the Black Death through Europe, where it was first introduced by Genovese and Venetian merchants. Travelling through a range of beautiful European cities, each day will focus on a lasting legacy of plague; from marmots to mustard, to perfumes and pleasure, on conspiracies and scapegoats, art, architecture and town planning; learn the myriad ways plague has affected our world.

The tour includes a number of specialist visits, experiences, talks and culinary events, with expert guides and speakers connecting past and present. These experiences are combined with a journey through some of Europe’s most attractive and historic cities with excellent accommodation and opportunities to experience regional wines and cuisine. Tour leader, Dr Norman Swan, will share expert and insightful commentary along the way.

Price (sharing a room)

per person

Price (room to yourself)

per person

Reference:

ITA0926-1

At a glance

What you need to know

Type of tour

Cultural

Profession

Medical History

Nights

Countries

Tour grade

Moderate

Remaining places

Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

Venice

Saturday

September

The Origins of the Black Death: Arrive in Venice and check in to the hotel. Tour overview followed by welcome dinner in the evening.

Venice

Sunday

September

Trade and the Plague: Tour by water exploring Italy's connection to the Silk Road and trade. See the Ca'D'oro and the houses of merchants and traders. Continue to Isola del Lazzaretto Nuovo, where lepers and visitors were isolated during plague outbreaks. Visit Scuola Grande di San Rocco,which supported plague victims and is known for its magnificent paintings related to the plague.

Venice / Padua / Ferarra

Monday

September

Rationalising the Plague: Train to Padua and visit its botanical gardens. Guided tour of the beautiful Renaissance anatomical theatre – the oldest in the world - at Padua University. Continue to the Scrovegni Chapel to see the Giotto frescoes. Drive to Ferrara and check in.

Ferrara

Tuesday

September

On a walking tour, learn how the city dealt with the 17th century plague without losing a single inhabitant. At leisure with the option to have a drink in Antica Enoteca Al Brindisi, the oldest bar in the world. Dinner at Hotel Radisson Ferrara.

Ferrara/ Bologna/ Florence

Wednesday

September

Continue to Bologna, on a walking tour visit the “good” and “bad” hospitals and the Museo di Palazzo Poggi with its fascinating collection of anatomical wax models. Enjoy a glass of wine at Osteria del Sole, Bologna’s oldest bar, and proceed to Florence.

Florence

Thursday

September

Walk to the ancient Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy and visit the beautiful Ospedale degli Innocenti with its magnificent Renaissance artworks. Lunch at a rooftop cafe with stunning views before a visit to the eclectic La Specola Museum, renowned for its intricately detailed eighteenth-century wax anatomical models.

Florence

Friday

September

Take a walking tour of the city, including the stunning Cathedral, the Baptistery, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and Piazza della Signoria. Cross the Ponte Vecchio, lined with traditional jewellers, then explore Piazza Santa Croce and discover the ancient wine windows. At leisure with the option to visit the Museo Galileo or the Uffizi. Overnight at the NH Firenze.

Florence/ Lucca/ Genoa

Saturday

September

Drive via Lucca and take a walking tour through its maze of medieval streets to learn about the importance of walls in offering protection in the medieval world and in controlling plague. Visit a winery in the Lucca area for lunch and a wine tasting. Continue to Genoa, check in and at leisure.

Genoa

Sunday

September

Wander the carruggi (alleyways) in the heart of Genoa’s medieval centre, visit the Capuchin Convent of Annunziata di Portoria, which houses the mummified body of St. Catherine of Genoa, visit the Church of Maddalena and the Basilica del Vastato. Conclude at the Commenda di San Giovanni di Pré, a Romanesque complex of churches, convent and hospital. At leisure before dinner at a local restaurant.

Genoa / Marseille

Monday

September

Enjoy a scenic drive along the French Riviera, stopping at Nice's iconic Promenade des Anglais. Visit the charming town of Grasse, the world’s perfume capital, and explore Fragonard Parfumier, with its museum and historic workshop. Continue to the great port city of Marseille for dinner in a local restaurant.

Marseille

Tuesday

September

Tour Marseille’s historic quarter, which was struck by plague in 1720 despite an elaborate system of protective measures. See the old Marseille General Hospital and visit ‘Le Panier’ to learn about the history of La Vieille Charité, a former alms-house. Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts and at leisure.

Marseille / Avignon/ Paris

Wednesday

September

Drive to Avignon and explore the city, which at the time of the Black Death was head of the Catholic Church. Take a guided visit of the impressive Palais des Papes, a symbol of religious and political power. Take the high-speed train to Paris, transfer to the elegant Hotel Les Jardins du Marais and spend an evening at leisure.

Paris

Thursday

October

Guided tour exploring how Paris was redesigned by Baron Haussmann for the health of its densely populated inhabitants. See Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, the oldest Parisian hospital, founded in 651 and still in operation. Guided tour of La Boutique Maille, opened in 1747, and learn of their plague cures. Take part in a private mustard tasting.

Paris

Friday

October

A full day at leisure to enjoy the many delights of Paris.

Paris / London

Saturday

October

Eurostar train to London and transfer to The Marylebone Hotel. Visit Charterhouse Square, one of London’s largest plague pits. Meet Jelena Bekvalac, curator (Human Osteology) at the Museum of London to learn about recent archaeological digs in London. Explore the byways of the City of London to see how the plague and Great Fire ravaged the city. Dinner at the Royal Society of Medicine.

London

Sunday

October

Take a walking tour in the footsteps of Dr John Snow in Soho to learn about the evolution of epidemiology in the 19th century and its role in combating cholera. End at the John Snow Pub. At leisure before a farewell dinner.

London

Monday

October

Check out of the hotel after breakfast.