NEW! Northern Lakes, Venice, Milan with Bernina Express, Alps and Dolomites 13 Days / 12 Nights

Day 1:

Meet your driver at the airport and enjoy your included transfer to the hotel. Check in at your hotel for a restful overnight stay.

Day 2:

After breakfast, enjoy your transfer to Piazza San Marco, and visit the most iconic places of the “Floating City”: the Palazzo dei Dogi, symbol of Venice’s glorious past, the legendary “Bridge of Sighs”. After the walking tour, allow us to treat you to a spritz or a prosecco, as a delightful conclusion to your visit to the highlights of Venice, in the company of your tour leader. While you sit comfortably and savor your drink, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the famous "cicchetti", a Venetian variation of tapas (light lunch). Spend the afternoon roaming along Venice’s canals at your leisure and then return to the hotel and overnight.

Day 3:

After breakfast, reach “fair Verona”, a museum en plain air. A local professional will be waiting for you and take you on a guided tour. The fascinating mix of historical periods and cultures (both classical and Germanic) is a blend of Nordic as well as Mediterranean influences that is both ancient and modern. A walk through its narrow streets will allow you to get in touch with Verona’s varied and fascinating past: traces of its splendid Roman origins, its medieval structures, its magnificent renaissance palaces, as well as the impressive fortifications protecting it. The combination of art and history will amaze you. Two of William Shakespeare's plays are set in Verona: “Romeo and Juliet” is by far the most famous one. We suggest taking a look at the so-called Juliet’s home (and its balcony, said to have been the legendary balcony of the famous “O Romeo, Romeo” tragedy’s scene). It is a medieval building located in via Cappello. Capello is the name of a family who resided in the edifice in the 14th century. After the Verona tour, you will drive toward the territory of Franciacorta, whose soil consisting of gravel and sand over limestone is ideal for the cultivation of grapes and for winemaking. This is why we chose this place for your next stop. This is where you will enjoy a light lunch and taste some local food as well as the renowned local wine. After this experience, you will head for Bergamo, where you will have the first overnight in Bergamo.

Day 4:

Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, is the next destination. After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll embark on a panoramic tour of the lake’s west coast, immersing yourselves in the breathtaking natural landscape. This includes the Brenta Dolomites (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the gentle slopes of the Moraine Hills of Lower Garda. You'll be surrounded by lush vegetation, from lemon trees to oleanders, magnolias, and bougainvillea. Upon reaching Sirmione, where Lake Garda and its surroundings are at their finest, you'll see the sun reverberating on the lake’s blue waters, the tree-lined shores, Sirmione Castle, as well as the ruins of Catullus’s villa or Grottoes of Catullus (the 1st-century BC poet owned a villa here) during a boat tour. Once you’re through, you will have some free time for lunch before departing for Desenzano del Garda with its elegant lakeside promenade and historical center that reflects traces of Venetian influence. Dinner and overnight stay in Bergamo.

Day 5:

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then prepare for a short visit to Como, a tourist destination for its vicinity to Lake Como and the Alps. Amazing views over the lake and the alpine valleys are guaranteed! The lake itself, sometimes called Lario, has long been famous for its y-shape and for Bellagio, that you will reach by boat. This little gem town lies at the intersection of the lake’s two southern arms, with the Alps dominating the horizon to the north, and is home to some of the most charming landscapes in Italy. Spend some time exploring this picturesque village and its small streets, luxury hotels, villas, and gardens, and have lunch at your leisure in one of the many restaurants or cafés. Later, continue by boat to Cadenabbia, where you’ll meet your driver and continue onward to Milan. Check in at your Milan hotel and overnight. 

Day 6:

This is the day of your Bernina Express tour, on board “the train that snakes its way up to the mountain peaks".  Just like sitting in a theater, you will admire unique views from your seat on board the Bernina Train, a piece of history (it is 100 years old) and a World Heritage train. After breakfast at the hotel, meet our driver and head to St. Moritz, where you’ll have some free time to explore. Then, board the Bernina Express and embark on one of the most scenic train routes in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Alps. As the train winds through the mountains, passing through tunnels and villages, several stunning highlights will capture your attention. Enjoy magnificent views of the Swiss Alps as you travel along the Bernina pass to Tirano. Once in Tirano, meet your driver at the designated meeting point for your return journey to Milan Overnight stay in Milan.

Day 7:

After breakfast, feel free to explore Milan this morning at your own pace. In the afternoon, meet your professional local guide at the hotel and set off on a three-hour walking tour through the heart of Milan. Going down via Spallanzani, you will reach Porta Venezia (literally Venice Gate), one of the historical gates to the city. It has medieval and maybe even Roman origins, and it gives the name to the city district all around it. An urban legend has it that the other name it is known as - “Porta Renza” - stems from Renzo Tramaglino, co-protagonist of the novel The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni, who enters Milan exactly from this access. You will proceed toward Corso Venezia You will proceed toward Corso Venezia and walk through the Giardini Indro Montanelli, pass by the Galleria d’Arte Moderna and continue along Viale Manzoni. From the outside, see the iconic Teatro alla Scala and admire the majestic façade of the Milan Cathedral (Duomo).  Your tour guide will illustrate its main features. The last stop will be the majestic Castello Sforzesco, a medieval fortress built in the 15th century by the Duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza. In its vicinity, we have chosen a refined bakery for you to be able to relax and taste a typical aperitivo (happy hour). At the end of the aperitivo, the tour is over and you will have some free time before returning to the hotel on your own. Overnight stay is in Milan.

Day 8:

After a delightful breakfast, we depart and head towards Peschiera del Garda, a charming town located on the southern shore of Lake Garda. Known for its historic fortress, Peschiera del Garda offers a peaceful atmosphere, with picturesque canals and beautiful lakeside views. The town is a delightful blend of nature, history, and Italian charm. After exploring the town, we continue our journey to Trento, a city dominated by the grandeur of Castello del Buon Consiglio, an emblem of the House of Habsburg's historical influence in the region over many centuries. Trento also boasts architectural gems like the XVI-century Santa Maria Maggiore, a pioneering work of Renaissance and Gothic art, and the Geremia Palace, representing the XVI-century architectural style. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Piazza Duomo, graced by the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Vigilius. Then embark on a journey that promises awe-inspiring views as we trace the path of the oldest Italian wine route. This enchanting route winds its way through picturesque vineyards, idyllic villages, and serene lakes, presenting a feast for the senses. Caldaro (Kaltern) is a village famous for its lake, the Kalterer See, and wine. The cuisine combines Italian and Tyrolean styles.  As our journey draws to a close, we head towards the city of Bolzano. Overnight.

Day 9:

Following a delightful breakfast, our journey takes us to Merano, the second-largest city in the province after Bolzano. While Merano is renowned globally for its enchanting Christmas market, it also boasts a captivating cultural and historical heritage. We'll explore the charming old town, and you'll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at your leisure, savoring local flavors. Our journey also includes a stop in Vipiteno, a charming town with a rich history and Alpine allure. Vipiteno, also known as Sterzing in German, is nestled amidst the stunning mountain landscapes of South Tyrol. With its quaint streets lined with colorful facades, Vipiteno offers a perfect postcard setting for exploration. You'll have the opportunity to wander through its historic center, where you can admire its medieval architecture, browse local shops for unique souvenirs, and perhaps indulge in some delightful Alpine cuisine. Vipiteno's blend of Alpine traditions and Italian charm makes it a memorable stop on our tour, allowing you to immerse yourself in the unique culture of the region. In the afternoon, our path leads back to Bolzano. Once a significant commercial center during the Middle Ages, Bolzano saw an expansion of its industrial production during World War I. Today, tourism remains a cornerstone of the local economy. Our exploration will include a visit to the Duomo, the Cathedral, characterized by its elegant Gothic style and regarded as a symbol of the town. Additionally, we'll wander through the bustling main central streets, such as Via dei Portici, the heart of the medieval town. Bolzano is as vibrant a city as one can get and beautifully combines Alpine and Mediterranean influences. Bolzano's unique fusion of cultures, stunning architecture, and cultural attractions make it a must-visit destination. The evening is yours to embrace personal explorations or unwind as you please. Your overnight stay awaits at the hotel, promising a peaceful and comfortable night's rest.

Day 10:

Today, our first stop is Bressanone. Brixen, as they call it in German, is a picturesque town in the Eisack Valley, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. This enchanting town boasts a rich history and a stunning medieval cathedral that dates back to the 10th century. As we explore Bressanone, you'll have the opportunity to soak in its unique blend of Austrian and Italian cultures, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Don't miss the chance to sample the local wines and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of this charming Alpine town. Next, the tour takes you to the charming town of Brunico, also known as Bruneck. Nestled in the heart of the South Tyrol region, Brunico offers a delightful blend of Alpine tradition and Italian charm. Stroll through its well-preserved medieval streets, lined with colorful buildings, and discover the historical treasures of its Old Town. Brunico is also a gateway to the majestic Kronplatz Mountain, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, skiing, and breathtaking panoramic views. Our next enchanting stop is at the captivating Lake of Braies, nestled amidst the breathtaking Dolomite Mountains. This pristine alpine lake, also known as Pragser Wildsee, is a haven of tranquility and natural beauty. Its crystal-clear waters mirror the majestic peaks that embrace it, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation and photography. Surrounded on three sides by towering Dolomite peaks, including the iconic Croda del Becco, Lake Braies offers a scenic charm that is unparalleled. In the event that Lake Braies is not accessible due to logistical reasons, fear not, for we have an equally mesmerizing alternative in store: Lake Anterselva. Also known as Antholzer See, this hidden gem is a captivating spectacle in the heart of the Dolomites. Whether you find solace in its serene ambiance, indulge in short strolls along its shores, appreciate its unique cultural allure or even if you just look for an Instagram photo moment, Lake Anterselva promises to ensure you depart with cherished memories of this alpine paradise. Finally, we’ll reach Cortina for dinner and the overnight stay.

Day 11:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel and prepare for an enchanting exploration of the surroundings of Cortina d’Ampezzo, nestled in the awe-inspiring Dolomite valley. From the town, marvel at the majestic mountain vistas that grace the region and catch sight of the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a true symbol of the Dolomite Mountains. Your journey continues as you make your way to Lake Misurina, the largest natural lake in the region, offering surreal and captivating views of the surrounding mountains that will leave you in awe. Next, proceed to Lake Dobbiaco, known for its uniquely emerald-colored waters, a phenomenon that renders it truly one-of-a-kind in the world. The extraordinary beauty of this lake is bound to leave a lasting impression. Your scenic drive then takes you to San Vito di Cadore, a picturesque mountain village nestled just a short distance from Cortina d'Ampezzo. Here, you'll discover the towering presence of Mount Antelao behind the village and Mount Pelmo just in front, both of which have earned their place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. In these areas, the landscapes are nothing short of breathtaking, with vast stretches of pristine nature, where lush green meadows give way to dense conifer and beech forests. After your visit to this captivating village, return to Cortina, where you'll have some free time for the remainder of the day to explore, relax, or engage in any activities of your choice. Rest and recharge at the hotel as you prepare for another memorable night in this splendid region. Dinner at the hotel and overnight.

Day 12:

After breakfast, depart from the majestic Dolomite landscapes and begin your journey toward Bassano del Grappa, a captivating town at the foot of the Venetian Prealps. Rich in history and charm, Bassano offers a perfect blend of Alpine soul and Venetian elegance. As you stroll through the old town, you’ll be enchanted by its cobbled streets, vibrant piazzas, and artisan boutiques. The town's highlight is the iconic Ponte Vecchio, also known as the Ponte degli Alpini, a covered wooden bridge designed by the legendary architect Andrea Palladio. Spanning the Brenta River, this bridge offers sweeping views of the mountains and pastel-colored houses that line the riverbanks - an unforgettable panorama. Stop at the Museo della Grappa, where you'll discover the history of Italy’s most famous distillate. The experience lasts about 40 minutes and includes a visit through the museum, where you'll discover the story of local distillation with the help of videos and exhibits. At the end of the visit, enjoy a tasting of five different grappa varieties, offering an authentic introduction to the region’s artisanal spirits. In the afternoon, return to Milan along a scenic route and enjoy your evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Milan.

Day 13:

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Arrivederci!