Milan to Venice & the Dolomites - 6 Days

Milan - Lake Garda - Verona - Venice. Today, you will need to make your way to Hotel AC SESTO in Milan at 08:15 AM, where we will be picked up before leaving the city behind for the spectacular landscapes of Lake Garda. Towering mountains, glistening blue waters and charming lakeside villages combine here to create one of Italy’s most captivating settings – and once we arrive, you’ll see why it is so often photographed.

Our first stop is Peschiera del Garda, a delightful town at the lake’s southern tip. Surrounded by historic walls and laced with canals, it invites us to wander its cobbled streets and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. You may wish to take a boat ride on the lake, stroll along the waterfront, or try some local specialities while admiring the sweeping views of the mountains and water.

From here, we continue to Verona – a city long associated with romance and legend. Its colourful façades, elegant marble architecture and leafy streets create a truly atmospheric setting. Here you have free time to follow your own interests: perhaps visit Juliet’s Balcony, which has drawn countless visitors inspired by Shakespeare’s famous tale, or admire the Arena di Verona, a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre that still hosts performances today. You might also prefer to explore the lively piazzas and quiet side streets, where you’ll find hidden cafés and a timeless sense of history.

Our day concludes in Venice, one of Italy’s most remarkable cities and our base for the next two nights. As evening falls and the crowds drift away, the city takes on a special character – quiet canals, shadowed alleyways and whispered legends give Venice at night an atmosphere unlike anywhere else.

Meeting point: Hotel AC SESTO, Via Luciano Lama, 10, Milan, 20099 at 08:15 AM for your 08:30 pick up.

Please note: Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the pickup time. The itinerary and sightseeing are subject to change depending on operational or local factors.

This morning, we begin with a guided two-hour walking tour that introduces us to the highlights of Venice. With a local guide leading the way, we discover the city’s famous landmarks as well as quieter corners that reveal its history and charm.

When the tour ends, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. You might choose to relax in Piazza San Marco and take in the atmosphere, visit one of the city’s renowned galleries, or simply wander through the narrow streets and winding canals. A gondola ride is another wonderful option, giving you the chance to glide along the Grand Canal and admire the elegant palaces that line the water.

Much of Venice’s appeal lies in exploring without a set plan. Around each corner, you may come across something unexpected, whether it is a family-run trattoria serving local dishes, a seventeenth-century pharmacy transformed into a boutique perfume shop, or a quiet church where the cool air carries centuries of history.

As evening approaches, the city takes on a different mood. The day visitors leave, and Venice becomes calmer, its streets quieter and its canals more atmospheric, allowing you to savour the beauty of the Floating City long into the night.

Venice - Valdobbiadene - Mel - Cortina d’Ampezzo. After breakfast, we will depart from Venice and begin our journey into the traditional heart of northern Italy. Our first destination is Valdobbiadene, a region celebrated for its rolling vineyards and long history of prosecco making. The landscape here is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised for centuries of winemaking heritage. You may wish to take part in an exclusive tasting to experience the flavours of this renowned sparkling wine or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town’s charming streets and welcoming squares.

We then continue to the foothills of the Dolomites and visit the picturesque village of Mel. Its historic centre is a delightful mix of cobbled streets and quiet piazzas, where you will find opportunities to try authentic Venetian dishes for lunch. Just remember not to overindulge, as our guide will later take us to their favourite local spot for gelato in the Belluno province, a treat not to be missed.

Our day concludes in the mountain resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo, often called the Queen of the Dolomites. Known worldwide for its winter sports, scenic trails and elegant town centre, it will also be a host city for the 2026 Winter Olympics. On arrival, we are welcomed by crisp alpine air and breathtaking mountain views. The rest of the evening is yours to spend as you wish, whether relaxing in the town or exploring its stylish streets.

Cortina d’Ampezzo - Lake Misurina - Cortina d’Ampezzo. This morning, we set off to experience some of the most striking scenery in the Dolomites. Our first visit is to Tofana–Freccia nel Cielo, where we can ride the cable car high into the Tofane mountains. From here, the views stretch across jagged cliffs, soaring spires, and deep valleys. You might decide to take a short walk along the trails or simply relax on the terrace and enjoy the panorama.

We pause for you to enjoy lunch at a place recommended by our guide before continuing along the scenic Cortina d’Ampezzo circular drive. Our route takes us to the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a viewpoint that showcases three dramatic peaks which have become iconic symbols of the Dolomites.

We then make our way to Misurina, often called the Pearl of the Dolomites. Here, you can stroll along the alpine lake, its waters reflecting the surrounding mountains in a breathtaking display.

By evening, we return to Cortina d’Ampezzo, where you have free time to enjoy the town at your own pace. Perhaps explore its elegant centre in search of a restaurant serving local specialities, or if the skies are clear, try star gazing at a nearby observatory.

Cortina d’Ampezzo - Val di Fiemme - Trento. Today, we journey deep into the Dolomites, beginning with a visit to the impressive Pordoi Pass. Set between two mountain ranges, this high mountain road reveals sweeping views across jagged peaks and valleys.

Here, we will ride the Sass Pordoi cable car, which climbs to nearly 3,000 metres above sea level. At the summit, you can set off on a short hike or simply pause on the terrace to take in the remarkable scenery, including the soaring Piz Boe, the highest summit of the Sella massif.

In the afternoon, our travels take us to Val di Fiemme, a valley known for its sustainably managed spruce forests. The wood here is renowned for its use in fine string instruments, and local lore suggests that Stradivari once walked these very forests in search of perfect tone wood. Our guide will show us some of the valley’s picturesque towns, and you may like to explore additional walking routes in the surrounding countryside.

We then continue to Trento, our final overnight stop. This vibrant city combines Alpine setting with Renaissance flair. On arrival, we make our way to Piazza Duomo, where the Fountain of Neptune stands at its centre. From here, the views are striking: mountains rising in the distance, the Sardagna waterfall glistening nearby, and ornate towers and palaces evoking the era of the Council of Trent. It is a fitting welcome to a city shaped equally by history and nature.

Trento - Lake Garda - Bergamo - Milan. After our final breakfast, we leave the Dolomites behind and begin our journey back towards Milan, with several memorable stops along the way. Our first visit is to Castello del Buonconsiglio, a striking fortress that dates back to the thirteenth century. Once the residence of the Prince-Bishops of Trento and later used as a military barracks, it now serves as one of the region’s most important museums, housing fascinating collections of art and archaeology.

From here, we continue to Lake Garda for a visit to Bardolino, a charming lakeside town renowned for its olive oil. Here, you might choose to join an olive oil tasting or instead enjoy a relaxed stroll by the lake and perhaps lunch on the waterfront.

Our final stop of the tour is Bergamo, a beautiful hilltop city often considered one of Lombardy’s hidden treasures. Its historic upper town offers sweeping views across the surrounding landscape and can be reached by a funicular ride. You have free time here to explore as you wish, whether visiting the Renaissance Cappella Colleoni, stepping inside the ornate Bergamo Cathedral, or simply watching local life unfold in one of the lively piazzas.

In the early evening, we return to Milan, arriving at approximately 7 PM.

Dop-off point: Hotel AC SESTO, Via Luciano Lama, 10, Milan, 20099, at approximately 7 PM