Venice to Liguria Loop - 11 Days

Once you have arrived at Venice airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. After you have checked into the hotel, you will have the rest of the day at leisure to explore Venice, grab a coffee at a cafe, or relax.

Today, we make our way to Piazza San Marco, Venice’s grand square and the historic heart of the city. Here we visit the Palazzo dei Dogi, once the seat of Venetian power, and walk across the Bridge of Sighs, which linked the palace to the city’s old prisons.

After our guided tour, we pause to enjoy a refreshing spritz or prosecco with a selection of traditional Venetian cicchetti—a light tapas-style lunch.

The afternoon is free for you to wander the canals, perhaps taking a gondola ride or exploring quieter neighbourhoods before making your way back to the hotel.

Venice – Verona – Franciacorta – Bergamo. This morning, we depart from Venice heading for Verona, a city celebrated for its remarkable blend of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance heritage. On our guided tour, we explore the city’s highlights, from ancient ruins and elegant palaces to lively piazzas. A special stop is Juliet’s house with its celebrated balcony, a symbol of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

We then continue to Franciacorta, a region famed for its rolling vineyards and sparkling wines. Here we enjoy a light lunch showcasing local flavours, paired with the area’s signature wine.

In the afternoon, we travel onwards to Bergamo, a charming city divided into the medieval Città Alta and the modern Città Bassa below. After checking in, you have free time to take a gentle walk through the old town’s cobbled streets, soak up the evening atmosphere in Piazza Vecchia, or choose a local trattoria for dinner before settling in for the night.

Bergamo – Sirmione – Desenzano del Garda – Bergamo. After breakfast, we set off for Lake Garda, Italy’s largest and most scenic lake. Our panoramic drive takes us along the western shore, where the Brenta Dolomites and the Moraine Hills rise above lush vegetation.

In Sirmione, we enjoy a boat trip to view the town’s picturesque waterfront, its striking Scaliger Castle, and the Roman remains of the Grottoes of Catullus. Afterward, you have free time for lunch before we continue to Desenzano del Garda. Once here we stroll the elegant lakeside promenade and discover a historic centre marked by traces of Venetian influence. In the evening, we return to Bergamo for dinner.

Bergamo – Como – Bellagio – Cadenabbia – Milan. We depart from Bergamo and make our way to Como, a lakeside town celebrated for its elegant piazzas, medieval cathedral, and breathtaking views across Lake Como, framed by the Alpine foothills.

From here, we board a boat to Bellagio, an elegant lakeside village set at the point where the lake’s two southern branches meet. We explore its narrow cobbled streets, admire grand villas and gardens, and enjoy the refined atmosphere that has made Bellagio world-famous. You have free time for lunch before we continue our journey.

In the afternoon, we cross by ferry to Cadenabbia, where our driver awaits. From here, we begin the final leg of the day’s journey, travelling on to Milan, Italy’s vibrant fashion and cultural capital.

Milan (Italy) – St. Moritz (Switzerland) – Tirano (Italy) – Milan. This morning, we depart from Milan, travelling to St. Moritz in Switzerland, a chic alpine resort surrounded by striking mountain scenery. On arrival, you have free time to stroll through the town, take in the views, or enjoy a coffee in one of its stylish cafés.

Later, we board the Bernina Express, one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys. As we cross the Bernina Pass, we pass through alpine villages, wind through tunnels, and admire sweeping views of glaciers and mountain peaks.

On arrival in Tirano, our driver will be waiting to take us back to Milan, where we conclude the day.

Today, you have free time in the morning to explore Milan at your own pace. You might choose to browse the elegant shops of the Quadrilatero della Moda, enjoy a coffee in one of the city’s grand cafés, or simply wander the lively streets and piazzas.

In the afternoon, we meet our local guide for a three-hour walking tour through the heart of the city. We begin at Porta Venezia, a historic gate with both Roman and medieval origins, then continue along Corso Venezia. Our route takes us through the Giardini Indro Montanelli, past the Galleria d’Arte Moderna, and onto Viale Manzoni. From the outside, we see the iconic Teatro alla Scala before arriving at the magnificent Duomo, Milan’s cathedral and architectural masterpiece.

The tour concludes at Castello Sforzesco, a medieval fortress that once housed Milan’s ruling family. Here we round off the day with a relaxing aperitivo. You then have some free time before returning to the hotel.

Milan – Santa Margherita Ligure – Portofino – Sestri Levante – La Spezia. After breakfast, we leave Milan by coach and travel towards the Ligurian coast. Our first stop is Santa Margherita Ligure, a graceful seaside town set between the hills and the bay, known for its lively harbour and elegant villas.

We then continue by boat to Portofino, a small but world-famous village with pastel houses, exclusive boutiques, and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. You will have time to explore at your own pace, much as artists and writers once did when they drew inspiration from its beauty.

In the afternoon, we head to Sestri Levante to enjoy a tasting of regional food and wines before arriving in La Spezia, where we spend the night.

La Spezia – Cinque Terre – La Spezia. We depart for one of Italy’s most treasured coastal landscapes, the Cinque Terre. This remarkable stretch of the Ligurian Riviera is home to five distinct villages, each with its own character. Monterosso is the largest, known for its sandy beach and medieval tower. Vernazza, often considered the most picturesque, is a fishing village with a natural harbour and colourful houses that climb the hillside. Corniglia sits high on a cliff and is unique for being the only village without direct sea access, offering panoramic views of the coastline. Manarola is surrounded by vineyards and is famous for its sweet Sciacchetrà wine. Finally, Riomaggiore is a lively village with narrow streets leading down to the rocky shoreline.

From Levanto, we take the local train to explore the Cinque Terre, giving you the chance to discover the villages at your own pace. You may choose to stroll along the winding streets, relax by the harbour or enjoy lunch in one of the many inviting trattorias.

In the afternoon, we return to La Spezia for an overnight stay.

La Spezia – Maranello – Modena – Venice. oday, we leave La Spezia and journey inland through the Italian countryside. Our first stop is Maranello, where we explore the Ferrari Museum with a guided visit that brings to life the brand’s history of innovation, speed and unmistakable Italian design.

We then continue to a traditional acetaia near Modena for an introduction to the craft of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale. Here, we enjoy a guided tasting of this celebrated vinegar, paired with regional flavours, followed by a genuine lunch in a warm family setting.

In the afternoon, we travel northeast across the plains of Emilia-Romagna and Veneto, arriving in Venice by early evening. After checking in at our hotel, you will have free time to begin discovering the city at your own pace. We stay overnight in Venice.

After our final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you may have some time to further explore or grab some last-minute souvenirs before your onward transfer to the airport. Safe Travels!