Venice to Milan - 13 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.

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 – Peschiera del Garda – Trento – Kaltern (Caldaro) – Bolzano. We depart from Milan and travel first to Peschiera del Garda, a delightful town on the southern edge of Lake Garda, where waterways and historic walls frame the centre.

Our journey continues to Trento, a city rich in history and culture. Here we admire the striking Castello del Buonconsiglio, once the residence of the Prince-Bishops, and the Renaissance-style Santa Maria Maggiore Cathedral. After a leisurely lunch, we follow Italy’s oldest wine road into the South Tyrol region.

We pause in Caldaro near Kaltern, a town well known for its vineyards and the scenic lake that shares its name, before concluding the day with our arrival in Bolzano.

Bolzano – Merano – Vipiteno – Bolzano. This morning, we travel to Merano, a town famous for its Christmas traditions, spa culture, and mix of Alpine and Mediterranean influences. We take time to explore the old town, with its arcaded streets and historic squares, before you have free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure.

In the afternoon, we continue to Vipiteno, a charming town framed by the Alps and noted for its medieval towers and colourful facades. Here, you can wander through the narrow streets, browse the shops, and perhaps sample some local dishes.

Later, we return to Bolzano, where we admire the Gothic Duomo and walk along Via dei Portici, the bustling arcade-lined street at the heart of the city. The evening is free for you to relax or continue exploring before our overnight stay in Bolzano.

Bolzano – Bressanone – Brunico – Lake Braies or Lake Anterselva – Cortina d'Ámpezzo. After breakfast, we begin the day in Bressanone, a picturesque town in the Eisack Valley that reflects both Austrian and Italian traditions. We visit its impressive cathedral, dating back to the 10th century, and enjoy the relaxed Alpine setting, with the chance to sample some of the region’s wines.

Our journey then takes us to Brunico, where colourful medieval streets lead to lively squares and views stretch toward the Kronplatz mountain. We spend time exploring this charming town before continuing into the heart of the Dolomites.

In the afternoon, we visit one of two stunning lakes—either the emerald waters of Lake Braies, encircled by dramatic Dolomite peaks, or Lake Anterselva, a peaceful spot equally known for its unspoiled beauty. Both provide excellent opportunities to take in the scenery and capture memorable photographs.

The day ends as we arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where we enjoy dinner at our hotel and an overnight stay surrounded by the magnificent Dolomites.

Cortina d'Ámpezzo – Lake Misurina – Lake Dobbiaco – San Vito di Cadore – Cortina d'Ámpezzo. Today, we set out from Cortina d’Ampezzo to explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Dolomites. We take in sweeping views of jagged peaks and pause to admire the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, among the region’s most recognisable landmarks.

Our journey continues to Lake Misurina, the largest lake in the Dolomites, where the still waters reflect the surrounding mountains in stunning detail. We then make our way to Lake Dobbiaco, known for its distinctive emerald-green tones and tranquil setting.

In the afternoon, we travel to San Vito di Cadore, a welcoming village at the foot of Mount Antelao and Mount Pelmo, both part of the Dolomites’ UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

Later, we return to Cortina, where you have free time to relax before gathering for dinner and an overnight stay at our hotel.

Cortina d'Ámpezzo - Bassano del Grappa – Milan. This morning, we travel to Bassano del Grappa, a picturesque town set against the backdrop of the Venetian Prealps. We wander through its cobbled streets, lined with medieval towers and elegant Venetian palaces, before reaching the Ponte Vecchio, also known as Ponte degli Alpini. Designed by Andrea Palladio, this wooden bridge offers striking views over the Brenta River.

Our visit continues at the Grappa Museum, where a guided experience introduces us to the history of the region’s famous spirit through engaging displays and films. We conclude with a tasting of five varieties of grappa, each showcasing the distinctive character and artisanal skill of the region.

In the afternoon, we return to Milan for our final overnight stay of the tour.

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!