Country Roads of Northern Italy- 9 nights – 10 days

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1: MILAN

After a warm welcome at Milan’s Malpensa Airport, transfers depart for your hotel. Later, meet your Travel Director and join a local historian to navigate through Milan’s history.

See the impressive facade of Milan Cathedral and the world-famous La Scala Opera House. Linking the two is the elegant glass-vaulted shopping arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, lined with luxury boutiques. Mingle and get to know your fellow travelers during dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 2: MILAN – VERONA -TRENTO

Cross the fertile plains of Lombardy to fair Verona, the home of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers.

Explore its maze of elegant squares and see the well-preserved Roman Arena, still used for opera performances. Choose a walking tour through the grand piazzas, see the statue of Dante, and admire the Gothic tombs of the Scala family. Alternatively, embark on a Shakespeare-themed walk to recount famous moments from the story of Romeo and Juliet. Continue to Trento, regarded as one of Italy’s most appealing cities to live in.

DAY 3: TRENTO – BOLZANO - CORTINA D'AMPEZZO

Follow the Adige River north into the magnificent mountains and the distinctive limestone peaks of the Dolomites. Arrive at the town of Bolzano, where Italy and Austria culturally collide, and you are at leisure to explore the arcaded streets and squares.

Continue along the zig-zagging scenic route to Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy’s most exclusive ski resort and a beautiful alpine haven during summer.

 Optional Experiences:

1. Bolzano Visit and Ötzi the Iceman

DAY 4: CORTINA D'AMPEZZO

Enjoy a day at your leisure in this fashionable playground of the rich and famous, surrounded by towering cathedrals of rock. Take in the fresh mountain air as you stroll the pedestrianized Corso Italia, lined with designer stores and backed by the impressive green and white bell tower of the parish church. Why not ascend to the summit of one of the nearby peaks for magnificent panoramic views of the Dolomites?

Optional Experiences:

1. Grand Tour of the Dolomites
2. Dinner in the Mountains

DAY 5: CORTINA D'AMPEZZO – CONEGLIANO - VENICE

Travel down through more majestic Dolomite scenery to one of the world’s most breathtaking wine regions. Protected by the Alps to the north and caressed by the warm breezes from the Adriatic, the vineyards around Conegliano Veneto produce Italy’s most prized sparkling wine.

Stop in Conegliano, where great care is taken to ensure these hand-picked grapes produce the world’s finest prosecco. See how production differs from its more famous French counterpart, Champagne. Be tempted with a taste of the crisp and aromatic flavours. Continue to the unique and remarkable island city of Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic, and check into your hotel.

 Optional Experiences:

1. Burano Excursion & Meal

DAY 6: VENICE

Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Join an experience during a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills. What better way to see Venice than from a private boat, cruising past palazzos and churches to St. Mark’s Square?

See the gilded basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and Lord Byron’s Bridge of Sighs. No visit to Venice would be complete without a gondola serenade through the myriad of beautiful canals. Relax and enjoy traditional local songs as you drift along in romantic awe. Spend the afternoon as you wish. As night falls, why not savor the magic of St. Mark’s Square with its orchestras and alfresco cafes?

 Optional Experiences:

1. Hidden Venice
2. Venetian Splendor

DAY 7: VENICE – SIRMIONE - BAVENO

Depart from enchanting Venice and journey to Lake Garda. Admire the castle and views over the lake from the stylish resort of Sirmione, perched on the tip of its peninsula.

Cross the fertile lands of Lombardy to Lake Maggiore, where Baveno beckons. Later, you have a choice of cuisine and ambience from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around evening.

DAY 8: LAKE MAGGIORE – BAVENO – COMO - BAVENO

Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, enjoy the glamour of the Italian Lakes, a prime people-watching spot where Europe’s rich and famous like to spend their time.

Revel in the ambiance of Como town, renowned for its celebrity clientele, beautiful silk scarves, and lakeside location, which you can admire during your orientation.

Optional Experiences:

1. Isola Bella

DAY 9: LAKE MAGGIORE

Relish a full day to relax and enjoy this popular resort and beautiful lake. Napoleon came here to plan his Italian Campaign, and Mussolini and Chamberlain met here before World War II to sign the Treaty of Stresa. Perhaps take a cruise out to the lovely Borromean Islands? Isola Bella is where Carlo Borromeo built his charming Palace. Savor delicious Farm-to-Table cuisine during your dinner, accompanied by some exquisite Italian wines. Raise a glass to your travels and newfound friends.

Optional Experiences:

1. Lake Orta Cruise

DAY 10: LAKE MAGGIORE - MILAN

Your journey draws to a close in the morning, and transfers arrive at Milan’s Malpensa Airport.