Country Roads of Northern Italy Escorted Tour

After arriving at Milan’s Malpensa Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, meet your Travel Director and join a local historian for a guided introduction to the city. Visit the magnificent Milan Cathedral and the famous La Scala Opera House. Between the two, stroll through the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, home to some of Italy’s most luxurious boutiques. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and take the chance to get to know your fellow travellers.

Accommodation: Duo Milan Porta Nuova | 4-star hotel

Meals included: 

• Dinner

Cross the rich farmlands of Lombardy to reach fair Verona, the home of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers. Wander through the elegant squares and see the remarkably well-preserved Roman Arena, which still hosts open-air opera performances. Then, choose between two options. Take a guided walk through Verona’s grand piazzas, passing the statue of Dante and the ornate Gothic tombs of the Scala family. Or follow in the footsteps of Romeo and Juliet on a Shakespeare-themed tour that brings the famous tale to life. Later, travel on to Trento, a charming alpine city often ranked among the best places to live in Italy.

Accommodation: NH Trento | 4.5-star hotel

Meals included: 

• Breakfast

Travel north alongside the Adige River and into the dramatic landscape of the Dolomites, where jagged limestone peaks rise high above the valleys. Stop in Bolzano, a town where

Italian and Austrian influences combine. Take some time to explore its arcaded streets and lively squares at your own pace. From here, the road winds through stunning alpine scenery as you make your way to Cortina d’Ampezzo, a stylish mountain resort.

Accommodation: Hotel de la Poste | 4-star hotel

Meals included: 

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Spend a full day soaking up the atmosphere of Cortina d’Ampezzo, set in the heart of the Dolomites and long favoured by the stylish and well-travelled. Breathe in the crisp mountain air as you wander along Corso Italia, the town’s main promenade, where you’ll find designer boutiques sat beneath a striking green and white bell tower. For those feeling adventurous, take a cable car up to one of the surrounding peaks and enjoy sweeping views across this spectacular mountain range.

Accommodation: Hotel de la Poste | 4-star hotel

Meals included: 

• Breakfast

Journey south through more spectacular Dolomite scenery as you make your way into the rolling hills of Prosecco country. Sheltered by the Alps and warmed by Adriatic breezes, the vineyards around Conegliano Veneto are known for producing some of Italy’s finest sparkling wine. Stop in the town of Conegliano to learn how prosecco is crafted, with techniques that set it apart from its French cousin, champagne. Enjoy a tasting and savour the light, refreshing wine. Later, continue on to Venice and settle into your hotel in the iconic city built on water.

Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio | 4-star hotel

Meals included: 

• Breakfast

Wake up in the heart of Venice. Start your day with a visit to a traditional glass workshop, where skilled artisans craft delicate pieces using centuries-old techniques. Later, step aboard a private boat and glide through the city’s canals, passing elegant palazzos and grand churches on your way to St. Mark’s Square. Here, take in the magic of the basilica, Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. No trip to Venice is complete without a gondola ride, so sit back and take in the sights as you float through the narrow canals to the sound of traditional music. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. In the evening, you might choose to return to St. Mark’s Square to enjoy the atmosphere of its open-air cafés and live orchestras.

Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio | 4-star hotel

Meals included: 

• Breakfast

Leave the charm of Venice behind as you travel towards the Italian Lakes. Your first stop is Lake Garda, where you will visit the elegant town of Sirmione, known for its picturesque setting, lakeside views and historic castle at the edge of the peninsula. Continue across the lush Lombardy countryside to Lake Maggiore and the welcoming town of Baveno. In the evening, enjoy a Dine-Around experience with a choice of local restaurants, each offering its own atmosphere and regional specialities.

Accommodation: Hotel Simplon | 4.5-star hotel

Meals included: 

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Situated at the base of the Alps, take in the glamour of the Italian Lakes, a prime people-watching spot where Europe's rich and famous like to spend their time. Take time to enjoy the atmosphere of Como, known for its fashionable visitors, exquisite silk products and stunning lakeside setting which you can admire during your orientation.

Accommodation: Hotel Simplon | 4.5-star hotel

Meals included: 

• Breakfast

Take a full day to unwind and soak up the atmosphere of this well loved resort by the lake. Napoleon planned his Italian Campaign in this area, and it was the setting for the meeting between Mussolini and Chamberlain before the signing of the Treaty of Stresa. You might choose to take a boat trip to the picturesque Borromean Islands where Isola Bella is home to the elegant palace built by Carlo Borromeo. In the evening enjoy a Farm-to-Table dinner featuring delicious local dishes paired with fine Italian wines.

Accommodation: Hotel Simplon | 4.5-star hotel

Meals included: 

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Your journey comes to an end this morning with a transfer to Milan's Malpensa Airport for your onward travels.

Meals included: 

• Breakfast