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Country Roads of Northern Italy

10 Day Italy Tour to Milan, Venice & Verona | Operated by InsightVacations

  • 10 Days

  • 1 Country

    Italy
  • 11 Cities

    Milan, Verona, Trento, Bolzano, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Conegliano, Venice, Sirmione, Baveno, Lake Maggiore, Como
  • 13 Meals

    4 Dinner with Wines, 9 Breakfasts
  • Pace: Leisurely

    3 or more nights in 1 destination. Requires 1-2 miles of walking per day to participate in top sites primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Italy

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 naviguate through Milan's history and the life of Leonardo da Vinci. 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 your Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel Milan City
Included Meals: Dinner with Wine
Insight Experiences: Milan Walking Tour with a Local Historian A local historian brings Milan's history to life, including the contributions of Leonardo da Vinci, during a guided walking tour.  See the impressive facade of the Milan Cathedral and the world famous La Scala Theater.
Authentic Dining: Milan Welcome Dinner Enjoy a special Welcome Dinner with wine, as you get to know your fellow travelers.
Notes
Day 2: Fair Verona and 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 visit the well-preserved Roman Arena, still used for opera performances. Explore Verona with Insight Choice. 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 on to Trento, regarded as one of Italy's most appealing cities to live in.

Hotel: NH Trento
Included Meals: Breakfast
Top Rated Highlights: Trento Orientation See the pristine streets lined by stone castles during your an orientation of this unique, historical city.
Top Rated Highlights: Verona Grand Piazzas Walking Tour See the statue of Dante and the Gothic tombs of the Scala family on a walking tour through Verona's grand piazzas.
Top Rated Highlights: Verona Shakesphere-themed Walk Embark on a Shakespeare-themed walk to recount famous moments from Romeo and Juliet's story, ending in Piazza dei Signori, the main square where the star-crossed lovers tragedy took place.
Notes
Day 3: Climb up to 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.

Hotel: Hotel de la Poste
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Top Rated Highlights: Bolzano Orientation Explore the streets and squares of this alpine town, with your Travel Director.
Top Rated Highlights: Cortina Orientation Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Cortina, a small town framed by magnificent alps as your Travel Director conducts an orientation.
Notes
Day 4: The Dolomites at Leisure

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?

Hotel: Hotel de la Poste
Included Meals: Breakfast
Notes
Day 5: Through Prosecco Country to 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 flavors. Continue on to the unique and remarkable island city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic and check into your hotel.

Hotel: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio
Included Meals: Breakfast
Authentic Dining: Veneto Prosecco Tasting Visit a local winery and delight in a tasting of their magnificent prosecco. Meet the vignerons and learn how to make the perfect Bellini.
Notes
Day 6: The Magic of La Serenissima

Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional arts center, 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 al-fresco cafes?

Hotel: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio
Included Meals: Breakfast
Top Rated Highlights: Venice Orientation With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
Top Rated Highlights: Venice Gondola Ride Delight in the magic of this charming city as you are serenaded, traveling through the atmospheric canals by gondola.
Make Travel Matter: Venice Artisan Glassblowing Demonstration Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft.  The workshop advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Notes
Day 7: Fair Baveno

Depart enchanting Venice journey to Lake Garda. Admire the castle and views over Lake Garda 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.

Hotel: Hotel Simplon
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Authentic Dining: Baveno Dine-Around Evening Choose your dining experience from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants, each offering their own unique cuisine and ambience on your Dine-Around Evening.
Top Rated Highlights: Baveno Orientation During your orientation with your Travel Director see the cobbled streets and 16th century square.
Notes
Day 8: Lake Como and Lake Maggiore

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 spend time too. 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.

Hotel: Hotel Simplon
Included Meals: Breakfast
Top Rated Highlights: Como Orientation Take in the exquisite views of the lake and its alpine backdrop as you enjoy an orientation of this magnificent town.
Notes
Day 9: Italian Lakes at Leisure

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 Celebration Dinner, accompanied by some exquisite Italian wines. Raise a glass to your travels and newfound friends.

Hotel: Hotel Simplon
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Authentic Dining: Lake Maggiore Celebration Dinner Meet Stefano, the last true fisherman on Lake Maggiore, before sitting down to a Farm-to-Table Celebration Dinner with local wine.
Notes
Day 10: Depart Italy

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

Included Meals: Breakfast
Notes
This itinerary is for reference only. Upon booking with GET, guests will receive tour documents which will list all confirmed hotels and itineraries based upon the guest's departure date.

Price Includes

Dining Summary
  • - 4 Dinner with Wines (DW)
  • - 9 Breakfasts (B)
Insight Experiences
  • A local historian brings Milan's history to life, including the contributions of Leonardo da Vinci, during a guided walking tour.  See the impressive facade of the Milan Cathedral and the world famous La Scala Theater.
Authentic Dining
  • Enjoy a special Welcome Dinner with wine, as you get to know your fellow travelers.
  • Visit a local winery and delight in a tasting of their magnificent prosecco. Meet the vignerons and learn how to make the perfect Bellini.
  • Choose your dining experience from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants, each offering their own unique cuisine and ambience on your Dine-Around Evening.
  • Meet Stefano, the last true fisherman on Lake Maggiore, before sitting down to a Farm-to-Table Celebration Dinner with local wine.
Top Rated Highlights
  • See the pristine streets lined by stone castles during your an orientation of this unique, historical city.
  • See the statue of Dante and the Gothic tombs of the Scala family on a walking tour through Verona's grand piazzas.
  • Embark on a Shakespeare-themed walk to recount famous moments from Romeo and Juliet's story, ending in Piazza dei Signori, the main square where the star-crossed lovers tragedy took place.
  • Explore the streets and squares of this alpine town, with your Travel Director.
  • Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Cortina, a small town framed by magnificent alps as your Travel Director conducts an orientation.
  • With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
  • Delight in the magic of this charming city as you are serenaded, traveling through the atmospheric canals by gondola.
  • During your orientation with your Travel Director see the cobbled streets and 16th century square.
  • Take in the exquisite views of the lake and its alpine backdrop as you enjoy an orientation of this magnificent town.
Make Travel Matter
  • Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft.  The workshop advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Optional Experiences

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Bolzano Visit and Ötzi the Iceman (Available on Day 3)

With our Local Expert, we'll discover some of the spectacular highlights of Bolzano, including the Archaeologic sensation, media star, research topic and museum object: Ötzi in the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. Ötzi is a glacier mummy from the Copper Age, who, thanks to extraordinary circumstances, has been preserved to the present day.

Adult Price: €44 Grand Tour Of The Dolomites (Available on Day 4)

Explore the colorful peaks and sheer valleys of the Dolomites – one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the Alps. Your full-day of discovery includes a thrilling cable car ride to the summit of one of the peaks for breathtaking 360 degree views. In a unique combination of nature and history, learn about the incredible war waged in the mountains with a visit to a WWI museum. Complimentary coffee and strudel is included.

Please note this optional is weather and season dependent.

Adult Price: €72 Dinner in the Mountains (Available on Day 4)

This evening we'll drive through the countryside to the foot of the Tofane Mountain in the heart of the Dolomite Ranges, where we'll enjoy fantastic cuisine in a superb setting. We'll soak in the atmosphere of a popular local restaurant while enjoying traditional Northern Italian hospitality and sampling delicious regional specialties and local wine.

Please note this optional is weather and season dependent.

Adult Price: €75 Burano Excursion & Meal (Available on Day 5)

Leave the hustle of St Mark's Square behind on a delightful private cruise around the islands of the Venetian lagoon. Alight at the island of Burano, a photographer's paradise, famous for its candy colored houses, artisan lace makers and leaning bell tower that would give Pisa a good run for its money. Enjoy a superb meal sampling the local specialties with wine included. An excursion not to be missed!

Adult Price: €82 Hidden Venice (Available on Day 6)

To only experience Venice's big set pieces - St Mark's Square; the Rialto; the Grand Canal - is to miss out on a hidden world full of surprises! Join a Local Expert for a fascinating walk through some of the lesser known quarters of Venice. The back lanes and ‘campi’, small squares, where tourists seldom tread are full of history and great places to sample local life.

Adult Price: €37 Venetian Splendor (Available on Day 6)

Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world and, after the crowds have left, it's at its most beautiful. We board our private water taxis and are whisked down the most famous canal in Venice - the Grand Canal! We witness the beautiful and spectacular palazzi adorning the most famous ‘street’ in Venice then travel under the remarkable Rialto Bridge to arrive in the center of it all, Piazza San Marco! There we have seats reserved outside a famous Venetian cafe, in front of a live orchestra! We enjoy a drink and gaze out at illuminated St Mark's sights while being serenaded. This is Venice at its most unique and magical An evening not to be missed, with images and sensations you'll never forget!

Adult Price: €65 Lake Orta Cruise (Available on Day 8)

With our Local Expert, we'll experience the historical and spiritual heart of Lake Orta, one of the hidden gems of the Italian Lake District. From the comfort of our private launch, we'll enjoy the natural beauty of the lake, its backdrop of wooded hills and the mystical sacred island of San Giulio.

Adult Price: €48 Lake Como Cruise (Available on Day 8)

Enjoy a scenic cruise on Italy’s most famous lake. See some of the most beautiful villas in Italy – homes to the rich and famous where many have stayed including Gianni Versace, Sophia Loren, George Clooney, Mussolini and Churchill just to name a few. Afterwards there is free time to enjoy shopping in the boutiques of Como, famous for its silk products.

Adult Price: €55 Isola Bella (Available on Day 9)

The premier attraction of Lake Maggiore is the Borromean Islands. We'll take a private boat over to Isola Bella, the most famous island, renowned for its incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens. Our Local Expert will take us on a guided tour of this privately-owned palace, with free time to admire the gardens. A must!

Adult Price: €54