Italian Masterpieces, Magical Lakes, Alpina & Dolomiti 17 Days
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17 Days: Rome - Florence - Venice - Milan - Bergamo - La Spezia
Tour overview:
Discover the extraordinary beauty and heritage of Italy on a captivating 17-day journey from Rome to Milan. Explore ancient wonders in Rome, Renaissance treasures in Florence, the timeless canals of Venice, and the romantic charm of Verona. Experience the scenic beauty of Lake Garda and Lake Como, with memorable visits to Bellagio, Sirmione, and Bergamo. Journey aboard the spectacular Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps before exploring the vineyards, historic towns, and Alpine landscapes of Trento, Bolzano, Merano, and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Along the way, savor authentic Italian cuisine, regional wines, local specialties, and immersive cultural experiences, culminating in the charming town of Bassano del Grappa.
Day 1 - Arrive Rome
Welcome to Rome! After meeting your driver at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel (Transfer included!). Use your Hop-on Hop-off bus ticket to explore Rome's iconic landmarks from a different perspective. Hop on and off at any of the eight stops along the route and enjoy the commentary available in 12 languages. The ticket is valid for one day. After the tour, enjoy the evening at your leisure and return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 - Rome
After breakfast, depart from your hotel for an included guided tour of Rome's extraor- dinary Archaeological Area. Meet your professional guide and begin your 2.5-hour journey through history. Equipped with a personal radio receiver and earphones, explore the legendary Colosseum, the iconic Flavian Amphitheater where Ancient Romans gathered for gladiator battles and wild animal hunts. Continue to Palatine Hill, the mythical birthplace of Rome. From here, enjoy panoramic views of the city. The tour concludes at the Roman Forum, once the center of Roman life. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Rome. (B)
Day 3 - Rome - Assisi - Siena - Florence
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart at 7:15 AM by deluxe coach to Assisi, a medieval town surrounded by ancient walls. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, featuring frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue and enjoy a lunch in Assisi. Continue to Siena, UNESCO-listed and famous for its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and Palio horse race. Later, travel through Tuscany's countryside to reach Florence. Check in at your hotel. Overnight stay. (B, L)
Day 4 - Florence
Explore Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. Visit the Duomo, Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower, and Baptistery. See Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and Santa Croce Basilica. Enjoy lunch in a traditional Tuscan restaurant. In the afternoon, choose between free time in the city or an optional visit to Pisa, with its Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli. Dinner is at leisure. Overnight stay in Florence. (B, L)
Day 5 - Florence - Bologna - Venice
After breakfast in Florence, head to Bologna. Explore the city center with its iconic porticos and historic sites, including Piazza del Nettuno and the Basilica of San Petronio. Discover Bologna's gastronomic heritage through a vibrant light local lunch, offering traditional and contemporary treats. Enjoy a light street food lunch at a local eatery. Later, continue your journey to Venice. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay (B, Local Food Experience)
Day 6 - Venice
Transfer to Piazza San Marco and discover Venice's highlights with a guided tour. Visit the Doge's Palace (outside) and cross the Bridge of Sighs. Afterward, enjoy a glass of spritz or prosecco with cicchetti, traditional Venetian snacks. Relax and soak in the atmosphere. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's canals, artisan shops, or quiet corners on your own. Return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Venice. (B, Local Food Experience)
Day 7 - Venice - Verona - Franciacorta - Bergamo
After breakfast, visit Verona, a city rich in history and culture. Explore Roman ruins, medieval structures, and Renaissance palaces on a guided tour. Don't miss Juliet's house and balcony, famous from Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." Then, travel to Franciacorta, known for its ideal winemaking soil, for a light lunch with local food and wine. After this, head to Bergamo for the ovenight stay. (B, Light Lunch & Wine Tasting)
Day 8 - Bergamo - Sirmione - Desenzano Del Garda - Bergamo
After breakfast, set offfor Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake. Enjoy a panoramic tour along the west coast, passing the Brenta Dolomites and Moraine Hills, surrounded by lush vegetation. In Sirmione, take a boat tour to admire its picturesque shores, the Castle, and the Grottoes of Catullus. After free time for lunch, head to Desenzano del Garda with its elegant lakeside promenade and historical center that reflects traces of Venetian influence. Dinner and overnight stay in Bergamo. (B,D)
Day 9 - Bergamo - Como - Bellagio - Milano
After breakfast, enjoy a brief visit to Como, renowned for its breathtaking views of lake Como and the surrounding Alps. From Como, you will embark on a boat to Bellagio,an elegant village nestled at the junction of the lake's two southern branches, famous for its charming streets, luxury hotels, historic villas, and lush gardens. Lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, take the ferry to Cadenabbia, where you will meet your driver and begin your journey to Milan. Overnight stay in Milan. (B)
Day 10 - Milan - Bernina Express - Milan
After breakfast, meet your driver and travel to St. Moritz for some free time. Then, board the Bernina Express and enjoy one of the world’s most scenic train rides through the Swiss Alps. Marvel at alpine villages, tunnels, and breathtaking mountain views as you cross the Bernina Pass toward Tirano. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to take you back to Milan. (B)
Day 11 - Milan
After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore Milan at your own pace. In the afternoon, meet your local guide for a three- hour walking tour through the heart of the city. Begin at Porta Venezia, a historic gate with medieval and Roman origins, and continue to Corso Venezia. Walk through the Giardini Indro Mon- tanelli, pass by the Galleria d’Arte Moderna and continue along Viale Manzoni. From the outside, see the iconic Teatro alla Scala and admire the majestic façade of the Milan Cathedral (Duomo). The tour ends at Castello Sforzesco, a medieval fortress, fol- lowed by a relaxing aperitivo. Free time before returning to your hotel. Overnight stay in Milan. (B)
Day 12 - Milan - Peschiera del Garda - Trento - Kaltern an der Weinstraße (Scenic Drive) - Bolzano
After breakfast, we depart and head towards Peschiera del Garda, a charming town located on the southern shore of Lake Garda. Next, we stop in Trento, where we’ll admire the impres- sive Castello del Buon Consiglio and the Santa Maria Maggiore Cathedral. After a leisurely lunch, we continue along Italy’s old- est wine route, reaching Caldaro (Kaltern), known for its lake and wine. The day ends with our arrival in Bolzano. Overnight in Bolzano. (B)
Day 13 - Bolzano - Merano - Vipiteno - Bolzano
After breakfast, we travel to Merano, known for its Christmas market and rich cultural heritage. We’ll explore the old town, and you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch. Next, we visit Vipite- no, a picturesque town with medieval architecture and Alpine charm. Stroll through its streets, enjoy local cuisine, and shop for souvenirs. In the afternoon, we head to Bolzano to admire the Gothic-style Duomo and Via dei Portici, the heart of the city. Bolzano combines Alpine and Mediterranean influences, making it a must-visit destination. The evening is free for personal explo- ration or relaxation. Overnight in Bolzano. (B)
Day 14 - Bolzano - Merano - Vipiteno - Bolzano
After breakfast, we travel to Merano, known for its Christmas market and rich cultural heritage. We’ll explore the old town, and you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch. Next, we visit Vipite- no, a picturesque town with medieval architecture and Alpine charm. Stroll through its streets, enjoy local cuisine, and shop for souvenirs. In the afternoon, we head to Bolzano to admire the Gothic-style Duomo and Via dei Portici, the heart of the city. Bolzano combines Alpine and Mediterranean influences, making it a must-visit destination. The evening is free for personal explo- ration or relaxation. Overnight in Bolzano. (B)
Day 15 - Cortina - Scenic drive around the lakes near Cortina - Lake Misurina - Lake Dobbiaco - San Vito di Cadore - Cortina
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel and get ready to explore the stunning surroundings of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Enjoy panoramic views of the Dolomite Mountains and spot the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Continue to Lake Misurina, the largest natural lake in the region, offering mesmerizing mountain views. Then, visit Lake Dobbiaco with its unique emerald-colored waters. Drive to San Vito di Cadore, a charming village surround- ed by UNESCO-listed mountains, Mount Antelao and Mount Pelmo. Afterward, return to Cortina for free time, relax, and enjoy dinner at the hotel before an overnight stay. (B, D)
Day 16 - Cortina - Bassano del Grappa - Milan
After breakfast, reach Bassano del Grappa, a charming town at the foot of the Venetian Prealps, known for its rich history and timeless charm. Walk its cobbled streets to see medieval towers, elegant Venetian palaces, and mountain traditions shaped by centuries of culture. Don’t miss the iconic Ponte degli Alpini, designed by Andrea Palladio, crossing the Brenta River with postcard views. Visit the Museo della Grappa to explore Italy’s famous distillate origins. The experience includes a tasting session, offering insight into local craftsmanship. After Bassano, head to Milan. Overnight in Milan. (B)
Day 17 - Depart Milan
After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Arrivederci ! (B)