Italian Masterpieces & The Magical Lakes 12 Days
12 Days : Rome - Assisi - Siena - Florence - Bologna - Venice - Verona - Wine Tasting in Franciacorta - Bergamo - Sirmione - Desenzano del Garda - Como - Bellagio - Milan - Bernina Express - Milan
Tour overview:
Embark on an unforgettable 12-day journey through Italy’s most iconic regions, from the timeless charm of Rome to the elegance of Milan. Discover ancient wonders in the Eternal City, the spiritual beauty of Assisi, and Florence’s Renaissance splendor. Savor Bologna’s culinary delights and cruise through Venice’s romantic canals. Enjoy wine tasting in Franciacorta, explore the tranquil shores of Lake Garda and Lake Como, and experience the breathtaking Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps. Conclude in Milan, Italy’s cosmopolitan capital of fashion and design—a perfect finale to a journey rich in history, art, culture, and unforgettable flavors.
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 extraordinary 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 (Light Lunch & Wine Tasting) - 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 overnight stay. (B, Light Lunch & Wine Tasting)
Day 8 - Bergamo - Sirmione - Desenzano Del Garda - Bergamo
After breakfast, set off for 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, 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 11 - 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 12 - Depart Milan
After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Arrivederci! (B)