8 Days: Venice - Verona - Light Lunch & Wine Tasting in Franciacorta - Bergamo - Sirmione - Desenzano del Garda - Como - Bellagio - Milan - Bernina Express - Milan

Tour overview:

Explore northern Italy on this 8-day journey from Venice to Milan. Begin in Venice, discovering St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and the romantic canals while savoring local cicchetti. Visit Verona, home to Juliet’s balcony, and enjoy a Franciacorta wine tasting before reaching Bergamo. Experience the stunning landscapes of Lake Garda, Sirmione, and Desenzano, then cruise Lake Como to Bellagio. Ride the scenic Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps and conclude in Milan with a guided city walking tour, including the Duomo and Castello Sforzesco. This tour blends culture, history, gastronomy, and breathtaking scenery for an unforgettable Italian adventure.

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Day 1 - Arrive Venice

Meet your driver at the airport and enjoy your included transfer to the hotel. Check in at your hotel for a restful overnight stay.

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Day 2 - Venice

After breakfast, enjoy your transfer to Piazza San Marco and visit Venice’s iconic landmarks: the Palazzo dei Dogi and the famous Bridge of Sighs. After the walking tour, relax with a spritz or prosecco, the perfect way to conclude your visit. Enjoy a taste of Venetian "cicchetti", a local tapas variation. Spend the afternoon exploring Venice’s canals at your leisure. In the evening, return to the hotel for overnight stay. (B, Local Food Experience)

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Day 3 - 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 overnight stay. (B, L, Wine Tasting)

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Day 4 - 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)

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Day 5 - Bergamo - Como - Bellagio - 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)

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Day 6 - 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)

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Day 7 - 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 Montanelli, 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, followed by a relaxing aperitivo. Free time before returning to your hotel. Overnight stay in Milan. (B, Local Food Experience)

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Day 8 - Depart Milan

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Arrivederci! (B)

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