Northern Lakes, Venice, Milan With Bernina Express, Alpina & Dolomiti 13 Days
Book before Oct 31, 2026 and Avail 15% Off
13 Days: Venice - Milan - Bergamo - Cortina - Bolzano
Tour overview:
Discover the best of Northern Italy on a 13-day journey from Venice to Milan, blending iconic cities, picturesque lakes, renowned wine regions, and the spectacular Dolomites. Explore Venice, Verona, Bergamo, Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Milan, with memorable experiences including local food tastings, Franciacorta wine, and the scenic Bernina Express. Travel through Trento, Bolzano, Merano, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and charming Alpine villages, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Enjoy scenic drives, boat excursions, historic landmarks, lakeside towns, and authentic regional cuisine before concluding your journey in Milan.
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.
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)
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, WT)
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)
Day 5 - 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 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)
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)
Day 8 - Milan - Peschiera del Garda - Trento - Kaltern an der Weinstra ße (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 impressive Castello del Buon Consiglio and the Santa Maria Maggiore Cathedral. After a leisurely lunch, we continue along Italy’s oldest wine route, reaching Caldaro (Kaltern), known for its lake and wine. The day ends with our arrival in Bolzano. Overnight. (B)
Day 9 - 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 Vipiteno, 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 exploration or relaxation. Overnight in Bolzano. (B)
Day 10 - Bolzano - Bressanone - Brunico - Lake Braies or Lake Anterselva - Cortina
Today, we start with a visit to Bressanone, a charming town in the Eisack Valley, known for its 10th-century medieval cathedral and Austrian-Italian blend. Enjoy local wines and the serene Alpine atmosphere. Then, we head to Brunico, with its colorful medieval streets and panoramic views from Kronplatz Mountain. Afterward, we visit the stunning Lake of Braies, surrounded by towering Dolomite peaks, or Lake Anterselva if Braie is in accessible. Both offer tranquil beauty and photo opportunities. Finally, we conclude the day in Cortina for dinner at the hotel and an overnight stay, surrounded by the breathtaking Dolomites. (B, D)
Day 11 - 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 surrounded 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 12 - Cortina - Bassano del Grappa - Milan
After breakfast, we'll head to Bassano del Grappa, a charming town in the Venetian Prealps. We'll explore its cobbled streets, admiring medieval towers and Venetian palaces. The highlight is the Ponte Vecchio (Ponte degli Alpini), designed by Andrea Palladio, offering stunning views over the Brenta River. Our visit includes the Grappa Museum for a 40-minute immersion into the distillate's history via videos and exhibitions. We'll conclude with a tasting of five grappa varieties, savoring the region's artisanal flavors. In the afternoon, we return to Milan for our accommodation. Overnight. (B)
Day 13 - Depart Milan
After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Arrivederci! (B)