Classic Italy, Alps & Dolomites | Guided Group Tour | 13 Days

DAY 1:                                   ROME – ASSISI – SIENA – FLORENCE  

Depart at 7:15 am by deluxe coach to Assisi, a charming medieval town encircled by ancient walls. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, home to magnificent frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue, and enjoy lunch in Assisi. Continue to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and the historic Palio horse race. Travel through the scenic Tuscan countryside before arriving in Florence. Overnight in Florence. (L) 

DAY 2:                                   FLORENCE  

Discover Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, on a guided sightseeing tour. Visit the magnificent Duomo with Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Tuscan restaurant before an afternoon at leisure or join an optional excursion to Pisa. Overnight in Florence. (B, L)  

DAY 3:                                   FLORENCE – BOLOGNA – VENICE  

After breakfast, travel to Bologna, a city rich in culture and culinary excellence. Walk from Piazza Malpighi to Piazza Maggiore, admiring San Petronio Basilica and the Palazzo del Podestà. Delight in a light local lunch, savouring regional specialties. Stroll the medieval streets, arcades, and markets. In the afternoon, continue to Venice. Overnight in Venice. (B, L)  

DAY 4:                                   VENICE     

Enjoy breakfast as your hotel, then 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)  

DAY 5:                                   VENICE – MILAN   

After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the station and board the designated train independently for Milan. Upon arrival at Milan station, meet the driver for an included transfer to the hotel. Check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight in Milan. (B)

DAY 6:                                   MILAN – ST. MORITZ (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. Overnight in Milan. (B) 

DAY 7:                                   MILAN    

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore Milan independently. In the afternoon, meet the local guide for a three-hour walking tour through the city’s historic heart. Start at Porta Venezia, a gate with Roman and medieval origins, and stroll along Corso Venezia. Pass through the Giardini Indro Montanelli, admire the Galleria d’Arte Moderna, and continue along Viale Manzoni. See the exterior of the iconic Teatro alla Scala and the magnificent façade of the Milan Cathedral (Duomo). The tour concludes at Castello Sforzesco, followed by a relaxing aperitivo. Overnight in Milan. (B)  

DAY 8:                                   MILAN – PESCHIERA DEL GARDA – TRENTO – KALTERN – BOLZANO 

After breakfast, depart for Peschiera del Garda, a charming town located on the southern shore of Lake Garda. Next, stop in Trento, admire the impressive Castello del Buon Consiglio and the Santa Maria Maggiore Cathedral. After a leisurely lunch, 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 in Bolzano. (B) 

DAY 9:                                   BOLZANO – MERANO – VIPITENO – BOLZANO   

After breakfast, travel to Merano, renowned for its Christmas market and rich cultural heritage. Explore the charming old town and enjoy some free time for lunch. Next, visit Vipiteno, a picturesque Alpine town with medieval architecture. Stroll through its streets, sample local cuisine, and browse for souvenirs. In the afternoon, continue to Bolzano to admire the Gothic-style Duomo and wander along Via dei Portici, the city’s vibrant heart. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Bolzano. (B) 

DAY 10:                                 BOLZANO – BRESSANONE – BRUNICO – LAKE BRAIES OR LAKE ANTERSELVA – CORTINA   

After breakfast, depart for Bressanone, a charming town in the Eisack Valley, famed for its 10th-century medieval cathedral and unique Austrian Italian character. Savour local wines and enjoy the peaceful Alpine ambiance. Next, travel to Brunico, known for its colourful medieval streets and panoramic views from Kronplatz Mountain. Continue to the breathtaking Lake of Braies, set against the towering Dolomite peaks, (or visit Lake Anterselva if Braies is inaccessible-both offer serene beauty and excellent photo opportunities). The day concludes in Cortina for dinner and an overnight stay. (B, D) 

DAY 11:                                 CORTINA – LAKE MISURINA – LAKE DOBBIACO – SAN VITO DI CADORE – CORTINA  

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive through the spectacular surroundings of Cortina d’Ampezzo, with panoramic views of the Dolomite Mountains and the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Travel onwards to Lake Misurina, the largest natural lake in the area, celebrated for its breathtaking mountain scenery. At Lake Dobbiaco, admire the distinctive emerald-coloured waters before heading to San Vito di Cadore, a picturesque village surrounded by the UNESCO-listed Mount Antelao and Mount Pelmo. Return to Cortina for free time and relaxation before dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Cortina. (B, D)

DAY 12:                                 CORTINA – BASSANO DEL GRAPPA – MILAN  

After breakfast, depart for 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. 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 13:                                 MILAN  

After breakfast, departure transfer to Milan Airport. End of services. (B) 

ACCOMMODATION (OR SIMILAR): 

FLORENCE: Hotel Raffaello, or Hotel Una Vittoria   

VENICE: Hotel B&B Venezia Laguna (Tronchetto area), or Hotel Delfino (Mestre area), Hotel Hampton by Hilton Venice Isola Nuova 3* (Tronchetto area)  

MILAN: Hotel Concorde, or Hotel Ramada Plaza 

CORTINA: B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Crotina  

BOLZANO: Stadt Hotel  

INCLUDES: 

• 12 nights’ accommodation in a combination of 3 and 4* hotels
• Meals as per itinerary
• Guided sightseeing tours in Florence, Venice and Milan
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• Transfer from Venice hotel to train station
• Transfer from the train station to Milan hotel
• Bernina Express train ride
• Train ticket: Venice to Milan
• Wine tasting
• Local food experiences

EXCLUDES: 

• Entrance tickets to sites and museums (unless stated otherwise)
• City tax (to be paid directly at the hotel)
• Beverages
• Hotel taxes and or service charges
• Tips
• Everything which is not mentioned in “includes”

THINGS TO NOTE: 

• Accommodation is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to avoid hotel changes, but should a mid-tour hotel change become necessary after this list has been printed, contact details of the new hotel will be supplied to you by your Tour Director.
• Tour can be a combination of regular tours; therefore, coach changes may be required. The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.