Country Roads of Northern Italy - Small Group - From £4,175

Europe Italy
OVERVIEW
Journey through Northern Italy in a Small group, immersing yourself in the region’s culture, scenery and craftsmanship. See Milan through the eyes of a historian, then travel towards the peaceful lakes and mountain landscapes of South Tyrol. In Bolzano, where Italian and Austrian influences meet beneath the Dolomites, you’ll encounter the remarkably preserved mummy discovered in the Ötztal Alps. Taste crisp Prosecco among Veneto’s rolling vineyards, explore the romance of Verona and watch molten glass take shape in the hands of a Venetian artisan. As your journey settles on the shores of Lake Maggiore, a Dine-Around evening in Baveno brings together local flavours and lakeside tranquillity in a memorable finale.
EXPERIENCES
Bolzano: Step inside the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to see Ötzi the Iceman, one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological discoveries. Preserved in ice for more than 5,000 years, this Copper Age mummy offers a rare glimpse into prehistoric life in the Alps, from the tools he carried to the clothing he wore.

Milan: Join your small group and a local historian to explore Milan’s history, including the influence of Leonardo da Vinci. Walk to the facade of Milan Cathedral and the world-famous La Scala Theatre as the city’s story takes shape around you.  
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
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(price per person)		 Definite Departure
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21/04/2028 30/04/2028 £4,395   Book
05/05/2028 14/05/2028 £4,395   Book
19/05/2028 28/05/2028 £4,395   Book
02/06/2028 11/06/2028 £4,395   Book
16/06/2028 25/06/2028 £4,395   Book
30/06/2028 09/07/2028 £4,395   Book
14/07/2028 23/07/2028 £4,395   Book
28/07/2028 06/08/2028 £4,395   Book
11/08/2028 20/08/2028 £4,395   Book
25/08/2028 03/09/2028 £4,395   Book
08/09/2028 17/09/2028 £4,395   Book
22/09/2028 01/10/2028 £4,395   Book
06/10/2028 15/10/2028 £4,395   Book
20/10/2028 29/10/2028 £4,395   Book
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ITINERARY

Arrive in Milan and head to the hotel, where you’ll meet your Travel Director and the small group joining you on this journey. Then step into the city’s story with a local historian, standing before the marble sweep of the Duomo, the iconic halls of La Scala and the glass-covered elegance of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. As evening settles, come together over dinner at a local restaurant, the perfect setting to connect with your fellow travellers.

Cross the plains of Lombardy to Verona, known for its Roman heritage and literary ties. Explore a network of elegant squares and see the well-preserved Roman Arena, still used for opera. Next, your Travel Director will lead you on a guided walk to Dante’s statue and the Scala family tombs or follow a Shakespeare-focused route linked to the story of Romeo and Juliet. Travel onwards to Trento, a northern city appreciated for its strong local character.

After breakfast, depart Trento and follow the Adige River north to Bolzano, where Italian and Austrian cultures meet. Set against a dramatic backdrop of the Dolomite mountain range, Bolzano reveals centuries of cross-border influence through its architecture, language and distinctive regional identity. Visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to see Ötzi the Iceman, the remarkably preserved mummy discovered in the Ötztal Alps. This evening, enjoy dinner at a restaurant.

After breakfast, enjoy a day at leisure in Bolzano with time to explore its arcaded streets, lively piazzas and blend of Italian and Austrian influences at your own pace. Alternatively, join the Grand Tour of the Dolomites Optional Experience, where you’ll discover the region’s soaring peaks and dramatic mountain scenery. This evening, you can also choose the Dinner in the Mountains Optional Experience, savouring delicious regional dishes in an atmospheric alpine setting.

Today, you’ll travel through more Dolomite scenery with your small group to one of Italy’s notable wine regions. The vineyards around Conegliano Veneto sit between Alpine shelter and warmer Adriatic air, creating conditions well suited to prosecco production. Stop in Conegliano to gain close access to the winemaking process and note how it differs from Champagne. Taste the crisp, aromatic style before continuing to Venice, the island city known as the Queen of the Adriatic.

Wake ready to explore Venice. You'll start with a visit to a Venetian glassblowing workshop where you can see how beautiful, handcrafted glass is made by expert artisans, preserving centuries-old traditions. Then continue by private boat past palazzos and churches to St. Mark's Square to see the Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Afterwards, settle into a gondola for a gentle glide along the canals. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore, before the cafes around the square draw you in for an easy end to the day.

Depart Venice and travel toward Lake Garda, where a short stop in Sirmione reveals shimmering water, pastel-coloured houses and the stone walls of its lakeside castle. Continue across Lombardy’s rich farmland as the landscape softens toward Lake Maggiore. Arrive in Baveno, a peaceful town edged by distant mountains. This evening, choose from a selection of local restaurants, each offering its own character, aromas and regional flavours — a relaxed way to linger and connect with your small group.

Settle into the foothills of the Alps and experience the effortless allure of the Italian Lakes, a timeless retreat once favoured by Europe’s elite. In Como, take in the town’s graceful waterfront, narrow lanes and long-standing connection to fine silk. Your orientation walk will reveal its defining landmarks and the rhythm of local life. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you choose, or you may join an Optional Experience to explore Lake Como in greater depth with a Local Expert.

Relish a full day at leisure among the Italian Lakes, a region long associated with distinguished visitors. Stresa once welcomed Napoleon during his Italian Campaign and later hosted Mussolini and Chamberlain as they signed the Treaty of Stresa. You’ll have the chance to join an optional cruise to the Borromean Islands, including Isola Bella with its elegant palace and terraced gardens. In the evening, enjoy farm-to-table dishes paired with Italian wines.

Your journey draws to a close in the morning. Transfer to Milan’s Malpensa Airport for your onward arrangements or depart at your leisure.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • Air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi where available
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with a local specialty representing the destination.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Duo Milan Porta Nuova - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: NH Trento - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Stadt Hotel Città - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: Stadt Hotel Città - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Grand Hotel Dino, Baveno - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8: Grand Hotel Dino, Baveno - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Grand Hotel Dino, Baveno - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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