Northern Lakes, Venice & Milan with the Bernina Express and Franciacorta · 8 days
From Venice to Milan across northern Italy: Verona, a Franciacorta wine tasting, lakes Garda and Como, and the legendary Bernina Express ride into the Swiss Alps.
Departures: May 2027: 3, 24 · Jun 2027: 7*, 21 · Jul 2027: 12, 26 · Aug 2027: 2, 16 · Sep 2027: 6, 20 · Oct 2027: 4, 11
Day-by-day itinerary
B · Breakfast · L · Lunch · D · Dinner
Day 1 · Venice
Welcome to Venice! Meet your driver at the airport and enjoy the included transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.
Day 2 · Venice (B, food experience)
Breakfast and transfer to St Mark’s Square for a walking tour. Visit the Doge’s Palace, symbol of Venice’s power, linked to the prison by the Bridge of Sighs where Casanova was jailed. At the end, a Venetian aperitivo with cicchetti (tapas) and a spritz or prosecco. Free afternoon to explore the city. Accommodation.
Day 3 · Venice › Verona › Franciacorta › Bergamo (B, L)
Departure for Verona, famous for its Arena, one of the best-preserved amphitheatres. With a local guide, stroll the historic centre —Roman, medieval and Renaissance architecture— not missing Juliet’s House and balcony. Then Franciacorta, renowned for its sparkling wine: a light lunch and tasting of local products. Night in Bergamo.
Day 4 · Bergamo › Sirmione › Desenzano del Garda › Bergamo (B, D)
Lake Garda, the largest in Italy, is today’s destination. We drive its western shore admiring the Brenta Dolomites (UNESCO) among lemon and olive groves and bougainvillea. In Sirmione, famous for its medieval castle and the ruins of Catullus’ villa, a short boat trip and free time for lunch. Then Desenzano del Garda, with its elegant lakeside promenade. Dinner and accommodation in Bergamo.
Day 5 · Bergamo › Como › Bellagio › Milan (B)
Short visit to Como, famous for its lake and Alpine views. We explore Bellagio, at the fork of the lake’s two branches, with picturesque streets, villas and gardens. Free time for lunch. Then by boat to Cadenabbia, where the driver takes us on to Milan. Accommodation.
Day 6 · Milan › Bernina Express › Milan (B)
After breakfast, meet your driver and set off for St. Moritz, with free time to explore. Then board the Bernina Express for one of the most scenic train journeys in the world: alpine villages, tunnels and stunning landscapes as you cross the Bernina Pass towards Tirano. On arrival, your driver will be waiting to return to Milan.
Day 7 · Milan (B, food experience)
After breakfast, free time to explore Milan at your own pace. In the afternoon, meet your local guide for a three-hour walking tour of the historic centre: from Porta Venezia along Corso Venezia, the Indro Montanelli gardens and the Gallery of Modern Art, the iconic Teatro alla Scala, the majestic façade of the Duomo and the Castello Sforzesco. Then a relaxing aperitivo (happy hour with 1 drink included). Free time before returning to the hotel. Accommodation in Milan.
Day 8 · Milan (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Arrivederci!
What’s included
- Arrival transfer from Venice airport and departure transfer to Milan airport
- Accommodation in 4* hotels (or similar) with daily breakfast
- Guided tour in Venice, Milan and Verona
- Spritz and cicchetti in Venice
- Light lunch with wine tasting in Franciacorta
- Panoramic boat transfers on Lake Como
- Ride on the Bernina Express
- Happy hour in Milan with 1 drink included
Not included
- Flights
- Tips of any kind and personal extras
- City accommodation tax (paid at the hotel)
- Drinks not included with meals, unless part of the experience
- Entrance to museums or monuments not mentioned
- Anything not listed under “Included”
Planned hotels
4-star hotels (or similar)
- Venice · Hotel B&B Venezia Laguna 4* (Tronchetto area) or Hotel Hampton by Hilton Venice Isola Nuova
- Bergamo · Hotel Cappello d’Oro 4*
- Milan · Hotel Concorde 4* or Hotel Ramada Plaza 4*
Prices per person
| Season | Double | Triple | Single |
|---|---|---|---|
| High season · May–Oct 2027 | 2409 € | 2409 € | 3316 € |
Prices per person in euros by season and room occupancy. The final confirmation and payment method are arranged with our team.
Supplements per person
- Departure on 7 June (Milan trade fair): Double 2547 € · Triple 2547 € · Single 3729 €
Important notes
- Small-group circuit in a “slow travel” spirit: less rush and more time in each place.
- The city accommodation tax is not included and is paid at the hotel.