SMALL GROUP TOUR: Take in the sights of Venice on an included walking tour and enjoy an included 'Cicchetti' lunch before embarking on a 5-day exploration of the Dolomites. See shimmering lakes and rugged mountains, plus explore the captivating German-speaking towns of Brenico and Bressanone. Enjoy included wine tasting on the Prosecco Road, explore beautiful Bolzano, stay in the famous Cortina d'Ampezzo ski resort and visit Trento on your way to Milan.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Benvenuto!
Welcome to Venice! Make your way to our start hotel and settle in. Your first night in Italy's canal city is at leisure for you to explore.
Overnight: Venice
Exploring Venice
Meet our tour leader and group in the hotel lobby at 8:20 after breakfast. We are then transferred to the iconic Piazza San Marco, known in English as St Mark's Square. From here, enjoy a morning of guided sightseeing. We take in the illustrious Palazzo dei Dogi and see the famous 'Bridge of Sighs'. After our walking tour of the city centre, we enjoy an included light lunch of 'cicchetti' and a glass of prosecco or a spritz. 'Cicchetti' is the Venetian take on Tapas, so where better to sample it than in the heart of the canal city!
After lunch, the rest of the day is free for you to further explore Venice. Perhaps pre-book a gondola ride, or visit one of the city's many galleries or museums. We spend a second night in Venice.
Overnight: Venice | Breakfast, Lunch
Asolo, wine tasting & Cortina
Venice - Asolo - Cortina d'Ampezzo. Departing Venice early this morning, we head to the medieval town of Asolo, nestled amongst the green hills of Treviso. The town's most famous landmark is a splendid fortress, perched on Monte Ricco. From here we enjoy panoramic views of the Old Town, including Piazza Garibaldi, the castle and historic cathedral.
From Asolo, we enjoy a scenic drive through Italy's prosecco region, arriving at a local winery in the heart of this wine-producing region. Enjoy a guided tour of the site and an included tasting of three Valdobbiadene wines paired with a selection of local meats and cheeses.
Our destination for the evening is Cortina d'Ampezzo, known as the 'Queen of the Dolomites'. This famous ski resort boasts incredible views of the Dolomites, a part of the Italian Alps.
Overnight: Cortina d'Ampezzo | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lakes & Mountains
Cortina d'Ampezzo - Lake Misurina - Lake Dobbiaco - San Vito di Cadore - Cortina d'Ampezzo. Departing the hotel after breakfast, we can see the three towering peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the Dolomite Valley before making our way to Lake Misurina, the largest of the region's lakes. Onwards to Lake Dobbiaco, famous for its emerald waters.
Our next stop is San Vito di Cadore, an idyllic mountain village. Here we can see the rugged peaks of Mount Antelao and Mount Pelmo, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enjoy the views of mountains, green meadows and dense conifer forests. We then return to Cortina for the evening.
Overnight: Cortina d'Ampezzo | Breakfast, Dinner
Cortina to Bolzano
Cortina d'Ampezzo - Lake Braies - Brunico (Bruneck) - Bressanone (Brixen) - Bolzano. Say goodbye to Cortina as we travel first to Lake Braies, home to crystal clear waters and a serene atmosphere. If conditions prevent us reaching the lake, we will instead visit nearby Lake Anterselva and have time for a stroll alongside the shoreline.
Next, we visit medieval Brunico, gateway to the Kronplatz Mountains. Enjoy a walk through the town, home to colourful buildings and a charming Old Town. See the 10th Century cathedral in nearby Brixen and enjoy the fusion of Italian and Austrian cultures. After some time to explore Brixen, we drive to Bolzano for our overnight stay.
Overnight: Bolzano | Breakfast
Merano, Vipiteno & Bolzano sightseeing
Bolzano - Merano - Vipiteno - Bolzano. This morning we visit Merano, the second-largest city in the region after Bolzano, famous for its Christmas markets. Our guided sightseeing includes the Old Town and you can enjoy free time for lunch.
We make a short stop in Vipiteno, nestled in a picturesque corner of the Alps. There is free time here to wander around the medieval centre, shop for souvenirs and taste some more Alpine specialties.
Returning to Bolzano, we spend some time exploring the city. We visit the elegant Gothic cathedral and wander along the city's main street, Via dei Portici. Bolzano is a vibrant combination of Alpine and Mediterranean influence, and a wonderful place to explore. The evening is at leisure here.
Overnight: Bolzano | Breakfast
Egna & Trento to Milan
Bolzano - Egna - Trento - Milan. Our final day begins with us following the oldest Italian wine route, passing vineyards, lakes and idyllic mountain villages. Stopping in the village of Egna there is time to explore and perhaps enjoy a glass of local Pinot Noir in the pedestrianized centre.
We visit Trento next, a city dominated by the Castello del Buon Consiglio. This 13th Century castle is an emblem of the powerful House of Habsburg, which dominated this region for many centuries. Visit Piazza Duomo to see the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Vigilius and enjoy free time for lunch before we make our way to Milan. Here our tour comes to an end.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Delfino Venezia Mestre, Venice
Hotel Delfino Venezia Mestre is located in the lively Corso del Popolo in the heart of Mestre, the mainland section of Venice. The hotel is just 10 minutes by bus from Venice itself, with a stop across the road - reception can arrange bus tickets for guests if needed. Rooms at this 4-star hotel are well appointed and spacious, equipped with ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and television. Buffet breakfast is served onsite and there is a bar and lounge area where guests can enjoy cocktails and apertifs.
B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina, Cortina d'Ampezzo
Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Dolomites, the B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci in Cortina d'Ampezzo offers a charming escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its rustic elegance and unparalleled views of the surrounding peaks, this cosy retreat beckons guests to unwind in comfort. Each room is a sanctuary of style and tranquillity, boasting ensuite bathrooms, flat-screen TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Many rooms offer sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
Stadt Hotel Citta, Bolzano
Boasting an excellent location in Bolzano's main square of Piazza Walther, the Stadt Hotel Citta is located near many of the city's main attractions. Rooms offer stylish wooden furniture and floors, flat screen TV and a mini-fridge. There is an onsite swimming pool, spa and Turkish baths, and a buffet breakfast is served daily in the hotel restaurant.
At a Glance
