Italian Lakes, Alps & Dolomites
Discover the beauty of northern Italy on this 9-day journey, starting and ending in Milan. Begin with time to explore the fashion capital before crossing into Switzerland for a spectacular ride on the Bernina Express. Back in Italy, enjoy a guided walking tour of Milan before heading to Lake Garda, Trento and the alpine charm of Bolzano. Explore medieval towns, sip local wines and take in the breathtaking lakes of the Dolomites from a base in Cortina d’Ampezzo, then head back to Milan via Bassano del Grappa, with a tasting of the local tipple.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
9 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
MilanEnds
MilanMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Switzerland that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Tour leader escort & local guides for sightseeingCountries
Switzerland, ItalyMeals Included
Breakfast: 8, Dinner: 2Passengers
$5,712.00
$2,856.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 25
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who accompanies you throughout your journey. They take care of the day-to-day logistics, offer local insights at every stop, and are available to assist with any questions or needs along the way. On longer tours or multi-country itineraries, you may be accompanied by a different tour guide or tour leader for certain sections of the journey. For full details of the guiding services included on this tour, please refer to the Inclusions.
Tour Pace
A packed itinerary, visiting multiple places each day with limited downtime, ideal for those who want to maximize sightseeing.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Tour leader escort & local guides for sightseeingGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 25Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who accompanies you throughout your journey. They take care of the day-to-day logistics, offer local insights at every stop, and are available to assist with any questions or needs along the way. On longer tours or multi-country itineraries, you may be accompanied by a different tour guide or tour leader for certain sections of the journey. For full details of the guiding services included on this tour, please refer to the Inclusions.
Tour Pace
A packed itinerary, visiting multiple places each day with limited downtime, ideal for those who want to maximize sightseeing.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Group ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Milan
Welcome to Milan! On arrival, you will be collected at the airport and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Italy's fashion capital.
Day 2 - Bernina Express From Switzerland to Italy
Milan - St Moritz (Switzerland) - Tirano (Italy) - Milan. After breakfast, we meet our driver and travel to the Swiss resort town of St. Moritz, where you have some free time to explore at your own pace.
Later, we board the Bernina Express for one of the world’s most scenic train journeys through the Swiss Alps. Along the way, we pass charming alpine villages, dramatic tunnels, and stunning mountain views as we cross the Bernina Pass towards Tirano. On arrival, our driver will be waiting to take us back to Milan.
Day 3 - Exploring Milan
Enjoy some free time this morning to explore Milan at your own pace. In the afternoon, we meet our local guide for a three-hour walking tour through the heart of the city. We begin at Porta Venezia, a historic gate with medieval and Roman origins, before continuing along Corso Venezia. Our walk takes us through the Giardini Indro Montanelli, past the Galleria d’Arte Moderna, and along Viale Manzoni. From the outside, we see the world-renowned Teatro alla Scala before admiring the striking façade of Milan’s Cathedral (Duomo).
The tour concludes at Castello Sforzesco, a medieval fortress, where we finish with a relaxing aperitivo. You then have free time before returning to the hotel.
Day 4 - Lake Garda, Trento & Bolzano
Milan - Peschiera del Garda - Trento - Bolzano. Say goodbye to Milan as we depart for Peschiera del Garda, a charming town on the southern shore of Lake Garda. From here, we continue to Trento to admire the striking Castello del Buonconsiglio and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore. After free time for a leisurely lunch, we follow Italy’s oldest wine route to Caldaro (Kaltern), a village renowned for its lake and wine production. Our day concludes with arrival in Bolzano.
Day 5 - Merano & Vipiteno
Bolzano - Merano - Vipiteno - Bolzano. After breakfast, we travel to Merano, a town celebrated for its Christmas market. We explore the old town before you have free time to enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we continue to Vipiteno, a picturesque town known for its medieval architecture. There's free time here for you to explore.
Later, we return to Bolzano to see the Gothic-style Duomo and walk along Via dei Portici, the city’s historic heart. The evening is free for you to explore further or relax at leisure.
Day 6 - Bolzano to Cortina
Bolzano - Bressanone - Brunico - Lake Braies / Anterselva - Cortina d'Ampezzo. Today, we begin with a visit to Bressanone, a charming town in the Eisack Valley, noted for its 10th-century cathedral and its distinctive Austrian-Italian character. We enjoy the local wines and the serene Alpine atmosphere before continuing to Brunico, where colourful medieval streets and panoramic views from Kronplatz mountain await.
In the afternoon, we visit the beautiful Lake Braies, framed by the dramatic Dolomite peaks. If Braies is inaccessible, we instead visit Lake Anterselva, equally famous for its scenic views. We end the day in Cortina d'Ampezzo, where dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 7 - Lakes of the Dolomites
Cortina d'Ampezzo - Lake Misurina - Lake Dobbiaco - San Vito di Cadore - Cortina d'Ampezzo. Today, we set out to explore the stunning surroundings of Cortina d’Ampezzo. We enjoy panoramic views of the Dolomite Mountains, including the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Our journey continues to Lake Misurina, the largest natural lake in the area, renowned for its breathtaking mountain backdrop. We then visit Lake Dobbiaco, known for its striking emerald-coloured waters. From here, we drive to San Vito di Cadore, a charming village framed by the UNESCO-listed peaks of Mount Antelao and Mount Pelmo.
Later, we return to Cortina, where you have free time to relax before dinner at the hotel and an overnight stay.
Day 8 - Bassano del Grappa & Return to Milan
Cortina d'Ampezzo - Bassano del Grappa - Milan. Leaving Cortina, we travel to Bassano del Grappa, a charming town at the foot of the Venetian Prealps. As we walk through its cobbled streets, we see medieval towers, elegant Venetian palaces, and traditions shaped by centuries of mountain culture. A highlight is the iconic Ponte degli Alpini, designed by Andrea Palladio, which spans the Brenta River and offers postcard-perfect views.
We then visit the Museo della Grappa to learn about the origins of Italy’s famous distillate, with a tasting session included to showcase local craftsmanship. After our visit, we continue on to Milan. The final night of your northern Italy tour is at leisure.
Day 9 - Milan
Your tour comes to an end today. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before check-out and an included transfer to the airport.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room.
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