Rome to Milan Encompassed - 17 days

Once you have arrived at Rome airport, our driver will meet you for your included transfer to the hotel. This afternoon, you can use your Hop-on Hop-off bus ticket to explore the city’s iconic sights from an open-top view. With eight stops along the route, you may hop on and off as you wish, while listening to informative commentary available in 12 languages. In the evening, you are free to spend your time as you choose before returning to the hotel.

lease note: that the hop-on, hop off bus ticket is valid for one day only.

Today, we will embark on a guided exploration of Rome’s remarkable Archaeological Area. With our professional guide leading the way, we will spend around two and a half hours uncovering the city’s ancient past. Using personal radio receivers and earphones, we will step inside the Colosseum, the Flavian Amphitheatre that once hosted dramatic gladiator contests and wild animal spectacles.

Our visit continues to Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace of Rome, where we can take in sweeping views across the city. We finish the tour at the Roman Forum, once the bustling heart of political and social life. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy as you wish.

Rome - Assisi - Siena - Florence. This morning, we depart at 7:15 a.m. by deluxe coach and travel to Assisi, a medieval hill town enclosed within its ancient walls. We visit the Basilica of St Francis, admired for its series of frescoes created by Giotto and Cimabue, and then pause here for lunch. Our journey continues to Siena, celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its striking Piazza del Campo, the focal point of the famous Palio horse race. From there, we drive through the Tuscan countryside before arriving in Florence, where we check into our hotel.

After breakfast, we set out to explore Florence, known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. We visit the Cathedral with Brunelleschi’s impressive dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery. Our walk continues to Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Lunch is included in a traditional Tuscan restaurant. In the afternoon, you may spend time at leisure in Florence or join an optional excursion to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and the Piazza dei Miracoli. Dinner this evening is at your leisure.

Florence - Bologna - Venice. Florence - Bologna - Venice. We depart from Florence this morning and make our way to Bologna. Here, we explore the historic centre, walking beneath the city’s famous porticos and visiting landmarks such as Piazza del Nettuno and the Basilica of San Petronio. We also discover Bologna’s celebrated food culture with a light lunch, sampling a mix of traditional flavours and modern street food. Later in the day, we continue our journey to Venice, where we check in to our hotel for the night.

This morning, we transfer to Piazza San Marco for a guided tour of Venice. With our guide, we take in some of the city’s most renowned sights, including the Doge’s Palace from the outside, before crossing the Bridge of Sighs.

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Afterwards, we pause to enjoy a glass of spritz or prosecco with cicchetti, the small Venetian snacks that are a cornerstone of local food culture. It is the perfect moment to relax and absorb the atmosphere.

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The afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish. You may choose to wander along the canals, browse artisan shops, or seek out the city’s quieter corners before we return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Venice.

Venice - Verona - Franciacorta - Bergamo. After breakfast, we set out for Verona, a city shaped by centuries of history and artistry. With our guide, we walk among Roman remains, medieval buildings, and Renaissance palaces that tell the story of its past. We also pause at Juliet’s house, where the balcony recalls the timeless romance made famous by Shakespeare.

From Verona, we continue into the Franciacorta wine region. Here, we enjoy a light lunch featuring regional dishes complemented by a tasting of local wines. Later in the day, we make our way to Bergamo, where we spend the night.

Bergamo - Sirmione - Desenzano del Garda - Bergamo. Today, we travel to Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. Following the western shoreline, we enjoy views of the Brenta Dolomites, the Moraine Hills, and the surrounding landscapes as we make our way to Sirmione. Here, we take a boat trip to see the castle, the Grottoes of Catullus, and the town’s picturesque waterfront.

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You will then have free time for lunch before we continue to Desenzano del Garda, known for its lakeside promenade and historic centre with Venetian influence. We end the day in Bergamo, where we will enjoy dinner and spend the night.

Bergamo - Como - Bellagio - Milan. This morning, we will depart from Bergamo and head towards Como, where we will pause to admire the sweeping views of Lake Como framed by the surrounding Alps. From here, we embark on a boat journey that carries us across the water to Bellagio.

Bellagio is an elegant village at the meeting point of the lake’s two southern arms. Known for its winding streets, grand villas, refined hotels, and beautiful gardens, it offers plenty to enjoy at a relaxed pace. You will then have some free time to grab lunch.

In the afternoon, we continue by ferry to Cadenabbia, where our driver will be waiting to take us onwards to Milan for the overnight stay.

Milan - St. Moritz (Switzerland) - Tirano (Italy) - Milan. Today, we depart from Milan, heading for St Moritz in Switzerland, where you will have some free time to look around and enjoy the atmosphere of this famous alpine resort before boarding the Bernina Express.

Once we have boarded the Bernina Express, we settle in for one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. The train carries us across the Bernina Pass, winding through tunnels and across viaducts, with views of traditional villages and dramatic mountain scenery along the way.

Our journey concludes in Tirano, where our driver will be waiting to take us back to Milan for the evening.

You will have the morning at leisure to explore Milan. You may wish to browse the city’s boutiques, enjoy a coffee in a lively café, or wander through its elegant streets, soaking up the atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we meet our local guide for a three-hour walking tour through the centre of the city. We begin at Porta Venezia, a historic gateway with both Roman and medieval roots, before continuing along Corso Venezia. Our walk takes us through the Giardini Indro Montanelli and past the Galleria d’Arte Moderna, before reaching Viale Manzoni. From here, we see the world-famous Teatro alla Scala from the outside and admire the striking facade of the Milan Cathedral, known as the Duomo.

The tour concludes at Castello Sforzesco, the imposing fortress that once served as a residence for Milan’s ruling families. We round off the day with a relaxing aperitivo, before you have free time once again and then return to the hotel for the night.

Milan - Peschiera del Garda - Trento - Kaltern (Caldaro) - Bolzano. After breakfast, we begin our day with a visit to Peschiera del Garda, a scenic town set on the southern shore of Lake Garda. Surrounded by Venetian-era walls, the town has long been a strategic stronghold, and today it is known for its charming historic centre and lakeside views.

We then continue to Trento, where we explore two of its most notable landmarks: the imposing Castello del Buonconsiglio, once the seat of the Prince-Bishops, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, an important Renaissance church in the heart of the city.

After you have time for lunch, we will follow Italy’s oldest wine road, a route celebrated for its vineyards and Alpine scenery. Our next stop is Caldaro (Kaltern), a town famous for its lake and long tradition of winemaking.

The day ends in Bolzano, where Italian and Austrian influences blend in the architecture, cuisine and culture of this lively Alpine city.

Bolzano - Merano - Vipiteno - Bolzano. Today, we make our way to Merano, a town renowned for its festive Christmas market and diverse cultural heritage. Set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, Merano has long been known as a spa town, attracting visitors for its mild climate and elegant architecture. We explore the historic centre, with its arcaded streets and medieval gates, before you have free time to enjoy lunch in one of the many cafés or restaurants.

Our journey then continues to Vipiteno, often regarded as one of Italy’s most beautiful small towns. Once a prosperous mining centre, it still showcases its medieval past through colourful houses, narrow alleyways, and the striking Torre delle Dodici, the town’s landmark clock tower. You can wander at your own pace, sample regional dishes, or shop for local crafts and delicacies.

In the afternoon, we return to Bolzano to admire the Gothic-style Duomo, with its distinctive patterned roof, and take a walk along Via dei Portici, the bustling arcade-lined street that has been the heart of trade and daily life in the city for centuries.

Bolzano - Bressanone - Brunico - Lake Braies or Lake Anterselva - Cortina d'Ampezzo.This morning, we begin in Bressanone, a delightful town in the Eisack Valley that reflects both Austrian and Italian influences. We visit its impressive medieval cathedral, dating back to the 10th century, and enjoy the relaxed Alpine atmosphere along with a taste of the region’s wines.

We then travel to Brunico, where colourful medieval streets and lively squares showcase the town’s rich history. From here, you can take in sweeping views towards Kronplatz, one of South Tyrol’s most famous mountains.

In the afternoon, we continue to the Lake of Braies, often called the “pearl of the Dolomites”, set against a dramatic backdrop of towering peaks. If access to Braies is restricted, we will instead visit the equally scenic Lake Anterselva, a quiet spot surrounded by forests and mountains. Both lakes provide wonderful opportunities for photographs and reflection.

Our day ends in Cortina, where we enjoy dinner together at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay in the heart of the Dolomites.

Cortina d'Ampezzo - Lake Misurina - Lake Dobbiaco - San Vito di Cadore - Cortina d'Ampezzo. Today, we set out from our hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo to explore the dramatic landscapes of the Dolomites. We take in sweeping mountain views and see the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo, among the most recognised peaks in the region.

Our journey continues to Lake Misurina, the largest natural lake in the Dolomites, where the reflections of the surrounding peaks create a truly striking scene. We then visit Lake Dobbiaco, known for its distinctive emerald waters and peaceful setting.

In the afternoon, we travel to San Vito di Cadore, a picturesque village framed by UNESCO-listed Mount Antelao and Mount Pelmo. After our visit, we return to Cortina, where you have free time to relax before enjoying dinner together at the hotel.

Cortina d'Ampezzo - Bassano del Grappa - Milan. We depart from Cortina d’Ampezzo and travel to Bassano del Grappa, a delightful town nestled at the foot of the Venetian Prealps. Here, we stroll through cobbled streets lined with medieval towers and elegant Venetian palaces, reflecting centuries of history and mountain traditions.

One of the highlights is the famous Ponte degli Alpini, designed by Andrea Palladio, which spans the Brenta River and offers beautiful panoramic views. We also visit the Museo della Grappa to learn about the origins of Italy’s renowned spirit, with a tasting included to experience the craft firsthand.

After our visit, we continue our journey back to Milan, where you will have the rest of the day at leisur to relax and unwind.

After our final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you may have some time to further explore or grab some last-minute souvenirs before your onward transfer to the airport. Safe Travels!