Insight Vacations: Country Roads of Northern Italy - Small Group
Day 1 - Welcome to Italy
After a warm welcome at Milan’s Malpensa Airport, transfers depart for your hotel. Later meet your Travel Director and join a local historian to navigate through Milan's history. See the impressive facade of Milan Cathedral and the world famous La Scala Opera House. Linking the two is the elegant glass vaulted shopping arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, lined with luxury boutiques. Mingle and get to know your fellow travelers during dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Duo, Milan
Meals: Dinner with Wine
Day 2 - Fair Verona and Trento
Cross the fertile plains of Lombardy to fair Verona, the home of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers. Explore its maze of elegant squares and visit the well-preserved Roman Arena, still used for opera performances. Explore Verona with Insight Choice. Choose a walking tour through the grand piazzas, see the statue of Dante and admire the Gothic tombs of the Scala family. Alternatively, embark on a Shakespeare-themed walk to recount famous moments from the story of Romeo and Juliet. Continue on to Trento, regarded as one of Italy's most appealing cities to live in.
Accommodations: NH Trento
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Climb up to Cortina d’Ampezzo Relaxed Start
Follow the Adige River north into the magnificent mountains and the distinctive limestone peaks of the Dolomites. Arrive at the town of Bolzano, where Italy and Austria culturally collide and you are at leisure to explore the arcaded streets and squares. Continue along the zig-zagging scenic route to Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy’s most exclusive ski resort and a beautiful alpine haven during summer.
Accommodations: Hotel de la Poste, Cortina d'Ampezzo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4 - The Dolomites at Leisure Relaxed Start
Enjoy a day at your leisure in this fashionable playground of the rich and famous, surrounded by towering cathedrals of rock. Take in the fresh mountain air as you stroll the pedestrianized Corso Italia, lined with designer stores and backed by the impressive green and white bell tower of the parish church. Why not ascend to the summit of one of the nearby peaks for magnificent panoramic views of the Dolomites?
Accommodations: Hotel de la Poste, Cortina d'Ampezzo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Through Prosecco Country to Venice
Travel down through more majestic Dolomite scenery to one of the world’s most breathtaking wine regions. Protected by the Alps to the north and caressed by the warm breezes from the Adriatic, the vineyards around Conegliano Veneto produce Italy’s most prized sparkling wine. Stop in Conegliano, where great care is taken to ensure these hand-picked grapes produce the world's finest prosecco. See how production differs from its more famous French counterpart, champagne. Be tempted with a taste of the crisp and aromatic flavors. Continue on to the unique and remarkable island city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic and check into your hotel.
Accommodations: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - The Magic of La Serenissima
Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills. What better way to see Venice than from a private boat, cruising past palazzos and churches to St. Mark’s Square? See the gilded basilica, the Doge's Palace and Lord Byron’s Bridge of Sighs. No visit to Venice would be complete without a gondola serenade through the myriad of beautiful canals. Relax and enjoy traditional local songs, as you drift along in romantic awe. Spend the afternoon as you wish. As night falls, why not savor the magic of St. Mark’s Square with its orchestras and alfresco cafes?
Accommodations: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Italy's Lake District Relaxed Start
Depart enchanting Venice and journey to Lake Garda. Admire the castle and views over the lake from the stylish resort of Sirmione perched on the tip of its peninsula. Cross the fertile lands of Lombardy to Lake Maggiore where Baveno beckons. Later you have a choice of cuisine and ambience from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around evening.
Accommodations: Simplon, Baveno
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8 - Lake Como and Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start
Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, enjoy the glamour of the Italian Lakes, a prime people watching spot where Europe's rich and famous like to spend their time. Revel in the ambiance of Como town, renowned for its celebrity clientele, beautiful silk scarves and lakeside location, which you can admire during your orientation.
Accommodations: Simplon, Baveno
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Italian Lakes at Leisure Relaxed Start
Relish a full day to relax and enjoy this popular resort and beautiful lake. Napoleon came here to plan his Italian Campaign, and Mussolini and Chamberlain met here before World War II to sign the Treaty of Stresa. Perhaps take a cruise out to the lovely Borromean Islands? Isola Bella is where Carlo Borromeo built his charming Palace. Savor delicious Farm-to-Table cuisine during your dinner, accompanied by some exquisite Italian wines. Raise a glass to your travels and newfound friends.
Accommodations: Simplon, Baveno
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 10 - Depart Italy
Your journey draws to a close in the morning and transfers arrive at Milan's Malpensa Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Trento
Trento is a city of art, of history and represents a crossroads for the contrasting cultures of Italy and northern Europe. Originally a Roman city,Trento became famous for the Council (1545 -1563) which gave rise to the counter - Reformation.
Among the many faces of Trento, one of the most striking is that of the alpine Renaissance city, which has been restored to its original splendour by recent restaurations. Places to visit include the Castello del Buonconsiglio, the Duomo and its splendid square, the houses decorated with frescoes, the churches of the Council, the museums and exhibitions which today make Trento a city of art, culture and traditions beyond those of the Alps.
Venice
With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.
Excursions
Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours
Today enjoy a walking tour of Venice with your local English-speaking guide including visits to several of the most famous landmarks of the city.
The Doges’ Palace was the seat of the main government departments, the residence of the Doge, from where the Venetian Republic was ruled. Lavish frescoes, graceful staircases and gilded stuccowork reveal the glory and opulence of this period.
One of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in Venice, St. Mark’s Basilica was once the Doge’s chapel. It is also a mausoleum for St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice who was martyred by the Turks in Alexandria, Egypt. As you enter the Basilica, marvel at the golden mosaics depicting the life of St. Mark, the Old and New Testaments, the life of Jesus and his Resurrection. St. Mark’s Square is actually not a square at all, but a trapezoid whose extensive sides flare out giving it the appearance of being even more spacious.
Travel to and from the San Marco area with your guide by private Venetian-style motorboat.
Highlights:
- Admire the wonderful architecture of the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Return private motorboat transfers between the harbour and central Venice
- An expert English-speaking guide (4 hours)
- Entrance fees to all named sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs.
- Gratuities
Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice holds a wealth of treasures for anybody interested in the exquisite arts. With your expert guide, discover the Frari church, considered one of the most imposing Gothic monuments in Venice. In view of this, you’ll be surprised to discover that the church’s austere look hides a wonderfully lavish interior where, among the many treasures, you’ll find Titian’s early altarpieces and a true masterpiece by Giovanni Bellini. Also visit the Accademia Gallery; a dazzling collection of masterpieces spanning the full development of Venetian art from Byzantine to Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo. Travel to and from the San Marco area with your guide by private Venetian-style motorboat.
Highlights:
- Admire the many art treasures on display in the Frari Church
- See the masterpieces on display in the Accademia Gallery
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Return private motorboat transfers between the harbour and central Venice
- An expert English-speaking guide (4 hours)
- Entrance fees to all stated sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours
Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours
Travel with your English-speaking driver across the causeway to Venice’s mainland and onwards to the beautiful and historic city of Verona where your expert local guide will meet with you. Verona is an elegant city with one of the world’s finest Roman amphitheatres at its heart. The Arena still plays host to thousands of performances today, as it did millennia ago.
Verona also featured heavily in Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, so a visit to the house of Juliet and its famous balcony is a must. Enjoy time at leisure (about an hour) in the beautiful piazzas before returning with your driver to your cruise ship.
Highlights:
- Visit Verona's impressive Amphitheatre
- See Juliet's House and its famous balcony
Tour Duration: 7 hours
Tour Can Operate: Mornings
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan transfers between Venice cruise terminal and Verona
- An expert English-speaking guide in Verona (3 hours)
- Entrance fees to the stated sightseeing
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours
Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours
Today you will be met by your local English-speaking guide for a full day excursion by private motor-boat to explore the Lagoon Islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Venice lies in the centre of a vast lagoon that stretches for about 30 miles from north to south, studded by numerous small islands, mostly deserted. This amazing environment is what drove the Venetians to establish their city here, a perfectly secure and inaccessible little world. Enjoy the beauty of a ride across the waters of the lagoon; visit the island of Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years and where you can see the age-old techniques of glass blowing still in use today.
Continue to Torcello, to see the breathtaking mosaics in the Basilica di Santa Maria dell’Assunta, the oldest building on the lagoon. After a leisurely lunch (payable locally) you reach the island of Burano, a quaint and colourful fisherman island famous for its lace and charming architecture.
Highlights:
- Cruise across the lagoon to Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years using the same techniques
- Explore Torcello and Burano, a colourful fishing village famous for its lace and charming architecture
Tour Duration: 7 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Low
Inclusions:
• Return private motorboat transfer between the harbour and the islands
• An expert local guide (7 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes
Exclusions:
• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities
The story of Murano and Burano
The story of Murano and Burano
Hop on a private boat and start sailing through the Venice lagoon! This unique tour will let you discover the authentic side of Venice by exploring two famous islands – Murano and Burano. First stop, Murano – an epicenter of the most sophisticated glass production in the world. “Il vetro di Murano”, the glass of Murano, is a special type of glass made for decades. You will visit one of the traditional factories and take part in a glass-blowing demonstration. Pretty exclusive, don’t you think?
Your next stop is Burano – a small, fishermen’s island, famous for its heritage of lace embroidery that it’s still today made by hand only. It is often mentioned as one of the prettiest towns in Italy and also one of the most unique thanks to two characteristics: its canals and its colorful houses that make the island a real rainbow of colors! This tour will surely let you remember the Venice Lagoon forever.
Highlights:
- Unique island experience
- Personal guide
Tour Duration: Approx. 3-4h
Tour can operate: Morning or afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private guide
- Private boat
Not Included:
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Items purchased for personal use
The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice
The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice
Are you ready to start this tour with a private boat cruise down the most spectacular “boulevard” in the world? Yes, we are talking about The Canal Grande, Venice’s main artery. Just hop on your private boat and enjoy the scenic views of all the marvelous palaces and side alley’s canals. Sit back and relax while you absorb the breath-taking beauty and uniqueness of Venice. After the ride, the guide will take you through Calli, Callette, Ponti, Campi and Campielli. You will reach Rialto bridge, that was the only way to cross the great Canal on foot, for centuries. You can indulge in great experience of the famous local market filled with interesting products and learn more about the area that was once a significant place for trading goods.
Highlights:
Tour Duration: up to 4h
Tour can operate: Morning / Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Easy
Inclusions:
Not Included:
- Lunch
- Tips
- Drinks
- Transfers
Milan
Milan is a city that arouses extreme feelings, just like the city lifestyle. A frenetic, restless rhythm is part of both work and leisure, so much so that it is difficult to stay unmoved and not get overwhelmed by all the cultural and social stimulus.
Maybe for this reason, Milan makes itself indispensable, because it is impossible to feel so alive and full of energy when you are away from the city. Milan is always one step ahead: a laboratory of artistic experiments and a building site for social behavior that is continuously changing. City full of contradictions, ancient and modern, trends and counter-trends, fashion and underground, middle class and working class, but always simply “cool”.