dolomites-tre-cime-alpenglow-sunset.jpg Experience Italy's Incredible Dolomite Mountain Range  with Italy Vacation Specialists Villa Rinaldi Barbini near Asolo

Private · Milan

Peaks, Palaces & Prosecco: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy including Venice, the Dolomites, Verona, Milan & More!

11 Days Veneto · Trentino-Alto-Adgie / South Tyrol · Veneto · Italian Lake District · Lombardia

The Overview

Overview

Discover the Best of Italy: Venice, Prosecco Hills, Dolomites, Verona, and Milan

Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through Italy’s most iconic destinations, beginning with a private water taxi transfer to your hotel in Venice. Enjoy a private gondola ride, and explore the historic St. Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace on a guided walking tour. Then, discover the Venetian Islands, including the world-renowned Murano glass factories, where you can witness traditional glass-blowing techniques and browse exquisite handmade pieces.

Your journey continues in the Valdobbiadene Prosecco Hills, where you’ll stay at the Due Carpini Wine Resort, a serene vineyard retreat. Enjoy a day of scenic walks through the vineyards and explore the area’s renowned wineries. In the Dolomites, visit the picturesque town of Ortisei, where you can take a chairlift to Mt. Seuc National Park and enjoy breathtaking mountain views. Your adventure also includes a romantic evening in Verona, where you can experience an opera performance at the Roman Arena. Finish your trip with a visit to either Lake Como or Lake Garda, followed by a private tour of Milan, including the renowned Last Supper and the opportunity to shop in the heart of the fashion capital.

The trip includes private transfers throughout, superior room accommodations at boutique 4-star and 5-star hotels, daily buffet breakfast, and guided tours in Venice, Verona, and Milan, with tickets to key attractions like the Last Supper and Sforza Castle. Also included is a visit to the Prosecco wineries, with a delightful lunch, as well as a private gondola ride and boat tours. Throughout the journey, you will have 24-hour concierge services to ensure a seamless experience.

Exclusions for this itinerary include meals not specifically mentioned, hotel city taxes (which are payable directly at the hotels), tips for drivers and guides, and any opera or event tickets, which will need to be discussed and arranged separately.

Duration

11 days

10 nights

Pricing

On request

Tailored to your dates and group.

Northern Italy is a study in contrasts, and this private journey holds them all. You arrive in Venice by water taxi, glide down quiet canals by gondola, then climb into the Prosecco hills of Valdobbiadene where the wine is poured by the families who make it. Higher still wait the Dolomites, pale peaks that turn rose at sunset. In Verona you follow the streets of an ancient love story, and in Milan you close among grand cathedrals and palazzi. Eleven unhurried days across the north, from lagoon to mountain to vineyard, shaped entirely around the way you like to travel.

Regions
Veneto · Trentino-Alto-Adgie / South Tyrol · Veneto · Italian Lake District · Lombardia
Tour Style
Private
Departs From
Milan
Meeting Point
Venice Airport
Included Meals
Daily breakfast
Day by day

Itinerary

Follow the route as you read. The map traces each day of the journey, moving with you from place to place.

Veneto

Chapter 1 · Days 1–5

Welcome to Veneto

The Veneto region in Italy is one of the most remarkable and romatic regions. It offers visitors a journey through the land of Palladio, Giorgione and Titian, through enchanting mountains and vine carpeted valleys, to some of Italy's most romantic cities. A land of rolling hills, rivers, lakes and impressive architecture; Veneto is a stunning region in…

Explore Veneto
Day 1

Arrival in Venice - Private Water Taxi and Gondola Ride Experience

Upon arrival at Venice Airport, you will be greeted by our team and transferred via a private water taxi directly to your hotel in central Venice. We recommend staying at the Hotel Colombina, a charming hotel located right on a picturesque canal. After checking in and settling in, you will have the remainder of the day at leisure to rest and recover from your flight.

In the evening, at a time of your choosing, you will enjoy a private gondola ride through the iconic canals of Venice, experiencing the serene beauty of this unique city from the water.

Where we meet Venice Airport
Day 2

Private Half-Day Tour of Venice and Small Group Adventure to Venetian Islands

  • Breakfast

We will meet you at Hotel Colombina after breakfast to begin your walking tour of Venice. Start your day by exploring the majestic St. Mark’s Square and the opulent Doge’s Palace.

After the tour, enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many delightful cafes or restaurants in Venice.

In the afternoon, join a small group adventure to the Venetian Islands, where you will visit Murano Island, famous for its traditional glass-blowing. Witness the skillful artisans at work in the Murano Glass Factories and browse the showroom, offering everything from delicate beads to stunning chandeliers.

Afterward, enjoy some free time on Murano to explore the art district, small galleries, and artisan shops. In the late afternoon, we will sail back to your hotel on Venice Island around sunset.

Dinner will be on your own, allowing you to discover the local flavors of Venice at your leisure.

Day 3

Venice to the Valdobbiadene Prosecco Hills

  • Breakfast

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, we will meet you and transfer you privately to Piazzale Roma, where your driver will be waiting to take you on a scenic journey into the Valdobbiadene Prosecco Hills. This stunning region in the Veneto is home to numerous Prosecco wineries, and you’ll be mesmerized by the breathtaking landscapes as you travel through this picturesque area.


For your stay, we highly recommend the Due Carpini Wine Resort, a serene and charming property that offers incredible vineyard views. You can read more about it here: Due Carpini Wine Resort. The resort is ideally located, allowing easy access to various wine shops, scenic vineyard walks, and nearby exceptional restaurants.
Day 4

Vineyard Walks and Prosecco Tasting at Leisure in Valdobbiadene

  • Breakfast

After breakfast at the Due Carpini Wine Resort, you’ll have a full day at leisure to explore the breathtaking Valdobbiadene vineyards at your own pace. The resort’s prime location provides easy access to numerous wineries, where you can enjoy spontaneous wine tastings and stroll through the scenic vineyard paths.

If you prefer a more guided experience, we can arrange a visit to Canevel Winery, renowned as one of the best Prosecco producers in Italy. Here, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a tour of the winery and taste the exquisite Prosecco that has made this region famous. You can read more about Canevel Winery here.

For the remainder of the day, enjoy lunch on your own, choosing from the delightful local dining options, and dinner on your own, allowing you to explore the culinary offerings at your leisure.

Day 5

Scenic Journey from Valdobbiadene to the Dolomites

  • Breakfast

After breakfast at the Due Carpini Wine Resort, you will begin your scenic drive through the stunning Dolomites, en route to the charming town of Ortisei. This full-day journey will take you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in northern Italy, offering spectacular views of towering peaks, lush valleys, and picturesque alpine villages.

We highly recommend staying in Ortisei, a picturesque town in the Dolomites, known for its stunning views and vibrant atmosphere. Instead of Bolzano, Ortisei offers a more direct route and is a great base to explore the region. We suggest staying at the Stetteneck Hotel, located in the heart of Ortisei. It’s an excellent option for your stay, with easy access to the town’s numerous dining and shopping options. You can read more about the hotel here.

After settling in, enjoy lunch on your own, exploring the town and its offerings. The evening will be yours to enjoy, with dinner on your own, allowing you to experience the local cuisine at one of the many charming restaurants near your hotel.

Trentino-Alto-Adgie / South Tyrol

Chapter 2 · Days 6–6

Welcome to Trentino-Alto-Adgie / South Tyrol

Located in the very north of Italy, Trentino Alto Adige borders Austria and Switzerland.  It is best known for the glorious valleys and unique mountains. This setting encloses an extraordinary variety of landscapes: magnificent snow-capped mountaintops, woods, wide valleys, streams, lakes, the enchanting play of light between the spires of the Dolomites,…

Explore Trentino-Alto-Adgie / South Tyrol
Day 6

Exploring Mt. Seuc National Park in Ortisei

  • Breakfast

After breakfast at your hotel in Ortisei, head directly to the chairlift for an unforgettable ride to Mt. Seuc National Park. This stunning natural area is one of the highlights of the Dolomites, offering breathtaking views and a variety of walking paths through its serene alpine landscape.

Take the full day to explore the park at your leisure. There are numerous cafes scattered throughout the park where you can relax and enjoy the incredible scenery.

The paths here are not hiking trails but small roads, making it relatively easy to navigate, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

This full-day excursion will immerse you in the beauty of the Dolomites, and you will have time to enjoy the peaceful environment before returning to Ortisei in the late afternoon for some free time to relax and unwind.

Lunch and dinner will be on your own, allowing you the flexibility to explore local dining options at your leisure.

Veneto

Chapter 3 · Days 7–8

Welcome to Veneto

The Veneto region in Italy is one of the most remarkable and romatic regions. It offers visitors a journey through the land of Palladio, Giorgione and Titian, through enchanting mountains and vine carpeted valleys, to some of Italy's most romantic cities. A land of rolling hills, rivers, lakes and impressive architecture; Veneto is a stunning region in…

Explore Veneto
Day 7

Private Transfer from Ortisei to Verona via Bolzano

  • Breakfast

After breakfast at your hotel, you will embark on a private transfer to Verona, with an optional stop in Bolzano if you wish to explore this charming town for a couple of hours.

Upon arrival in Verona, we recommend staying at the Hotel Gabbia D'Oro, a romantic hotel located in the heart of the historical center. From here, you can easily explore Verona’s highlights, including a visit to the Enoteca Secreta ("Secret Cellar"), a hidden gem known for its exquisite wine collection. Stroll through the enchanting Medieval courtyards, and make sure to visit Juliet's famous balcony, where the story of Romeo and Juliet comes to life.

In the evening, we can arrange a pre-opera dinner at the renowned 12 Apostoli restaurant, followed by a magical night at the Roman Arena to witness a spectacular opera performance.

For the full schedule and ticket availability for the opera season, you can check the official calendar here: Arena Verona Opera Festival Events.

Day 8

Full Day Exploring Verona at Your Leisure

  • Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the beautiful city of Verona at your own pace. From your hotel, everything is within walking distance, allowing you to discover the city’s historic sites, charming streets, and local attractions. You can visit landmarks like Juliet's Balcony, the Roman Arena, and the Piazza delle Erbe, or simply wander through Verona’s picturesque alleyways.

If you prefer a more structured experience, a guide can be arranged upon request to give you a deeper insight into Verona’s history and culture.

Lunch and dinner will be on your own, giving you the freedom to dine at any of the city’s delightful cafes or restaurants.

Italian Lake District

Chapter 4 · Days 9–9

Welcome to Italian Lake District

The northern Italian lake region of Lombardy is famous for its "smiling landscape" borders Switzerland and its alpine north, however the lake district has its own microclimate and offers comprably warm tempertures throughout the winter.   The lake district consists of 6 lakes including Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Lake Como, Lake Garda, Lake Iseo and Lake…

Explore Italian Lake District
Day 9

Scenic Journey to Lake Como or Lake Garda en Route to Milan

  • Breakfast

After breakfast at your hotel in Verona, you will begin your scenic journey to either Lake Como or Lake Garda. While both lakes offer stunning views, we recommend Lake Garda, which is less crowded and offers more enjoyable activities. You can visit Bardolino and Sirmione, two charming towns on the lake that offer a fantastic experience of one of Italy’s largest lakes. Compared to Lake Como, Lake Garda is less touristy and requires less driving, making it a more relaxed experience.

You can learn more about Lake Garda here.

After spending time exploring one of the lakes, continue your journey to Milan for the final two nights of your trip. In Milan, we recommend staying at Hotel Maison Borella in the charming Navigli district, a vibrant area filled with canals and quaint cafes. This hotel is located next to the renowned Bugande restaurant, and several other excellent dining options are just steps away, so you’ll have a wonderful evening without needing to venture far.

Lombardia

Chapter 5 · Days 10–11

Welcome to Lombardia

Lombardia is the northern most region of central Italy, lying between the Swiss Alps and the River Po. It is flanked on its east side by the Regions of Trentino and Veneto, and on its west by Piemonte.  To its south is the Region of Emilia Romagna.   Lakes, mountains and fertile plains surround Milan, Italy's one true metropolis: the country's financial…

Explore Lombardia
Day 10

Half-Day Private Tour of Milan's Art and History

  • Breakfast

After enjoying a buffet breakfast at the hotel, your day begins with a half-day private tour of Milan’s artistic and historical treasures. Your driver-guide will meet you at the hotel and escort you through Milan’s top landmarks. The tour begins with a guided visit (subject to ticket availability) to Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper", located at the Monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie. This iconic masterpiece is a must-see for art enthusiasts.

In the afternoon, we recommend visiting Sforza Castle, a grand fortress brimming with history. Next, take a trip to Duomo di Milano, one of the tallest and most impressive cathedrals in Europe. If you’d like, we can pre-book tickets to visit the tallest areas of the Duomo for breathtaking views of the city.

You’ll also have free time for shopping at leisure in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, one of Italy’s most stunning indoor malls, or explore the high street fashion district of Milan. Afterward, you can return to the hotel for the evening at your leisure.

Day 11

Private Transfer to Milan Airport for Departure

  • Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be privately transferred to Milan Airport for your departure home. This marks the conclusion of our services. We hope you had a memorable experience in Italy, and we look forward to welcoming you on future travels.

The details

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included

  • Private water taxi transfers in Venice
  • Superior rooms at boutique 4-star and 5-star hotels throughout the trip
  • Daily buffet breakfast at all hotels
  • Guided tours in Venice, Verona, and Milan (including the Last Supper and Sforza Castle)
  • Visit to Prosecco wineries with lunch in a winery (e.g., Canevel)
  • Private gondola ride in Venice
  • Small group boat tour of Venetian Islands (including Murano glass factories)
  • Full-day tour of the Dolomites
  • Private transfers between all destinations
  • Visit to Lake Como or Lake Garda
  • Chairlift ride to Mt. Seuc National Park in Ortisei
  • 24-hour concierge and emergency services throughout the trip
  • Admission fees to sites and galleries mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, Last Supper, etc.)

What's Not Included

  • Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
  • Hotel city taxes (to be paid directly at hotels)
  • Tips for drivers and guides (to be discussed)
  • Opera tickets and other event tickets (e.g., Verona opera performance – must be discussed)
Your rooms

Where You'll Stay

Hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with a property of similar standard.

Agriturismo Due Carpini

Agriturismo Due Carpini

Veneto, Treviso

Nestled on the hills surrounding Valdobbiadene, Agriturismo Due Carpini offers the perfect retreat for those seeking relaxation and serenity amidst na...

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AM Stetteneck, Ortisei, Dolomites

AM Stetteneck, Ortisei, Dolomites

Trentino-Alto-Adgie / South Tyrol, Ortisei

The historic hotel The Classic Stetteneck, where each room is meticulously refurbished in a distinctive vintage style, ensuring a unique and tasteful...

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Hotel Al Codega Venice

Hotel Al Codega Venice

Veneto, Venice

Experience the allure of Venice from the heart of its bustling center, just moments away from the iconic Piazza San Marco and the famed Rialto Bridge....

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Maison Borella, Milan

Maison Borella, Milan

Lombardia, Milan

Overlooking the gentle flow of the Naviglio Grande, in one of Milan’s most picturesque quarters, Hotel Maison Borella invites...

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In their words

Traveler Reviews

Emily and David Davison Travelled with us

My husband and I just took a two week trip to Italy that was planned for us by Eleanor Kinchin-Smith. It was a fantastic trip and we could not have been more thrilled. We worked together with Ele to let her know about our interests and our style of travel. She planned the perfect trip with excellent private guides at all of our sites, professional drivers and lovely hotels. We arrived in Italy with all of our train and ferry reservations made by Ele, with tickets in hand. She was in touch with us daily throughout our trip to make sure that things were going smoothly. She was able to make a few changes to our itinerary as needed. We look forward to working with Ele again on our next trip and have put her in touch with another family member to help plan their trip as well.

Ron and Deb Crosby Travelled with us

Dear Guiseppe and Jesse,

We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future.

Hotels

1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we were part of their family. I would recommend it to anyone and would specifically ask for it if we were to make a return visit.

2. Hotel La Baia in Monterosso was nice and it's location was very good especially for us older folks humping luggage from/to the train station.

3. Hotel Lucchesi in Florence- what can I say expect FANTASTIC. The rooftop view at sunset is well worth it. Again very friendly and helpful staff. Would recommend it to everyone.

Wine Tour

Money well spent. We had a great time overall. The driver Mario was OUTSTANDING. He had lots of local knowledge as well as about winemaking. USE HIM AGAIN!!!

The various wineries we visited on tour:

Altesino- fantastic and they were not cheap on their pouring. Great experience.

Azienda Agricola Patrizia Cencion Sloaria- Again a great tour by one of the owner's daughters. We felt like we were the only thing on their mind although there were other customers there. A great way to complete the day.

Again we had a fantastic time and are very appreciative of everything you booked for us. We wish you continued success and if our travels should bring us back to Italy, we know who to call.

Leon and Michele Travelled with us

The trip was great we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as we were exploring your great country.

Bob & Sandy Travelled with us

Jesse & Giuseppe,

Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever.

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private tour, or will we join a group?

Private. You travel with your own guide and driver, and the only people on the itinerary are the ones you bring with you. Nothing is shared with strangers, and the pace of each day is yours to set.

Can the itinerary be changed to suit us?

Yes. What you see here is a starting point, not a fixed departure. Tell us how long you have, what you love and what you would rather skip, and we will reshape it around you. A slower morning, an extra night somewhere you fell for, a different region entirely.

How do we start planning?

Send us a note using the form on this page, or call us on 1-866-779-2565. A travel specialist replies within one business day, usually with a few questions of their own. There is no cost and no obligation in asking.

Are the hotels shown the ones we will stay in?

Usually, yes. Hotels are subject to availability, and if one is full on your dates we will replace it with a property of a similar standard and tell you before you book. Never a surprise on arrival.

When should we book?

The earlier the better, particularly for travel between May and September, when the best small hotels and the guides worth having are taken first. That said, we have put together beautiful trips at short notice, so ask and we will tell you honestly what is still possible for your dates.

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