Country Roads of Northern Italy

from 

AU$5,449

per person
 
Duration: 11 Nights
Destination: Italy
Region: Europe
Deal Code: PAYZIE1

 

 

Description

From Mountain Peaks to Lovely Lakes, See Stunning Northern Italy on a 10-Day Guided Tour.

See the breathtaking scenery of Northern Italy, settle into Cortina d'Ampezzo, an exclusive ski resort nestled in the limestone peaks of the Dolomites; explore designer stores and enjoy panoramic views of the unique mountain range. In Venice, drift along the city’s infamous canals as you are serenaded by traditional songs — then sail on to Murano to see a skilled craftsman turn molten glass into a colorful work of art. Stay on the shores of Lake Como, where Europe’s wealthiest residents spend their holidays; you will see the serene lake from your room. Meet a local fisherman in Lake Maggiore, where you will tour Isola dei Pescatori, then indulge in a farm-to-table feast featuring fresh-caught fish and delicious local wine.

Your Holiday Package Includes:

  • $1,000 Air credit per person
  • 2 Nights accommodation in Milan including breakfast daily
  • 10 Day guided tour of Northern Italy
  • 9 Nights accommodation in handpicked hotels
  • Selected meals throughout
  • Services of a highly skilled Travel Director
  • Private transfers throughout
  • Tips, gratuities and free Wi-Fi

***Rate is based on 4 - 15 May 2022. Alternative dates available, a surcharge may apply.***


Day 1: Milan
Join a local historian to naviguate through Milan's history and the life of Leonardo da Vinci. See the impressive facade of Milan Cathedral and the world famous La Scala Theatre. 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 travellers during your Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel Milan City
Meals: Dinner with wine

Day 2: Fair Verona & 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, stopping at Juliet's famed balcony. Continue on to Trento, regarded as one of Italy's most appealing cities to live in.
Accommodation: NH Trento
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Climb to Cortina d’Ampezzo
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 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.
Accommodation: Hotel de la Poste
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner with wine

Day 4: The Dolomites at Leisure
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 pedestrianised 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?
Accommodation: Hotel de la Poste
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 at Carmina 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 flavours and learn how to make the perfect bellini. Continue on to the unique and remarkable island city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic and check into your hotel.
Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio
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 arts centre, 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 savour the magic of St. Mark’s Square with its orchestras and al-fresco cafes?
Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Sirmione & Como
Bid farewell to this enchanting city and continue past the university town of Padua to the peaceful shores of Lake Garda, the largest of Italy's lakes. Visit the charming resort of Sirmione clustered around the 13th century Scaligero Castle and jutting out into the lake, near the tip of a narrow peninsula.

Follow the southern fringes of the Alps to reach the spectacular Italian Lake District and your hotel on the shores of Lake Como, where you will enjoy views on the lake from your room. Later, you have a choice of cuisine and ambience from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Barchetta Excelsior
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner with wine

Day 8: Como at Leisure & Lake Maggiore
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Como. Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, this is a prime people watching spot with Europe’s rich and famous. Journey onwards to Lake Maggiore's Baveno, renowned for its charming 16th century square and narrow cobbled streets.
Accommodation: Hotel Simplon
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Italian Lakes at Leisure
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.

Savour delicious Farm-to-Table cuisine during your Celebration Dinner, accompanied by some exquisite Italian wines. Raise a glass to your travels and newfound friends.
Accommodation: Hotel Simplon
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner with wine

Day 10: Milan
Your journey draws to a close in the morning and transfers arrive at Milan's Malpensa Airport at 07:30 and 10:30.
Meals: Breakfast

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Terms & Conditions

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest suite category available at the time. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 7 December 2021 and can be withdrawn without notice. Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Air credit is applicable on airline of choice, subject to availability and subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions. Payments made by credit will incur a fee. To ensure the well-being of our guests we require anyone travelling with us through December 31, 2022 to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.