Fantasia Regional: North Lakes, Venice & Milan with Bernina Express 8 Days Venice-Milan

Welcome to Venice. On arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel for a two night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure to begin discovering the charm of this magical floating city.

After breakfast, transfer to Piazza San Marco and begin a guided exploration of Venice’s most iconic landmarks. Discover the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), once the seat of Venetian power, and admire the legendary Bridge of Sighs. Following your walking tour, sample a traditional Venetian spritz or prosecco accompanied by delicious cicchetti, Venice’s famous tapas-style specialties.
The afternoon is free for independent exploration through Venice’s canals, bridges and hidden laneways.

Depart Venice this morning for Verona, the romantic city immortalised by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Join a guided walking tour through Verona’s elegant streets lined with Roman ruins, medieval buildings and Renaissance palaces. Visit Juliet’s famous balcony and discover the city’s fascinating history and architecture.
Continue into the renowned Franciacorta wine region, celebrated for its sparkling wines. Here, savour a light lunch accompanied by local wine tasting before travelling onward to Bergamo for a two-night stay.

Following breakfast, depart for scenic Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. Travel along the beautiful western shoreline surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and mountain scenery before arriving in Sirmione. Here, take a boat tour past Scaliger Castle and the famous Grottoes of Catullus. Later continue to Desenzano del Garda, known for its elegant lakeside promenade and Venetian influences, before returning to Bergamo. Dinner included this evening.

This morning travel to Como on the shores of spectacular Lake Como. Board a boat cruise to beautiful Bellagio, often regarded as the jewel of Lake Como. Spend time wandering its charming laneways, elegant villas and lakeside cafés before continuing by boat to Cadenabbia. From here, continue onward to Milan for a three-night stay.

Today experience one of Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys aboard the world-famous Bernina Express. Travel to St. Moritz before boarding the panoramic train for a breathtaking journey through the Swiss Alps. Pass dramatic mountain landscapes, alpine lakes, picturesque villages and impressive engineering marvels as the train winds its way through the Bernina Pass to Tirano.
Return to Milan by private transfer.

Spend the morning at leisure in Milan.
In the afternoon, join a guided walking tour through Milan’s historic centre, visiting Porta Venezia, Corso Venezia, Giardini Indro Montanelli and the elegant Galleria d’Arte Moderna. Continue to the renowned Teatro alla Scala and admire the magnificent façade of the Duomo di Milano. Conclude your tour near Castello Sforzesco with a traditional Milanese aperitivo and local delicacies.

This morning you will be transferred to Milan Airport for your onward flight.

• 24/7 local operator support in Italy
• Return airport transfers
• 7 nights hotel accommodation
• Breakfast daily
• 1 lunch
• 2 local food experiences
• 1 dinner
• Local English-speaking guides in Venice, Milan & Verona
• Bernina Express ride
• Scenic boat transfers at Lake Como
• Boat tour at Lake Garda
• Modern Air-conditioned touring vehicle
• English speaking tour escort throughout
• Sightseeing and visits as specified in itinerary
• Italy Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

• International Airfares
• Tourist tax to be paid to the hotels
• Optional tours and excursions
• Entrance fees not mentioned
• Drinks during meals

   

  (except for Spritz in Venice)

• Porterage
• Mandatory Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above