Classic Italy & the Northern Lakes

Experience the best of Italy on this unforgettable 12-day journey from Rome to Milan, combining history, art, culture, and cuisine
Begin in the Eternal City with ancient wonders like the Colosseum before traveling through the hill towns of Assisi and Siena to Renaissance Florence. Savor the flavors of Bologna and glide through the romantic canals of Venice. Discover Shakespearean Verona, sip wine in Franciacorta, and admire the scenic beauty of Lake Garda, Como, and Bellagio. Conclude in Milan with a thrilling ride on the Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps and a guided tour of the city’s iconic landmarks. From medieval towns to alpine peaks, this tour is a perfect blend of Italy’s timeless charm and natural beauty
12 Days from $5589/person CAD
Family
Food & Wine
Guided
Off The Beaten Path
Premium
Romantic
UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Primary Location

Italy, Europe

Departures

2026 Dates: May 21, June 4, 18, July 9, 23, August 6, 20, September 3, 10, & October 8, 15

Included:

  • Accommodation in 4-star hotels
  • Daily breakfast
  • Professional services of an experienced English-speaking tour escort
  • Visits and tours with English-speaking local guides as outlined in the itinerary
  • Private arrival transfer in Rome
  • Rome Hop-On Hop-Off panoramic bus ticket (daily pass)
  • Skip-the-line guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
  • Visits to Assisi, Siena, and Bologna
  • Guided tours in Florence, Venice, Milan, and Verona
  • Lunch in Assisi
  • Gastronomic experience in Bologna
  • Spritz & Cicchetti tasting experience in Venice
  • Light lunch and wine tasting in the Franciacorta wine region
  • Scenic Bernina Express train ride through the Alps
  • Happy Hour experience in Milan
  • Scenic boat transfers included as per itinerary
  • Visits to Lake Como and Lake Garda
  • Private departure transfer in Milan
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board to be in touch with family and friends
  • Headsets to follow the information provided by the tour leader and local guides
  • Stretch your legs with extra legroom on the coaches! More space is provided on board to pamper travellers with the most comfortable trip

Not Included:

  • International or domestic airfare
  • Gratuities to guides and drivers
  • Travel insurance
  • Additional meals when not mentioned on the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned on the itinerary
  • Local city tax for overnight stays
  • Visas required for entry into the country as necessary
  • Anything of a personal nature or that is not mentioned in included

Pricing Details

Click Book Online for pricing!

  • Please note this tour may operate as part of a combination of other tours. As a result, the Tour Leader and fellow travelers may change during the journey
  • From price is CAD per person, based on double occupancy
  • The final price will vary and is also based on the month of travel
  • Prices are subject to change

Optional Extras:

  • Pre and Post-Accommodation
  • All optional excursions per the itinerary are subject to change and are based on availability

Itinerary

DAY 1: ROME ARRIVAL

Upon arrival in Rome, meet your private driver at the airport for a transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Rome.

Accommodation at the Hotel St. Martin, Rome, or similar

DAY 2: ANCIENT ROME WITH COLOSSEUM

After breakfast, depart from your hotel for an included guided tour of Rome’s extraordinary Archaeological Area. Accompanied by a professional guide and equipped with a personal audio system, embark on a 2.5-hour journey through ancient history. Begin at the legendary Colosseum, where Romans once gathered for gladiatorial contests and wild animal spectacles.

Continue to Palatine Hill, the mythical birthplace of Rome, offering sweeping panoramic views of the Eternal City. Conclude your tour at the Roman Forum, the bustling heart of ancient Roman public life. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure or opt for an afternoon Vatican Museums tour. Overnight stay in Rome. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel St. Martin, Rome, or similar

DAY 3: ROME TO FLORENCE VIA ASSISI & SIENA

After breakfast at the hotel, depart at 7:15 a.m. by deluxe coach to Assisi, a charming medieval town enclosed by ancient walls. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, renowned for its frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue, followed by lunch in Assisi. Continue to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and the historic Palio horse race.

Later, journey through the picturesque Tuscan countryside en route to Florence. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Florence. Meals: B, L

Accommodation at the Hotel Raffaello, Florence, or similar

DAY 4: FLORENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Explore Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Visit the iconic Duomo with Brunelleschi’s magnificent Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, the historic Palazzo Vecchio, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Enjoy lunch in a traditional Tuscan restaurant. In the afternoon, choose between leisure time to explore the city on your own or an optional excursion to Pisa, home to the famous Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli. Dinner is at your leisure. Overnight stay in Florence. Meals: B, L

Accommodation at the Hotel Raffaello, Florence, or similar

DAY 5: FLORENCE TO VENICE WITH A TASTE OF BOLOGNA

After breakfast in Florence, depart for Bologna. Explore the historic city center, renowned for its elegant porticos and landmarks such as Piazza del Nettuno and the Basilica of San Petronio. Experience Bologna’s rich culinary tradition with a light street food lunch at a local eatery, featuring both traditional and contemporary specialties. In the afternoon, continue to Venice. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Venice. Meals: B, L,

Accommodation at the Hotel B&B Venezia Laguna (Tronchetto area), Hotel Delfino 4* (Mestre area), Venice, or similar

DAY 6: VENICE HIGHLIGHTS

Transfer to Piazza San Marco and discover the highlights of Venice on a guided walking tour. Admire the exterior of the Doge’s Palace and cross the iconic Bridge of Sighs. After the tour, enjoy a glass of spritz or prosecco paired with cicchetti, traditional Venetian snacks. Take time to relax and soak in the unique atmosphere. In the afternoon, explore Venice at your leisure—wander along scenic canals, browse artisan shops, or uncover the city’s hidden corners. Return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Venice. Meals: B, L

Accommodation at the Hotel B&B Venezia Laguna (Tronchetto area), Hotel Delfino 4* (Mestre area), Venice, or similar

DAY 7: VENICE TO BERGAMO VIA VERONA

After breakfast, journey to Verona, a city steeped in history and romance. Enjoy a guided tour through Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and elegant Renaissance palaces. Don’t miss a stop at Juliet’s house and balcony, made famous by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Continue to the renowned Franciacorta wine region, where you’ll enjoy a light lunch paired with local wines in a picturesque setting. Afterward, travel to Bergamo for your overnight stay. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Cappello D’Oro, Bergamo, or similar

DAY 8: LAKE GARDA EXPLORATION

After breakfast, depart for Lake Garda, Italy’s largest and one of its most scenic lakes. Enjoy a panoramic drive along the western shore, with views of the Brenta Dolomites, Moraine Hills, and lush Mediterranean vegetation. In Sirmione, embark on a boat tour to admire the charming shoreline, Scaliger Castle, and the ancient Grottoes of Catullus. After some free time for lunch, continue to Desenzano del Garda, known for its elegant lakeside promenade and historic center with Venetian influences. Return to Bergamo for dinner and an overnight stay. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Hotel Cappello D’Oro, Bergamo, or similar

DAY 9: TRANSFER TO MILAN WITH LAKE COMO & BELLAGIO

After breakfast, enjoy a brief visit to Como, known for its stunning views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps. From there, board a scenic boat to Bellagio, an elegant village nestled at the intersection of the lake’s southern branches. Discover its charming cobblestone streets, historic villas, luxury hotels, and lush gardens. Enjoy lunch at your leisure before taking the ferry to Cadenabbia, where your driver will be waiting to begin your journey to Milan. Overnight stay in Milan. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Concorde, Milan, or similar

DAY 10: BERNINA EXPRESS EXPERIENCE

After breakfast, meet your driver and head to St. Moritz, where you’ll have some free time to explore this elegant alpine resort town. Then, board the Bernina Express for one of the world’s most breathtaking train journeys through the Swiss Alps. Enjoy spectacular views of alpine villages, dramatic tunnels, and soaring mountain peaks as you cross the Bernina Pass toward Tirano. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Milan for the evening. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Concorde, Milan, or similar

DAY 11: MILAN HIGHLIGHTS

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore Milan at your own pace. In the afternoon, meet your local guide for a three-hour walking tour through the heart of the city. Begin at Porta Venezia, a historic gate with roots dating back to Roman and medieval times, and stroll along Corso Venezia. Walk through the Giardini Indro Montanelli, pass by the Galleria d’Arte Moderna, and continue along Viale Manzoni. From the outside, admire the iconic Teatro alla Scala and the magnificent Milan Cathedral (Duomo).

The tour concludes at the Castello Sforzesco, a grand medieval fortress, followed by a relaxing aperitivo. Enjoy free time before returning to your hotel. Overnight stay in Milan. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Concorde, Milan, or similar

DAY 12: MILAN DEPARTURE

After breakfast, enjoy your transfer to the airport. Arrivederci and safe travels! Meals: B

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