Country Roads of Northern Italy (Small Group)

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 travellers during dinner at a local restaurant. (D) Stay: Duo Milan Porta Nuova

Cross the fertile plains of Lombardy to fair Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers. Explore its maze of elegant squares and see 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. (B) Stay: NH Trento

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. (B/D) Stay: Hotel de la Poste, Cortina d'Ampezzo

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? (B)

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 flavours.

Continue on to the unique and remarkable island city of Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic and check into your hotel. (B) Stay: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice

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 savour the magic of St. Mark's Square with its orchestras and alfresco cafes? (B)

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. (B/D) Stay: Grand Hotel Dino, Baveno

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. (B)

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 dinner, accompanied by some exquisite Italian wines. Raise a glass to your travels and newfound friends. (B/D)

Your journey draws to a close in the morning and transfers arrive at Milan's Malpensa Airport. (B)