Country Roads of Northern Italy (Small Group)

Arrive in Milan and head to the hotel, where you'll meet your Travel Director and the small group joining you on this journey. Then step into the city's story with a local historian, standing before the marble sweep of the Duomo, the iconic halls of La Scala and the glass-covered elegance of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. As evening settles, come together over dinner at a local restaurant, the perfect setting to connect with your fellow travellers.

Cross the plains of Lombardy to Verona, known for its Roman heritage and literary ties. Explore a network of elegant squares and see the well-preserved Roman Arena, still used for opera. Next, your Travel Director will lead you on a guided walk to Dante's statue and the Scala family tombs or follow a Shakespeare-focused route linked to the story of Romeo and Juliet. Travel onwards to Trento, a northern city appreciated for its strong local character.

After breakfast, depart Trento and follow the Adige River north to Bolzano, where Italian and Austrian cultures meet. Set against a dramatic backdrop of the Dolomite mountain range, Bolzano reveals centuries of cross-border influence through its architecture, language and distinctive regional identity. Visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to see Ötzi the Iceman, the remarkably preserved mummy discovered in the Ötztal Alps. This evening, enjoy dinner at a restaurant.

After breakfast, enjoy a day at leisure in Bolzano with time to explore its arcaded streets, lively piazzas and blend of Italian and Austrian influences at your own pace. Alternatively, join the Grand Tour of the Dolomites Optional Experience, where you'll discover the region's soaring peaks and dramatic mountain scenery.

This evening, you can also choose the Dinner in the Mountains Optional Experience, savouring delicious regional dishes in an atmospheric alpine setting.

Today, you'll travel through more Dolomite scenery with your small group to one of Italy's notable wine regions. The vineyards around Conegliano Veneto sit between Alpine shelter and warmer Adriatic air, creating conditions well suited to prosecco production. Stop in Conegliano to gain close access to the winemaking process and note how it differs from Champagne. Taste the crisp, aromatic style before continuing to Venice, the island city known as the Queen of the Adriatic.

Wake ready to explore Venice. You'll start with a visit to a Venetian glassblowing workshop where you can see how beautiful, handcrafted glass is made by expert artisans, preserving centuries-old traditions. Then continue by private boat past palazzos and churches to St. Mark's Square to see the Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.

Afterwards, settle into a gondola for a gentle glide along the canals. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore, before the cafes around the square draw you in for an easy end to the day.

Depart Venice and travel toward Lake Garda, where a short stop in Sirmione reveals shimmering water, pastel-coloured houses and the stone walls of its lakeside castle. Continue across Lombardy's rich farmland as the landscape softens toward Lake Maggiore. Arrive in Baveno, a peaceful town edged by distant mountains.

This evening, choose from a selection of local restaurants, each offering its own character, aromas and regional flavours — a relaxed way to linger and connect with your small group.

Settle into the foothills of the Alps and experience the effortless allure of the Italian Lakes, a timeless retreat once favoured by Europe's elite. In Como, take in the town's graceful waterfront, narrow lanes and long-standing connection to fine silk. Your orientation walk will reveal its defining landmarks and the rhythm of local life. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you choose, or you may join an Optional Experience to explore Lake Como in greater depth with a Local Expert.

Relish a full day at leisure among the Italian Lakes, a region long associated with distinguished visitors. Stresa once welcomed Napoleon during his Italian Campaign and later hosted Mussolini and Chamberlain as they signed the Treaty of Stresa. You'll have the chance to join an optional cruise to the Borromean Islands, including Isola Bella with its elegant palace and terraced gardens.

In the evening, enjoy farm-to-table dishes paired with Italian wines.

Your journey draws to a close in the morning. Transfer to Milan's Malpensa Airport for your onward arrangements or depart at your leisure.