Country Roads by Insight Vacations
Country Roads of Northern Italy - Classic Group
See the breathtaking scenery of Northern Italy on this 10-day guided tour. 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 famous canals as you are serenaded by traditional songs — then see a skilled craftsman turn molten glass into a colorful work of art. Indulge in a feast of local cuisine during a Farm-to-Table dinner featuring fresh-caught fish and delicious local wine on the Isola dei Pescatori, an idyllic island nestled in the heart of Lake Maggiore.
Itinerary
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 façade 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.
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. Continue on to Trento, regarded as one of Italy's most appealing cities to live in.
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.
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?
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, Queen of the Adriatic and check into your hotel.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Your journey draws to a close in the morning and transfers arrive at Milan's Malpensa Airport.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Verona: See the statue of Dante and the Gothic tombs of the Scala family on a walking tour through grand piazzas.
- Verona: Embark on a Shakespeare-themed walk to recount famous moments from Romeo and Juliet's story, ending in Piazza dei Signori, the main square where the star-crossed lovers tragedy took place.
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Authentic Dining
- Milan: Enjoy a special dinner with wine, as you get to know your fellow travellers.
- Veneto: Visit a local winery and delight in a tasting of their magnificent prosecco. Meet the vignerons and learn how this local drink has come to rival its well-known counterpart in France.
- Baveno: Choose your dining experience from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants, each offering their own unique cuisine and ambience on your Dine-Around Evening.
- Lake Maggiore: Celebrate your journey through northern Italy on glamorous Lake Maggiore and enjoy a Farm-to-Table dinner with local wine.
Insight Choice
- Verona: See the statue of Dante and the Gothic tombs of the Scala family on a walking tour through grand piazzas.
- Verona: Embark on a Shakespeare-themed walk to recount famous moments from Romeo and Juliet's story, ending in Piazza dei Signori, the main square where the star-crossed lovers tragedy took place.
Insight Experiences
- Milan: A local historian brings Milan's history to life, including the contributions of Leonardo da Vinci, during a guided walking tour. See the impressive facade of the Milan Cathedral and the world famous La Scala Theatre.
Make Travel Matter
- Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft. This workshop directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11
Top Rated Highlights
- Trento: See pristine streets decorated with stone castles and modern edifices during an orientation of this alpine city.
- Bolzano: Explore the streets and squares to admire the Tyrolean-style architecture of this town flanked by impressive mountains.
- Cortina d'Ampezzo: Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Cortina, a small town framed by magnificent alps as your Travel Director conducts an orientation.
- Venice: Join your Travel Director for an introduction to Venice, exploring its canals, lively squares, and historic landmarks. Discover the city’s unique charm as you navigate its maze of streets and take in iconic sights like St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.
- Venice: Glide through Venice’s canals on an iconic gondola ride, passing beneath historic bridges and past elegant palaces. Soak up the city’s romantic atmosphere as your gondolier navigates the tranquil waterways, offering a unique perspective of this timeless floating city.
- Baveno: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the cobbled streets and 16th century square.
- Como: Take in the exquisite views of the lake and its alpine backdrop as you enjoy an orientation of this magnificent town.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
accommodation
| Name | Adults | Passengers |
|---|---|---|
| single room | Adults: 1 | Passengers: 1 |
| triple room | Adults: 1 - 3 | Passengers: 3 |
| twin room | Adults: 1 - 2 | Passengers: 2 |
| twinShare room | Adults: 1 | Passengers: 1 - 2 |