Alpina & Dolomiti | 9 Day Small Group Tour
Tour Essentials
Breakfast daily, two dinners and a Milan aperitivo with one drink included
Why we've chosen this tour
This itinerary brings together several of northern Italy’s strongest scenic experiences in a compact route: the Bernina Express, South Tyrol, the Dolomites and Lake Garda.
Is this tour for you?
Best suited to travellers who enjoy alpine scenery, historic towns, escorted logistics and moderate walking rather than a long stay in one base.
Not sure? Call us on 03 9824 0898 — we'll tell you honestly whether this tour is the right fit.
Tour Details
This 9 day alpine journey begins and ends in Milan, then moves through some of northern Italy’s most dramatic scenery. The route combines the Bernina Express, Lake Garda, South Tyrol’s historic towns and the unmistakable peaks and lakes of the Dolomites.
The pace gives the journey a strong scenic focus without losing the pleasure of local culture. Days move from Milan’s grand boulevards and aperitivo ritual to Trento, Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, Brunico and the mountain villages around Cortina d’Ampezzo.
It is a strong fit for travellers who want northern Italy’s alpine character, lake landscapes and small-town discoveries in an escorted format, with transfers arranged and a maximum group size of 25 guests.
Inclusions
- Transfer from Milan airport to the hotel
- Transfer from the Milan hotel to the airport
- Bernina Express rail journey
- Guided walking tour in Milan
- Milan aperitivo with one drink included
- Visits through Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige and the Dolomites
- Scenic drive around the lakes near Cortina
- Visits to Lake Misurina, Lake Dobbiaco and Lake Braies or Lake Anterselva
- Grappa tasting in Bassano del Grappa
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Milan
Arrive in Milan and meet your driver for the included airport transfer. Check in at the hotel and enjoy time at leisure before your overnight stay.
Day 2 - Milan, St Moritz, Bernina Express and Milan
After breakfast, travel by coach to St Moritz for free time before boarding the Bernina Express. The rail journey crosses alpine villages, tunnels and mountain scenery over the Bernina Pass towards Tirano, where your driver will meet the group for the return journey to Milan.
Day 3 - Milan
Enjoy free time in Milan before an afternoon walking tour through Porta Venezia, Corso Venezia, the Giardini Indro Montanelli, Viale Manzoni, La Scala, the exterior of the Duomo and Castello Sforzesco. Finish with an included aperitivo, then spend the evening at leisure.
Day 4 - Milan, Lake Garda, Trento and Bolzano
Leave Milan for Peschiera del Garda on the southern shore of Lake Garda. Continue to Trento to admire Castello del Buonconsiglio and Santa Maria Maggiore Cathedral, then follow part of Italy’s historic wine route through Caldaro, known as Kaltern an der Weinstrasse, before arriving in Bolzano.
Day 5 - Merano, Vipiteno and Bolzano
Travel to Merano, known for its graceful old town, markets and alpine-meets-Mediterranean character. Continue to Vipiteno, a picturesque town with medieval streets and mountain charm, then return to Bolzano to see the Gothic-style Duomo and Via dei Portici before an evening at leisure.
Day 6 - Bressanone, Brunico, Lake Braies and Cortina
Visit Bressanone, a charming town in the Eisack Valley with a long religious and cultural history, then continue to Brunico and its colourful medieval streets. Later, visit Lake Braies, or Lake Anterselva if access to Braies is not possible, before reaching Cortina for dinner and overnight.
Day 7 - Lakes Around Cortina
Explore the mountain landscapes around Cortina d’Ampezzo, with views towards the Dolomites and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Visit Lake Misurina, Lake Dobbiaco and San Vito di Cadore, then return to Cortina for free time, dinner and overnight.
Day 8 - Bassano Del Grappa and Milan
Travel to Bassano del Grappa, a historic town at the foot of the Venetian Prealps. Walk its cobbled streets, see the Ponte degli Alpini and visit the grappa museum for an included tasting before continuing to Milan for the final overnight stay.
Day 9 - Milan
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Tour Highlights
- Included arrival and departure transfers in Milan
- Bernina Express rail journey through alpine scenery
- Guided walking tour and aperitivo in Milan
- Lake Garda, Trento, Bolzano, Merano and Vipiteno
- South Tyrol towns including Bressanone and Brunico
- Scenic drives and lakes around Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Lake Misurina, Lake Dobbiaco and Lake Braies or Lake Anterselva
- Grappa tasting in Bassano del Grappa
- Small group format with 25 passengers or fewer
Accommodation
Accommodation is arranged in standard touring hotels chosen for practical routing, comfort and access to the key overnight bases.
- Milan: Hotel Concorde Milan or Ramada Plaza Milano 4-star
- Bolzano: Stadt Hotel Citta 4-star
- Cortina area: B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina 3-star
Hotels listed are examples and may be replaced with accommodation of a similar standard if required.
Tour Notes
Physical Requirements
This escorted itinerary includes city walking tours, time in historic centres, scenic stops and periods on your feet. Travellers should be comfortable walking over cobbled streets and uneven surfaces and boarding coaches and trains.
Exclusions
- City tax is not included and is payable directly at hotels.
- Drinks are not included with meals unless specifically noted as part of an experience.
- Personal expenses, optional experiences and travel insurance are not included.
Important Notes
- Prices are per person.
- The 10 September and 15 October 2027 departures carry special Milan fair-date pricing and should be checked before booking.
- Lake Braies may be replaced by Lake Anterselva if access conditions require a change.
- Hotels, inclusions and itinerary details may change and should be reconfirmed before booking.
Cancellations
For information related to cancellations and any associated costs, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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