Classic Italy, Alps & Dolomites 2026
Tour Essentials
Includes 4 meals plus 3 local food experiences; most other meals are independent
Tour Details
Classic Italy, Alps & Dolomites is a 13-day combo tour built for travellers who want to see “the big names” as well as the spectacular landscapes of Northern Italy in one seamless itinerary. Travelling by deluxe coach (and train where noted), you’ll move from central Italy’s hill towns into the cultural powerhouses of the north, then continue into the Alps and Dolomites for a week of lakes, mountain villages and panoramic drives.
The tour begins in Rome, heading first to Assisi and Siena, then on to Florence. After guided sightseeing and included local food experiences, you continue through Bologna and Venice before travelling onward to Milan. A highlight is the Bernina Express—one of Europe’s great scenic rail journeys—followed by time to explore Milan with a guided walk and aperitivo-style local food experience.
The second half of the trip focuses on Veneto and Trentino–Alto Adige, including Lake Garda, Trento, the South Tyrolean wine route, Bolzano and Merano, then onward to the Dolomites. Expect unforgettable natural scenery around Cortina, with stops at lakes such as Misurina and Dobbiaco, plus either Lake Braies or Lake Anterselva depending on access. The journey wraps up via Bassano del Grappa (with a grappa tasting) before returning to Milan.
Inclusions
- Guided tours and experiences as listed (Florence, Venice, Milan; plus included food experiences)
- Deluxe coach transport for the tour routing
- Train: Venice → Milan (ticket included)
- Bernina Express ride (as per itinerary)
- Some meals and experiences (4 meals + 3 local food experiences as stated)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Rome > Assisi > Siena > Florence (L)
Depart at 7:15 a.m. by deluxe coach to Assisi, a medieval town surrounded by ancient walls. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, featuring frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue and enjoy a lunch in Assisi.
Continue to Siena, UNESCO-listed and famous for its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and Palio horse race. Later, travel through Tuscany’s countryside to reach Florence.
Check in at your hotel.
Overnight stay.
Day 2: Florence (B, L)
Explore Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. Visit the Duomo, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and Baptistery. See Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and Santa Croce Basilica. Enjoy lunch in a traditional Tuscan restaurant.
In the afternoon, choose between free time in the city or an optional visit to Pisa, with its Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli.
Dinner is at leisure.
Overnight stay in Florence.
Day 3: Florence > Bologna > Venice (B, Local Food Experience)
Travel to Bologna, a city rich in culture and culinary excellence. Walk from Piazza Malpighi to Piazza Maggiore, admiring San Petronio Basilica and the Palazzo del Podestà.
Delight in a light local lunch, savoring regional specialties. Stroll the medieval streets, arcades, and markets.
In the afternoon, continue to Venice.
Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax.
Overnight stay.
Day 4: Venice (B, Local Food Experience)
Transfer to Piazza San Marco and discover Venice’s highlights with a guided tour. Visit the Doge’s Palace (outside) and cross the Bridge of Sighs.
Afterward, enjoy a glass of spritz or prosecco with cicchetti, traditional Venetian snacks. Relax and soak in the atmosphere. Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s canals, artisan shops, or quiet corners on your own.
Return to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Venice.
Day 5: Venice > Milan (B)
After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the station.
Then, independently board the designated train, heading to your next destination: Milan. Upon arrival at the Milan station meet your driver and enjoy your included transfer to the hotel.
Check in at your Milan hotel.
The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight stay.
Day 6: Milan > Bernina Express > Milan (B)
After breakfast, meet your driver and travel to St. Moritz for some free time.
Then, board the Bernina Express and enjoy one of the world’s most scenic train rides through the Swiss Alps. Marvel at alpine villages, tunnels, and breathtaking mountain views as you cross the Bernina Pass toward Tirano.
Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to take you back to Milan
Day 7: Milan (B, Local Food Experience)
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 medieval and Roman origins, and continue to Corso Venezia.
Walk through the Giardini Indro Montanelli, pass by the Galleria d’Arte Moderna and continue along Viale Manzoni. From the outside, see the iconic Teatro alla Scala and admire the majestic façade of the Milan Cathedral (Duomo).
The tour ends at Castello Sforzesco, a medieval fortress, followed by a relaxing aperitivo.
Free time before returning to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Milan.
Day 8: Milan > Peschiera del Garda > Trento > Kaltern an der Weinstraße (Scenic Drive) > Bolzano (B)
After breakfast, we depart and head towards Peschiera del Garda, a charming town located on the southern shore of Lake Garda.
Next, we stop in Trento, where we’ll admire the impressive Castello del Buon Consiglio and the Santa Maria Maggiore Cathedral.
After a leisurely lunch, we continue along Italy’s oldest wine route, reaching Caldaro (Kaltern), known for its lake and wine.
The day ends with our arrival in Bolzano.
Overnight.
Day 9: Bolzano > Merano > Vipiteno > Bolzano (B)
After breakfast, we travel to Merano, known for its Christmas market and rich cultural heritage. We’ll explore the old town and you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch.
Next, we visit Vipiteno, a picturesque town with medieval architecture and Alpine charm. Stroll through its streets, enjoy local cuisine, and shop for souvenirs. In the afternoon, we head to Bolzano to admire the Gothic-style Duomo and Via dei Portici, the heart of the city. Bolzano combines Alpine and Mediterranean influences, making it a must-visit destination.
The evening is free for personal exploration or relaxation.
Overnight in Bolzano
Day 10: Bolzano > Bressanone - Brunico > Lake Braies or Lake Anterselva > Cortina (B, D)
Today, we start with a visit to Bressanone, a charming town in the Eisack Valley, known for its 10th-century medieval cathedral and Austrian-Italian blend. Enjoy local wines and the serene Alpine atmosphere.
Then, we head to Brunico, with its colorful medieval streets and panoramic views from Kronplatz mountain. Afterward, we visit the stunning Lake of Braies, surrounded by towering Dolomite peaks, or Lake Anterselva if Braies is inaccessible. Both offer tranquil beauty and photo opportunities.
Finally, we conclude the day in Cortina for dinner at the hotel and an overnight stay, surrounded by the breathtaking Dolomites.
Day 11: Cortina > Scenic Drive Around the Lakes near Cortina > Lake Misurina > Lake Dobbiaco > San Vito di Cadore > Cortina (B, D)
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel and get ready to explore the stunning surroundings of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Enjoy panoramic views of the Dolomite Mountains and spot the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Continue to Lake Misurina, the largest natural lake in the region, offering mesmerizing mountain views.
Then, visit Lake Dobbiaco with its unique emerald-colored waters. Drive to San Vito di Cadore, a charming village surrounded by UNESCO-listed mountains, Mount Antelao and Mount Pelmo.
Afterward, return to Cortina for free time, relax, and enjoy dinner at the hotel before an overnight stay.
Day 12: Cortina > Bassano del Grappa > Milan (B)
After breakfast, reach Bassano del Grappa, a charming town at the foot of the Venetian Prealps, known for its rich history and timeless charm. Walk its cobbled streets to see medieval towers, elegant Venetian palaces, and mountain traditions shaped by centuries of culture.
Don’t miss the iconic Ponte degli Alpini, designed by Andrea Palladio, crossing the Brenta River with postcard views. Visit the Museo della Grappa to explore Italy’s famous distillate origins. The experience includes a tasting session, offering insight into local craftsmanship.
After Bassano, head to Milan.
Overnight in Milan.
Day 13: Milan (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport.
Arrivederci!
Tour Highlights
- Visit Assisi, Siena and Bologna, with lunch in Assisi
- Guided tours in Florence, Venice and Milan
- Traditional lunch in Florence and a gastronomic experience in Bologna
- Spritz & “cicchetti” experience in Venice
- Train ticket Venice → Milan, plus arrival transfer in Milan
- Bernina Express scenic rail journey
- Milan walking tour and happy hour/aperitivo experience
- Explore Veneto and Trentino–Alto Adige including Trento and the South Tyrolean wine route
Bolzano, Merano and Vipiteno alpine towns - Dolomites landscapes with Cortina base and lake drives (Misurina, Dobbiaco, Anterselva and/or Braies)
- Grappa tasting in Bassano del Grappa
Accommodation
This tour uses a mix of comfortable, well-located hotels selected to support a multi-city route—generally 3–4 star standard depending on destination. Expect convenient access for coach logistics and a practical base for sightseeing, with stays spread across key hubs including Florence, the Venice area, Milan, Bolzano and the Cortina region.
Below are some of the hotels we use on our tours, this list serves as an example only and may be subject to change depending on availability:
- Florence: Hotel Raffaello 4-star / Hotel Una Vittoria 4-star
- Venice area: Hotel B&B Venezia Laguna (Tronchetto) / Hotel Delfino 4-star (Mestre)
- Milan: Hotel Concorde 4-star / Hotel Ramada Plaza 4-star
- Bolzano: Stadt Hotel 4-star
- Cortina area: B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina 3-star
Tour Notes
Physical Requirements
Moderate. Expect regular walking on city streets (often cobblestones), standing during guided tours, and some longer sightseeing days. Alpine/Dolomite days involve coach travel with stops for walks and viewpoints; suitable for travellers comfortable with active touring at a steady pace.
Exclusions
- City tax (payable directly at hotels)
- Drinks (not included)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- Flights to the start / from the end of the tour
- Travel insurance, personal expenses, tips/gratuities
General Notes
- Larger group format (combo tour)
- Prices are per person (per tour notes)
- City tax is not included and is payable locally
- Drinks are not included
Cancellations
For information related to cancellations and any associated costs, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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