Fantastic Alps, Dolomites and Lakes Tour
Tour Essentials
Two dinners included in Cortina, plus one Milan food experience; remaining meals are independent
Tour Details
Fantastic Alps, Dolomites and Lakes Tour 2026 is a scenery-driven itinerary that combines three of Northern Italy’s most memorable landscapes: the high Alps, the dramatic Dolomites, and the lake districts that connect them. Starting and finishing in Milan, it balances guided city time, iconic rail travel, and a series of panoramic drives and mountain stops designed for travellers who want nature and culture in the same trip.
Early in the tour you experience the Bernina Express, one of Europe’s great alpine rail journeys, before returning to Milan for a guided walk and a relaxed aperitivo-style happy hour. From there, the route shifts east into Veneto and Trentino–Alto Adige, stopping at Lake Garda and Trento, then following the South Tyrolean wine route through Kaltern (Caldaro) on the way to Bolzano.
The middle section explores South Tyrol’s blend of Italian and Austrian influences with visits to Merano, Vipiteno, and Bressanone, before entering the Dolomites. You’ll spend time around the region’s most photogenic lakes—Lake Misurina, Lake Dobbiaco, and either Lake Braies or Lake Anterselva depending on access—along with scenic drives around Cortina and nearby viewpoints. The journey finishes via Bassano del Grappa for a grappa museum visit and tasting, returning to Milan for the final night and airport transfer.
Inclusions
- Return airport transfers in Milan
- Bernina Express ride
- Guided walking tour in Milan
- Milan happy hour/aperitivo and local food experience
- Coach/transport for the touring route
- Grappa museum visit and tasting in Bassano del Grappa
- 2 dinners in Cortina
- Accommodation in listed cities (standard hotels)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Milan
Welcome to Milan!
Meet your driver at the airport and enjoy your included transfer to the hotel.
Check in at your Milan hotel and overnight.
Day 2 - 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 3 - 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 4 - 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 5 - 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 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - 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 9 - Milan (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Arrivederci!
Tour Highlights
- Airport transfers in/out of Milan
- Bernina Express scenic rail journey
- Guided walking tour in Milan plus happy hour/aperitivo
- Lake Garda stop at Peschiera del Garda
- Trento with Castello del Buon Consiglio and Santa Maria Maggiore Cathedral
- Scenic drive along the South Tyrolean wine route via Kaltern (Caldaro)
- Bolzano, Merano and Vipiteno alpine towns
- Dolomites lakes: Misurina, Dobbiaco, and Lake Braies or Lake Anterselva (access dependent)
- Scenic lake drives around Cortina and Dolomite viewpoints
- Grappa museum visit and tasting in Bassano del Grappa
Accommodation
Accommodation is in standard, comfortable hotels chosen to support the route: a Milan base for city touring and the Bernina Express day, a Bolzano base for South Tyrol exploration, and a Cortina-area stay to be close to the Dolomites lakes and panoramic drives. Hotel standards are primarily 4-star, with one Cortina-area property listed as 3-star due to local availability and location.
Hotel examples listed:
- 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: regular walking in towns and around lake viewpoints, some uneven surfaces, and comfort with altitude/variable mountain weather. Most travel is by coach and train with frequent short stops for sightseeing and scenery.
Exclusions
- City tax (payable directly at hotels)
- Drinks not included
- Personal expenses, tips/gratuities, travel insurance
General Notes
- Small group tour (up to 25 passengers)
- Lake Braies visit may be substituted with Lake Anterselva if access is restricted
Cancellations
For information related to cancellations and any associated costs, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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