Fantastic Milan with Bernina Express, Liguria & Venice 2026
Tour Essentials
Breakfast daily, plus selected food experiences and one included lunch in Modena
Tour Details
Fantastic Milan with Bernina Express, Liguria & Venice is a north-to-east Italy itinerary that blends dramatic alpine scenery with the colour and elegance of the Ligurian coastline, finishing with the timeless beauty of Venice. It’s designed for travellers who want variety—iconic train travel, coastal villages, standout food experiences, and a strong mix of guided touring with free time.
You start in Milan with an airport transfer and time to settle in. A major early highlight is the Bernina Express, reached via St. Moritz, delivering one of the world’s great scenic rail journeys through the Swiss Alps before returning to Milan. You then enjoy a guided Milan walk through the historic core, finishing with a relaxed aperitivo-style experience.
From Milan, the tour shifts into Liguria, stopping in Santa Margherita Ligure before taking a boat to Portofino for time among its colourful waterfront and boutiques. Later, you continue to Sestri Levante for a local food experience with wine tasting, then base in La Spezia for access to the Cinque Terre. A full day explores these famous cliffside villages by local train (Cinque Terre Card included), with time to enjoy lunch independently in one of the towns.
Heading inland again, you visit Maranello and the Ferrari Museum for a guided introduction to Italy’s most iconic automotive brand. The day continues near Modena with an acetaia experience—learning about traditional balsamic production—paired with local food and an included lunch, before arriving in Venice. The final days focus on Venice highlights and atmosphere, including a spritz & cicchetti experience, before a concluding airport transfer.
Inclusions
- Milan airport transfer to hotel (arrival)
- Venice transfer out to airport (departure)
- Bernina Express ride
- Guided tour in Milan
- Guided tour in Venice
- Cinque Terre Card
- Visit to Portofino and Cinque Terre
- Wine tasting with gastronomic specialties in Sestri Levante
- Acetaia experience and lunch in Modena
- Guided visit of the Ferrari Museum
- Spritz & cicchetti experience in Venice
- Hotel accommodation in Milan, La Spezia and Venice area with breakfasts
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 > Santa Margherita Ligure > Portofino > Sestri Levante > La Spezia (B, Local Food Experience with Wine Tasting)
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before departing Milan by coach to the Liguria Region. The first stop is Santa Margherita Ligure, known as “La Perla del Tigullio,” surrounded by the sea and mountains. Admire its port and luxury hotels.
Next, a boat ride takes you to glamorous Portofino, famous for its boutiques and colorful streets. Explore this stunning seaside village, cherished by writers like Guy de Maupassant.
In the afternoon departure to Sestri Levante for a local food and wine tasting experience.
Finally, reach La Spezia for an overnight stay.
Day 5 La Spezia > Cinque Terre > La Spezia (B)
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a memorable journey to the Cinque Terre, one of the Mediterranean’s most pristine regions, featuring the villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
These charming villages are nestled between rugged cliffs and lush hills, boasting some of the cleanest waters in the Mediterranean.
After a bus ride to Levanto, explore the Cinque Terre by local train, with free time to savor a delightful lunch.
In the afternoon, return to La Spezia for a relaxing overnight stay.
Day 6: La Spezia > Maranello > Ferrari Museum > Modena (Acetaia Experience with Local Food) > Venice (B,L)
After breakfast, depart La Spezia and travel inland through scenic Italian countryside. Stop in Maranello to experience the world of Ferrari with a guided visit to the iconic Ferrari Museum, celebrating speed, innovation, and Italian style.
Continue to a traditional acetaia near Modena for a unique experience learning about Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale. Enjoy a guided tasting paired with regional flavors and a genuine lunch in a welcoming family atmosphere.
In the afternoon, drive northeast across the plains of Emilia Romagna and Veneto. Arrive in Venice by early evening, check in at your hotel, and enjoy free time.
Overnight in Venice.
Day 7: Venice (B, Local Food Experience)
Begin your day in Piazza San Marco. Visit Doge’s Palace and stroll by the Bridge of Sighs.
End the tour with a Venetian aperitif and cicchetti.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure exploring the canals.
Overnight stay in Venice.
Day 8: Venice (B)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel as your tour with us comes to a close with the last service, transfer to the airport.
End of our services.
Tour Highlights
- Airport transfer in Milan and airport transfer out from Venice
- Bernina Express scenic rail journey via St. Moritz and Tirano
- Guided Milan walking tour plus aperitivo/happy hour experience
- Santa Margherita Ligure and boat transfer to Portofino
- Sestri Levante food experience with wine tasting
- Cinque Terre day by local train (Cinque Terre Card included)
- Guided visit to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello
- Modena acetaia experience with local food and lunch
- Guided Venice highlights plus spritz & cicchetti experience
Accommodation
Accommodation is in standard, comfortable 4-star hotels selected for practical touring logistics and access to the key areas you’ll be exploring. You’ll stay in Milan for the first part of the trip, base in La Spezia for easy access into Cinque Terre, then finish in the Venice area (typically Tronchetto or Mestre) for smooth transfers while still allowing plenty of time in Venice itself.
Hotel examples listed:
- Milan: Hotel Concorde 4-star / Hotel Ramada Plaza 4-star
- La Spezia: CDH Hotel La Spezia 4-star
- Venice area: Hotel B&B Venezia Laguna (Tronchetto) / Hotel Delfino 4-star (Mestre)
Tour Notes
Physical Requirements
Moderate: walking on uneven streets and steps in hill/coastal villages, boarding local trains/boats, and full-day sightseeing pace. Suitable for travellers comfortable with active touring days.
Exclusions
- City tax (payable directly at hotels)
- Drinks not included (unless specifically part of included tastings/experiences)
- Personal expenses, tips/gratuities, travel insurance
- Any meals not explicitly included
General Notes
- Small group tour format (noted as 25 passengers and under).
Cancellations
For information related to cancellations and any associated costs, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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