Milan with Bernina Express, Liguria & Venice | 8 Day Small Group Tour
Tour Essentials
Breakfast daily, four local food experiences and included wine with selected tastings
Why we've chosen this tour
This itinerary has a strong mix of headline experiences in only eight days, combining the Bernina Express with Ligurian coast, Cinque Terre, Ferrari heritage, balsamic vinegar traditions and Venice.
Is this tour for you?
Best suited to travellers who like varied scenery, included food experiences, coastal towns and escorted logistics in a compact itinerary.
Not sure? Call us on 03 9824 0898 — we'll tell you honestly whether this tour is the right fit.
Tour Details
This 8 day journey begins in Milan, adds the high alpine spectacle of the Bernina Express, then turns south to Liguria for Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, Sestri Levante and the Cinque Terre. It is a compact itinerary, but one with real variety: city culture, coastal villages, rail scenery, regional food and the final glow of Venice.
The route continues through Emilia-Romagna for Maranello, the Ferrari Museum and a traditional acetaia experience near Modena. That gives the journey a distinctly Italian mix of landscape and craft, from Riviera colour to balsamic vinegar traditions and Venetian cicchetti.
It suits travellers who want a small group itinerary with strong included experiences, practical transfers and a balance of guided touring and time to wander independently.
Inclusions
- Transfer from Milan airport to the hotel
- Transfer from the Venice hotel to the airport
- Bernina Express rail journey
- Guided walking tours in Milan and Venice
- Milan aperitivo with one drink included
- Visits to Portofino and Cinque Terre
- Cinque Terre Card
- Food and wine tasting in Sestri Levante
- Guided visit to the Ferrari Museum
- Acetaia experience and lunch near Modena with two glasses of wine
- Venetian spritz and cicchetti experience
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 the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2 - Milan, St Moritz, Bernina Express and Milan
Travel to St Moritz for free time before boarding the Bernina Express. Cross alpine villages, tunnels and mountain scenery over the Bernina Pass towards Tirano, then return by coach to Milan.
Day 3 - Milan
Enjoy a relaxed morning before an afternoon walking tour through central Milan, including Porta Venezia, Corso Venezia, the Giardini Indro Montanelli, La Scala, the exterior of the Duomo and Castello Sforzesco. Finish with an included aperitivo.
Day 4 - Milan, Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino and La Spezia
Depart Milan for the Ligurian coast. Visit Santa Margherita Ligure, then continue by boat to Portofino with time to enjoy its colourful harbour and village streets. Later, travel to Sestri Levante for a local food and wine tasting before continuing to La Spezia.
Day 5 - Cinque Terre
Explore the Cinque Terre by local train using the included card. The day focuses on the villages set between cliffs, hills and the sea, with free time to enjoy lunch, harbour views and village streets before returning to La Spezia.
Day 6 - Maranello, Modena and Venice
Travel inland to Maranello for a guided visit to the Ferrari Museum. Continue to a traditional acetaia near Modena to learn about balsamic vinegar production, followed by a regional lunch and tasting with wine. In the afternoon, continue to Venice.
Day 7 - Venice
Begin in Piazza San Marco for a guided introduction to Venice, including the Doge’s Palace area and the Bridge of Sighs. Finish with a Venetian aperitif and cicchetti, then enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure among the canals.
Day 8 - Venice
After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the airport for your onward flight.
Tour Highlights
- Included arrival transfer in Milan and departure transfer in Venice
- Bernina Express alpine rail journey
- Guided tours in Milan and Venice
- Portofino and Cinque Terre sightseeing
- Food and wine tasting in Sestri Levante
- Ferrari Museum visit in Maranello
- Acetaia experience and lunch near Modena with wine
- Venetian spritz and cicchetti experience
- Small group format with 25 passengers or fewer
Accommodation
Accommodation is selected for practical touring logistics, with bases in Milan, La Spezia and the Venice area.
- Milan: Hotel Concorde Milan or Ramada Plaza Milano 4-star
- La Spezia: Hotel Allegroitalia La Spezia 5 Terre 3-star
- Venice area: B&B Hotel Venezia Laguna or Hampton by Hilton Venice Isola Nuova 3-star in the Tronchetto area
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, coastal villages, local trains, boats and time on cobbled or uneven streets. Travellers should be comfortable walking at a steady pace and managing steps during transfers.
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.
- Hotels, inclusions and itinerary details may change and should be reconfirmed before booking.
- Coastal and boat operations may be adjusted due to weather or local conditions.
Cancellations
For information related to cancellations and any associated costs, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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