ENCHANTING ITALY TRIP: THE DOLOMITES, VENICE, THE GREAT LAKES, VERONA, THE FOOD & MOTOR VALLEY, TURIN & THE BAROLO LANDS

Northern Italy at its best

ENCHANTING ITALY TRIP: THE DOLOMITES, VENICE, THE GREAT LAKES, VERONA, THE FOOD & MOTOR VALLEY, TURIN & THE BAROLO LANDS
Code: BIT-2000

Enjoy the magnificence of the Dolomites, the timeless beauty of Venice, the surprising charm of the Great Lakes, the romantic Verona, the excellence of the food & motor Valley & the Barolo lands, and the elegance of Turin.

12 days to discover the best Northern Italy has to offer and live authentic experiences

HIGHLIGHTS

Visit ICONIC ITALIAN DESTINATIONS and immerse yourself in authentic experiences, including:

  • Cortina and the Dolomites 
  • Venice, “the Floating City”
  • Verona and Sirmione, “the Pearl of Lake Garda”
  • The Food & Motor Valley: Balsamic Vinegar and Ferrari Driving Experience 
  • Turin, Italy’s first capital
  • Langhe Wine Region, the Lands of Barolo Wine
  • Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta

DAY 1    Pick-up at Venice Airport and drop off to Cortina

BENVENUTO, WELCOME TO ITALY! After your arrival at the Venice Airport (VCE), our driver will welcome you and transfer to the hotel located in Cortina d’Ampezzo (transfer time: approx. 2h). CHECK IN at the hotel and enjoy some time for relaxation after your long journey to the “Queen of the Dolomites”. Lunch and dinner will be on your own. OVERNIGHT STAY IN CORTINA AT 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH BED AND BREAKFAST SERVICE.

DAY 2  Lake misurina & Dolomites half-day tour

ENJOY BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL. After breakfast, you will spend your leisure morning in Cortina. Nestled in a large basin of green fields and woods, the “Queen of the Dolomites” is circumscribed by the very high mountains that are rendered absolutely unique by the rose tones of the rocks of Antelao, Sorapiss, the Croda da Lago, Croda Rossa, the Tofane and the Cristallo - all mountain groups of rare beauty. Furthermore, in Cortina are about 250 shops where shoppers can find the Italian high fashion and the best of Made in Italy, inaddition to local artisan goods, art, jewelry and antiques. Corso Italia, Cortina’s thriving center, is one of the best-known shopping streets on the Peninsula, always teeming with tourists admiring the shop windows, and abounding with the cafes and trendy locales that line the Corso. Lunch will be on your own. In the afternoon, you will be met at the lobby of your hotel by our expert driver and transferred to LAKE MISURINA (transfer time: approx. 30 min.). Misurina looks like a picture: the lake bearing the same name, surrounded by a crown of Dolomites peaks (Piz Popena, Cristallino, Three Peaks of Lavaredo, Sorapìs, Cadini and Marmarole). After the stop to Lake Misurina, our driver will transfer you to the Rifugio Auronzo. From here, we recommend to follow the trail 105 and walk for approx.25-30 minutes to admire some of the best views of the DOLOMITES! NOTES: sneakers/trekking shoes are suggested. After the visit, you will be transferred back to the hotel. OVERNIGHT STAY IN CORTINA AT 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH BED AND BREAKFAST SERVICE.

DAY 3   Transfer to Venice

BREAKFAST AND CHECK OUT FROM THE HOTEL. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Venice Piazzale Roma (transfer time: approx. 2h). After your arrival at the Venice Piazzale Roma, you will be transferred to your hotel by private transportation. Lunch will be on your own. Leisure time in the afternoon. Dinner will be on your own. OVERNIGHT STAY IN VENICE AT 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH BED AND BREAKFAST SERVICE.

DAY 4   Venice 3-hour walking tour with private guide

ENJOY BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL. After breakfast, you will be met at the lobby of your hotel by our expert guide and together you will stroll through the main areas of the “FLOATING CITY”, including the PONTE DI RIALTO BRIDGE, the fascinating side streets of the city, and the iconic ST. MARK SQUARE. Take in the sights of this distinguished marble city situated over 400 bridges and 150 canals. Enjoy lunch on your own, whether you want to hustle and bustle of a busy plaza or a quiet side-street serving up authentic Italian fare. Enjoy a glass of Prosecco or try a local favorite Venissa—a white wine made on the Venetian islands. Spend your afternoon at leisure exploring the floating city. Dinner will be your own. OVERNIGHT STAY IN VENICE AT 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH BED AND BREAKFAST SERVICE.

DAY 5   Transfer near Lake Garda

BREAKFAST AND CHECK OUT FROM THE HOTEL. After breakfast you will be transferred to Venice Train Station by private transportation, and from here you will catch the train to Peschiera del Garda (transfer time: approx. 1h and 20 min). Once arrived to Peschiera del Garda train station, you will be transferred to your hotel located approx. 10 kilometers from Lake Garda. Lunch will be on your own. Afternoon at leisure. OVERNIGHT STAY NEAR LAKE AT 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH HALF-BOARD SERVICE (DRINKS NOT INCLUDED).

DAY 6   Verona 2,5-hour walking tour with private guide (focus on Shakespeare) leisure time in Sirmione

ENJOY BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL. After breakfast, you will be transferred to VERONA, the City of Lovers (transfer time: approx. 40 min.)! Once arrived to Verona, you will meet our expert guide and together you will explore the beauties of the City of Lovers, without forgetting Shakespeare .... The tragic story of Romeo and Juliet is a legend, nobody can tell if the two unlucky lovers of Verona ever lived. Nevertheless, like in every legend, there are many elements of the story that have references to real places and historical facts of Verona. For example it is history the bloody struggle between Guelphs and Ghibellines, the pope party and the emperor party, the two factions fighting, not over religion but over secular power. In the middle age, families belonging to one faction or the other, although living in the same town, feuded ferociously. The Montecchi family (Montague in the English version) really existed in Verona, and lived in that sort of middle age fortress which is now considered Romeo's house. The high walls of the building are characterized by the peculiar "swallow tail" battlement symbol of the emperor party. Dante, who belonged to Ghibelline faction, fleeing from Florence, a Guelph town, found hospitality in Verona at the time in which the events are thought to have happened, under the rule Bartolomeo della Scala lord of Verona. In the Purgatorio, Dante wrote few mysterious verses about the two families Montecchi and Capuleti (Montagues and Capulets). Shakespeare wasn't the first to write about the sad story, he based his tragedy on some Italian versions (especially those by Luigi da Porto and Matteo Bandello) quite popular in Italy and Europe at that time and that were probably based on some kind of oral tradition. In all these versions can be found references to historical facts and characters, places and buildings so that through the centuries, tradition has identified some city buildings with the places where the story took place: Juliet's house (with Capulets family crest), Romeo's house, the 13th century gate through which Romeo left Verona in exile, Juliet's tomb, in the only existing monastery outside city walls at that time. Lunch will be on your own. In the early afternoon, you will be transferred to SIRMIONE, also called as the “Pearl of Lake Garda”. Situated on the south bank of Lake Garda, in correspondence with a long and narrow peninsula that divides the gulfs of Desenzano and Peschiera, Sirmione was made even more famous thanks to writers such as Catullo, Stendhal, Lawrence and Goethe that honoured its artistic and environmental beauty! In late afternoon, you will be transferred back to the hotel. OVERNIGHT STAY NEAR LAKE AT 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH HALF-BOARD SERVICE (DRINKS NOT INCLUDED).

DAY 7   Balsamic vinegar farm tour & Ferrari driving experience

ENJOY BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL. After breakfast, you will be transferred near Modena (transfer time: approx. 1h and 30 min.), where you will visit a local ACETAIA specialized in producing the THE TRADITIONAL BALSAMIC VINEGAR OF MODENA! Since 1871, a tradition handed down from father to son, where everything is the result of both patience and passion. An undoubtely and exciting learning experience which combines a visit to the ageing rooms to discover the real Balsamic Vinegar of Modena with a final tasting of typical local food products. After the visit, you will be transferred to MARANELLO, the “Red Capital” of Italy! Once arrived, you will have an amazing 15 MINUTES FERRARI DRIVING EXPERIENCE, a thrilling experience on the legendary roads where Enzo Ferrari's dream took shape! After the Ferrari Driving Experience, you will visit the world renowned FERRARI MUSEUM in Maranello (entrance tickets included). Immerse yourself in the Ferrari story past and present, and top off the experience with a bit of time travel to the future too. The Maranello Museum tells the Ferrari story by delving deep into the Prancing Horse’s extraordinary roots and taking visitors on a magnificent journey via its most famous and successful F1 cars, legendary sports prototypes and GTs, and, of course, the road cars that have set the benchmark for the entire car industry. Lunch will be on your own. In late afternoon, you will be transferred back to the hotel.OVERNIGHT STAY NEAR LAKE AT 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH HALF-BOARD SERVICE (DRINKS NOT INCLUDED).

DAY 8  Transfer to Turin, Turin 3-hour art & gastronomic tour

BREAKFAST AND CHECK OUT FROM THE HOTEL. After breakfast you will be transferred to Verona Train Station by private transportation, and from here you will catch the high-speed train to Turin (transfer time: approx. 2h and 30 min). Once arrived to Turin train station, you will reach the hotel on your own. Lunch will be on your own. In the afternoon, you will be met by our expert guide who will lead you through an enchanting and “tasty” 3-hour walking tour of the city of TURIN, a tour of flavors and stories that will reveal for you the tradition and beauty of this unique city. This tour will give you the opportunity to discover the city center with your guide who will explain the history and culture of the city with a focus on the most significant areas like Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Castello (the heart of the first Capital in Italy) and to taste some the very traditional food and drinks invented in the city of Turin, like the “tramezzini” (small traditional Italian sandwiches) and the Vermouth (tasting not included, approx. € 10-15 per person). Don't miss out on this tour that will be sure to excite all of your senses! Dinner will be on your own. OVERNIGHT STAY IN TURIN AT 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH BED AND BREAKFAST SERVICE.

DAY 9  Barolo experience: Barolo winery tour and tasting, lunch, tour of the castle of Grinzane Cavour 

ENJOY BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL. After breakfast, you will be met by our expert driver who will transfer you to LANGHE, ITALY’S TOP WINE AREA (transfer time: approx.1h)! Your tour will start with a free visit to LA MORRA, also known as the Balcony of Langhe. Here you will have the chance to take pictures from the most beautiful panoramic point of the area! Take your time to admire the surroundings and purchase souvenirs from the small shops in the village. After visiting this stunning locale, you will be transferred to a TRADITIONAL WINERY nestled in heart of the ENCHANTING BAROLO HILLS. A local winemaker will give you a private tour of the vineyards— then history, people, cellars, and of course iconic wine of the Estate. Lunch will be on your own, with our recommendations! After lunch, you will embark on a tour of the CASTLE OF GRINZANE CAVOUR - the home of the famous Count Camillo Benso of Cavour from 1832 to 1849. After the tour, you will be transferred back to the hotel. Dinner will be on your own. OVERNIGHT STAY IN TURIN AT 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH BED AND BREAKFAST SERVICE.

DAY 10   Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta full-day Tour

ENJOY BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL. After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to LAKE MAGGIORE in north Piedmont (transfer time in 1 hour 30 minutes). Separating Italy from Switzerland, Lake Maggiore will stun you with small inhabited islands and crystalline waters.Once arrived, you will be met by our expert guide and together will visit the ISOLA BELLA and its famous Palace and Gardens, which many say rival the beauty of Versailles. After the visit, we will go to the FISHERMEN’S ISLAND (next to the Isola Bella), the most picturesque of the Borromean Islands, as well as the only one to be permanently inhabited! Here we will stop for lunch (on your own). After lunch, you will be transferred to to another enchanting place located on the opposite side Stresa. Have you ever heard of Lake Orta? The Guardian used to define this place as the Italian lake tourists haven't discovered. It is astonishing how few people – even Italians – know about the place, and it is telling that the Milanese call it La Cenerentola (Cinderella) because they have long considered it the secretly superior sibling to the larger, money-blighted lakes of Como and Maggiore. Lake Orta deserve to be visited and we will stop to one of the most enchanting borghi of this area, ORTA SAN GIULIO. The small town of Orta San Giulio is a one of the top destinations for tourists visiting the Verbano Cusio Ossola province. A favourite place for romantic souls, the village is a maze of picturesque streets and narrow cobbled lanes, flanked by old stone walls with doorways topped with triangular architraves. The little squares, reminiscent of the campielli of Venice, are enlivened by the presence of craft boutiques, antique shops and lively cafés. Orta San Giulio is a magical place in Italy that cannot be missed! After the visit, you will be transferred back to your hotel. OVERNIGHT STAY IN TURIN AT 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH BED AND BREAKFAST SERVICE.

DAY 11   Leisure day

ENJOY BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL. You will spend your final day in Italy at your leisure. As an alternative, you can choose among the following opportunities in the area: The Reggia di Venaria Palace, St.Michael’s Abbey tour, The Sacred Mount of Oropa and the Ricetto fortress of Candelo, or the Milan walking tour. Whether you are a foodie, history buff or love exploring the city, we have an opportunity for you to make the most of your last day in Piedmont! Lunch and dinner will be on your own. OVERNIGHT STAY IN TURIN AT 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH BED AND BREAKFAST SERVICE.

DAY 12   Transfer to Milan Malpensa Airoport

BREAKFAST AND CHECK OUT FROM THE HOTEL. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Milan Malpensa Airport according to your flight schedule. Arrivederci and hope to see you again!

PRICE: 

  • on request.

 

SERVICES INCLUDED:

  • Pick-up at Venice Airport (VCE) and drop off to the hotel in Cortina by private transfer (Day 1);
  • 2 nights in Cortina at 4-star hotel accommodation, double room (double occupancy) with bed and breakfast service (Day 1-3);
  • Lake Misurina and Dolomites Half-Day Tour with private driver (Day 2);

  • Private transfer to the accommodation in Venice (Day 3);

  • 2 nights in Venice at 4-star hotel accommodation, double room (double occupancy) with bed and breakfast service (Day 3-5);

  • Venice 3-hour walking tour with private guide (Day 4);

  • Private transfer to Venice train station, train ticket to Peschiera del Garda (standard class seats, transfer time: approx. 1h and 20 min.), pick-up at Peschiera del Garda train station and drop off to the hotel located approx. 10 kilometers from Lake Garda (Day 5);

  • 3 nights near Lake Garda at 4-star hotel accommodation, double room (double occupancy) with half-board service - drinks not included (Day 5-8);

  • Private transfer, Verona 2,5-hour walking tour with private guide, leisure time in Sirmione (Day 6);

  • Balsamic Vinegar Farm Tour and Ferrari Driving Experience including: private transfer, Balsamic Vinegar Farm Tour, 15 minutes Ferrari Driving Experience (1 pax), entrance tickets to Ferrari Museum (Day 7);

  • Private transfer to Verona train station, high-speed train from Verona to Turin (standard class seats, transfer time: approx. 2h and 30 min.), Turin 3-hour art and gastronomic tour with private guide (Day 8);

  • 4 nights in Turin at 4-star hotel accommodation, double room (double occupancy) with half-board service - drinks not included (Day 8-11);

  • Barolo Experience Full-Day Tour including: private transfer, full-day English speaking guide, La Morra village visit, Barolo winery tour and tasting, tour of the Castle of Grinzane Cavour (Day 9);

  • Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta Full-Day Tour including: private transfer, full-day English-speaking guide, Isola Bella’s Palace and Gardens visits with entrance tickets included, boat tickets, visit to Orta San Giulio (Day 10);

  • Private transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport (Day 12).

 

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:

  • Flight ticket;
  • Visa;
  • City tourist taxes;
  •  Lunch and dinners not included in the section “SERVICES INCLUDED”;
  • Basic medical insurance: on request;
  • Tips and everything not mentioned in the section “SERVICES INCLUDED”.

 

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • Period: from April to October. Other months on request;

  • Prices have been calculated with a minimum of 2-6 pax;

  • Prices have been calculate with an occupancy of two pax each room;

  • Private transfers during the trip: during the trip, the private transfers will be

    arranged by car/minivan. The car/minivan can contain max. 1x20/23kg luggage

    per person and 1x10kg hand luggage per person;

  • We create our quotes based on the best possible options for accommodations

    and experiences currently available, taking into account your budget and timeframe of travel. Italy is a popular destination for travelers and the availability may change while you are making your final decision. If any of the accommodations and services listed above are no longer available, we will do out best to place them with others of the same quality; however, the itinerary presented above includes the best options currently available. We recommend reviewing the program and returning your acceptance, changes, or rejection as soon as possible;

  • The order of the day trips could be changed according to the supplier’s availability;

  • If some suppliers/travel experiences are not available they will replaced by others

  • of the same quality;

  • The travel agency is not responsible for extra costs due to delays/strikes;

  • We regret to inform that this tour is not suitable for guests with wheelchairs or

    with impaired mobility and difficulties in walking;

    •We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or events outside of our control;

  • Booking: advance booking is recommended;

  • Cancellation Policies: please see our Terms and Conditions.

 

PAYMENT:

  • 30% deposit at the time of booking (non-refundable).
  •  Balance 30 days prior to the departure date;
  •  In case of refund, the refund costs will be charged to the customer.

 

CONDITIONS & TERMS:

  • In case of cancellation after the booking, the organizer will keep the amount equal to 25% of the price referred to Article. 6, paid pursuant to art. 5 and can hold an additional sum equal to 5% of the price paid, as penalty for the reimbursement of the cost of individual practice management, cost of insurance coverage required at the time of conclusion of the contract or other services already given, except, in each case, the claim of the major damage pursuant to Art. 1382, paragraph 1, of Civil Code;

  • in case of withdrawal from 30 days to day of departure an amount equal to 100% of the price paid will be retained to the tourist.

  • It is, however, expressly excluded - pursuant to art. 32, paragraph 2, Code of tourism - the right of withdrawal of the customer as provided for in Art. 64 and ss. Legislative Decree no. 206/2005.

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:

  • Flight ticket;
  • Visa;
  • City tourist taxes;
  •  Lunch and dinners not included in the section “SERVICES INCLUDED”;
  • Basic medical insurance: on request;
  • Tips and everything not mentioned in the section “SERVICES INCLUDED”.