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Dolomites, Italian Lakes and Cinque Terre: An Escorted Journey Through Italy’s Mountains, Lakes and Sea, 16 Days / 14 Nights

16 Days/14 Nights
Starting from
$6445
per person*

Dolomites, Italian Lakes and Cinque Terre: An Escorted Journey Through Italy’s Mountains, Lakes and Sea, 16 Days / 14 Nights

From the jagged peaks of the Dolomites to the sun-warmed coves of the Italian Riviera, this escorted journey traces the most spectacular landscapes of Northern Italy in one unforgettable, effortless adventure. Over sixteen days you travel by deluxe motorcoach with a dedicated English-speaking tour escort at your side, so you can simply relax and take it all in. You wake beneath the UNESCO-listed Dolomites in Cortina d’Ampezzo, wander the storybook villages and turquoise lakes of Alto Adige, and lose yourself in the romance of Verona and the timeless magic of Venice. Then come Italy’s legendary lakes, Garda, Como, and Maggiore, with boat cruises to Bellagio, the Borromean Islands, and beyond. Fashionable Milan and Leonardo’s Last Supper give way to a grand finale on the sea, the rainbow villages of Cinque Terre, glamorous Portofino, and the secluded abbey of San Fruttuoso.

Along the way you savor Amarone wine in Valpolicella, speck and strudel in the Alps, cicchetti in Venice, and warm focaccia on the Riviera. Comfortable four-star hotels, curated tastings, expert local guides, and seamless logistics make this the effortless way to experience the very best of Northern Italy. Reserve your place on a journey you will be talking about for years.

Starting from $6,445.00 per person

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Unforgettable Italian Journeys, Designed for You

Curated by passionate Italy experts, this sample itinerary is just the beginning of your Italian adventure. Every journey we design is unique, crafted around your interests, pace, and dreams so you can experience Italy’s beauty and culture like a true insider. Let us transform your vision into a one-of-a-kind travel experience, filled with authentic moments and lasting memories

Day 1

YOUR ITALIAN ADVENTURE BEGINS, OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

Board your overnight flight to Venice as the journey of a lifetime begins.

  • Depart on your overnight flight toward Venice
  • Settle in and rest as you cross to Italy
  • Dream of the Dolomites, lakes, and sea ahead
Day 2

WELCOME TO ITALY, CORTINA D’AMPEZZO & THE DOLOMITES

Benvenuti in Italia, into the majestic Dolomites and a warm Alpine welcome.

  • Arrive in Venice and meet your tour escort
  • Travel to the alpine resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo
  • Enjoy a welcome dinner with your travel group
Day 3

THE DOLOMITES, LAKE MISURINA, TRE CIME & LAKE BRAIES

A day among the fairy-tale lakes and soaring peaks of a UNESCO wonder.

  • Admire the turquoise waters of Lake Braies
  • Visit fairy-tale Lake Misurina
  • Marvel at the Tre Cime di Lavaredo peaks
Day 4

ALPINE VALLEYS, LAKE CAREZZA & BRESSANONE

Scenic mountain passes to the medieval charm of Bressanone, or Brixen.

  • Cross the Falzarego Pass past the Sassolungo
  • Pause at postcard-perfect Lake Carezza
  • Explore medieval Bressanone and its cathedral
Day 5

BOLZANO, MEDIEVAL CASTLES & A SPECK TASTING

Where Mediterranean and Alpine cultures meet, from Otzi to a mountain merenda.

  • Tour Bolzano’s Duomo and Piazza Walther
  • Meet Otzi at the Museum of Archaeology
  • Visit a castle and taste local wine and grappa
Day 6

TRENTO & VERONA, CITY OF ROMEO AND JULIET

Roman roots in Trento, then on to romantic Verona.

  • Stop in Trento to see the Castello del Buonconsiglio
  • Stroll Trento’s frescoed medieval streets
  • Continue to Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet
Day 7

VERONA, ARENA, BALCONIES & TIMELESS SQUARES

A guided walk through one of Italy’s most romantic cities.

  • Take a walking tour with a local guide
  • See the Arena and Juliet’s famous balcony
  • Relax in Piazza delle Erbe with a sweet ofella
Day 8

VENICE, THE FLOATING CITY

A day in one of the world’s most enchanting cities, by water and on foot.

  • Cruise the Grand Canal by water taxi
  • Enter St. Mark’s Basilica, skipping the line
  • Wander the calli and taste Venetian cicchetti
Day 9

VALPOLICELLA WINE, LAKE GARDA & LAKE COMO

Amarone tastings, Italy’s largest lake, and on to elegant Como.

  • Tour a Valpolicella vineyard with an Amarone tasting
  • Stop in Sirmione on the shores of Lake Garda
  • Continue to elegant Lake Como for the night
Day 10

LAKE COMO, A CRUISE TO BELLAGIO & VARENNA

The world’s most glamorous lake, by boat and shoreline.

  • Enjoy a panoramic drive along Lake Como
  • Cruise the lake by boat to Bellagio
  • Discover picturesque Varenna on the shore
Day 11

COMO, SILK, CATHEDRAL & LAKESIDE LEISURE

A guided stroll through an ancient town famed for silk.

  • Take a guided walking tour of Como’s center
  • Admire Como’s impressive lakeside Cathedral
  • Enjoy free time, silk shopping, or nearby Lugano
Day 12

LAKE MAGGIORE & THE BORROMEAN ISLANDS

A boat journey to palaces, gardens, and island villages.

  • Sail from Stresa to Isola Madre’s gardens
  • Visit Isola dei Pescatori, the fishermen’s isle
  • Tour baroque Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella
Day 13

MILAN & THE ITALIAN RIVIERA

Fashion, the Last Supper, and down to the shimmering sea.

  • Guided tour of Milan’s Duomo and Galleria
  • View Leonardo’s Last Supper with reserved entry
  • Transfer to the Ligurian Riviera coast
Day 14

CINQUE TERRE, FIVE VILLAGES ABOVE THE SEA

The rainbow villages of a UNESCO coastline, by boat, train, and trail.

  • Discover all five Cinque Terre villages
  • Travel by boat, train, and on foot
  • Taste pesto, focaccia, and local wine
Day 15

PORTOFINO, SAN FRUTTUOSO & A FAREWELL DINNER

A grand seaside finale among glamour, abbeys, and focaccia.

  • Cruise to glamorous Portofino by boat
  • Visit the seaside abbey of San Fruttuoso
  • Celebrate with a farewell seafood dinner
Day 16

ARRIVEDERCI, ITALY

Home with a lifetime of Northern Italian memories.

  • Enjoy a final Italian breakfast
  • Transfer to the airport for your flight home
  • Carry home memories of mountains, lakes, and sea

MAKE THIS ITINERARY YOURS

Turn this sample itinerary into your dream Italy vacation – tailored to your pace, passions, and budget.

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Day 1

YOUR ITALIAN ADVENTURE BEGINS, OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

Board your overnight flight to Venice as the journey of a lifetime begins.

Board your overnight flight to Venice, and your Italian adventure begins. Settle in, relax, and let the anticipation build as you cross the Atlantic toward the mountains, lakes, and coastline of Northern Italy. (Airfare not included.)

1483749765-_Veneto_Venice_Grand_Canal_Navigation_Traffic_GL
Day 2

WELCOME TO ITALY, CORTINA D’AMPEZZO & THE DOLOMITES

Benvenuti in Italia, into the majestic Dolomites and a warm Alpine welcome.

Benvenuti in Italia. You arrive at Venice airport, where your tour escort is waiting, then travel to Cortina d’Ampezzo, an enchanting resort ringed by the majestic Dolomites and host of the 1956 Winter Olympics. Settle into the traditional Alpine atmosphere and warm hospitality, and gather for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

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Day 3

THE DOLOMITES, LAKE MISURINA, TRE CIME & LAKE BRAIES

A day among the fairy-tale lakes and soaring peaks of a UNESCO wonder.

After breakfast you set out to discover why UNESCO named the Dolomites a World Heritage Site. You admire Lake Misurina, a fairy-tale lake framed by mountains, and Lake Braies with its turquoise waters set against deep forest. The famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the three peaks of Lavaredo, crown a day of breathtaking natural beauty. Return to Cortina for dinner with your group. (B, D)

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Day 4

ALPINE VALLEYS, LAKE CAREZZA & BRESSANONE

Scenic mountain passes to the medieval charm of Bressanone, or Brixen.

Leaving Cortina, you drive through the Falzarego Pass between Val di Fassa and Val Gardena, past charming villages, the striking Sassolungo, and lovely Lake Carezza beneath the Catinaccio peaks. You arrive in Bressanone, also known as Brixen, once a Bishop’s seat, and stroll its medieval quarter to admire the 10th-century cathedral, the Bishop’s palace, and the Town Hall. Check in and enjoy dinner with the group. (B, D)

Veneto Region Dolomites Alps Montain Chain
Day 5

BOLZANO, MEDIEVAL CASTLES & A SPECK TASTING

Where Mediterranean and Alpine cultures meet, from Otzi to a mountain merenda.

You reach Bolzano, capital of Alto Adige and a crossroads of Mediterranean and Germanic cultures. A sightseeing tour takes in the gothic Duomo, the medieval center, and beautiful Piazza Walther, and you can meet Otzi, Europe’s oldest natural mummy, at the Museum of Archaeology. After free time beneath the porticoes, visit a medieval castle and enjoy a tasting of local products, wine, and grappa, a true merenda altotesina, before returning to Bressanone for dinner. (B, T, D)

Italy,,Trentino-alto,Adige,,Sterzing,-,Reifenstein,Castle,Tasso,Gothic,Medieval
Day 6

TRENTO & VERONA, CITY OF ROMEO AND JULIET

Roman roots in Trento, then on to romantic Verona.

Traveling toward Verona, you pause in Trento, a city of Roman origins and a crossroads of Italian and northern European cultures. Admire the magnificent Castello del Buonconsiglio, the Duomo and its splendid square, and the frescoed medieval streets. After free time for lunch, continue to Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, and check in for a relaxed evening. Dinner is on your own, the perfect chance to try Verona’s traditional bigoli pasta. (B)

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Day 7

VERONA, ARENA, BALCONIES & TIMELESS SQUARES

A guided walk through one of Italy’s most romantic cities.

This morning a local guide leads a walking tour of Verona’s greatest sights, from the Arena, the world’s third-largest Roman amphitheater, to the houses of Romeo and Juliet with the famous balcony, the Duomo, and the Church of San Francesco al Corso. Afterward you are free to explore iconic squares such as Piazza dei Signori and Piazza delle Erbe, or relax in a cafe over a buttery ofella cake. Dinner is at your leisure. (B)

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Day 8

VENICE, THE FLOATING CITY

A day in one of the world’s most enchanting cities, by water and on foot.

Today you explore Venice, one of Italy’s most famous jewels. A water taxi carries you along the Grand Canal, past extraordinary palaces and the Rialto Bridge, to St. Mark’s Square. After time to enjoy an aperitivo and cicchetti, a guided walking tour reveals St. Mark’s Basilica with reserved skip-the-line entry, the Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs, then continues through the characteristic calli to the true heart of the city. Return by water taxi and coach to Verona. (B, T)

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Day 9

VALPOLICELLA WINE, LAKE GARDA & LAKE COMO

Amarone tastings, Italy’s largest lake, and on to elegant Como.

Leaving Verona, you drive into the Valpolicella wine region for a vineyard tour and a tasting of the famed Amarone and other local wines, paired with cheeses and cold cuts. You continue to Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, whose mild climate nurtures lemon trees, olives, and vineyards, and pause in the lovely lakeside town of Sirmione for lunch. In the afternoon you reach Como for a relaxed evening. (B, T)

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Day 10

LAKE COMO, A CRUISE TO BELLAGIO & VARENNA

The world’s most glamorous lake, by boat and shoreline.

Today you tour Lake Como, renowned worldwide for its beauty and its elegant villas that have captivated everyone from artists to celebrities. After a panoramic drive, a boat cruise on the central lake reveals mesmerizing shoreline views, and you explore the famous town of Bellagio and picturesque Varenna. Return to Como and dine on typical local dishes at your leisure. (B)

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Day 11

COMO, SILK, CATHEDRAL & LAKESIDE LEISURE

A guided stroll through an ancient town famed for silk.

A local guide leads a walking tour of Como, an ancient yet lively town with a beautiful historic center and an impressive Cathedral, long famous for the silk it supplies to Milan’s fashion houses. The rest of the day is yours, perhaps a trip to nearby Lugano in Switzerland, some silk shopping, or a quiet coffee overlooking the lake. (B)

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Day 12

LAKE MAGGIORE & THE BORROMEAN ISLANDS

A boat journey to palaces, gardens, and island villages.

From Como you travel to Stresa, the pearl of Lake Maggiore, and set out by boat to the Borromean Islands. On Isola Madre you admire the palace and its lush English garden of rare and exotic plants. Isola dei Pescatori charms with its old fishermen’s village, ideal for a lakefish lunch, and Isola Bella dazzles with the baroque Palazzo Borromeo, its magnificent gardens, and cobbled village lanes. Return to Como for the night. (B)

A picturesque island crowned by a bell tower rising from the calm waters of a Piedmont lake at dawn, Italy
Day 13

MILAN & THE ITALIAN RIVIERA

Fashion, the Last Supper, and down to the shimmering sea.

You travel to Milan, one of the world’s fashion capitals, for a guided tour of its heart, the magnificent Duomo, the 15th-century Sforzesco Castle, the La Scala opera house, and the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, with reserved entry to admire Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. In the afternoon you continue to the breathtaking Liguria coast, the Italian Riviera, and settle in for the evening. (B)

Lombardy_Milano_City_View_Gothic_Duomo_Roof_GL3
Day 14

CINQUE TERRE, FIVE VILLAGES ABOVE THE SEA

The rainbow villages of a UNESCO coastline, by boat, train, and trail.

Today you explore the famous Cinque Terre National Park and its five villages, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso, perched on a rocky coast of colorful houses and terraced vineyards above a brilliant blue sea. You take in the panoramas by boat when the sea permits, by train, and on foot, and learn how the local wine is made while tasting authentic specialties such as pesto and irresistible focaccia. (B, T)

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Day 15

PORTOFINO, SAN FRUTTUOSO & A FAREWELL DINNER

A grand seaside finale among glamour, abbeys, and focaccia.

Your day explores the picturesque Tigullio coast. A boat trip brings you to Portofino, a charming village tucked into a narrow cove and a longtime magnet for artists and celebrities, and to San Fruttuoso, a beautiful abbey set on a tiny gulf reachable only by boat or footpath. You continue to colorful Camogli, famous for its focaccia with Recco cheese and its Camogliesi cakes. In the evening the group gathers for a farewell dinner at a local seafood restaurant to celebrate an unforgettable journey. (B, D)

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Day 16

ARRIVEDERCI, ITALY

Home with a lifetime of Northern Italian memories.

After breakfast and check-out, you transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying with you the peaks of the Dolomites, the shimmer of the lakes, and the colors of the Riviera. End of our services. (B)

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This Package Includes:

  • Private transportation by Deluxe Motorcoach as per Itinerary;
  • Meet & Greet Assistance at Airports;
  • Full Day English speaking Tour Escort from arrival in Italy to departure (Day 2 through Day 16);
  • 2 Nights accommodation in 4 star Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo;
  • 2 Nights accommodation in 4 star Hotel in Bressanone;
  • 3 Nights accommodation in 4 star Hotel in Verona;
  • 4 Nights accommodation in 4 star Hotel in Como;
  • 3 Nights accommodation in 4 star Hotel in S.Margherita Ligure-Rapallo-Camogli area;
  • Daily Buffet breakfast;
  • 4 Half board Dinners included in Cortina d’Ampezzo and Bressanone Hotels (drinks not included);
  • 1 Farewell Dinner in Liguria;
  • 1 Wine and local specialties tasting in Alto Adige;
  • 1 Cicchetti tasting in Venice;
  • 1 Wine tasting in Valpolicella;
  • 1 Wine and local specialties tasting at Cinque Terre;
  • 8 Hours local expert for the Dolomites area;
  • 2 Hours local guide in Bressanone;
  • 2 Hours local guide in Bolzano;
  • 2 Hours local guide in Trento;
  • 3 Hours local guide in Verona;
  • 2 Hours local guide in Venice;
  • 8 Hours Local guide at Lake Como;
  • 2 Hours Local Guide in Como;
  • 8 Hours Local guide at Lake Maggiore;
  • 3 Hours Local guide in Milan;
  • 8 Hours Local guide in Cinque Terre;
  • 8 Hours Local guide in Portofino, San Fruttuoso and Camogli;
  • Boat cruise on Lake Como as per itinerary;
  • Boat cruise on Lake Maggiore as per itinerary;
  • Boat cruise to Cinque Terre Park as per itinerary;
  • Boat cruise to Portofino and San Fruttuoso Abbey as per itinerary;
  • Whispers audio sets with your guide services (where necessary);
  • Entrance tickets to the Alto Adige Castle;
  • Entrance tickets to the Buonconsiglio Castle;
  • Entrance tickets to the Arena of Verona;
  • Entrance tickets to Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Rocca di Angera;
  • Entrance tickets to the Milan Cathedral;
  • Entrance tickets to the Cenacolo Vinciano (Last Supper) in Milan;
  • Entrance tickets to the San Fruttuoso Abbey;
  • Hospitality city tax which varies by city and hotel category;
  • Porterage services as per itinerary;
  • VAT Taxes and service Charges.

This Package Does Not Include:

  • Round Trip Airfare from USA to Italy.
  • Additional U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines (Approx. 350-700 USD per Person);
  • Beverages during meals (or where not included);
  • Other Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums, Tips, Extras.
  • Optional Travel Insurance Program (premium varies based on traveler age bracket and state of residence).
  • All that is not listed under PACKAGE INCLUDES.

Terms and Conditions:

  • The itinerary may be reversed or modified for technical reasons.
  • We kindly ask each traveler to travel with only one standard piece of luggage plus a small carry on.
  • Boat services may not be able to operate in the event of bad weather or rough sea conditions.
  • (*) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement.
  • Children’s, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this an escorted journey?

A dedicated English-speaking tour escort accompanies you from arrival to departure, handling logistics, hotels, and timing, while expert local guides bring each destination to life. All you do is relax and enjoy Northern Italy.

Are international flights included, and can Trips 2 Italy arrange them?

Round trip airfare from the USA is not included in the listed price, which keeps your departure city and dates flexible. As a full service Italy specialist, Trips 2 Italy is happy to arrange your flights from any U.S. gateway in the class and schedule that best fit your preferences and budget. Just ask and we will tailor the airfare to your needs.

How much walking is involved?

The pace is comfortable, but Italy’s historic towns, lakeside villages, and Cinque Terre involve walking on cobblestones, steps, and gentle hills. Boat cruises and the motorcoach cover the longer distances.

What is included beyond hotels and touring?

Four-star hotels, daily breakfast, four half-board dinners plus a farewell dinner, curated wine and food tastings, guided visits, boat cruises on Lakes Como and Maggiore and along the Riviera, and premium entrances such as the Last Supper, the Arena of Verona, and the Borromean Islands.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes. This is a custom escorted journey and can be tailored to your group’s interests, pace, and dates. The route may also be adjusted or reversed for operational reasons.

When is the best time to travel?

Late spring through early autumn is ideal for the lakes, the Dolomites, and the Riviera, with long, luminous days perfect for boat cruises and outdoor scenery. The journey operates on request.