Northern Lakes, Franciacorta & Bernina Express
From Venice to Milan via Lake Garda, Lake Como, Franciacorta wine country and the Bernina Express.
An overview
Embark on an eight-day small-group journey across Northern Italy and the Swiss Alps. Discover Venice, Verona and Milan, taste Franciacorta wines, cruise on Lake Garda and Lake Como, and experience the Bernina Express through the mountains. Enjoy guided city tours, local cuisine and stunning landscapes, from alpine passes to medieval towns.
- Small-group escorted journey from Venice to Milan
- Guided city tours of Venice, Verona and Milan
- Franciacorta winery lunch and tasting
- Cruise on Lake Garda and Lake Como
- Bernina Express scenic train ride into Switzerland
- Afternoon aperitivos in Venice and Milan
A Refined Timeline
Day 01: Arrival in Venice
Arrive in Venice, meet your driver at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Check in and enjoy free time to relax and explore at your leisure. Overnight in Venice.
Day 02: Venice: Doge’s Palace & Aperitivo
After breakfast, transfer to Piazza San Marco for a guided visit to the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Enjoy a traditional Venetian aperitivo with spritz or prosecco and cicchetti. The afternoon is free to discover Venice’s canals and neighborhoods independently. Overnight in Venice.
Day 03: Verona, Franciacorta & Bergamo
Depart Venice and travel to Verona for a guided introduction to the city's Roman remains, medieval streets and Renaissance architecture, including Juliet’s House. Continue to Franciacorta for a light lunch of local products and a regional wine tasting. Proceed to Bergamo for the overnight stay.
Day 04: Lake Garda: Sirmione & Desenzano
Journey along Lake Garda's western shore, enjoying lake and mountain scenery. Take a boat trip around Sirmione peninsula to admire its castle and the Grottoes of Catullus from the water. After free time for lunch, continue to Desenzano del Garda, known for its lakeside promenade and historic center. Return to Bergamo for dinner and overnight.
Day 05: Lake Como, Bellagio & Milan
After breakfast, visit Como and stroll along the lakefront. Board a boat to Bellagio at the intersection of Lake Como’s southern branches. Explore Bellagio’s charming lanes, villas and gardens, with lunch at leisure. Take the ferry to Cadenabbia, meet your driver and continue to Milan for the overnight stay.
Day 06: St. Moritz & the Bernina Express
Travel by road to St. Moritz and enjoy leisure time in the Swiss resort. Board the Bernina Express for a scenic train ride across the Bernina Pass to Tirano, passing mountain villages and dramatic alpine views. Meet your driver upon arrival and return to Milan for the night.
Day 07: Milan: City Tour & Aperitivo
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Milan. In the afternoon, join a local guide for a three-hour walking tour starting at Porta Venezia through Corso Venezia, the Indro Montanelli Gardens, Via Manzoni, and past La Scala and the Duomo façade, ending at Castello Sforzesco. Conclude with an included aperitivo before returning to the hotel. Overnight in Milan.
Day 08: Departure from Milan
After breakfast, transfer to Milan Airport for your departure, marking the end of your journey.
A bespoke proposal can be tailored to your dates and party.
In your journey
- 7 nights in the listed hotels or comparable properties with daily breakfast
- Arrival transfer from Venice Airport and departure transfer to Milan Airport
- Scheduled coach transportation throughout the itinerary
- Guided visits in Venice, Verona and Milan
- Venetian spritz or prosecco with cicchetti
- Light lunch and wine tasting in Franciacorta
- Sirmione boat tour and scheduled Lake Como boat and ferry journeys
- Dinner in Bergamo on day 4
- Bernina Express journey with road transfers through St. Moritz and Tirano
- Milan aperitivo with one included drink
Worth knowing
- International and domestic flights
- City taxes payable directly at the hotels
- Lunches and meals not specifically listed as included
- Beverages unless specifically included with an experience
- Travel insurance, gratuities and personal expenses
- Passport or visa costs and any documentation required for entry into Switzerland
A sense of place
Questions, answered
Anything else on your mind? Speak to a concierge directly.
+1 210 303 9960No. This is a small-group escorted journey operating on selected departure dates.
A journey rewritten in your name
Share your dates, your party and the moments that matter. We’ll return a private proposal within 48 hours.
