Great Northern Italy

11 Days 10 Nights
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Experience the diverse beauty of Great Northern Italy, a region where dramatic alpine peaks meet serene lakes and bustling historic cities. From the romantic canals of Venice and Milan’s fashion scene to the tranquility of Lake Como and the Dolomites’ hiking trails, Northern Italy offers something for every traveler. Indulge in exquisite cuisine, rich culture, and unforgettable scenery on your next Italian getaway.

  • First Class Hotels
  • Milan (MXP)
  • Venice (VCE)
  • Arrival and departure as detailed in the Itinerary
  • 20
  • Luxury Minibus
  • 1
  • Balsamic Cellar
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • 4/20

Overview

Great North Italy is an 11-day-tour perfectly paced to enjoy and discover beautiful Northern Italy. During this marvelous vacation, you will visit the most important cities of northern Italy: Milan, Turin, Verona, and Venice, and also enjoy many picturesque villages such as: Sirmione, Cinque Terre, Lake Como and Bellagio.  Northern Italy is known for “Made in Italy”: Milan fashion design, expensive cars such as “Ferrari”, delectable cuisines like “Parmigiano Reggiano”, fine wines, balsamic vinegar, and much more. Traveling through the unparalled peaks of the Dolomite Mountains and arriving to the floating city of Venice will be an unforgettable experience! 

Second/Third time in Italy

  • 11 Day Tour – Milan, Lake Como, Bellagio, Turin, Parma, Cinque Terre, Sirmione, Verona, Dolomite Mountains, Venice
  • Start in Milan (MXP) – End in Venice (VCE)
  • 20 Meals to include: 10 buffet breakfasts, 1 lunch, 9 dinners

Itinerary

  • Day
    01

    Welcome to Milan

    Welcome to Milano Malpensa int. Airport (MXP). Upon arrival, your tour guide and driver will be waiting for you at 10:00 am, and 12:30 pm for a private transfer to your hotel. In the early afternoon, meet your local guide and other tour participants for a sightseeing tour of the city center. See the Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele before ending the day with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.  

    Hotel: Mirage, Da Vinci or similar (2 nights)  

  • Day
    02

    Lake Como – Bellagio

    Take a short ride to explore the fashionable lakeside town of Como.  Enjoy a lake cruise surrounded by snowcapped mountains and picturesque Mediterranean villa sarriving to the village of Bellagio. The afternoon is free to enjoy the town at leisure. Dinner included.  

  • Day
    03

    Turin

    Stop to admire the distinct skyline of Novara with the eye-catching Dome of San Gaudenzio in prominence on the way to the capital of the Piedmont Region, Turin. In the afternoon discover the city center famous for it’s “Liberty” style  to see Piazza Castello, Palazzo Madama, St. Lorenzo’s Church, Palazzo Carignano, and the amazing 448-foot -high Mole Antonelliana with a local guide, followed by some free time to spend at your own pleasure. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.  

    Hotel: Pacific Fortino, Diplomatic or similar (1 night) 

  • Day
    04

    Winery – Parma

    Depart the region of Piedmont to visit a beautiful local winery for a wine tasting and a light lunch. In the afternoon, reach Parma, where you will meet the local guide for a walking tour of the city center to see the Romanesque buildings, the Teatro Regio, the magnificent Palazzo della Pilotta, and the cathedral. Enjoy the evening at your own pace.  

    Hotel: Hotel City Parma, Starhotels Du Parc or similar (3 nights)

  • Day
    05

    Cinque Terre

    Travel to the coastal region of Liguria for a full-day excursion through the colorful villages of Cinque Terre which are built on rugged cliffs overlooking the sea.  See the terraced vineyards sustained by dry walling, an example of innovative engineering to respond to difficult terrain. Weather permitting, travel between the villages by boat to admire Cinque Terre’s sweeping coastal views (if rough seas prevail, a minibus will escort you through some of the villages). Dinner included.  

  • Day
    06

    Parmesan Cheese Factory – Balsamic Vinegar Cellar – Ferrari Museum

    The region of Emilia Romagna is known as “The Capital of Food”. This morning, visit a local “Parmigiano Reggiano” producer to sample this well-known cheese accompanied by an expert. Head to Modena for lunch and visit a local Balsamic Vinegar cellar for a tasting with a sampling of Lambrusco wine. After lunch, continue to Maranello to visit the Ferrari Museum where you can have also the opportunity to rent and drive a Ferrari (not included). 

  • Day
    07

    Borghetto sul Mincio – Verona

    Drive to the small village of Borghetto sul Mincio to enjoy the beauty of its lovely watermills. Reach Verona (the setting of Romeo and Juliet) in the afternoon. This ancient city overlooks the Verona Arena  (one of the best-preserved ancient structures of its kind). Our local guide will explain why Verona was one of the most powerful cities during the early rule of the Roman Empire. At the end of our walking tour dinner will be served at a local restaurant.  

    Hotel: Roseo Hotel Leon D’Oro, Crowne Plaza or similar (1 night) 

  • Day
    08

    Sirmione – Lake Garda – Dolomite Mountains

    Visit the small village of Sirmione on Lake Garda and enjoy the beauty of its views and shops at your own pace. In the afternoon, drive to the beautiful Dolomite Mountains. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.  

    Hotel: Belvedere, Ancora, Cristallino D’Ampezzo or similar (2 nights)

  • Day
    09

    Dolomite Mountains

    Take an gondola ride to a mountian top lodge where you can enjoy majestic views of the mountains, lakes, and valleys of the Dolomites. In the afternoon, enjoy the beautiful villages at leisure before returning to the hotel. Tonight, dinner will be served at a local restaurant.  

  • Day
    10

    Venice – Glass factory

    No tour of Northern Italy would be completed without a visit to Venice, a powerful magnet for all art lovers, romantics, fans of architecture, and history buffs. Enjoy a private walking tour through the ancient city with a visit to a local glass factory followed by time to independently browse shops or take a ride in a gondola. Tonight, dinner will be served at local restaurant.  

    Hotel: The Quid, Belstay Mestre or similar (1 night)

  • Day
    11

    Leaving for home

    Arrivederci Great North Italy! Our free airport transfer arrives at Venice International Airport (VCE) at 7:00 am and 9:00 am 

Map

Experiences

  • Milan: walking tour (WLG)*
  • Lake Como: lake cuise tickets
  • Turin: walking tour (WLG)*
  • Cinque Terre: boat cruise tickets or minibus tour depending on weather
  • Maranello: Ferrari Museum tickets
  • Verona: walking tour (WLG)*
  • Dolomite gondola ride to a mountain top lodge
  • Venice: walking tour (WLG)*
  • *(WLG) = With local guide and wireless headsets

Optional Experiences

  • Venice: gondola ride

FAQs

What is the activity level of this tour?

This itinerary is rated Easy.
Most activities involve light walking on flat surfaces with occasional cobblestones. Gondola rides, village visits, and guided tours are designed to be comfortable for all travelers in normal health.

What type of accommodation is included?

You will stay in First-Class Hotels throughout the tour, selected for comfort, cleanliness, location, and reliability.
Hotels are typically 4-star or equivalent, such as:

  • Milan: Mirage, Da Vinci or similar
  • Turin: Pacific Fortino, Diplomatic or similar
  • Parma: Starhotels Du Parc or similar
  • Verona: Crowne Plaza or similar
  • Dolomites: Belvedere, Ancora, Cristallino D’Ampezzo or similar
  • Venice (Mestre): Quid, Belstay Mestre or similar

All rooms include private bathroom, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning/heating, and daily breakfast service.

Are airport transfers included?

Yes.
A complimentary group transfer from Milan Malpensa (MXP) is available at 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM on Day 1.
A return transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is included on Day 11 at 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.

How many meals are included?

A total of 20 meals:

  • 10 buffet breakfasts
  • 1 lunch
  • 9 dinners

Meals are curated to highlight local specialties such as Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, Ligurian seafood, Alpine cuisine, and wines from northern Italy.

What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

The tour uses a luxury minibus or full-size coach (depending on group size), equipped with:

  • Air-conditioning
  • Comfortable seating
  • Professional driver
  • Space for luggage
  • Safety systems

All transportation from city to city is included.

Is the gondola ride in the Dolomites included?

Yes.
A scenic gondola ride to a mountain lodge is included on Day 9, offering spectacular views of the Dolomite Mountains, valleys, and lakes.

Are boat rides included?

Yes.

  • A Lake Como boat cruise to Bellagio (Day 2)
  • Cinque Terre boat transportation (weather permitting on Day 5)

If sea conditions are not suitable, transportation will be provided by minibus between villages.

What is the maximum group size?

Group size varies, but typically ranges from 4 to 20 travelers.
This ensures a comfortable and personalized experience, especially during walking tours and village visits.

Are guided tours included in each city?

Yes.
Professional local guides accompany you in:

  • Milan
  • Turin
  • Parma
  • Verona
  • Venice
    Plus expert visits at:
  • Cheese factory (Parmigiano Reggiano)
  • Balsamic vinegar cellar
  • Winery tasting

Is the Ferrari driving experience included?

The Ferrari Museum visit is included, but test-driving a Ferrari is optional and must be booked on-site for an additional cost.

How much free time is included?

The itinerary includes structured free time in:

  • Bellagio
  • Turin
  • Parma
  • Cinque Terre villages
  • Verona
  • Sirmione
  • Dolomite villages
  • Venice

This balance allows travelers to explore, shop, or relax at their own pace.

What is not included in the tour price?

Flights to/from Italy

Optional Ferrari test drive

Gondola rides in Venice

Tips for guides and drivers

Personal expenses

Additional meals or drinks not listed in the itinerary

What happens if the weather affects the Cinque Terre portion?

If seas are rough and boat service is suspended, we provide transportation by minibus between accessible villages.
Your safety and comfort always remain the priority.

What happens if the Dolomite gondola is closed due to weather or seasonal conditions?

If the gondola in the Dolomites is closed—either because of bad weather, strong winds, or seasonal closure—we will provide a scenic minibus excursion to the panoramic viewpoints and alpine areas accessible by road.

This alternative ensures you still enjoy spectacular mountain landscapes, traditional villages, and photo opportunities. The safety and comfort of our travelers is always our top priority, and the Dolomite experience remains a highlight of the tour regardless of gondola operation.