Country Roads of Northern Italy - Small Group

Country Roads of Northern Italy - Small Group

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10 Days From

$4595

$3973

Country Roads of Northern Italy - Small Group

10 Days Starting and ending in Milan, Italy

Visiting: Milan, Verona, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Venice, Lake Garda, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

SE823ZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $4595 $3973 Barrhead discount: -$622 -14%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through Northern Italy with the "Country Roads of Northern Italy - Small Group" tour. This immersive experience takes you from the bustling streets of Milan to the serene beauty of Lake Maggiore, offering a blend of cultural exploration and breathtaking landscapes. Discover the romance of Verona with a choice of walking tours, explore the alpine charm of Trento and Bolzano, and revel in the luxury of Cortina d'Ampezzo. In Venice, witness the artistry of glassblowing and glide through canals on a gondola. Savor authentic Italian dining experiences, including a prosecco tasting in Veneto and a farm-to-table dinner by Lake Maggiore. Travel in comfort aboard a luxurious coach, with accommodations in carefully selected hotels that enhance your Italian adventure. This tour promises a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable Italian escape.

Highlights

  • Verona: Explore grand piazzas and the Gothic tombs of the Scala family on a walking tour.

  • Verona: Experience a Shakespeare-themed walk recounting Romeo and Juliet's story.

  • Trento: Discover the pristine streets and stone castles of this alpine city.

  • Bolzano: Admire the Tyrolean-style architecture amidst impressive mountains.

  • Cortina d'Ampezzo: Enjoy the stunning alpine scenery of this exclusive ski resort.

  • Venice: Cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs.

  • Venice: Witness traditional glassblowing by master craftsmen.

  • Como: Take in the exquisite views of Lake Como and its alpine backdrop.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Italy

Location: Milan

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel Milan City.

Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Hotel Milan City

Meals Included: Dinner

After a warm welcome at Milan’s Malpensa Airport, transfers depart for your hotel. Later meet your Travel Director and join a local historian to navigate through Milan's history. See the impressive facade of Milan Cathedral and the world famous La Scala Opera House. Linking the two is the elegant glass vaulted shopping arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, lined with luxury boutiques. Mingle and get to know your fellow travelers during dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Fair Verona And Trento

Location: Verona

Accommodation: NH Trento.

Accommodation Name: NH Trento

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cross the fertile plains of Lombardy to fair Verona, the home of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers. Explore its maze of elegant squares and visit the well-preserved Roman Arena, still used for opera performances. Explore Verona with Insight Choice. Choose a walking tour through the grand piazzas, see the statue of Dante and admire the Gothic tombs of the Scala family. Alternatively, embark on a Shakespeare-themed walk to recount famous moments from the story of Romeo and Juliet. Continue on to Trento, regarded as one of Italy's most appealing cities to live in.

Day 3: Climb Up To Cortina D’Ampezzo Relaxed Start

Location: Cortina d'Ampezzo

Accommodation: Hotel de la Poste, Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Accommodation Name: Hotel de la Poste, Cortina d'Ampezzo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Follow the Adige River north into the magnificent mountains and the distinctive limestone peaks of the Dolomites. Arrive at the town of Bolzano, where Italy and Austria culturally collide and you are at leisure to explore the arcaded streets and squares. Continue along the zig-zagging scenic route to Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy’s most exclusive ski resort and a beautiful alpine haven during summer.

Day 4: The Dolomites At Leisure Relaxed Start

Location: Cortina d'Ampezzo

Accommodation: Hotel de la Poste, Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Accommodation Name: Hotel de la Poste, Cortina d'Ampezzo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a day at your leisure in this fashionable playground of the rich and famous, surrounded by towering cathedrals of rock. Take in the fresh mountain air as you stroll the pedestrianized Corso Italia, lined with designer stores and backed by the impressive green and white bell tower of the parish church. Why not ascend to the summit of one of the nearby peaks for magnificent panoramic views of the Dolomites?

Day 5: Through Prosecco Country To Venice

Location: Venice

Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.

Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel down through more majestic Dolomite scenery to one of the world’s most breathtaking wine regions. Protected by the Alps to the north and caressed by the warm breezes from the Adriatic, the vineyards around Conegliano Veneto produce Italy’s most prized sparkling wine. Stop in Conegliano, where great care is taken to ensure these hand-picked grapes produce the world's finest prosecco. See how production differs from its more famous French counterpart, champagne. Be tempted with a taste of the crisp and aromatic flavors. Continue on to the unique and remarkable island city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic and check into your hotel.

Day 6: The Magic Of La Serenissima

Location: Venice

Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.

Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills. What better way to see Venice than from a private boat, cruising past palazzos and churches to St. Mark’s Square? See the gilded basilica, the Doge's Palace and Lord Byron’s Bridge of Sighs. No visit to Venice would be complete without a gondola serenade through the myriad of beautiful canals. Relax and enjoy traditional local songs, as you drift along in romantic awe. Spend the afternoon as you wish. As night falls, why not savor the magic of St. Mark’s Square with its orchestras and alfresco cafes?

Day 7: Italy's Lake District Relaxed Start

Location: Lake Garda

Accommodation: Hotel Barchetta Excelsior, Como.

Accommodation Name: Simplon, Baveno

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart enchanting Venice and journey to Lake Garda. Admire the castle and views over the lake from the stylish resort of Sirmione perched on the tip of its peninsula. Cross the fertile lands of Lombardy to Lake Maggiore where Baveno beckons. Later you have a choice of cuisine and ambience from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around evening.

Day 8: Lake Como And Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start

Location: Lake Como

Accommodation: Hotel Simplon, Baveno.

Accommodation Name: Simplon, Baveno

Meals Included: Breakfast

Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, enjoy the glamour of the Italian Lakes, a prime people watching spot where Europe's rich and famous like to spend their time. Revel in the ambiance of Como town, renowned for its celebrity clientele, beautiful silk scarves and lakeside location, which you can admire during your orientation.

Day 9: Italian Lakes At Leisure Relaxed Start

Location: Lake Maggiore

Accommodation: Hotel Simplon, Baveno.

Accommodation Name: Simplon, Baveno

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Relish a full day to relax and enjoy this popular resort and beautiful lake. Napoleon came here to plan his Italian Campaign, and Mussolini and Chamberlain met here before World War II to sign the Treaty of Stresa. Perhaps take a cruise out to the lovely Borromean Islands? Isola Bella is where Carlo Borromeo built his charming Palace. Savor delicious Farm-to-Table cuisine during your dinner, accompanied by some exquisite Italian wines. Raise a glass to your travels and newfound friends.

Day 10: Depart Italy

Location: Lake Maggiore

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your journey draws to a close in the morning and transfers arrive at Milan's Malpensa Airport.

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 4 dinners with wine and 9 breakfasts.

  • Activities

    Choose between two carefully selected activities in Verona.

  • Personal Radio Headsets

    Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any commentary.

  • Hotel and Restaurant Tips

    Hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you don't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency.

  • Baggage Handling

    Bags are carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.

  • Insight Flourish

    From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.

  • Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with friends and family with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • Transfers

    Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.

  • Luxury Coach

    Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

  • Hand Sanitizer

    Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

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What's Not Included

Transfers Outside Scheduled TimesIf your flights are outside the scheduled times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation, you may need to purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style and comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and hand sanitizer, ensuring a safe and connected journey through the stunning landscapes of Northern Italy.

Accommodation

Experience comfort and luxury at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Milan City, NH Trento, Hotel de la Poste in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio in Venice, and Simplon in Baveno. Each hotel offers a unique ambiance and is conveniently located to enhance your Italian adventure.

Dining Summary

  • 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)

Additional Included Highlights

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Insight Experiences

  • Milan: A local historian brings Milan's history to life, including the contributions of Leonardo da Vinci, during a guided walking tour.  See the impressive facade of the Milan Cathedral and the world famous La Scala Theater.

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the Venice portion of the tour?

    In Venice, you will visit a traditional glassblowing workshop to see how handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers. You will also enjoy a private boat cruise past palazzos and churches to St. Mark's Square, and experience a gondola serenade through the canals.

  • What dining experiences are offered during the tour?

    The tour includes a special dinner with wine in Milan, a visit to a local winery in Veneto for a prosecco tasting, a Dine-Around evening in Baveno with a choice of local restaurants, and a Farm-to-Table dinner with local wine on Lake Maggiore.

  • What are the accommodation options during the tour?

    You will stay at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Milan City, NH Trento, Hotel de la Poste in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio in Venice, and Simplon in Baveno. Each hotel offers a unique ambiance and is conveniently located.

  • What transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes travel aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Complimentary Wi-Fi and hand sanitizer are also provided.

  • Are there any special activities in Verona?

    In Verona, you can choose between a walking tour through the grand piazzas to see the statue of Dante and the Gothic tombs of the Scala family, or a Shakespeare-themed walk recounting famous moments from Romeo and Juliet's story.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Peggy Lindenborn  

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02-Nov-2021

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Spain & Portugal

11-Jan-2023

Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

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Jacqueline Thornberry  

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31-Oct-2021

The number is our group was small which meant we got to know each other. Our tour guide, Laura Spiers, was excellent as was our driver. The food was good, and of course everything we saw in Iceland was beautiful and educational.

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Kathryn Ronca  

Enchanting Canyonlands

08-Nov-2021

The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

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Patrick Ong  

Italian Intermezzo

12-Jan-2023

This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.

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Barrhead discount: -$80

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Barrhead discount: -$80

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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