Northern Italy Tour: Cities, Dolomites, and Lake Como

Visit the famous islands of the Venetian lagoon that are known for their handicrafts. At the scheduled time, you will be guided from your hotel in Venice to the meeting point. Once you reach, settle into a comfortable boat and travel to Murano. Along the way, your guide will point out interesting landmarks and small islets. At Murano, walk along the narrow streets to a glassblower’s workshop. This small island is world-famous for its exquisite pieces of glass art. Watch a skilled glass blower craft delicate pieces of glassware right in front of you. You could then browse the collection of finished products and explore the island on your own. Later, board the boat for the ride to Burano, famed for its handmade lace, once considered the best in Europe. Make your way past vibrantly painted houses, lined along the canal, to a lace-making facility. See the women use centuries-old techniques to stitch beautiful swathes of lace. Afterward, check out some of the local bakeries and sample their wares before heading back to the boat. (Duration: half day; Shared activity; Group size: max 20 ppl; Starting point: Riva degli Schiavoni, 4183, 30122 Venezia- at the statue of Vittorio Emanuele II; Fitness level: moderate, please note that this tour is not suitable for wheelchairs or people requiring special assistance; Boat round trip and glass and lace-making demonstrations included; Please be at the meeting point at least 15 mins prior to scheduled departure time; Pick up assistance from the hotel to the meeting point is included; Carry hat, sunscreen, and a bottle of water; There is a lot of walking involved, so comfortable shoes are recommended).

Venture on a 2.25-mile loop hike that circles Lake Braies, the largest natural lake in the Italian Dolomites. Part of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, Lake Braies is known as the ‘Emerald of the Dolomites’. Fed by underground springs and streams, its clear glacial waters provide a perfect reflection of the snow capped mountain peaks of the Seekofel massif. Take a short stroll from the car park to the boathouse. Walk along the lakeshore and admire the scenery. Pass by Hotel Lago di Braies to reach Cappella di Maria, a chapel designed by architect Otto Schmid in 1904. There’s also the film set, which was built for the Italian TV series ‘Un passo dal cielo’. Amble uphill, through the wooded path that goes all the way around the lake. Trek along the walkway and soak in Alpine vistas at every turn. Along the way, stop for photos at shingle beaches that are backed by sheer rocky cliffs and experience the solitude of the forested lakeshore. (Duration: full day; Seasonal: May-Oct, daily; Private activity & transfers; Meals are not included; Fitness level: moderate; The hiking trail is 2.25 miles long; Please note that this activity is not suitable for people with physical challenges; Please wear trekking shoes and bring your own trekking gear; Operates subject to weather conditions)

Explore the charming Alpine vineyard town of Bolzano during this immersive trip. Meet your chauffeur at your hotel lobby after a leisurely breakfast. Be driven through a rolling highland landscape framed by the Italian Alps, with the Dolomite Mountains in the distance. Bolzano sits nestled in a beautiful valley with highland vineyards overlooking it. On reaching the town, stroll through the narrow winding lanes at your own pace. Note down the interesting medieval buildings and landmarks you come across. Walk down the old town square, or Waltherplatz, which is surrounded by historic structures. Stop by the imposing Duomo di Bolzano Cathedral and admire its intricate Gothic and Romanesque architecture. Have a good lunch at any one of the local restaurants, pizzerias or cafés that line the lively square. Finally, return to your waiting car and chauffeur and be driven back to your hotel. (Duration: half day; Time: morning activity; Private activity & transfers; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes & bring light raincoat or umbrella depending on weather)

Departing from Verona in your private vehicle, you will spend the day exploring beautiful Lake Garda on a tour by public ferry with your guide. Head to the ferry terminal and set sail along the southern shores of Lake Garda. While gliding on the placid waters, learn about the blue paradise in the shadow of the Alps from your guide. Your first stop is the resort town of Desenzano del Garda. Explore the waterfront and head up its winding streets to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maddalena. This Baroque cathedral preserves a painting of the ‘Last Supper’, by Venetian painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. Afterward, visit the Roman Villa with its polychrome mosaics depicting hunting scenes and harvesting tools. Then, take a short ferry ride to historic Sirmione. Tour Scaliger Castle and learn about its ancient legend of the ghost. Head to the Grottoes of Catullus and its adjacent Archaeological Museum. Next, sail to Isola del Garda, Lake Garda’s largest island. Take a guided tour of this majestic villa, built in the Venetian Gothic Revival style, and stroll through its terraced fruit gardens before heading back to Verona. (Duration: full day; Private activity and transfers; All entry fees & ferry tickets are included; Meals included: no)

Enjoy a ferry ride on Lake Como and explore a centuries-old villa on this tour. Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and escort you to the ferry dock in Bellagio. Board a public ferry with your guide and travel south on Lake Como towards Villa del Balbianello, an 18th century mansion surrounded by gardens that is located on a wooden promontory. Enjoy a guided tour of the property, which has appeared in numerous movies, including blockbusters such as Star Wars and Casino Royal. You will also see an exhibition dedicated to Guido Monzino, a former owner of the villa and one of Italy’s greatest adventurers. The exhibition includes items related to Monzino’s travels to the North Pole and Mt. Everest. Then board the ferry for Como. Enjoy the views of the picturesque towns and villas that line the shore. At Como, your guide will give you a tour of the town’s historic center. Then enjoy some free time before catching a ferry back to Bellagio. (Duration: 6 hrs; Not available Mon & Weds; Private activity & transfers; Meals are not included; Fitness level: moderate)

Embark on an exciting tour of this beautiful village nestled on the banks of picturesque Lake Como and its surroundings. Explore the historic attractions of the region starting with Limonta, a quaint hamlet with a serene little church that seems suspended on the edge of the cliff, making it a great spot for some excellent photographs. Pedal on to Punta Spartivento, set at the tip of the Bellagio peninsula, near the heart of the lake. Savor splendid views of the lake where it branches out into three sections with the magnificent mountains in the background. Cycle across the narrow alleyways of the village along the beautiful gardens of Villa Serbelloni to arrive at the fishing village of Pescallo. Soak in the beauty of your surroundings as you cycle across the hills to the Aureggio village set on the upper portion of the peninsula. Pass by lush gardens, olive groves, elegant villas, and Romanesque churches as you cycle downhill to the port of Loppia known for its rare 19th-century Larian gondolas. Make your way to a family-owned hotel and restaurant overlooking Bellagio to sample a glass of fresh local wine. Afterward, set off to explore the spectacular gardens of Villa Melzi situated just steps away. Saunter around the landscaped grounds to your heart’s content before turning back. (Half Day; Tasting Included; Private Activity; Fitness level: difficult, please note that all or some part of the tour is done on paved roads with normal traffic, please note that this activity is not suitable for people with physical challenges; This tour is weather dependent and may be canceled in the event of a rain forecast. Do let us know of any of your special dietary requirements. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for cycling, which will cover a total distance of about 12.5 miles (20 km). Tickets to Villa Melzi will be provided by the guide.)