Northern Italy Grand Escape: Alps, Venice, Lakes & Ligurian Coast – 7 Days
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- Duration
- 7 days
- Guiding Style
- Partially Guided
- Hotel Rating
- 3 or 4 star hotels
- Start / End
- Milan → Milan
- Group Size
- Min 1 / Max 45
- Physical Rating
- Easy Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Highlights
Based in Milan for all 6 nights, this tour explores the very best of Northern Italy and the Swiss Alps. Ride the legendary Bernina Red Train — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — from St. Moritz through dramatic Alpine scenery to Tirano, and cruise the shores of Lake Como to the celebrated village of Bellagio.
Discover the Roman history of Verona and the fortified lakeside peninsula of Sirmione on Lake Garda, then spend a full day in Venice with a guided walking tour and lagoon boat ride. The final day trip heads to the Ligurian Coast — Genoa's UNESCO-listed old town, the glamorous harbour of Portofino, and the relaxed waterfront of Santa Margherita Ligure.
- Arrive in Milan and enjoy free time to explore the city's charming streets at your own pace
- Ride the legendary Bernina Red Train — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — from St. Moritz through the Engadin Valley and Bernina Pass to Tirano, crossing the iconic helical stone viaduct at Brusio
- Full-day trip to Lake Como – enjoy a 1-hour boat cruise and explore the celebrated village of Bellagio and Como's historic centre
- Visit Verona and its timeless historic streets, then continue to Sirmione — an ancient fortified village on a peninsula jutting into Lake Garda
- Full-day guided trip to Venice – lagoon boat ride around the islands and a 2-hour walking tour of St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace
- Full-day trip to the Ligurian Coast – explore Genoa's UNESCO-listed historic centre, the colourful harbour of Portofino, and the waterfront of Santa Margherita Ligure
- 6 nights in 3 or 4-star hotels in Milan with daily breakfast included
7-Day Northern Italy Grand Escape Tour Itinerary
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Day 1
Welcome to Milan
Arrive in Milan and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free — take some time to walk around and get your bearings.
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Day 2
The Bernina Express Adventure
Depart from the Milan meeting point by air-conditioned coach and head to St. Moritz. On arrival, sip famous Swiss hot chocolate, walk around the lake, or browse the boutiques. From St. Moritz, board the UNESCO-listed Bernina Red Train through the Engadin Valley, climbing to Bernina Pass at 2,253 m — past wild gorges, icy glaciers, and soaring bridges — then descend into Italy across the helical stone viaduct at Brusio, ending in Tirano. Return to Milan by coach in the evening.
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Day 3
Lake Como & Bellagio
Head out from Milan to Tremezzina on the shores of Lake Como and board a 1-hour boat cruise to take in the lakeside scenery. Next stop is Bellagio — cobblestone lanes, steep streets, and good cafés. Another boat ride brings you to Cadenabbia and Como to explore the historic centre and browse local boutiques before heading back to Milan in the late afternoon.
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Day 4
Verona and Sirmione & Lake Garda
First stop is Verona, where a guide walks you through the historic centre — renowned landmarks, Roman architecture, and timeless streets. A free lunch break gives you time to explore on your own. From there, continue to Sirmione, an ancient fortified village perched at the tip of a 4 km peninsula on Lake Garda, with sweeping views over both shores. Return to Milan in the evening.
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Day 5
Venice Tour from Milan
Depart from the Milan meeting point and head to Venice. The day opens with a boat ride around the lagoon islands, then a 2-hour guided walk through the city's top sights — St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace. Free time follows for lunch and independent exploration before heading back to Milan.
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Day 6
Genoa and Portofino
Travel to Genoa, whose UNESCO-listed historic centre is packed with art, maritime history, and landmarks — including the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Continue to Portofino, the famous coastal village with colourful houses and an elegant harbour. End the day in Santa Margherita Ligure, where fishing boats fill the harbour and the waterfront atmosphere is easy and relaxed. Return to Milan in the evening.
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Day 7
Departure from Milan
After breakfast, check out of your Milan hotel. This marks the end of our services.
What's Included
Accommodation
- 6 nights hotel accommodation in Milan – Bed & Breakfast (standard room)
Guided Tours
- Swiss Alps Bernina Red Train and St. Moritz – Full Day Trip from Milan
- Lake Como & Bellagio – Full Day Trip from Milan (with 1-hour boat cruise)
- Verona and Sirmione – Full Day Trip from Milan
- Venice Tour – Full Day Trip from Milan (with lagoon boat ride and 2-hour guided walk)
- Genoa and Portofino – Full Day Trip from Milan
- Professional local tour guides as per the itinerary
Meals
- 6 breakfasts (daily at hotel – breakfast box available on early departure days)
Transport
- Round-trip transportation from the Milan meeting point on all tour days
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Pre & post tour accommodation
- Optional experiences
- Other activities and services not listed under Included
- City tax (payable directly at the hotel)
- Transfers to/from meeting points for guided visits
- Transfers from/to stations or airports unless specified
Additional Information
- You will receive an e-ticket for this tour.
- This tour operates year-round, subject to availability.
- English-speaking guides provided for all included guided activities.
- Tour reference code: 238231
Dates & Availability
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour includes 6 nights hotel accommodation in Milan (3 or 4-star) with daily breakfast, a full-day Swiss Alps Bernina Red Train and St. Moritz trip, a full-day Lake Como and Bellagio trip with 1-hour boat cruise, a full-day Verona and Sirmione trip, a full-day guided Venice trip with lagoon boat ride, and a full-day Genoa and Portofino trip. Round-trip transportation from the Milan meeting point is included on all tour days.
The tour starts and ends in Milan. All day trips depart from and return to the Milan meeting point, so you stay in Milan for all 6 nights.
The day departs by air-conditioned coach from Milan to St. Moritz, where you have free time to explore the town and lake. The Bernina Red Train — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — then travels from St. Moritz through the Engadin Valley to Bernina Pass (2,253 m), crossing the helical stone viaduct at Brusio before ending in Tirano. You return to Milan by coach.
The Venice full-day trip from Milan includes a boat ride around the lagoon islands and a 2-hour guided walking tour covering St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace. You also have free time for lunch and independent exploration before the coach returns to Milan.
The day trip travels by coach from Milan to Verona, where you explore the historic centre and its landmarks. After a free-time lunch break, the tour continues to Sirmione, an ancient fortified village on a 4 km peninsula into Lake Garda, with views over both shores of the lake. You return to Milan in the evening.
The day travels by coach from Milan to Genoa, whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. The tour then continues to Portofino, known for its colourful harbour and celebrity appeal, and ends in Santa Margherita Ligure before returning to Milan in the evening.
The tour starts from US $2,080 per person, reduced from the standard price of US $3,250 — a saving of 36%. Price varies by departure date and hotel category selected.