Classic Northern Italy: Journey by Car

Arrival
Welcome to Milan, the fashion capital of Italy! Upon arrival, you pick up your rental car and proceed to your centrally located hotel.

There are no planned activities for you for today day, so you can relax and recover after the flight. If you would like to do some looking around, we suggest visiting the world famous shopping and fashion avenue, Quadrilatero della Moda.

Journey by car: the total distance to be covered is 31 miles (approximately 55 minutes pure driving).

If you are full of energy and ready to explore Milan and surroundings on arrival day you may dine at a fine panoramic restaurant in the very heart of the city. Or travel to Turin where you can take a short walking tour with a private guide. 

For some great shopping deals you may travel south to Serravalle Designer Outlet which is actually one of the largest designer outlets in Europe and combines a relaxing atmosphere with 300 of your favorite designer brands.

Milan Sightseeing  
Following breakfast you meet your guide at the hotel lobby and have a 3-hour walking tour of Milan to learn more about the city’s history and reputation as a fashion capital.

You start with visiting to world-known Milan Duomo, the Gothic cathedral and the highest sight in the city which took about six centuries to build. Then you walk through nearby-located Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and reach La Scala Theatre. Prepare to be wowed by the prestigious Milan opera house (no entrance is included).

You continue with picturesque Brera district to feel the historical atmosphere of the city. Explore the public areas, with stories of its 15th-century owners ringing in your ears. After all you make a stop at Castello Sforzesco to see history and style combined with Milanese flair.

*Please note: Milan Cathedral is a sacred religious site thus the dress code for visiting it is applied just as when you visit any church in Italy: no shorts – no uncovered knees and shoulders, no backpacks.

Performance at Theatre La Scala could become a highlight of your stay in Milan. Take a chance to witness famous Italian opera even if you don't know the language as it is full of emotions, happiness and tragedy.

Departure to Como
Following breakfast and check-out you head to the next destination - the lake side town Como.

Tour of Como
Upon arrival in Como, you meet with your local guide in the hotel lobby and start your Como tour. Como town boasts several artistic monuments from different historical periods.

During the city tour you see the medieval walls surrounding the historic center, stroll through the ancient streets in the heart of the town, and admire beautiful Romanesque and Baroque churches. You see the Piazza Volta and Piazza Duomo with its charming old Town Hall building and its characteristic bell tower. You also enjoy public boat tour as well as a Como-Brunate funicular ride.

The highlight of the tour is visit of the superb 600-year old Como Cathedral. Nearby is the Palazzo Terragni, an example of the modern rationalist architecture.

After the tour you are guided back to the hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Departure
Following breakfast in your hotel, you check out and depart from Como.

Arrival in Sirmione
On your way from Como have a  stop in Bergamo as there are so many places to enjoy like an old funicular leading to the Upper Town (“Città Alta”), Piazza Vecchia, the beautiful heart of the city,  and Piazza Duomo.
If you are fond of shopping step in the Franciacorta Outlet Village near Brescia and continue your trip to Sirmione.
Upon arrival to Sirmione hotel you have a check-in and the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Sirmione Sightseeing
Following breakfast at your hotel, meet your private guide at the hotel lobby and embark on a 3-hour walking tour of Sirmione, the "pearl" of Lake Garda with its history dating back to the Roman times.

The first on your list today is visit to the Scaliger Castle, which is the symbol of Sirmione. The views of the castle completely surrounded by water are breathtaking. You also have a chance to admire churches dating back to the 15th century: the small Sant'Anna della Rocca, and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, as well as a church dating back to the 8th century: Church of St Peter in Mavinas. 

During the tour, you get to walk along the shores of Lake Garda and visit a viewing point that offers the best photo opportunities with amazing scenery of Lake Garda and Monte Baldo. 

As a highlight of the tour you visit the Grottoes of Catullus, an archeological park housing remains of an ancient Roman villa, built between the end of the 1st century B.C. and the beginning of the 1st century A.D. This grand villa belonged to the family of Catullus, the neoteric poet of the late Roman Republic.

You also learn about the local thermal spas, known for its amazing preventive and therapeutic properties, that you have a chance to visit.

After the tour, you return back to the hotel.

Departure
Following breakfast in your hotel, you check out and continue the journey.

Verona City Tour
Upon arrival in Verona, you meet your guide and enjoy a 2-hour walking city tour of Verona, the city renown worldwide for being the place of action of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet". Verona is a crossroads of history and a mosaic of landscapes: the gentle hills and the sinuous river embrace this checkerboard of streets with its soaring red-brick towers.

During the tour, you explore the main highlights of the city, including Piazza Brà, Roman Arena, della Scala castle and famous Scaligero family tombs. Juliet’s house is naturally on the program too!

After the tour, you continue your journey by car to the hotel located near Venice.

Arrival in Venice
Welcome to the Province of Venice! Upon arrival, you have a check-in and the rest of the day is at your own leisure to relax after the trip.

Venice Sightseeing
After breakfast at your hotel, you drive to Piazzale Roma, where you meet your private guide and enjoy a wonderful walking city tour of all the must-see places.

Your sightseeing program starts with a visit to St. Mark's Basilica, where you can see the astonishing Pala D'Oro altar. Next you go up to Loggia dei Cavalli to enjoy the best panoramic views of St. Mark's Square.

Next on your list is the tour of the Doges Palace that includes crossing the Bridge of Sighs, visiting the old prisons and lushly decorated chambers of the Palace.

After the tour return to the meeting point and have the rest of the day at leisure or may also go on an optional gondola ride and spend more time in this The Floating City.

Journey by car: the total distance to be covered for the round trip to Piazzale Roma is 22 miles (approximately 50 minutes pure driving).

Departure
This is the final day of your amazing journey! After breakfast you have a check-out and  depart from your hotel to Venice Marco Polo Airport where you drop off your rental car.   

Journey by car: the total distance to be covered for the one way transfer is 14.5 miles (approximately 22 minutes pure driving).