Dolomites, Garda, Venice

DAY 1 Venice: Welcome to Venice
Begin your magical adventure in one of the world’s most unique and romantic cities. Upon arrival to Venice’s airport, our driver will meet you for private transfer to your hotel along the banks of the Grand Canal in the city that was built in the middle of a lagoon, renowned for its gondolas and ornate architecture. After getting settled into your room, you might want to stretch your legs and soak up the atmosphere, perhaps visiting St. Mark’s Square, just over a 10- minute walk away. You’ll find many cafes here, including some that are centuries old and ideal for sipping a glass of wine while watching the world go by. The Rialto Bridge and Bridge of Sighs are nearby, providing a romantic place to stroll.

DAY 2 Venice: Private Best of Venice Walking Tour
Take in the best of Venice on this private half-day walking tour that reveals the mesmerizing beauty of three must-see attractions: the Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace, and St. Mark’s Basilica. VIP access is included so you’ll be able to bypass the lines and truly soak up the atmosphere of the Basilica and its elaborate mosaics with various scenes from mythology, the Bible, and history. Step into the captivating Doge’s Palace where your guide will bring its history to life through fascinating insights. Crossing the world-famous Bridge of Sighs, you’ll hear the tales of the prisoners who took their last glimpse at freedom right from the historic bridge, for a deeper understanding of its significance and a profound appreciation for the city’s rich history.

DAY 3 Venice: Private Sail & Sip: Sunset Aperitif Tour with a Murano Glassblower
Enjoy your morning at leisure, providing time to relax, shop, or enjoy anything else that interests you. At dusk, join a private sailing tour for an extraordinary aperitif adventure on the Grand Canal. Glide across the water, passing magnificent palaces and treasured landmarks with the magical light ideal for photos while setting an especially romantic scene. Soak up the views as you make your way to the famous island of Murano, known for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition. You’ll meet a Master Glassblower who will lead you on a memorable journey, including a private glassblowing demonstration in his private studio. Learn all about the esteemed craft and engage in conversation for a firsthand look at what a real Murano artist does while enjoying an aperitif too.

DAY 4 Val Gardena: Transfer from Venice with an Enchanting Verona Stopover
It’s time to say farewell to Venice as your private driver will meet you at your hotel for the scenic trip through the serene countryside, heading toward Val Gardena in the Dolomites with a stop in Verona. Once there, meet up with a local guide for a tour that includes the Roman Arena, built in 30 AD, somehow managing to stand the test of time, complete with all the original seating and exterior arches. You’ll visit Casa di Giulietta, or Juliet’s House, famous for its association with William Shakespeare and one of the city’s most iconic symbols, complete with the fabled balcony where Romeo calls for Juliet in Shakespeare’s play. Afterward, continue to your luxury hotel in Ortisei, Val Gardena, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

DAY 5 Val Gardena: Alpaca Trekking
Look forward to one of the highlights of your trip today, a half-day trekking excursion with alpacas. You’ll be immersed among the magnificent Dolomite scenery while the charming animals gracefully navigate their native terrain. Starting from a family farm, you’ll explore the highlands with its breathtaking peaks and cascading waterfalls, a place with beauty that can be compared to the likes of iconic attractions like St. Peter’s Basilica, yet it’s all the design of Mother Nature. It’s a leisurely hike suitable for nearly everyone with a basic level of fitness. While enjoying the scenery you can also learn more about the animals and the family who has been breeding their alpacas, known for their high-quality wool products.

DAY 6 Val Gardena: Day of Leisure
After a very busy five days, enjoy a day of leisure – you might relax and take advantage of the facilities at your hotel or perhaps embark on a hike. The Alpe di Siusi is popular for hiking with the spellbinding beauty of the Scilliar massif, Sasso Piatto, and Sassolungo, rising from a sea of lush meadows. The Seiser Alm plateau with many scenic trails can be accessed via gondola from Ortisei while thrill-seekers might head to the Adventure Park Col de Flam in Orisei, the only high ropes course in Val Gardena with five different routes for flying through the treetops. There are helicopter tours and opportunities for parasailing that provide a bird’s-eye view of the valley and the magnificent Dolomites too.

DAY 7 Val Gardena: Nature and Gastronomic Delights

Today you’ll get to enjoy delicious food and wine with an immersion into the region’s ancient wine and gastronomic culture while surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Dolomites. It’s an exclusive picnic lunch among the stunningly lush landscapes and soaring peaks that you won’t soon forget. Just imagine savoring every mouthwatering bite while enjoying the fresh mountain air and the rays of the sun on your skin in a place where the only sounds heard are often the songs of the birds, the cascading of a waterfall, and a gentle breeze floating through the trees. Being immersed in the surreal scenery of Val Gardena is like being immersed in a storybook with unmatched beauty was acknowledged by UNESCO in 2009.

DAY 8 Sirmione: Val Gardena to Sirmione/Lake Garda
Leaving Val Gardena for Lake Garda this morning, you’ll be met by your driver for transfer to your hotel in Sirmione, about two-and-a-half hours south. Set on a peninsula jutting out into the lake, it’s home to one of Italy’s most well-preserved castles along with the ruins of an ancient Roman villa and an alluring historical center. Check into your five-star hotel on the lake and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure with many facilities to take advantage of if you’d like to relax, including a thermal outdoor pool and a spa that overlooks the lake. The hotel offers a lake-view restaurant for dining or you might explore the town, with many enticing eateries that offer lakeside terraces.

DAY 9 Sirmione: Sirmione & Wine Tour
Today you’ll embark on a full-day tour that will reveal the many spectacular sights in Sirmione, starting from the 13 th-century castle/fortress known as Scaligero, built when the Scaligers were the ruling family. One of Italy’s most well-preserved, it includes ancient walls, battlements, and two crenelated towers. By climbing the 146 steps to the battlement you can enjoy an awe- inspiring view of the lake and the town. You’ll have time to enjoy an alfresco lunch on your own, with the sparkling blue waters providing the backdrop. Afterward, you’ll have time to explore independently. We’ll then depart for a winery where a tour through the picturesque vineyards and olive groves will include information about the winemaking methods, the aging process of the wine, and more.

DAY 10 Sirmione: Day at Leisure
You’ll have a full day of leisure to do whatever you please in Sirmione, whether you prefer to do nothing at all but relax and enjoy the scenery or embark on an adventure. Boat tours are popular here and today is perfect for heading out on the water. Sirmione is one of the main towns for tour departures which vary in length, including everything from a short, 25-minute cruise around the Sermione peninsula, passing Roman ruins, grand villas, and the famous Aquaria Thermal Spa. Half-day trips might bring you to Lazise, a medieval castle/fortress with imposing towers and defensive walls. Wine enthusiasts might take a wine-tasting tour to enjoy samples of the region’s best, like Lugana, a high-quality, internationally acclaimed white wine.

DAY 11 Sirmione: Departure
Having explored some of the most impressive destinations in Italy from Venice and the Dolomites to Lake Garda, your trip will soon come to an end. Be sure your bags are packed and ready as you’ll be met by your driver for private transfer to the airport in Venice where you can head out on further travels or begin your return journey home. As always, with so many exciting destinations to explore if you’re dreaming of Greece, Croatia, or have something else in mind, our travel experts will be happy to create a bespoke addition to your itinerary. Otherwise, we wish you safe travels and look forward to hosting you again on another unforgettable adventure.