Country Roads Of Northern Italy

After a warm welcome at Milan's Malpensa Airport, transfers depart for your hotel. Meet your travel director and join a local historian to navigate through Milan's history and the life of Leonardo da Vinci. 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 your welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

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

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.

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.

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 and learn how to make the perfect bellini. Continue on to the unique and remarkable island city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic and check into your hotel.

Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. While here, visit a traditional arts center on Murano Island, where you can see how their beautiful, handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers. 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 the local traditional 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 al-fresco cafes.

Bid farewell to this enchanting city and continue past the university town of Padua to the peaceful shores of Lake Garda, the largest of Italy's lakes. Visit the charming resort town of Sirmione, clustered around the 13th century Scaligero Castle on a narrow peninsula jutting out into the lake. Follow the southern fringes of the Alps to reach the spectacular Italian Lake District and your hotel on the shores of Lake Como, where you will enjoy views on the lake from your room. Later, you have a choice of cuisine and ambience from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your dine-around evening.

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Como. Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, this is a prime spot to catch a glimpse of Europe's rich and famous. Journey onwards to Lake Maggiore's Baveno, renowned for its charming 16th century square and narrow cobbled streets.

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 celebration dinner, accompanied with Italian wine and toast to your travels with your newfound friends.

Your journey draws to a close in the morning and you will depart from Milan's Malpensa airport.