3 days, 2 nights · Best for First-time travelers seeking classic northern Italy
Italy Lakes and Verona Group Tour
Experience Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, Lake Como and Milan as romantic cities, scenic lakes and historic sights create the perfect northern Italy escape.
Your Adventure Starts Here
This is a starting point. Change the nights, choose the style of hotel, add the experiences you want. Your planner takes it from there.
Stop 1Venice, Veneto
Venice
Arrival and group orientation on the lagoon
You arrive independently at the designated Venice hotel, where the group convenes for the first time. In the evening the tour leader hosts an informative meeting covering the days ahead, followed by a welcome dinner at the hotel. The night is yours to settle in before the motor coach journey begins.
Arranged for you: We arrange the welcome meeting with the tour leader, dinner at the hotel, and overnight accommodations.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Venice
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Private after-hours tour of the Doge's Palace Day Trips · Half day
Walk the palace chambers and cross the Bridge of Sighs before the crowds arrive.
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Venetian rowing lesson on a traditional batela Day Trips · Half day
Learn to stand and row in the canals with a local instructor.
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Private glass demonstration at a Murano furnace Day Trips · Half day
Watch a master glassblower shape molten glass and take home a signed piece.
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Ca’ Rezonico, the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica Shore Excursions · Tour in a DayImmerse yourself in the rich history and breathtaking beauty of Venice on this 5-hour tour, where you’ll explore iconic landmarks such as the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and Ca’ Rezzonico.
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Doge’s Palace and Gondola Ride Shore Excursions · Tour in a Day -
Murano and Burano Shore Excursions · Tour in a DayThis 4-hour tour gives you an up close and personal look at the stunning glass factories of Murano Island, as well as a tour of the brightly painted houses on Burano Island.
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San Giorgio, Murano Glass Factory and Gondola Ride Shore Excursions · Tour in a DayThis 5-hour tour allows you to explore a working Murano glass factory, takes you through stunning San Giorgio and lets you relax and unwind with a magical gondola ride through the canals of Venice.
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Tour Venice by Gondola Shore Excursions · Tour in a DayExperience Venice in the most iconic way, gliding through its enchanting canals aboard a traditional gondola.
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Venetian Costumes Tour Shore Excursions · Tour in a Day
Uncover Venice’s most elegant legacy, where master tailors, lavish fabrics, and palace-ready fashion shaped centuries of style.
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Venetian Lagoon Cruise Shore Excursions · Tour in a Day
See Venice the way it was meant to be seen, by water, gliding through the lagoon with postcard views at every turn.
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Venice and Jewish Ghetto Shore Excursions · Tour in a DayStep into Venice beyond the postcards. Discover the Jewish Ghetto’s living history, vibrant squares, and authentic neighborhood soul.
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Venice with Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Cathedral Shore Excursions · Tour in a DayFor travelers eager to experience Venice’s top sights, this 6-hour guided tour provides exclusive access to two of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
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Walking Tour of Venice Shore Excursions · Tour in a Day
Wander Venice’s legendary squares and secret lanes on a relaxed 4-hour walk filled with bridges, beauty, and unforgettable stories.
Day by day in Venice
Arrive separately at the designated Venice hotel by way of your own preferred transportation. In the evening you will attend an informative meeting led by the tour leader in order to learn more about the excursions to come. Sit down and enjoy a satisfying dinner at the hotel before taking advantage of the comfortable overnight accommodations provided in your package.
Stop 2Milan, Lombardy
Milan
Motor coach through Verona and the lakes
After breakfast the group departs Venice by motor coach, stopping first in Verona to see the Roman Arena in Piazza Bra and the balcony tied to Shakespeare's tale of Romeo and Juliet. The route continues to Sirmione, a narrow peninsula jutting into Lake Garda, then north to Lake Como before arriving in Milan. Dinner and the night are at the Milan hotel.
Arranged for you: We arrange motor coach transportation with English-speaking driver, stops in Verona and Sirmione, buffet breakfast, and overnight accommodations in Milan.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Milan
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Reserved entry to Leonardo's Last Supper Day Trips · Half day
Stand before the refectory mural with a guide who explains the restoration.
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Private shopping tour of the Quadrilatero Day Trips · Half day
Walk Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga with a personal stylist.
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Roof terrace tour of the Duomo Day Trips · Half day
Climb to the marble spires for views over the city and the Alps.
Day by day in Milan
Start your morning off with a buffet breakfast at your hotel before embarking on the day's journey. Traveling by motor coach, plan to make your first stop in Verona, the artistic town famous for being the backdrop for two star-crossed lovers, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Situated in northern Italy and spanning the Adige River, Verona has an abundance of historical architecture and Roman monuments that will be seen along the way. The city is home to the Arena, a Roman amphitheatre constructed in the expansive Piazza Bra around the year 30 AD. A landmark that once drew crowds for gladiator matches and other events continues to host fairs, operas, and theatre performances today.
Following your time in Verona, you will continue on to Sirmione. This historic resort town is located close to the end of the Sirmio peninsula of Lake Garda in Lombardy's Brescia province of northern Italy. You will be allowed time at leisure for lunch as you indulge on local cuisine and explore the many sights the area has to offer on your own. The Grotto of Catullus is a must-see landmark in the town as it is a superb representation of a Roman private edifice found in the northern portion of the country. Along the way you may come across the so-called compound's renowned thermal springs. Other stops you may choose to make might include the 13th century Scaliger Castle, Santa Maria Maggiore, and the San Pietro in Mavino church, with its Romanesque bell tower dating back to 1070.
In the afternoon, you will join the group and move on to Lake Como, or Lago di Como, for a panoramic bus tour of this historic and scenic portion of northern Italy. Located in the Italian Lake District, the area presents a natural beauty that has drawn visitors for many years. You will enjoy a panoramic tour by bus passing through some of the towns and villages that encircle the lake and experience the stunning views they have to offer. The resort town of Como is located on the southern end, while Menaggio, Nesso, and Griante can be found on the western side. The town of Tremezzo is known for the Villa Carlotta's remarkable botanical garden and scenic waterfront. Varenna and Bellagio are also very popular destinations on the lake.
When evening falls you will find yourself in the historical, yet modern city of Milan. It is here that you will sit down to a satisfying dinner at the hotel before turning in for the night.
Day 3
MILAN or ROME
You will start your day off with a buffet breakfast at the hotel prior to departing on your excursion. You will enjoy a panoramic tour of Milan, known for its extensive shopping opportunities and exquisite Italian fashion. A stop at the glass-domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping gallery is a perfect example of the glamour to be had throughout this city. Constructed in 1877, the historic structure flaunts large plate-glass windows and decorative awnings on the exterior, while providing a spacious environment on the inside. Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and a number of famed cafes all call the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II home. The Sforza Castle will also be seen along the way. Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan, built the Castello Sforzesco in the 15th century on the ruins of a 14th century fortification. Since being renovated, the quadrangular structure now includes quite a few of the city's art collections and museums. You will also admire one of the world's biggest Gothic cathedrals, the Splendid Duomo. This symbol of Milan stands at the center of the city with all roads branching out from its grounds. While there be sure to take in the size of the ancient architecture and marvel at some of the more than 3000 statues placed throughout. Around 12:30pm the tour will end at the central railway station. Any transfers to the hotel in Milan or the nearby airport are not included in the package; however, there is the possibility of a complimentary transfer to Rome via bus, which will arrive in Rome around 7:30 p.m.
Why plan with Trips 2 Italy?
Designed around you by Italian-born planners
Guides, drivers and boats for your party alone
Hand-selected hotels in every destination
Local English-speaking guides who know their city
Met at the airport, private transfers throughout
Testimonials
Hear from travelers who have planned Italy with us
They took the time to understand our preferences and designed an itinerary that was comfortable, personalized, and enjoyable. They offered thoughtful recommendations while never being pushy.
We missed our connecting flight in Munich. I had just got through customs and was looking up the number to call when Trips 2 Italy called me. They told me exactly what to do and they already knew what flight we had been rebooked on.
Ready to make it yours?
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Questions travelers ask
Which places are included in this vacation package?
Over 3 days this journey brings you to Rome, Lake Como, Milan, Sirmione, Venice, and Verona. Each stop is woven into the itinerary with time for the landmarks, the views, and the local flavor that make it special.
Is transportation arranged for us?
Transportation is arranged as part of the itinerary, with comfortable train segments between the cities and vehicle transfers where they serve you best. Every connection is planned for you, so you can focus on the scenery instead of the logistics.
Who is this trip designed for?
It suits travelers who enjoy the ease of an escorted experience, with sightseeing arranged and a group to share it with.
Can the itinerary or hotels be adjusted?
Yes. Nothing here is fixed. Your travel consultant can add nights, change hotel categories, or swap experiences so the trip matches your wishes and your budget of time. A minimum of 2 travelers applies.
What time of year should we plan this vacation?
It is available all year around on request. May through September shows the lakes at their sunniest, with gardens in bloom and ferries running full schedules, while spring and fall bring softer light and thinner crowds.