Day 1: Milan

Meet your private English-speaking assistant outside of airport customs. Waiting with a sign with your name on it, they will direct you to your awaiting private transfer, and accompany you to your hotel for check-in.

A welcome package with a city map, train tickets (if relevant), and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful, will be provided to you on your first day in destination.

Accommodation: UNA Cusani Milano (B) (Superior Room)

The elegant UNA Cusani Milano welcomes guests to Italy’s most fashionable city with warm Italian hospitality and authentic Milanese style. Set on a bustling cobblestone street, this sleek hotel is ideally situated for exploring Milan between the Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, Brera District and the Scala Theatre allowing guests to make the most of their stay in Milan. Enjoy a wonderful meal at the hotel’s on-site restaurant while gazing out at the magnificent view of the city. With it’s modern, spacious guestrooms and thoughtful design, this delightful hotel promises a refined and comfortable stay filled with Italian charm.

Day 2: Milan

Meet your private guide and driver, setting out on a half-day tour of monumental Milan. Admire the stunning exterior of the great Cathedral of Milan, a 515-foot long Gothic masterpiece which took six centuries to complete. It's the largest church in all of Italy, and the third largest in the world. Walk around the perimeter of the red and brown stone Sforza Castle, a Renaissance palace built in the 15th century by the Duke of Milan. Over years of expansion, the complex eventually became one of Europe's largest citadels. Continue on to La Scala, Milan's 18th century Opera House, one of the most prestigious in the world. Here you'll get to visit the La Scala Theater Museum, dedicated to the artists, composers, singers and dancers that have called La Scala home. The highlight of your tour today will be a visit to the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church - a beautiful 15th century Renaissance convent, where you'll get to see the world-famous painting the Cenacolo (Last Supper) by Leonardo da Vinci. Conclude with a return transfer to your hotel.

Optional: 
Milan, a mecca of style, is world famous for both its fashion and its shopping. Why not set out to explore some of the world-renowned shopping the city has to offer. The heart of Milan's luxury shopping experience is undoubtedly comprised of Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Via Sant'Andrea, dotted with designer shops and boutiques. These elegant streets, together with Via Manzoni, Via Borgospesso and Via Santo Spirito are the outer limits of the famous Fashion Quadrilatero. This area contains the most prestigious boutiques and showrooms in the world, full of minimalist design and cutting edge technology.

Accommodation: UNA Cusani Milano (B) (Superior Room)

Day 3: Milan - Como

Meet your private driver and vehicle for a transfer to Como. Approximate travel time is 1 hour.

This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Accommodation: Palace Hotel

In the center of Como, overlooking the lakefront, this historical Art Nouveau palace is divided into two buildings: the 19th Century grand mansion il Plinius and the modern wing Pianella. The Hotel features spacious and elegant spaces with 94 rooms boasting fantastic views of the lake or the city from the balconies and windows. The Garden Bar Ceccato with its romantic terrace is located in the extensive gardens which open out onto the docks. The splendid Antica Darsena Restaurant is great for an elegant lunch or dinner in a remarkable setting.  And finally the relaxing Hotel Bar is a perfect way to end the evening.

Day 4: Como

Meet your private guide and set out on foot for a walking tour through the town of Como, discovering the treasures of the historical center in this beautiful lakeside town. Founded by the Romans, the city is surrounded by medieval walls on its three sides. Enjoy a pleasant walk along the lake, in order to take in the view of some villas and important rationalist style buildings (1920's-30's), continuing toward the ancient core of the city, admiring some quaint squares enriched with works of art. Visit the Cathedral, where construction spanned the 14th-18th centuries, Como's best-known monument, thanks to its Gothic and Renaissance features. Enjoy a wine tasting of local wineries paired with local snacks at a historical shop in the city core, dating back to 1930. In the afternoon, you will rise up by cableway over to the village of Brunate, enjoying a beautiful panoramic view of the lake. Visit the parish's cute church and take a pleasant walk in order to admire the Art Nouveau style, which characterizes many 20th century villas here, as well as the renowned Volta Lighthouse Tower, a 95-foot high octagonal tower erected in memory of the inventor of the electric torch, Alessandro Volta. End your day with a return back to your hotel in Como.

Accommodation: Palace Hotel

Day 5: Como

Meet your private guide and driver at your hotel and depart along the southwest shore of Lake Como to the lakeside town of Tremezzo, where you’ll visit the stunning 17th century Villa Carlotta. Set in a natural basin between lake and mountains, the villa is surrounded by 750,000 sq.ft. of botanical gardens – a majestic retreat in all seasons. Turning back toward Como, you’ll make periodic stops to admire the lakeside villages as you follow the lake’s southern shore now up along the peninsula to Bellagio, the “pearl of Lake Como.” Here, where with the beautiful backdrop of the Alps, your guide will lead you on foot, spotting churches nearing 1,000 years old, and classical villas, of noble beginnings. Enjoy a visit to the English-style gardens of Villa Melzi, stretching out along the lake shore. This 19th century villa was built by master craftsmen for the Francesco Melzi d'Eril, who held the title of Gran Chancellor of the Napoleonic Reign of Italy. For a view of the area from the lake itself, you’ll board a public ferry for your return back to Como, which makes a brief stop in Tremezzo en route.

Accommodation: Palace Hotel

Day 6: Como - Verona

Meet your private driver and vehicle for a transfer to Verona. Approximate travel time is 2.5 hours.

Meet your private guide at your hotel and depart on foot for a half-day walking tour of historic Verona, of Romeo & Juliet fame, where you'll experience the city and the buildings and monuments it has accumulated since its beginnings over 2,000 years ago. You'll view Romanesque churches, Gothic towers and castles, Renaissance palaces, squares, and elegant courtyards. Stroll past the 2,000 year old Roman amphitheater, the legendary houses of Romeo and Juliet, as well as Erbe Square, home to a 14th century fountain with a 4th century statue Madonna Verona standing in it. Watch the history of Verona unfold before your eyes.

Accommodation: Hotel Accademia

Found in the heart of the exclusive shopping area of Verona on the Via Mazzini, Hotel Accademia is conveniently positioned between the Brà Square with the Arena and Erbe Square with Giulietta's House and her legendary balcony. The hotel is housed in a well maintained 18th-century building, with elegant rooms that are constantly renewed to meet the highest standards of comfort and modern technology. Guests will be able to stay in the same quarters and walk the same halls as some of the most famous opera legends have while staying at this iconic hotel. The combination of old Italian charm and modern comforts, make this lovely hotel the perfect place for an unforgettable stay in Verona.  

Day 7: Verona

Meet your private guide and transportation, embarking on a half-day tour along the beautiful Veronese shore of Lake Garda to the enchanting village of Bardolino. Enjoy a walk along the waterfront, lined with restaurants and cafes which gaze out across to Garda's opposite shores, backed by mountains in the north. In the city's historic center, you'll spot fragments of the old city walls, and visit a pair of medieval churches; the 9th century Church of San Zeno, and the 12th century Church of San Severo, featuring medieval frescoes and a crypt. Afterward, familiarize yourself with the taste of the region at a local wine-tasting session, where you'll taste Bardolino, Chiaretto and Bardolino Superiore wines. You'll conclude your day with a delightful olive oil tasting at a local farm before making the return drive to Verona. 

Accommodation: Hotel Accademia

Day 8: Verona - Venice

Meet your private driver and vehicle for a train station transfer.

Depart by train from Verona to Venice. Approximate travel time is 1 hour and 10 minutes.

For your ease and comfort, a private English-speaking assistant will meet you on the arrivals platform, holding a sign with your name on it. They will locate your awaiting private water taxi, and accompany you to your hotel for check-in.

Meet your private guide in the hotel lobby and set out on foot for a 2-hour walking tour to discover the highlights of Venice. Head to St Mark's Square, the heart of political and religious power of the Venetian Republic for centuries. Here you can spot the grand 11th century church of St Mark’s Basilica, nicknamed the Church of Gold for its sheer opulence and position as a status symbol of Venetian wealth. Adjacent is St Mark’s Campanile, the imposing 12th century bell tower, standing at 323 feet tall. Visually dominating the entire northern stretch of the square are the arcaded Procuratie Vecchie buildings, in classical and Gothic style. Just off the square, and lining the Grand Canal, admire the Gothic style exterior of the 13th century Doge’s Palace, former residence to the supreme ruler of the Venetian Republic of antiquity. Learn of its adjoining former prison, connected to the Palace by the Bridge of Sighs, which retains the true secrets of how a city built on swamps became one of the most enlightened cities in the western world. You'll hear tales of illustrious Venetian characters like Marco Polo and Casanova, continuing along to the lively Campo Santa Maria Formosa with its outstanding Venetian palaces, and the Church of San Giovanni e Paolo (considered the Pantheon of Venice). Your walking tour concludes at the evocative Rialto Bridge overlooking the Grand Canal. From here, you may continue with independent exploration or return to your hotel.

Today, sit back, relax and admire the views during an exciting, traditional Venetian Gondola ride. For your added comfort, an English-speaking escort will pick you up from your hotel and walk you to your awaiting private gondola. After boarding your gondola, your fully licensed Gondolier will navigate your vessel through the narrow canals and beneath the many stone bridges of Venice during a serene, half-hour gondola ride. Gently guide on this traditional means of aquatic travel along the Venetian Grand Canal, passing the many landmarks and sites that have made Venice a global tourist hub, including the 16th century Rialto Bridge, and the stunning Ca' d'Oro mansion with its arched Gothic exterior. A quintessential Venetian experience!

Accommodation: Palazzo Sant`Angelo

With its unique vintage flare and Venetian fashion, Palazzo Sant'Angelo will capture the sense of time traveling in Venice. Its location sits right in front of the famous Grand Canal, making every morning a perfect stroll among the picturesque Venetian scene. This elegantly restored hotel welcomes guests with an entrance of Palladian pavement, warm hues, and an old stone fireplace. The suites at Palazzo Sant’Angelo feature stunning vistas over the waters of the lagoon, the lush garden or a quaint Venetian side street. Start your morning at the cozy breakfast room, and your evenings at the hotel bar that conveniently overlooks the Grand Canal.

Day 9: Venice

Meet your private guide and depart on a half-day tour to the famed islands of Murano and Burano in the Venetian Lagoon. You'll make your way to a private boat, departing through the canals of Venice, sailing past the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, the relaxed green space of Giardini Publicci, the tip of Sant'Elena, and the famous Arsenal of the Venetian Republic - a reminder of Venice's maritime dominance of centuries past. You'll arrive first to picturesque Murano, known throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry. Cruise through colorful canals, and make a stop to visit to one of the most famous and ancient glass factories, where if you're lucky, you can enjoy a live glass blowing demonstration performed by a master glass maker. Continue by boat to the island of Burano, famous for its lace production and its traditional fishermen houses brightly colored on the canal edges. Take some time to relax and admire the surroundings of the island before returning back to Venice. 

Accommodation: Palazzo Sant`Angelo

Day 10: Venice

Meet your private English-speaking assistant who will accompany you on your transfer to Marco Polo Airport by private water taxi.

Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard)

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.