Rome to Milan: Art, Lakes & Dolomites Journeys

Overview

Embark on a 17-day journey through Italy’s cultural heart and alpine splendour, beginning in Rome with guided tours of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum. Travel north through Assisi and Siena to Florence, where Renaissance treasures and Tuscan cuisine await. Continue to Bologna for a taste of its culinary heritage before arriving in Venice to explore its canals and historic landmarks.

From Venice, journey through Verona and the Franciacorta wine region to Bergamo, then discover the beauty of Lake Garda with a boat tour in Sirmione. Cruise across Lake Como to Bellagio, before heading to Milan for a scenic ride aboard the Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps. In Milan, enjoy a walking tour through elegant boulevards and gardens.

The adventure continues into the Dolomites, with stops in Peschiera del Garda, Trento, and Bolzano. Explore charming alpine towns like Merano and Vipiteno, and visit stunning lakes such as Braies and Misurina. Conclude in Cortina d’Ampezzo, surrounded by dramatic peaks and serene landscapes, before returning to Milan via Bassano del Grappa.

Inclusions

14-night accommodation in 4-star hotels

2-night accommodation in a 3-star hotel

Transportation by coach

Bernina Express ride

Daily breakfast

Gastronomic experience in Bologna

Grappa tasting in Bassano del Grappa

Meals and drinks as per itinerary

Spritz & “Cicchetti” experience in Venice

Wine tasting in Franciacorta region

Scenic drive around the lakes near Cortina

Local guide in Florence, Venice, Milan and Verona

Daily ticket for Hop-On Hop-Off Panoramic Bus

Entrance fees included for: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill (Skip the Line), Bernina Express ride

English-Speaking Only Tour Director throughout the journey

Itinerary

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Day 1 Rome

Welcome to Rome! After meeting your driver at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Use your Hop-on Hop-off bus ticket to explore Rome’s iconic landmarks from a different perspective. Hop on and off at any of the eight stops along the route and enjoy the commentary available in 12 languages. The ticket is valid for one day. After the tour, enjoy the evening at your leisure and return to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Rome at Hotel St. Martin or similar.

Rome

Day 2 Rome

After breakfast, depart from your hotel for an included guided tour of Rome’s extraordinary Archaeological Area. Meet your professional guide and begin your 2.5-hour journey through history. Equipped with a personal radio receiver and earphones, explore the legendary Colosseum, the iconic Flavian Amphitheatere where Ancient Romans gathered for gladiator battles and wild animal hunts.

Continue to Palatine Hill, the mythical birthplace of Rome. From here, enjoy panoramic views of the city. The tour concludes at the Roman Forum, once the centere of Roman life. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight stay in Rome at Hotel St. Martin or similar.

Breakfast

Roman Forum

Day 3 Rome Assisi Siena Florence

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart at 7:15 AM by deluxe coach to Assisi, a medieval town surrounded by ancient walls. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, featuring frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue and enjoy a lunch in Assisi.

Continue to Siena, UNESCO-listed and famous for its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and Palio horse race. Later, travel through Tuscany’s countryside to reach Florence.

Overnight stay in Florence at Raffaello Hotel or similar.

Breakfast, Lunch

Assisi

Day 4 Florence

Explore Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. Visit the Duomo, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and Baptistery. See Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and Santa Croce Basilica. Enjoy lunch in a traditional Tuscan restaurant.

In the afternoon, choose between free time in the city or an optional visit to Pisa, with its Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli. Dinner is at leisure.

Overnight stay in Florence at Raffaello Hotel or similar.

Breakfast, Lunch

Piazza della Signoria

Day 5 Florence Bologna Mestre (Venice)

After breakfast in Florence, head to Bologna. Explore the city center with its iconic porticos and historic sites, including Piazza del Nettuno and the Basilica of San Petronio. Discover Bologna’s gastronomic heritage through a vibrant light local lunch, offering traditional and contemporary treats. Enjoy a light street food lunch at a local eatery.

Later, continue your journey to Venice. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel.

Overnight stay in Mestre at Quality Hotel Delfino or similar.

Breakfast

Basilica of San Petronio

Day 6 Mestre Venice Mestre

Transfer to Piazza San Marco and discover Venice’s highlights with a guided tour. Visit the Doge’s Palace (outside) and cross the Bridge of Sighs. Afterward, enjoy a glass of spritz or prosecco with cicchetti, traditional Venetian snacks. Relax and soak in the atmosphere. Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s canals, artisan shops, or quiet corners on your own. Return to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Mestre at Quality Hotel Delfino or similar.

Breakfast

Bridge of Sighs

Day 7 Mestre Verona Franciacorta Bergamo

After breakfast, visit Verona, a city rich in history and culture. Explore Roman ruins, medieval structures, and Renaissance palaces on a guided tour. Don't miss Juliet’s house and balcony, famous from Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet."

Then, travel to Franciacorta, known for its ideal winemaking soil, for a light lunch with local food and wine. After this, head to Bergamo for the overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Bergamo at BW Hotel Cappello D'Oro or similar

Breakfast, Lunch

Mestre → Verona → Franciacorta → Bergamo

Juliet's Balcony

Day 8 Bergamo Sirmione Desenzano del Garda Bergamo

After breakfast, set off for Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake. Enjoy a panoramic tour along the west coast, passing the Brenta Dolomites and Moraine Hills, surrounded by lush vegetation. In Sirmione, take a boat tour to admire its picturesque shores, the Castle, and the Grottoes of Catullus.

After free time for lunch, head to Desenzano del Garda with its elegant lakeside promenade and historical center that reflects traces of Venetian influence. Enjoy dinner in Bergamo.

Overnight stay in Bergamo at BW Hotel Cappello D'Oro or similar

Breakfast, Dinner

Bergamo → Sirmione → Desenzano del Garda → Bergamo

Lake Garda

Day 9 Bergamo Como Bellagio Milan

After breakfast, enjoy a brief visit to Como, renowned for its breathtaking views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps. From Como, you will embark on a boat to Bellagio, an elegant village nestled at the junction of the lake’s two southern branches, famous for its charming streets, luxury hotels, historic villas, and lush gardens. Lunch at your leisure.

In the afternoon, take the ferry to Cadenabbia, where you will meet your driver and begin your journey to Milan.

Overnight stay in Milan at Ramada Plaza or similar.

Breakfast

Lake Como

Day 10 Milan Bernina Express Milan

After breakfast, meet your driver and travel to St. Moritz for some free time. Then, board the Bernina Express and enjoy one of the world’s most scenic train rides through the Swiss Alps. Marvel at alpine villages, tunnels, and breathtaking mountain views as you cross the Bernina Pass toward Tirano.

Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to take you back to Milan.

Overnight stay in Milan at Ramada Plaza or similar.

Breakfast

Bernina Express

Day 11 Milan

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore Milan at your own pace. In the afternoon, meet your local guide for a three-hour walking tour through the heart of the city. Begin at Porta Venezia, a historic gate with medieval and Roman origins, and continue to Corso Venezia.

Walk through the Giardini Indro Montanelli, pass by the Galleria d’Arte Moderna and continue along Viale Manzoni. From the outside, see the iconic Teatro alla Scala and admire the majestic façade of the Milan Cathedral (Duomo). The tour ends at Castello Sforzesco, a medieval fortress, followed by a relaxing aperitivo. Free time before returning to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Milan at Ramada Plaza or similar.

Milan the Duomo

Day 12 Milan Peschiera del Garda Trento Caldaro Bolzano

After breakfast, we depart and head towards Peschiera del Garda, a charming town located on the southern shore of Lake Garda. Next, we stop in Trento, where we’ll admire the impressive Castello del Buon Consiglio and the Santa Maria Maggiore Cathedral.

After a leisurely lunch, we continue along Italy’s oldest wine route, reaching Caldaro (Kaltern), known for its lake and wine. The day ends with our arrival in Bolzano.

Overnight stay in Bolzano at Stadt Hotel Città or similar.

Breakfast

Peschiera del Garda

Day 13 Bolzano Merano Vipiteno Bolzano

After breakfast, we travel to Merano, known for its Christmas market and rich cultural heritage. We’ll explore the old town, and you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch. Next, we visit Vipiteno, a picturesque town with medieval architecture and Alpine charm. Stroll through its streets, enjoy local cuisine, and shop for souvenirs.

In the afternoon, we head to Bolzano to admire the Gothic-style Duomo and Via dei Portici, the heart of the city. Bolzano combines Alpine and Mediterranean influences, making it a must-visit destination. The evening is free for personal exploration or relaxation.

Overnight stay in Bolzano at Stadt Hotel Città or similar.

Breakfast

Vipiteno

Day 14 Bolzano Bressanone Brunico Lake Braies or Lake Anterselva Cortina

Today, we start with a visit to Bressanone, a charming town in the Eisack Valley, known for its 10th-century medieval cathedral and Austrian-Italian blend. Enjoy local wines and the serene Alpine atmosphere. Then, we head to Brunico, with its colorful medieval streets and panoramic views from Kronplatz Mountain.

Afterward, we visit the stunning Lake of Braies, surrounded by towering Dolomite peaks, or Lake Anterselva if Braies is inaccessible. Both offer tranquil beauty and photo opportunities. Finally, we conclude the day in Cortina for dinner at the hotel and an overnight stay, surrounded by the breathtaking Dolomites.

Overnight stay in Cortina at B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina or similar.

Breakfast, Dinner

Bolzano → Bressanone → Brunico → Lake Braies or Lake Anterselva → Cortina

Dome de Bressanone

Day 15 Cortina Lake Misurina Lake Dobbiaco San Vito di Cadore Cortina

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel and get ready to explore the stunning surroundings of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Enjoy panoramic views of the Dolomite Mountains and spot the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Continue to Lake Misurina, the largest natural lake in the region, offering mesmerizing mountain views. Then, visit Lake Dobbiaco with its unique emerald-colored waters. Drive to San Vito di Cadore, a charming village surrounded by UNESCO-listed mountains, Mount Antelao and Mount Pelmo. Afterward, return to Cortina for free time, relax, and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Cortina at B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina or similar.

Breakfast, Dinner

Lake Dobbiaco

Day 16 Cortina Bassano del Grappa Milan

After breakfast, reach Bassano del Grappa, a charming town at the foot of the Venetian Prealps, known for its rich history and timeless charm. Walk its cobbled streets to see medieval towers, elegant Venetian palaces, and mountain traditions shaped by centuries of culture. Don’t miss the iconic Ponte degli Alpini, designed by Andrea Palladio, crossing the Brenta River with postcard views. Visit the Museo della Grappa to explore Italy’s famous distillate origins. The experience includes a tasting session, offering insight into local craftsmanship. After Bassano, head to Milan.

Overnight stay in Milan at Ramada Plaza or similar.

Breakfast

Ponte degli Alpini

Day 17 Milan

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Arrivederci!

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel St. Martin

Rome
Hotel St. Martin is a contemporary 4-star hotel in Rome that has been recently renovated. Conveniently situated near the Castro Pretorio metro station and Roma Termini train station, and just a short walk from Piazza della Repubblica, its prime location makes it an excellent choice for both business travelers and tourists exploring the city.

Raffaello Hotel

Florence
The Hotel Raffaello, which is situated just at the city's entry, is the best place to start your exploration of Florence, learn about its past, and take in the beauty and allure of this genuinely exceptional city. Whether you're traveling by vehicle or train, Hotel Raffaello is easily accessible and offers a courteous, professional, and attentive welcome.

Quality Hotel Delfino

Venice
Hotel Delfino Venezia Mestre is ideally located at the gateway to Venice, making it a convenient base for discovering the charm and history of the lagoon city. Easily accessible by car or public transport, the hotel offers modern comforts, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere for both leisure and business travelers.

BW Hotel Cappello D'Oro

Bergamo
Discover four-star comfort at Best Western Hotel Cappello D’Oro, perfectly located in the heart of Bergamo. Blending over 150 years of hospitality tradition with modern amenities, it’s ideal for both business travellers and leisure guests seeking convenience and charm.

Stadt Hotel Città

Bolzano
Stadt Hotel Città offers a refined and cosmopolitan retreat in the heart of Bolzano. Overlooking the main square, it’s the perfect choice to immerse yourself in the city’s charm, vibrant atmosphere, and authentic Italian hospitality.

B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina

Cortina d'Ampezzo
B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina offers modern comfort at 1,800 metres in the heart of the Dolomites. Nestled by Monte Cristallo, it’s the perfect base to explore Lake Misurina, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and charming Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Additional information

No age limit
All passengers must be able to indepently board and alight the coach.

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

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Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
TravelPay is a level 1 PCI DSS compliant, which gives you peace of mind that your payment card data is in safe hands.
Entire Travel Group does not store any credit card information.

For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
For additional payments on the booking, Entire Travel Group supports bank transfer, credit card, TravelPay B2B, PaymentGate.
For further details please visit our Payments page.

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

Travel on a specific airline of their choice
Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

For more information please visit - Before you travel | Entire Travel Group

How does a Travel Agent make a booking?

Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group

Rome to Milan: Art, Lakes & Dolomites Journeys (Tour code: 15334)

Highlights

In partnership

Overview

Inclusions

Itinerary

Day 1 Rome

Day 2 Rome

Day 3 Rome Assisi Siena Florence

Day 4 Florence

Day 5 Florence Bologna Mestre (Venice)

Day 6 Mestre Venice Mestre

Day 7 Mestre Verona Franciacorta Bergamo

Day 8 Bergamo Sirmione Desenzano del Garda Bergamo

Day 9 Bergamo Como Bellagio Milan

Day 10 Milan Bernina Express Milan

Day 11 Milan

Day 12 Milan Peschiera del Garda Trento Caldaro Bolzano

Day 13 Bolzano Merano Vipiteno Bolzano

Day 14 Bolzano Bressanone Brunico Lake Braies or Lake Anterselva Cortina

Day 15 Cortina Lake Misurina Lake Dobbiaco San Vito di Cadore Cortina

Day 16 Cortina Bassano del Grappa Milan

Day 17 Milan

Accommodation

Hotel St. Martin

Raffaello Hotel

Quality Hotel Delfino

BW Hotel Cappello D'Oro

Stadt Hotel Città

B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina

Additional information

Excluded

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Is there a cooling-off period?

What is Freedom of Choice?

What is Book Now?

How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

Can you book my international airfares?

Should I take travel insurance?

What should I do before travelling?

How does a Travel Agent make a booking?

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

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