Romantic Veneto – Dolomites – Lakes of Northern Italy (from Thessaloniki)

After breakfast, we’ll head to the small harbor, where we’ll board the vaporetto and, crossing the lagoon, we’ll arrive in the one-of-a-kind city of Venice. Built on dozens of small islands, connected by hundreds of bridges and crisscrossed by a complex network of canals, the “Most Serene Republic” is an urban landscape unlike any other in the world. Venice is the city of the great explorer Marco Polo, the legendary adventurer and writer Giacomo Casanova, the playwright Carlo Goldoni, and the composer Antonio Vivaldi. It was also the birthplace or creative home of great painters such as Tintoretto, Titian, and Giovanni Bellini, while its long history was marked by close commercial and cultural ties with Byzantium and the East. The presence of the Greek community has been particularly significant in the city’s history. In the Castello district stand the Orthodox Church of St. George of the Greeks and the historic Flangineos School, which today houses the Hellenic Institute of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Studies, the only Greek research institution abroad. Upon our arrival, we will begin our guided tour at the monumental Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice’s historical, political, and religious life. Before us will stand the impressive Basilica of St. Mark, with its distinctive domes, elaborate mosaics, and strong Byzantine influences. We’ll also see the imposing Bell Tower, the Clock Tower, and the Old and New Procuratie, beneath whose arcades historic cafés operate, such as the famous Caffè Florian. St. Mark’s Square, with the Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the surrounding monuments, constitutes the city’s most famous historic center. Next to the Basilica, we’ll admire the imposing Doge’s Palace from the outside, which served as the Doge’s residence and the center of administrative and political power for the Republic of Venice. We’ll continue on to the famous Bridge of Sighs, which connected the palace to the New Prison and took its name from the legend that prisoners would gaze out from its small windows at the lagoon for the last time. We’ll walk along the Riva degli Schiavoni, enjoying the view of the lagoon and the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, and then we’ll enter the city’s atmospheric labyrinth. Amid canals, small bridges, campelli, and narrow calle, we’ll discover the true soul of Venice. Our tour will take us to the Grand Canal, which is lined with dozens of impressive palazzi in Gothic, Renaissance, and Venetian styles. We’ll end up at the famous Rialto Bridge, Antonio da Ponte’s architectural masterpiece and one of the city’s timeless symbols. The bridge connects the Rialto market area with the streets leading to St. Mark’s Square and is one of the most important crossings over the Grand Canal. We’ll explore the San Polo district and Campo San Giacomo di Rialto, one of the city’s most historic sites, featuring the church of the same name, small shops, and traditional Venetian bacari. Here you can enjoy an authentic taste of everyday life in Venice by sipping an “ombra”—as the locals call a glass of wine—along with a “cicchetto,” the typical Venetian appetizer. After the tour, you’ll have free time to wander through the canals and small squares, do some shopping, visit one of the major landmarks, or enjoy a romantic gondola ride.

In the early afternoon, we invite you to join us on a special optional excursion to Venice’s mysterious lagoon, with the beautiful Burano as our destination. During the boat ride, we’ll take in views of the small islands, the canals, and the calm waters of the lagoon, discovering a different side of Venice, far from the hustle and bustle of the historic center. Burano is world-famous for its brightly colored houses, small canals, and centuries-old tradition of handmade lace. Red, yellow, pink, blue, green, and purple create a striking, colorful scene that is reflected in the waters of the canals. According to local tradition, fishermen painted their houses in bright colors so they could recognize them more easily through the fog of the lagoon. We’ll stroll through the quiet alleys, past the colorful houses and small workshops, and arrive at Piazza Baldassare Galuppi, the island’s central square. We’ll see the distinctive leaning tower of the Church of San Martino and have free time for coffee, photos, shopping for handmade lace items, or sampling traditional Burano sweets. Late in the afternoon, we’ll return to Venice by boat. From the Riva degli Schiavoni area, we’ll all head together to the small harbor and then take the bus back to our hotel. We’ll arrive in the evening, and you’ll have free time to relax.

After breakfast, we’ll head north toward Belluno, an elegant historic town situated between the Piave River valley and the foothills of the Dolomites. Upon arrival, we’ll begin our walking tour at Piazza dei Martiri, the city’s large central square with its characteristic arcades, cafés, and historic buildings. We’ll continue on to Piazza Duomo, home to the Cathedral, the Palazzo dei Rettori, and the Clock Tower. The architecture of the historic center reflects the city’s long-standing connection to the Republic of Venice. We’ll stroll through the quiet alleyways, see the historic gates, and enjoy the view of the mountains surrounding the city. There will be free time for coffee and photos. We’ll then head to the picturesque town of Bassano del Grappa, built on the banks of the Brenta River at the foot of the Venetian Pre-Alps. The town’s symbol is the famous Ponte Vecchio, also known as the Ponte degli Alpini. This covered wooden bridge is Bassano’s most distinctive landmark and offers a beautiful view of the river, the colorful houses, and the surrounding mountains. We’ll stroll through Piazza Libertà and Piazza Garibaldi, explore the historic buildings in the town center, and have free time for lunch and shopping. Bassano is closely associated with grappa production. Those who wish can visit a shop or small museum dedicated to this famous Italian spirit and learn about its history and production process. In the afternoon, we’ll continue on to the charming town of Azolo, a small fortified town surrounded by lush green hills. We’ll stroll through Piazza Garibaldi, with its distinctive fountain, and continue through the picturesque alleys lined with old mansions, arcades, and small shops. We’ll see the exterior of Queen Caterina Cornaro’s Castle and walk along Via Browning, named after the English poet Robert Browning, who had a special connection to the town. From Azolo’s panoramic viewpoints, we’ll enjoy the view of the Veneto hills and, when the air is clear, the foothills of the Dolomites. After some free time for coffee and photos, we’ll depart for our return to the Venice area. Arrival in the evening and free time.

After breakfast and checking out of our rooms, we’ll say goodbye to the Venice area and head to Lombardy and the enchanting Lake Garda. Our destination is the fairytale town of Sirmione, built on a narrow peninsula jutting into the azure waters of the lake. We’ll enter the historic center, passing by the imposing Scaliger Castle, which is surrounded by water and is the town’s most famous landmark. We’ll walk through the narrow cobblestone streets, among old stone houses, small squares, shops, and traditional cafés. We’ll visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and stroll along the lakeside, enjoying the unique view of Lake Garda. There will be free time for lunch, coffee, or ice cream, and, time and weather permitting, there will be an opportunity to take an optional short boat ride around the peninsula. We then depart for romantic Verona, one of Italy’s most beautiful historic cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is world-renowned as the city of Romeo and Juliet, inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless work. During our tour, we’ll explore the impressive Piazza Bra, dominated by the famous Arena di Verona, the best-preserved Roman amphitheater in Italy, which to this day hosts major opera performances and concerts. Next, we’ll walk to Piazza delle Erbe, the city’s liveliest square, with its historic buildings, cafés, and open-air market, and of course we won’t miss the chance to visit the famous House of Juliet, with its iconic balcony that has become a symbol of the city. There will be free time for a leisurely stroll or a coffee before we depart for Milan. Arrival at the hotel, check-in, and overnight stay.

After breakfast and checking out of our rooms, we’ll begin our tour of Milan, Italy’s financial, business, and fashion capital. We’ll head to the historic city center, where we’ll see the imposing Castello Sforzesco from the outside—once the residence of the powerful Sforza family. We’ll then arrive at the impressive Piazza del Duomo, dominated by the famous Milan Cathedral, one of Europe’s most important Gothic structures and a timeless symbol of the city. Next to the cathedral, we’ll enter the impressive Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, with its glass dome, intricate mosaic floors, historic cafés, and the luxurious boutiques of the world’s leading fashion houses. As we walk through the arcade, we’ll arrive at Piazza della Scala, home to the world-famous Teatro alla Scala and the monument to Leonardo da Vinci. There will be free time for shopping on the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II shopping street, for coffee, or for one last stroll through the historic center. We’ll then head to the Italian-Swiss border and the cosmopolitan city of Lugano, built on the shores of the lake of the same name. We’ll stroll along the lakeside and through the beautiful Parco Ciani, visit Piazza della Riforma, the city’s central square, and stroll down the famous Via Nassa, known for its elegant arcades and shops. We’ll have time for coffee, shopping for Swiss products, and, of course, the famous Swiss chocolates. Then we’ll return to Italy and head to Como, on the southwestern end of Lake Como. We’ll begin our tour at Piazza Cavour, next to the lakeside promenade, and continue on to Piazza del Duomo, home to the impressive Cathedral and the historic Broletto. We’ll stroll through the picturesque streets of the historic center and along the lakeside boulevard, enjoying the view of the luxurious villas and the crystal-clear blue waters of the lake. Our final stop is Bergamo. We’ll ascend to the impressive Città Alta, the historic Upper Town, surrounded by imposing Venetian walls and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll stroll through the elegant Piazza Vecchia, see the Palazzo della Ragione, the Contarini Fountain, the Campanone Tower, as well as Piazza Duomo, home to the Cathedral, the imposing Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the ornate Colleoni Chapel, and the Baptistery. With the fondest memories of Venice, Verona, the lakes of northern Italy, Milan, and Lugano, Switzerland, we’ll head to Bergamo Airport for our return flight.

Notes: The order of the itinerary may vary depending on circumstances, without any omissions.