Northern Italy – Venice and the Dolomites
DATES TBD
Traveling to Venice and Northern Italy offers an unforgettable experience, blending rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful landscapes. Venice, known for its canals, iconic gondolas, and historic landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, is a must-see destination. Visitors can explore its labyrinthine streets, charming squares, and vibrant cultural scene.
Beyond Venice, Northern Italy boasts diverse attractions. Milan, a global fashion hub, is home to incredible art and architecture. The lakes of Northern Italy, such as Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Garda, offer scenic beauty with opportunities for hiking, scenic cruise, and relaxation.
The region is also renowned for its fine cuisine, including risottos, pasta dishes, and exquisite wines. Instead of taking the well-traveled tourist tracks of the central and south, this trip stands apart taking our club members to places off-the-beaten-path. Join today!
Venice (3 Nights)
Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on a network of over 100 islands, connected by canals and bridges. Known for its romantic ambiance, The landmarks here are known by name worldwide, like St. Mark's Square, and now it is your turn to experience them. The city's canals, especially the Grand Canal, serve as main waterways, where gondolas and water taxis glide past historic buildings. With a rich history as a powerful maritime republic, Venice boasts remarkable art, culture, and architecture and you'll enjoy three other islands to get a deeper sense of yesteryear's mighty empire. Venice offers a blend of history, beauty, and charm, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a one-of-a-kind experience.
- Walk St. Mark's Square: The main piazza of the city, the public square is the cultural hub here with the dazzling promenade anchoring one side.
- Tour Doge's Palace: A Venetian Gothic style palace containing grand ballrooms, intricate mosaic work, a giant gilded staircase (scala d'oro), and Renaissance master artworks adorn the former residence of early leaders.
- Tour St. Mark's Basilica: One of the world's most grand and luxurious cathedrals featuring an illustrious design, endless mosaics, and stunning blend of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture.
- Ferry Trip to Three Islands: Venice sits in a lagoon built upon many islands with several of them home to arts, culture, and practices not found anywhere else in the country.
Murano is home to some of the finest glass blowers and artisans in the world. Visit one of the factories to see how it all comes together by hand in an exquisite balance of patience, technical ability, and creativity.
Burano is known for the candy-colored houses along the canal, great for taking pictures and an ideal stop for lunch with a view. Also here are the famed lace makers who have created delicate yet lasting textile pieces for centuries. We'll stop into a workshop to see the stunning pieces created through complex braiding and twisting.
Torcello is one of the quietest, most traditional islands away from the crowds. Today, there are few inhabitants and here is perfect for a relaxing walk along the canals, a view of the city's first cathedral dating back to the 7th century, and archeological remains.
South Tyrol: Bolzano (2 Nights)
Bolzano, located in the South Tyrol region of Northern Italy, is a picturesque city that blends Italian and Austrian influences, reflecting its unique cultural heritage. Surrounded by the stunning Dolomite Mountains, Bolzano offers a mix of natural beauty and urban charm, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
The city is known for its beautiful medieval architecture, including the Bolzano Cathedral and the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, which is home to the famous Ötzi the Iceman, a well-preserved mummified man from the Bronze Age. Bolzano’s blend of Italian and German-speaking cultures gives it a distinctive atmosphere, with a range of delicious cuisine, local wines, and vibrant markets.
- See Ötzi the Iceman: Preserved inside a museum, learn about the world's oldest and most important 'wet' mummy that has provided incredible insight into life during the Copper Age. You will see these remains!
- Freely Enjoy Bolzano: Explore areas around the main Piazza Walther, take a trip to a nearby winery, explore local markets, sip espresso at a cafe, or wander aimlessly around this youthful city.
- Day of Hiking and Exploring: These mountain regions, Val d'Ega and Val di Fassa, are stunning alpine areas to be explored, photographed, and hiked. This trip gets into the heart of the granitic Dolomites, the southern reaches of the European Alps. Stops include a visit and walk around the aquamarine-colored lake of Lago Carezza, a moderate hike along a ridge, lunch in an alpine village, stops for viewpoints, and a full day spent in lush meadows beneath towering peaks.
- Cable Car Experience up Monte Baldo: With sweeping views of Lake Garda while gently climbing inside the modern gondola, exit on top of Monte Baldo rising to over 7,000 feet. From here, enjoy lunch with an unrestricted view of water on one side and endless mountains on the other. Following that, take an easy walk along the ridge to further enjoy the splendor while breathing in the clean crisp air.
Lake Como (1 Night)
Lake Como, located in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, is one of the most beautiful and sought-after destinations in the country. Surrounded by the majestic Alps, the lake's crystal-clear waters reflect the stunning mountain scenery, creating a breathtaking landscape. The lake is shaped like an upside-down "Y" and is dotted with charming towns and villages, such as Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, each offering a unique atmosphere of elegance and tranquility. Lake Como has long been a favorite getaway for the wealthy and famous, with luxurious villas and exquisite gardens lining its shores. The area is also rich in history, with landmarks like the ancient Romanesque churches, medieval castles, and opulent palaces offering glimpses into its storied past.
- Guided Tour of Villa Balbianello: Known for its breathtaking setting, the villa is surrounded by lush gardens
and offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The villa dates back to the late 18th century and has been meticulously preserved, with its classic architecture and elegant interiors reflecting its rich history. You may have already seen this place in several major Hollywood movies.
- Explore Bellagio: This is a charming town located on the shores of Lake Como in Northern Italy, often referred to as the "Pearl of Lake Como" due to its picturesque beauty. Situated at the point where the lake's three branches meet, Bellagio offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, making it one of the most popular destinations on the lake. The town is known for its narrow, cobblestone streets, quaint piazzas, and beautifully preserved historic buildings - an ideal place for lunch.
- Scenic Lake Como Cruise: Departing from Bellagio, the boat gently cruises past lakeside towns and villages while a local guide shares knowledge of what we're seeing. See sprawling villas and exotic gardens from the 17th and 18th century, admire the stunning scenery, and listen to the history of these storied areas in the open air.
Lake Maggiore (2 Nights)
Lake Maggiore is one of the largest and most scenic lakes in Italy, located in the northern part of the country, stretching across the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont, with a portion extending into Switzerland. The lake is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, surrounded by lush mountains, rolling hills, and charming lakeside villages. One of the most enchanting towns on the lake is Stresa, situated on the western shore. The town serves as a gateway to the nearby Borromean Islands, a group of islands in the lake famous for their historic villas, palaces, and lush gardens.
- Explore and Tour Three Borromean Islands: The Borromean Islands are a group of beautiful islands located in Lake Maggiore, off the coast of Stresa in Northern Italy. Comprising three main islands—Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori—and two smaller islets, the Borromean Islands are renowned for their stunning natural beauty and historical significance.
Isola Bella is the most famous of the islands, known for its opulent Baroque palace (tour of the inside) and meticulously landscaped terraced gardens, which overlook the lake. The palace, once a private residence of the Borromeo family, is now open to the public and showcases elegant rooms filled with art and antiques. The gardens are a highlight, with exotic plants, fountains, and breathtaking views.
Isola Madre is the largest island and is celebrated for its lush botanical gardens, home to rare plants, exotic flowers, and vibrant bird species. The formal Italian-style Baroque garden is raised on artificial stone giving it the appearance of a stone ship filled with an estimated 2,000 species of flora.
Isola dei Pescatori (Island of the Fishermen) is the most picturesque and charming, with a quaint village of narrow streets, cobbled paths, and traditional lakeside homes. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with restaurants and cafes where visitors can enjoy an espresso or snack between a casual exploration.
Entreves (2 Nights)
Entreves is a picturesque Medieval alpine village located in the Aosta Valley in the Italian Alps, near the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. Known for its cobblestone streets and stone houses, it is a popular destination year-round for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities in both winter and summer. The neighboring city of Courmayeur also offers a variety of restaurants and cafes where visitors can savor local mountain cuisine. Despite the small population, it is a food destination that hosts an annual food festival that attracts chefs and food lovers from all over the country.
- Tour Fenis Castle: Built mainly in the 13th and 14th centuries, the castle served as a prestigious residence for the noble Challant family rather than a purely defensive stronghold. Its double ring of battlements and numerous towers create a dramatic, almost fairytale-like appearance. Inside, visitors can admire beautifully preserved frescoes depicting saints, proverbs, and scenes of daily medieval life. visited cultural landmarks.
- Skyway Monte Bianco Experience: This is an extraordinary cable car that offers breathtaking views of the Italian Alps and the towering Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak. This modern engineering marvel connects the town of Courmayeur to the Punta Helbronner station at over 11,000 feet above sea level. It is one of the most spectacular ways to experience the stunning landscapes of the Mont Blanc massif. The Skyway features a unique rotating cabin, which gently spins as it ascends, allowing passengers to enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, glaciers, and valleys. At the summit, visitors can access observation terraces and enjoy unobstructed views of Mont Blanc, as well as the surrounding French, Italian, and Swiss Alps.
Milan (1 Night)
Milan, Italy’s second-largest city, is a global capital of fashion, design, and culture, offering a perfect blend of historic grandeur and modern sophistication. Located in the northern part of the country, Milan is known for its stylish atmosphere, world-class shopping, and vibrant arts scene. Like other cities, there are several 'must see' sites here and our brief time includes visits to these stunning attractions.
- Half-Day Tour of Milan: One can spend plenty of time in this buzzing city - we recommend coming back here to see even more! Some of the highlights of our day are the following:
Tour Duomo di Milano: Simply known as the Duomo, it is Milan's most iconic and breathtaking landmark, a stunning Gothic cathedral located in the heart of the city. Construction of the cathedral began in 1386 and took nearly six centuries to complete, making it one of the largest and most intricate cathedrals in Europe. Its striking facade is adorned with thousands of statues, spires, and intricate carvings, showcasing the craftsmanship and dedication of generations of architects, artists, and builders.
View Da Vinci's The Last Supper: Captivating visitors from around the world for decades, this masterpiece is immediately recognizable. Painted in the late 1400s, marvel at the scale, emotional depth, and masterful depiction of Jesus announcing at dinner his betrayal.
Explore Piazza della Scala: This is one of Milan's most elegant and historic squares, located just a short walk from Piazza del Duomo. The square is best known for being home to the world-renowned Teatro alla Scala, one of the most famous opera houses in the world, which dominates the northern side of the square. This iconic venue has hosted some of the greatest performances in the history of opera and ballet, making the square an important cultural hub in Milan. The square itself is a beautiful open space, lined with historic buildings, elegant sculptures, and fountains. One of its notable features is the statue of Leonardo da Vinci, located in the center of the square.
Walk Galleria Vittorio Emaneule II: One of Milan's most famous and luxurious landmarks, an elegant 19th-century shopping arcade located next to the Duomo di Milano. Opened in 1877, the Galleria is a stunning example of 19th-century glass-and-iron architecture, featuring a soaring glass roof and intricate mosaics on the floor, depicting various Italian regions. As one of Italy's oldest shopping galleries, it houses luxury brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, making it a prime destination for fashion enthusiasts.
Price: $4,995.00
Single Supplement: $895.00
E-mail us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!
Cancellation Policy & Refunds
There is a $300 administrative fee for all cancellations. Cancellations made 120 days (May 12th, 2026) or more prior to trip departure date are fully refundable except for the $300 fee. Cancellations less than 120 days (May 13th, 2026) prior to the trip departure date will receive no refund of the full amount due. No refunds on unused portions of the tour. Credit card fees and PayPal processing fees cannot be refunded. After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy and are usually non-refundable and changeable with a fee plus new ticket price. Hotels subject to change based on availability.
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