Fantasia Combo: Italian Masterpieces, Magical Lakes, Alpina & Dolomiti 17 Days Rome - Milan

After breakfast, join your included guided exploration of Ancient Rome.
Meet your professional guide and begin a fascinating journey through the city’s extraordinary archaeological heart. Equipped with personal audio headsets, enter the mighty Colosseum, once the stage for gladiatorial combat, grand spectacles and public entertainment during the Roman Empire.
Continue to Palatine Hill, legendary birthplace of Rome and former residence of Roman emperors, where panoramic views stretch across the ancient city. Your tour concludes at the Roman Forum, once the political, religious and commercial centre of imperial Rome.
The remainder of the day is at leisure for independent sightseeing, shopping or relaxing in one of Rome’s charming cafés.

Today is dedicated to discovering the artistic treasures of Florence.
Joined by your guide, explore the city’s extraordinary Renaissance heritage, including the magnificent Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi’s famous dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery with its celebrated bronze “Gates of Paradise.”
Continue through Piazza della Signoria to admire Palazzo Vecchio before visiting the Basilica of Santa Croce. Lunch is in a traditional Tuscan restaurant overlooking Piazza Santa Croce.
The afternoon is free to continue exploring Florence independently or perhaps join an optional excursion (supplement applies) to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli.

After breakfast, depart for Bologna, renowned for its elegant arcades, medieval architecture and exceptional cuisine. Spend time exploring the historic centre including Piazza Maggiore, Piazza del Nettuno, Palazzo Podestà and the Basilica of San Petronio. Discover why Bologna is considered Italy’s gastronomic capital as you sample regional specialities during an included light lunch and local food experience.
Later continue to Venice, the enchanting Floating City, and check in to your hotel for a two-night stay.

After breakfast, transfer to Piazza San Marco and for a guided walking tour through Venice’s most iconic sights. Admire the magnificent Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), once the seat of Venetian power, and see the famous Bridge of Sighs. Following your tour, relax with a traditional Venetian spritz or prosecco accompanied by delicious cicchetti, Venice’s beloved small tapas-style dishes.
The afternoon is free for independent exploration through Venice’s romantic canals, hidden laneways and elegant squares.

This morning travel to Verona, the romantic city immortalised in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Take a guided tour through its atmospheric streets lined with Roman ruins, medieval buildings and Renaissance palaces. See Juliet’s famous balcony and discover the city’s fascinating blend of history and culture.
Continue into the renowned wine region of Franciacorta, celebrated for its sparkling wines. Here is a light lunch accompanied by local wine tasting before continuing to Bergamo for a two-night stay.

Following breakfast, depart for a scenic excursion to spectacular Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake.
Travel along the picturesque western shoreline surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and mountain scenery. Arrive in Sirmione, one of the lake’s most beautiful towns, where you will experience a scenic boat tour past Scaliger Castle and the ancient Roman ruins known as the Grottoes of Catullus. After free time for lunch (own expense), continue to Desenzano del Garda before returning to Bergamo. Dinner included this evening.

Today travel to elegant Como on the shores of beautiful Lake Como. Board a boat cruise across the lake to glamorous Bellagio, often considered the jewel of Lake Como. Here is time at leisure to wander its charming laneways, admire elegant villas and lakeside gardens, or take lunch in one of the many cafés overlooking the water. Continue by boat to Cadenabbia before travelling onward to Milan for a three-night stay.

Spend a leisurely morning discovering Milan at your own pace.
This afternoon, join a guided walking tour through the city’s historic centre. Discover Porta Venezia, Corso Venezia, the Giardini Indro Montanelli and the elegant Galleria d’Arte Moderna before continuing to the world-famous Teatro alla Scala and the magnificent Duomo di Milano.
Your tour concludes at the impressive Castello Sforzesco. Afterwards, experience a classic Milanese aperitivo with local delicacies served in a refined bakery café. The evening is free at leisure.

This morning, depart for Peschiera del Garda, the picturesque lakeside town on the southern shores of Lake Garda. Surrounded by historic Venetian walls and tranquil waters, it offers a beautiful introduction to northern Italy’s landscapes.
Continue to Trento, a historic alpine city rich in art and architecture. Take time to admire the magnificent Castello del Buonconsiglio — once the residence of the Prince-Bishops of Trento — and the elegant Cathedral of Saint Vigilius (often referred to as Santa Maria Maggiore in local itineraries), known for its important role during the Council of Trent and its beautiful Renaissance character.
After some free time for lunch (own expense), continue through the scenic landscapes of South Tyrol along Italy’s oldest wine route. Rolling vineyards and mountain backdrops accompany your journey to the charming village of Kaltern an der Weinstraße (Caldaro), famous for its winemaking traditions and the peaceful waters of nearby Lake Caldaro.
Your day concludes in Bolzano, where alpine influences blend with Italian culture. Check into your hotel and for a two-night stay in this elegant gateway to the Dolomites.

This morning, depart for Merano, an elegant spa town known for its rich cultural heritage and Alpine setting. Explore the charming old town with its historic arcades and inviting atmosphere. Free time for lunch (own expense). Continue to Vipiteno, a picturesque town celebrated for its medieval architecture and mountain charm. Take time to stroll through its colourful historic streets. In the afternoon, travel to Bolzano. Admire the Gothic-style Bolzano Cathedral and explore Via dei Portici, the lively heart of the city. Remainder of the day at leisure before your returning to Bolzano.

This morning, depart from Bolzano and travel through the spectacular landscapes of the Dolomites. Your first stop is Bressanone, one of the region’s oldest towns, known for its elegant squares and historic centre. Continue to Brunico, a charming Alpine town framed by mountain scenery and traditional architecture. Take time to explore its inviting streets and relaxed atmosphere.
Journey onward to either Lake of Braies or Lake Anterselva, depending on seasonal conditions and tour operations. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and crystal-clear waters, this is one of the most scenic areas of northern Italy.
Continue across the Dolomite mountain landscapes towards the stylish mountain resort town of Cortina for dinner and a two-night stay.

Depart this morning for a day exploring the spectacular scenery of the Dolomites. Travel to Lake Misurina, a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. Continue to Lake Dobbiaco, known for its vivid colours and stunning natural surroundings. Travel onward through the scenic valleys and forests of the region. Arrive in San Vito di Cadore, a charming village set beneath the UNESCO listed mountains of Mt Antelao and Mt Pelmo. Return to Cortina for dinner and overnight.

Depart this morning south through the changing landscapes of northern Italy. Arrive in Bassano del Grappa, a historic town nestled at the foot of the mountains and renowned for its long-standing grappa tradition. Stroll through the attractive historic centre and take in its elegant squares and riverside setting. Visit the renowned Poli Grappa Museum to discover the history, craftsmanship, and production methods behind one of Italy’s most iconic spirits. Learn about the distillation process and the cultural significance of grappa in the region. Conclude your visit with a guided tasting session featuring selected grappa varieties. Continue for your overnight stay in Milan.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

• 24/7 local operator support in Italy
• Return airport transfers
• 16 nights hotel accommodation
• Breakfast daily
• 1 dinner
• 4 local food experiences
• 1 light lunch and wine tasting
• Modern Air-conditioned touring vehicle
• Guided tours in Rome, Florence, Venice, Verona, Milan (local expert guide)
• Hop-On Hop-Off panoramic sightseeing ticket in Rome
• Traditional Tuscan lunch in Florence
• Local food experience in Bologna
• Light lunch and wine tasting in the Franciacorta wine region
• Traditional Venetian spritz or prosecco with cicchetti tasting
• Bernina Express rail experience including transfers to and from St. Moritz and Tirano
• Scenic boat transfers in Como Lake
• Boat tour in Garda Lake & Lake Como
• Travel along Italy’s oldest wine route through South Tyrol
• Visit to Poli Grappa Museum including grappa tasting session
• English speaking tour escort throughout
• Sightseeing and visits as specified in itinerary
• Italy Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

• International Airfares
• Tourist tax to be paid to the hotels
• Optional tours and excursions
• Entrance fees not mentioned
• Drinks during meals
• Porterage
• Mandatory Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above