Dolomites & Bernina: Alpine Italy
A small-group journey linking Milan, the Bernina Express, South Tyrol, and the Dolomite lakes.
An overview
Discover the best of Northern Italy on this nine-day, small-group journey through vibrant cities, mountain landscapes, and elegant towns. Ride the Bernina Express into Switzerland, explore the vineyards and historic centers of South Tyrol, and enjoy the serene beauty of the Dolomite lakes. With curated guided visits, scenic touring, and comfortable hotels, this itinerary offers both the highlights and hidden corners of Alpine Italy.
- Ride the iconic Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps
- Explore the art, architecture and history of Milan
- Discover Lake Garda, Trento, and the South Tyrolean wine road
- Stroll amid the medieval streets of Bolzano, Merano, and Vipiteno
- Admire the Dolomite peaks and crystal-clear Alpine lakes
- Included dinners in Cortina and authentic aperitivo in Milan
- Walk the Ponte degli Alpini and taste grappa in Bassano del Grappa
Day by Day
Arrival in Milan
Arrive in Milan, meet your private driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to relax or begin exploring Milan on your own. Overnight in Milan.
Bernina Express & St. Moritz
After breakfast, travel by road to chic St. Moritz, where you have free time to explore the Swiss resort town. Then board the Bernina Express for one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys across the Bernina Pass toward Tirano, passing picturesque Alpine villages and dramatic mountain landscapes. Meet your driver in Tirano for the return to Milan. Overnight in Milan.
Milan Exploration
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and a morning at leisure to see more of Milan independently. In the afternoon, join your local guide for a three-hour walking tour through the city center, starting near Porta Venezia and passing Corso Venezia, the Indro Montanelli Gardens, and the Gallery of Modern Art. See notable sites like Via Manzoni, the exterior of La Scala, the Duomo façade, and Castello Sforzesco. Finish the afternoon with an included Milanese aperitivo. Overnight in Milan.
Lake Garda, Trento & Caldaro Wine Road
Depart Milan after breakfast and journey to Peschiera del Garda, a charming town on the southern shore of Lake Garda. Continue to Trento to view the exterior of Castello del Buonconsiglio and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. After lunch at your leisure, follow the historic South Tyrolean wine road through Caldaro, a village famed for its vineyards and scenic lake, before arriving in Bolzano. Overnight in Bolzano.
Merano & Vipiteno
Discover Merano, where Alpine architecture meets Mediterranean influences in the heart of the charming old town. After time for lunch at leisure, continue to Vipiteno, a beautifully preserved medieval town surrounded by mountains. Return to Bolzano to see its Gothic cathedral and elegant Via dei Portici, with the evening free for independent exploration. Overnight in Bolzano.
Bressanone, Brunico & Lake Braies
Begin with Bressanone in the Eisack Valley, known for its impressive cathedral and blend of Austrian and Italian heritage. Continue to the colorful streets of Brunico with views towards the Alps. In the afternoon, visit the emerald waters and dramatic backdrop of Lake Braies, or Lake Anterselva if conditions require. Travel onward to Cortina d'Ampezzo for dinner and the overnight stay.
Dolomites Lakes & Scenic Drive
After breakfast, set out to explore the scenery around Cortina d'Ampezzo. Take in panoramic views of the Dolomites and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, visit the tranquil lakes of Misurina and Dobbiaco, and stroll through San Vito di Cadore, surrounded by majestic peaks. Return to Cortina for free time, dinner at the hotel, and the overnight stay.
Bassano del Grappa & Return to Milan
Travel to Bassano del Grappa at the foot of the Venetian Prealps. Walk the picturesque historic center, see the Ponte degli Alpini spanning the Brenta River, and enjoy a visit and tasting at the Grappa Museum. Then return to Milan for your final overnight stay.
Departure from Milan
After breakfast, enjoy your airport transfer. Your journey concludes in Milan.
A bespoke proposal can be tailored to your dates and party.
In your journey
- 8 nights in the listed hotels or comparable properties with daily breakfast
- Airport arrival and departure transfers in Milan
- Transportation by coach or private vehicle according to the group itinerary
- Bernina Express journey and scheduled road transfers between Milan, St. Moritz and Tirano
- Three-hour guided walking tour of Milan
- Milan aperitivo with one included drink
- Two included dinners in Cortina
- Scenic touring through Lake Garda, South Tyrol and the Dolomites
- Visit to the Grappa Museum in Bassano del Grappa with tasting
Worth knowing
- International and domestic flights
- City taxes payable directly at the hotels
- Lunches and meals not specifically listed as included
- Beverages unless specifically included with an experience
- Travel insurance, gratuities and personal expenses
- Passport or visa costs and any documentation required for entry into Switzerland
A sense of place
Questions, answered
Anything else on your mind? Speak to a concierge directly.
+1 210 303 9960No. This is a small-group escorted journey operating on selected departure dates.
A journey rewritten in your name
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