Venice plus Dolomites & Lake District Self Drive

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Venice

   Venice is a legendary city with a charm and atmosphere all its own. The city was constructed on more than 100 islands connected by a series of canals, most of which are lined with gorgeous palaces, beautiful churches, and all sorts of impressive architecture. While the city isn’t huge, it is packed with pedestrian-only streets and quaint, winding alleys that will keep you exploring for days. The city is very popular with tourists year-round, so you certainly won’t be the only travelers walking through the streets with camera in hand. This being Italy, the cuisine in Venice is delicious, and we can especially recommend the Cicchetti of Venice tour. Cicchetti are Venetian tapas, and this tour will introduce you to some of the city’s most iconic eateries and its most delicious recipes. If it’s your first time in Venice, we can organize a tour to show you all the most important sites. And since no trip to the city of canals is complete without a boat ride, we offer a number of ways for you to get a new point of view of the city and its magnificent architecture. It’s easy to while away your time in Venice, discovering new secrets around every corner.

   Start your Venetian experience off in style by arriving in a private water taxi. We'll arrange a transfer by boat from Venice Marco Polo airport to the closest possible point to your hotel in Venice. Please note that porter assistance from the water taxi to the hotel is not included but can be arranged at extra charge.

   

   Welcome to Venice!

   Enjoy Venice from the very start! Depending on your preference, this can be a relaxing or active time. After that, enjoy an aperitif with a view of the Grand Canal at Erbaria (Rialto), where there are many bars with outdoor seating. Finally, dinner in one of the many restaurants in the Rialto area will definitely make your first evening in Venice a perfect one. If you arrived full of energy and ready to explore, head to the Zattere area and enjoy a stroll along the canal up to Punta della Dogana, where you can admire the view of San Marco and the Grand Canal. The walk to Santa Maria della Salute church is pleasant and you can take the traghetto (a big gondola) to cross the canal.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Venice

   

   Group Walking Tour of Venice

   This walking tour of Venice starts with a historical introduction of St. Marks’s Square, and its architectural delights, allowing you to discover the history of the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica, the illustrious Doge’s Palace, once the seat of the power of the Republic of Venice, and the extraordinary, renaissance clock tower. Leaving the square, you will be guided into the residential Castello area, allowing you to discover this part of Venice in all of its elegance, through its "calli" (a labyrinth of narrow alleys), many bridges, winding canals and "campi," (wide picturesque squares). You can expect to discover the Santa Maria Formosa Square, one of the largest squares in Venice with its church, named after its visitation of the Holy Virgin; the Saints Giovanni and Paolo Square where you will be able to admire the famous church, the resting place of several Doges; and the equestrian monument of Bartolomeo Colleoni, an Italian mercenary captain. The former residence of Marco Polo, probably the most famous Venetian merchant, and the Malibran Theater, are also part of the itinerary. Throughout the tour, our local guide will provide you with historical facts, point out architectural places of interest, and share fascinating anecdotes on how Venice has developed over the ages, and how Venetians live today. The 1.5-hour tour concludes in Saint Mark's Square.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Private Gondola Ride

   A gondola ride is the most iconic and romantic way to experience Venice. Glide through enchanting canals, gently rocked by the water. Admire grand palaces, historic bridges, and hidden corners only visible from the water. Let your gondolier take you through breathtaking views and timeless beauty.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 25 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Venice

   

   Authentic Murano Glass Factory Private Tour

   This tour invites you into Murano’s centuries-old glass-blowing tradition. Watch a master glassblower conjure extraordinary creations right before your eyes, then step into a hidden showroom, normally closed to the public, to admire exquisite glass artworks. After this captivating experience, your water taxi will bring you comfortably back to your hotel, or to Saint Mark Square if you prefer.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

4. Day 4 Traveling to Alta Badia by Rental Car / Arrival in Alta Badia

   

   Today, you’ll leave the canals of Venice behind and head to the picturesque Alta Badia in the stunning Dolomites. You’ll pick up your rental car at Piazzale Roma, the closest point to Venice accessible by car, which is easily reachable via water transport arranged by us. The drive from Venice to Alta Badia takes around 3.5 hours without stops. The second part of the journey takes you through magnificent Alpine scenery with winding roads. We recommend driving with extra caution, especially on weekends and during high season, as the area is popular with motorcyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Along the way, you might choose to make a small detour to admire the stunning hills of Valdobbiadene, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Prosecco wineries. For history enthusiasts, a stop in Vittorio Veneto is worthwhile—this small town was the site of a decisive WWI battle and is home to an interesting military museum.

   Mostly known for being one of the best ski resorts in Europe, Alta Badia is also an amazing summer destination with its lush scenery that offers countless opportunities for an active vacation involving trekking, cycling, or rock climbing in the heart of the Dolomites. For the not-so-active, Alta Badia is still worth a visit for the absolute beauty of its natural landscape, the warmth of its people, and the unique flavors of South Tyrol cuisine.

   After your sightseeing stops, you’ll likely arrive in Alta Badia in the late afternoon, an ideal time to check in to your accommodation and unwind after your drive.

   

   First Night in Alta Badia: A Cozy Alpine Welcome

   Start your evening with a traditional Ladin dinner at a cozy mountain hut, savoring dishes like canederli (dumplings) with speck, spinach, or cheese, served in a steaming bowl of savory broth. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through a picturesque village like Corvara or La Villa, admiring the softly lit Dolomite peaks. If you’re up for adventure, go night sledding or enjoy après-ski drinks at a rustic bar with live music. End the night by relaxing at a spa, unwinding in a sauna with breathtaking mountain views.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Alta Badia

   

   Driving Tour Falzarego pass with Lagazuoi Cable Car, Cortina, Misurina Lake, 3 Cime di Lavaredo and Braies Lake from Alta Badia

   If history, nature, sightseeing, and awe-inspiring vistas excite you, then this driving tour is an absolute gem. Its distinctive route showcases remarkable landmarks, including the ancient Austro-Hungarian empire military station and the ethereal Lake Carezza, known for its mesmerizing green waters and captivating reflections.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 7-8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Alta Badia

   

   Tasting Cultural Diversity

   The cuisine in Alta Badia is a delightful fusion of Ladin, Tyrolean, and Italian flavors, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage. Traditional dishes feature hearty ingredients like mountain cheeses, speck (smoked ham), and fresh local produce, perfect for refueling after outdoor adventures. Must-try specialties include Casunziei, delicate beet-filled ravioli topped with butter and poppy seeds, Canederli, flavorful bread dumplings often served in broth or with melted butter, and Speck e Schüttelbrot, a classic pairing of cured ham and crunchy rye bread. For dessert, don’t miss Strauben, a fried pastry drizzled with powdered sugar and jam, a sweet treat that perfectly captures the essence of Alpine indulgence.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Traveling to Sirmione by Rental Car / Arrival in Sirmione

   

   The drive from Alta Badia to Sirmione takes around 3.5 hours without stops. Along the way, you might consider visiting Bolzano (Bozen in German), a city that has been spared from mass tourism and offers a charming medieval center. Notable highlights include the imposing 13th-century Mareccio Castle and the Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. Another interesting stop is the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home to the famous Neolithic mummy, Otzi the Iceman.

   What do the Roman poet Catullus, James Joyce, Maria Callas, and several other notable people have in common? They all fell in love with Sirmione, this bijou town of unfathomable charm, built on a peninsula caressed by the waters of Lake Garda. Home to one of the best-preserved castles in Italy, the 14th-century Scaligero Castle, and a historic center that's almost unbearably idyllic with its narrow alleys and quintessentially Italian architecture, Sirmione is the perfect place to stay on Lake Garda if you want to make the most of your vacation on this unique setting but also explore beyond the lake.

   You’ll likely arrive in Sirmione later in the afternoon, just in time to check in to your accommodation. Afterward, enjoy the rest of the day relaxing and perhaps take a leisurely evening stroll through the charming streets of Sirmione.

   

   Chill at the Beach

   Who would have thought that a lake has beaches? Turquoise waters surround Sirmione, and at the northern end of the peninsula near the Roman ruins, you will find an angle of paradise at Jamaica Beach. If you want to relax under the sun and take a refreshing dip in the lake, this is the place to go! This is a beautiful and unusual beach with flat slabs of rock extending out into the water where you can enjoy a swim in the shallow waters or rent kayaks from nearby for more active exploration of the peninsula.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Sirmione

   

   Sirmione Private Walking Tour and Boat Tour

   Discover the charm of Sirmione on this guided tour of the picturesque village on Lake Garda. The experience begins with a scenic 40-minute boat tour around the peninsula, offering views of the castle, thermal springs, and Roman ruins. A guided walk follows through the town’s narrow streets, revealing hidden corners and local charm. After some free time, the tour concludes with an in-depth visit to the Grotte di Catullo, where the ruins of a grand Roman villa overlook the lake in a setting rich with poetry and history.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Day Trips from Sirmione to UNESCO World Heritage Sites

   Sirmione serves as a great base for exploring several UNESCO World Heritage sites nearby. Along with Verona, the charming town of Brescia is known for its Roman ruins and the UNESCO-listed Longobard Monastery. For a stunning architectural experience, Mantua is also a UNESCO site, famous for its Renaissance architecture, including the Palazzo Ducale and Teatro Bibiena. Whether exploring historical architecture or soaking in breathtaking views, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Departure Day

   Today, you'll depart from Sirmione and drive to Venice Airport for your return flight. The drive from Sirmione to Venice Airport takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic, so please be sure to allow enough time before your flight departure. Upon arrival at the airport, simply drop off your rental car at the designated rental car drop-off area. Afterward, you'll have plenty of time to check in and prepare for your flight.