Venice plus Dolomites & Lake District Self Drive
Who doesn't dream of a road trip across beautiful Italy? Stop dreaming and jump behind the wheel with this well-planned self-driving itinerary. Your journey starts in Venice. You don't need a car there; walking is the best way to explore this wondrous city built on water. After Venice, your road trip begins in the Dolomites, an area of unfathomable natural beauty with its fair share of dramatic mountain passes. From the peaks of the Dolomites, head to Lake Garda next. You'll be based in Sirmione, a postcard-perfect town on the lake's shore and the perfect gateway to nearby quintessentially Italian towns, such as Mantua, Brescia, and of course, Verona.
One of our team members in Italy will be available to answer any questions and arrange local services leading up to and during your trip. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best Italy has to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon request, we will provide you with an eSIM with data you can use throughout your trip to reach your local JayWay contact, whom you will meet in person. In all our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3- to 5-star accommodation options, including boutique hotels and charming B&Bs. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with a local ambiance.
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What's Included
Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.
Venice
Alta Badia
Sirmione
package excludes:
- Flights from and to your home country.
- Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
- Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
- Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
- Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.
A Travel Advisor who speaks your language
We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation
Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions
We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day
Your destination-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road
Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out
Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.3 Nights in Venice
3 Nights in Venice
3 Nights 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.
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.
Day 1
Day 1 - Arrival in Venice
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.
Day 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.
A City for Lovers
Venice is a city of dreams and romance. A vacation here with your sweetheart will be a memory you’ll cherish forever. It’s hard to go wrong when you’re strolling along the canals in one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the world. There are plenty of wonderful restaurants and bars to visit, and the lights and live music on St. Mark’s Square at night are just lovely. The atmosphere throughout the city is incomparable. Every little alley leads to some new discovery, and the ever-present sound of the sea is enchanting. But of course, no romantic visit to Venice is complete without a gondola ride. As you get close in your own private gondola, floating along on the gentle current as waves lap up against stairs leading to ancient palaces, you’ll know why Venice has always been a city for lovers.
Day 3
Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Venice
Murano Island and History of Glassmaking Private Tour
This four-hour tour will give you insight into the brilliant history of Murano glass-making. You'll tour some local workshops and watch glass-blowers in action while you learn more about how it's done. You'll have plenty of chances to admire these works of art and even to purchase some, if you wish. This is a great way to get a local's point of view on this important Murano craft.
Day 4
Day 4 - Traveling to Alta Badia by Rental Car
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.
3 Nights in Alta Badia
3 Nights in Alta Badia
3 Nights in Alta Badia
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.
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.
Day 4
Day 4 - Arrival in Alta Badia
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.
Day 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.
Day 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.
Day 7
Day 7 - Traveling to Sirmione by Rental Car
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.
2 Nights in Sirmione
2 Nights in Sirmione
2 Nights in Sirmione
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.
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.
Day 7
Day 7 - Arrival in Sirmione
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.
Day 8
Day 8 - Your First Full Day in Sirmione
Sirmione Sunset Private Boat Tour
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.
Day 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.
Glowing Reviews from Our Guests
Average of our Guest's Ratings of tour packages including these destinations
The mountains were more than we could’ve hoped for. The support of the JayWay staff is so important for safe smooth travel.
– Jana & Timothy, California
Visited : Italy, Austria, Germany
Itinerary : Venice, Alta Badia, Innsbruck, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Munich
Rating :
JayWay really thinks of everything. From beginning to the end, our trip ran like clockwork.
– Frank, Margaret, Kristen, Charlie, Alexa & Benjamin, New York
Visited : Italy
Itinerary : Rome, Florence, Venice, Sirmione, Milan, Como, Milan
Rating :