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Northern Italian Elegance

9 Days / 8 Nights

Venice, Como, Portofino, Milan

Travel and LeisureFodorsUSA TodayNew York TimesNational GeographicWashington PostVogue

Italy's north is filled with wonders, and this carefully planned itinerary ensures a unique journey across the very best of Northern Italy. There could be no better start to this trip than a couple of days in Venice, one of the prettiest cities the world has ever laid eyes on. This extraordinary city built on water invites you to stroll along its peaceful canals, get lost in its maze of narrow alleys, and sip a glass of prosecco at the iconic Piazza San Marco. From there, your journey continues in Como for spectacular lake vistas and a quest to explore the most picturesque villages in Northern Italy. Speaking of which, postcard-perfect Portofino and the colorful villages of Cinque Terre await next to seduce you with their undeniable charm. Your trip ends in Milan, a bustling metropolis and Italy's capital of fashion, an exciting city where world-class art and countless Aperitivo sessions compose the perfect setting for you to kiss Italy goodbye - for now.

One of our team members in Italy will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best this country offers, 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 that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (whom you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of 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 local ambiance.

Route for Venice, Como, Portofino, Milan tour

2 Nights in Venice

2 Nights in Venice

3 days in Venice
3 days in Venice

2 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.

Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

Welcome to Venice!

Suggestion to explore on your own

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.

Welcome to Venice!

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Venice

Group Walking Tour of Venice

Group Walking Tour of Venice

Included in your vacation package price.

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

Private Gondola Ride

A City for Lovers

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

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.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 30 minutes

Day 3

Day 3 - Traveling to Como by Private Transfer

Based on your preferred departure time, we'll arrange for a water taxi to pick you up from your accommodations in Venice and take you to Piazzale Rome. Our driver will be waiting for you and will take you directly to Lake Como. The drive will take approximately 3 hours. For an additional fee, we can arrange for a two hour stop either at another of Italy's magnificent northern lakes, Garda or in the city of Verona, setting for Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. The beautiful old town of Sirmione is built on a peninsula that extends a long finger into the middle of Lago di Garda. It makes for an ideal lunch stop between Venice and Como. Verona is similarly well placed and a visit to the Ancient Roman amphitheater would be our suggestion there.

Como by Private Transfer
We also offer the following excursions in Venice

Ancient Crafts & Artisans' Workshops Tour
Light3 hours
Authentic Murano Glass Factory Private Tour
Light2 hours
Cortina and Dolomites Private Day Tour
Moderate8 hours
Cortina and the Dolomites Day Small Group Tour
Moderate8 Hours

2 Nights in Como

2 Nights in Como

3 days in Como
3 days in Como

2 Nights in Como

Surrounded by stunning green hills, Como is the famous lake's main town. Dotted with charming squares, imposing churches, and gorgeous historical buildings, Como's Old Town overlooks the mesmerizingly beautiful Lake Como. For theater lovers, the Teatro Sociale di Como, the town's opera house, has hosted world-renowned musicians, such as Liszt and Paganini. Combining the magic of a typically Italian town with the utter beauty of the scenery that engulfs it, Como serves as the perfect base to explore the extended area of Lake Como and its charms.

Surrounded by stunning green hills, Como is the famous lake's main town. Dotted with charming squares, imposing churches, and gorgeous historical buildings, Como's Old Town overlooks the mesmerizingly beautiful Lake Como. For theater lovers, the Teatro Sociale di Como, the town's opera house, has hosted world-renowned musicians, such as Liszt and Paganini. Combining the magic of a typically Italian town with the utter beauty of the scenery that engulfs it, Como serves as the perfect base to explore the extended area of Lake Como and its charms.

Day 3

Day 3 - Arrival in Como

The driver will take you to your accommodation by Lake Como.

Day 4

Day 4 - Your First Full Day in Como

Best of Como Lakeside Private Driving Tour (from Como Town)

Lakeside Wonders

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

Lake Como has been famous as a holiday retreat since its Roman days. The area offers a unique combination of beautiful natural settings with historic and cultural attractions alongside shopping and spa opportunities, all close to Milan and Switzerland. We can help you navigate the lake and surroundings, with a rented boat, or a private tour from the land or water. Since the roads are narrow and twisting, parking is nearly impossible to find, and there is little room for cars in lakeside villages, so we recommend letting a local guide who knows the roads drive you around instead, offering insights and parking in spots reserved for locals.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 8 Hours

Day 5

Day 5 - Traveling to Portofino by Private Transfer

You're leaving the calm waters of Lake Como behind today. A driver will pick you up at your accommodations based on your preferred departure time and take you to your destination accommodations in Portofino. The journey will take approximately four hours, depending on the time of day, weather, and traffic conditions.

Portofino by Private Transfer
We also offer the following excursions in Como

1-Hour Private Lake Como Boat Tour
Light1 hour
3-Hour Private Lake Como Boat Tour
Light3 hours
8-Hour Private Lake Como Boat Tour
Moderate8 hours
Como Small Group Food Tour
Light2 hours and 30 minutes

3 Nights in Portofino

3 Nights in Portofino

4 days in Portofino
4 days in Portofino

3 Nights in Portofino

Clustered around a crescent-shaped harbor filled with summer yachts and lined with outlets of Gucci, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton, seafood restaurants, cafés, and luxury hotels, Portofino is one of the most popular resorts along the Italian Riviera. Renowned for the colorful buildings that adorn its shore, romantic Portofino breathes luxury at every step. For a more laid-back vibe, use nearby and utterly picturesque Santa Margherita Ligure as a base instead.

Clustered around a crescent-shaped harbor filled with summer yachts and lined with outlets of Gucci, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton, seafood restaurants, cafés, and luxury hotels, Portofino is one of the most popular resorts along the Italian Riviera. Renowned for the colorful buildings that adorn its shore, romantic Portofino breathes luxury at every step. For a more laid-back vibe, use nearby and utterly picturesque Santa Margherita Ligure as a base instead.

Day 5

Day 5 - Arrival in Portofino

Your driver will take you to your accommodations in Portofino.

Day 6

Day 6 - Your First Full Day in Portofino

Private Cinque Terre Hiking & Wine Tour

Private Cinque Terre Hiking & Wine Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

If you're looking for an immersive hiking experience through some of the most beautiful trails in Italy, look no further than this private hiking tour in the Cinque Terre National Park. The hike will lead you up through the Cinque Terre's most beautiful village, through pine forests and the famous terraced vineyards where you will witness stunning views over the sea and the tiny little villages. Your guide will introduce you to more than a thousand years of history of winemaking and once you reach Corniglia, you will taste these fine wines and enjoy some local snacks like focaccia or vegetable cakes.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3/4 hours

Day 7

Day 7 - Your Second Full Day in Portofino

Private Walking Tour in Portofino and Pesto Course in Rapallo

Private Walking Tour in Portofino and Pesto Course in Rapallo

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

Discover the beauty of Portofino on this private walking tour. Learn how to make the authentic local pesto by joining a cooking class in Rapallo, another gem of the area that you will be able to explore on your own after the end of the cooking class.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 4.5 Hours

Day 8

Day 8 - Traveling to Milan by Private Transfer

Today, you will leave Portofino and travel to Milan. A driver will pick you up at your accommodations based on your preferred departure time and take you on a three-hour journey. Please note this is a non-guided transfer.

Milan by Private Transfer
We also offer the following excursions in Portofino

Private Day Trip to Genoa
Moderate6 hours
Private Hiking Tour to San Fruttuoso
Moderate4/5 hours

1 Night in Milan

1 Night in Milan

2 days in Milan
2 days in Milan

1 Night in Milan

Italy’s fashion and business hub, Milan fizzes with energy. But don't let the city's professional side fool you: this is a place that prides itself on history and culture, and the locals always seems to be having a good time. Milan's signature building is the Duomo, an imposing Gothic cathedral that sits in the heart of this former Roman capital. The combination of its size and beauty make it a must-see sight. You can also look forward to elegant evenings at the legendary La Scala opera, charming cafes and restaurants, great shopping opportunities, and breathtaking art and architecture. Home to Da Vinci's Last Supper, Milan is also rich in art galleries, from the old masters to contemporary art. This being Italy, you'll find delicious cuisine here too, and the "aperitivo" is one of the most interesting traditions of Milan gastronomy. At many of the city's cafes and bars in the early evening you can pay a slightly higher price for a drink and get your pick from a free buffet. It's one of the best ways to experience the different flavors of Milanese cooking. The compact city center means that one or two days should be enough to satisfy your curiosity.

Italy’s fashion and business hub, Milan fizzes with energy. But don't let the city's professional side fool you: this is a place that prides itself on history and culture, and the locals always seems to be having a good time. Milan's signature building is the Duomo, an imposing Gothic cathedral that sits in the heart of this former Roman capital. The combination of its size and beauty make it a must-see sight. You can also look forward to elegant evenings at the legendary La Scala opera, charming cafes and restaurants, great shopping opportunities, and breathtaking art and architecture. Home to Da Vinci's Last Supper, Milan is also rich in art galleries, from the old masters to contemporary art. This being Italy, you'll find delicious cuisine here too, and the "aperitivo" is one of the most interesting traditions of Milan gastronomy. At many of the city's cafes and bars in the early evening you can pay a slightly higher price for a drink and get your pick from a free buffet. It's one of the best ways to experience the different flavors of Milanese cooking. The compact city center means that one or two days should be enough to satisfy your curiosity.

Day 8

Day 8 - Arrival in Milan

Your driver will take you to your accommodation in the center of Milan.

Milan City Center Private Tour with Fiat 500

Milan City Center Private Tour with Fiat 500

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

This unique tour gives you the chance to explore Milan in the driver's seat of a vintage Fiat 500. Over the course of two hours, you'll cruise the streets and explore some of the most notable architecture and sites in the city in one of Italy's most iconic vehicles. There will be several stops for photos ,and you'll get a real feel for the unique atmosphere of this charming, romantic city.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 2 hours

Day 9

Day 9 - Departure Day

We will arrange for a driver to transfer you to Milan's main international airport, Malpensa, in plenty of time for your flight.

We also offer the following excursions in Milan

Best of Como Lakeside Private Tour from Milan
Light9 hours
Best of Milan: The Last Supper, Duomo & City Small Group Tour
Light3 hours
Easy Entrance Duomo, Underground, and Terrace Small Group Tour
Light2.5 hours
Historical Tour of Milan and the Last Supper Group Tour
Light3 hours

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

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Venice Marco Polo Airport Transfer
Group Walking Tour of Venice
Venice Water Taxi Piazzale Roma Transfer
Venice - Como Private Transfer

Como

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Como - Portofino Private Transfer

Portofino

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Private Cinque Terre Hiking & Wine Tour
Portofino - Milan Private Transfer

Milan

1 Night Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Milan Malpensa Airport Transfer

package excludes:


  • Flights to and from Europe.
  • 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
Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

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 Europe-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.
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