Venice plus Dolomites & Lake District Self Drive

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.