Gondola ride near the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy

Cultural Exploration Family Tour of Northern Italy

Ratings of Zicasso's Service
Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Italy

Places Visited

Venice, Bolzano, Milan, Padua...

See all

Suggested Duration

10 Days

From the canal waters of Venice to the jagged and daring peaks of the Dolomites, Northern Italy’s diverse landscape brims with adventure and ancient history. Embark on a gondola ride down Venice’s famed Grand Canal, shop on the 16th-century Rialto Bridge, hike the rugged Dolomite Mountains, and discover the allure of bustling Milan. You will relax on the picturesque Lake Como, making memories with your children as you splash in its refreshing waters. Visit 500-year-old villas, explore an elaborate...

Customizable Itinerary

Expand All

Trip Highlights

  • Discover the history and treasures that lie within St. Mark’s Basilica on your private tour, including seeing the resting place of Jesus’ disciple Mark
  • Embark on an exclusive gondola ride down the Grand Canal in Venice with your personal gondolier, floating past a regal display of canalside palaces
  • Cruise down the enchanting Brenta Canal, visiting elegant 16th-century villas and their luxurious gardens
  • Become acquainted with the patron saint of “lost things,” walking in the footsteps of religious pilgrims on your customized tour through beloved Padua
  • Uncover ancient secrets of medieval tombs and the 3rd largest Roman Amphitheater in Verona
  • Engage with local culture, and revel in its unique gastronomy on an exclusive food tour in the Dolomites
  • Soar high above the villages on a funicular, leading you to remote alpine villages and incredible hiking trails
  • Dive into the crystal blue waters of Lake Como on your private boat tour with the Alps providing a splendid backdrop for your excursion
  • Experience a fascinating behind the scenes tour of Milan’s Duomo, which may be completed with a vibrant sunset as viewed from the expansive rooftop terrace

Detailed Description

Iconic Venice welcomes you to explore the narrow cobblestone streets, the colorful shops, and the calming lagoon waters. You will arrive in Venice’s Marco Polo Airport and meet your tour guide at customs. You and your family will then be escorted to your luxurious accommodation in the heart of the city via private boat taxi. Once you become settled, your guide will lead you on a walking tour of this magical city, highlighting important and mysterious details of the legendary buildings. A private, behind the scenes tour of the glorious St. Mark’s Basilica awaits you at the end of the day. Shopping on the gorgeous Rialto Bridge, exploring the quaint nooks and crannies this city is known for, and basking in a private gondola ride will be just the beginning of what you will experience here in Venice.

Cruising down the Brenta Canal will afford you the opportunity to explore 500-year-old villas and their bountiful gardens. Toward the end of your excursion, there will be a fascinating garden maze that delights kids and adults alike. Here, you can become hopelessly lost amidst the tall green hedges before venturing to lovely Padua to tour Basilica di Sant’Antonio, which is the basilica that millions of Catholics flock to annually in order to pay homage to the patron saint. You can explore medieval marvels and architecture in Verona while becoming entranced with the dramatic stories that emanate from the ancient stones. Shakespeare fans will enjoy visiting the 13th-century home that was the inspiration for the play Romeo and Juliet. Afterward, you can even visit Juliet’s tomb. History buffs will appreciate the largely intact Arena in the center of town that hosted naval battles and gladiator games, and if you time it right, you can sit and watch a delightful Opera where gunfire and combat used to take place.

Then, you will gain altitude quickly as you venture from the coast up into the Dolomite Mountains. Here, your family will enjoy a unique food tour that will introduce you to the unique flavors of this region. You will then set out on a guided hike through trails that display the exquisite views for which this area of Italy is cherished. After a trip into the mountains, it will be time to return to the water and delight in the beauty of Lake Como. Your whole family will be overjoyed during a private boat ride around the lake that will be complete with an opportunity to swim and splash in the crystal-clear, glacial waters. You will be escorted through various lakeside villages and explore timeless villas and their immaculate gardens that sprawl along the shore. Finally, you will culminate your trip in bustling Milan and tour the infamous Duomo, where you can enjoy the vibrant sunset over the city on the rooftop terrace that will be accompanied by hundreds of gothic gargoyles.

Zicasso works closely with the top Italy travel operators to ensure that you have a fully personalized trip of a lifetime.

Starting Price

$3,575 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.89 stars based on 5085 reviews.

Italy Luxury Vacation Review: Milano, Lake Maggiore, Lake...
"We were guided privately every day through different experiences...

Reviewed By Jorge H.

Italy Travel Review: Venice, Verona, Milan, Lake Como, Lake...
"We would definitely recommend using Zicasso to match you...

Reviewed By Jim F.

Italy Luxury Trip Review: Cinque Terre, Lake Como, Florence,...
"Alexia and all the team at the travel agency exceeded our...

Reviewed By rich b.

Italy Vacation Review: Rome, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Florence,...
"This team made sure nothing was missed, checked in regularly,...

Reviewed By Susan D.

Italy Travel Review: Rome, Venice, Milan, History, Local...
"I couldn’t have had a better trip than what the fabulous,...

Reviewed By Naureen A.

Italy & France Trip Review: Paris, Lake Como, Monaco,...
"Sonia did a tremendous job assisting us w/ private transfers,...

Reviewed By Chuck B.

Your Dream Vacation

in 3 simple steps

  1. 1

    Describe your dream trip

  2. 2

    Get matched with top travel specialists

  3. 3

    Book the trip

Free service - no credit card required