Milan, Lake Garda - 8 Days Itinerary

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Milan and check into your accommodation.

Take some time to freshen up before starting your city exploration.

Plan your transfer from the airport to your hotel in advance for a smooth arrival. You can use a taxi or public transport.

Duomo di Milano Visit

Explore the magnificent Duomo di Milano, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Consider climbing to the rooftop for panoramic city views.

Book your tickets online in advance to save time and ensure entry. Dress appropriately for a place of worship (shoulders and knees covered).

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through Italy's oldest active shopping gallery, an impressive four-story double arcade, home to luxury shops and restaurants.

Don't forget to spin on the bull's testicles in the central mosaic for good luck!

Milan Private Tour - Duomo, Sforza Castle & Gelato Tasting

A private guided tour introducing you to Milan's most significant sights including the Duomo area, and a gelato tasting.

This tour offers a local expert's perspective and a delicious gelato experience. It covers some ground, so wear comfortable shoes. This tour is priced per person and tailored for a group.

Dinner in Brera District

Enjoy dinner in the charming Brera district, known for its artistic atmosphere and diverse restaurants.

Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, perfect for a relaxing evening.

Fiera di Sinigaglia Flea Market

Immerse yourselves in Milan's oldest and most famous flea market.

Browse for antiques, vintage clothing, records, and quirky collectibles.

Operates primarily on Saturdays. Be prepared to haggle and bring cash. It's a great place for unique souvenirs.

Sforzesco Castle & Museums

Visit the historic Sforzesco Castle, housing several museums and art collections, including Michelangelo's Rondanini Pietà.

Explore the castle courtyards for free, or purchase tickets to access the museums. It's a vast complex.

Relax in Parco Sempione

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or relax in Parco Sempione, located behind Sforzesco Castle, offering green spaces and views of the Arch of Peace.

Milan Private Walking Tasting Tour

Discover the Navigli area's culinary traditions with a private walking and tasting tour, sampling a variety of Milanese dishes and drinks.

This tour is a fantastic way to experience Milan's food scene. Wear comfortable shoes as it involves walking. This is a private tour for your group.

Pinacoteca di Brera

Visit one of Italy's foremost public art galleries, housing a superb collection of Italian paintings, particularly from the Venetian and Lombard schools.

The gallery is closed on Mondays, but open on Sundays. Book tickets in advance, especially for weekend visits.

Market Tour and Cooking Class

Join a local chef for a market tour to select fresh ingredients, followed by a hands-on cooking class where you'll learn to prepare traditional Italian dishes.

A fantastic cultural and culinary experience. You'll learn secrets of Italian cuisine and enjoy the fruits of your labor. This tour is priced per person.

Leisure & Aperitivo

Enjoy some free time for relaxation, shopping, or a classic Milanese aperitivo before dinner.

Farewell Milan Dinner

Have a final delightful dinner in Milan, perhaps trying a restaurant you've noticed or revisiting a favorite area.

Travel to Lake Garda

Take a train from Milan (Milano Centrale) to Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera del Garda, the main train stations on the lake.

Trains run frequently. Book in advance for slightly better rates, though regional trains are generally flexible. From the station, you can take a local bus, taxi, or ferry to your specific town.

Check-in at Lake Garda Accommodation

Arrive at your hotel or apartment near Lake Garda and check in.

Settle in and prepare for an afternoon of exploration.

Lunch in Sirmione

Enjoy a lakeside lunch in the charming town of Sirmione, famous for its picturesque old town and thermal springs.

Explore Sirmione & Scaliger Castle

Wander through Sirmione's historic center, visit the impressive Scaliger Castle, and enjoy the beautiful lake views. Consider a quick dip in the natural thermal spring (Lido delle Bionde).

Scaliger Castle entrance fee applies. The Grotte di Catullo, Roman ruins at the tip of the peninsula, are also worth visiting.

Lakeside Aperitivo

Enjoy an aperitivo with stunning views of Lake Garda as the sun begins to set.

Dinner with Lake Views

Savor a delicious dinner at a restaurant overlooking Lake Garda, perhaps trying some local fish specialties.

Explore Bardolino & Wine Tasting

Visit the charming town of Bardolino, known for its wine.

Explore the lakeside promenade and perhaps enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery.

Bardolino is easily accessible by ferry or bus from other lake towns. Many wineries offer tastings; look for 'degustazione' signs.

Lunch by the Lake

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Bardolino or another nearby town.

Scenic Lake Ferry Ride

Take a scenic ferry ride across the lake to enjoy the stunning landscapes from the water, connecting different towns.

Ferries are a great way to experience the lake and travel between towns. Check schedules in advance as April might have reduced frequency.

Relaxation or Local Shopping

Enjoy some free time for relaxation at your accommodation, by the lake, or browse local shops for souvenirs.

Lake Garda Dinner

Conclude your day with a final dinner by the lake, perhaps choosing a restaurant with a different view or cuisine.

Drive to Dolomites (Ortisei)

Embark on a scenic drive from the Lake Garda region into the heart of the Dolomites, heading towards the charming Val Gardena area.

Enjoy the changing landscapes as you transition from lake to mountains.

Hotel Check-in in Ortisei

Check into your accommodation in Ortisei, the main village in Val Gardena, known for its woodcarving tradition and stunning mountain backdrop.

Settle in and prepare for an afternoon of exploration.

Val Gardena Scenic Drive

Take a panoramic drive through Val Gardena, exploring picturesque villages like Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena.

Admire the towering peaks of the Dolomites, even if some higher cable cars are closed, the valley views are magnificent. You can drive towards Passo Gardena for incredible vistas, checking local conditions for accessibility.

Confirm road accessibility for higher passes in April due to potential snow. Lower valley roads are generally open.

Evening Stroll in Ortisei

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the pedestrianized center of Ortisei.

Browse local shops featuring traditional wood carvings and enjoy the ambiance of this beautiful mountain village.

Dinner in Ortisei

Savor a traditional South Tyrolean dinner at a local restaurant in Ortisei, featuring regional specialties influenced by both Italian and Austrian cuisine.

Val di Funes & Santa Maddalena

Drive to Val di Funes, one of the most iconic valleys in the Dolomites, famous for its picturesque Santa Maddalena church set against the dramatic Geisler mountain group.

Enjoy the stunning panoramic views and take a short, accessible walk around the area.

Excellent spot for photography. The trails around the church are generally accessible.

Lunch in a Mountain Village

Enjoy a light lunch at a traditional restaurant or 'Gasthof' in one of the charming villages in Val di Funes or nearby, savoring authentic local dishes.

Visit Lago di Carezza

Drive to Lago di Carezza (Karersee), also known as the 'Rainbow Lake', famous for its vibrant emerald waters and the backdrop of the Latemar mountain range. A short walking path circles the lake, offering various viewpoints.

The lake is beautiful in all seasons, but its colors are most striking on a sunny day. The path around the lake is easy.

Dinner in Val Gardena

Return to Val Gardena for a final Dolomites dinner, perhaps trying a different restaurant in Ortisei or Selva to experience more local flavors.

Morning Walk & Coffee

Enjoy a final morning in the Dolomites.

Take a short walk near your hotel or a local viewpoint, soaking in the fresh mountain air and the stunning scenery one last time. Grab a coffee and pastry at a local cafe.

Drive back to Milan

Begin the journey back to Milan.

This will be a substantial drive, allowing for rest stops along the way. Enjoy the final views of the Italian countryside as you travel from the mountains to the city.

Check into Milan Hotel

Upon arrival in Milan, check into your accommodation.

Take some time to freshen up and relax after the drive.

Farewell Dinner in Milan

Enjoy a farewell dinner in Milan, perhaps at a restaurant you discovered earlier in the trip, or try a new one to celebrate your Italian adventure.

Prepare for Departure

Spend some time organizing your luggage and preparing for your departure from Milan tomorrow.