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Itinerary

Six days to discover three completely different sides of Northern Italy: the more authentic side of Venice and its lagoon islands, the contemporary energy of Milan, and finally the postcard-perfect scenery of Lake Como.

We start in Venice, but this time we leave the major landmarks in the background and focus on a different side of the city: Dorsoduro, quieter canals, artisan workshops, and the islands of Murano and Burano.

Then we hop on a high-speed train and completely change scenery. Milan welcomes us with the Duomo, its rooftop terraces, Brera, the Navigli canals, and neighborhoods that showcase the most modern side of Italy.

And finally, the lake. From Milan, we head out for a full day between Varenna and Bellagio, traveling by train and ferry while the water, mountains, and colorful lakeside villages do the rest.

A short but complete trip, designed for travelers who want to experience Northern Italy without spending half the vacation packing and unpacking.

Welcome to Milan: Brera and Navigli

Our Northern Italy adventure starts in Milan.

We’ll meet at the hotel in the late afternoon, giving everyone the freedom to choose the most convenient flight, train, or transportation option to reach the city.

We drop off our bags, meet our new travel crew, and head straight out for our first taste of Milan.

We begin in Brera, one of the city’s most charming and atmospheric neighborhoods.

Historic buildings, hidden courtyards, small boutiques, cafés, galleries, and cobblestone streets give this part of Milan a completely different feel from the modern skyline we’ll discover later in the trip.

It’s the perfect place to start getting to know both the city and each other.

Aperitivo on the Navigli

As the afternoon turns into evening, we head toward the Darsena and Navigli, one of the liveliest areas in Milan.

And there’s really only one proper way to kick off a trip here: aperitivo.

We stop together along the Naviglio Grande, order whatever we feel like drinking and enjoy our first evening as a group.

The aperitivo is part of our group experience but is not included in the trip price, so everyone is free to choose and pay for their own drinks and food.

Cocktails, canals, and a brand-new travel crew — our Northern Italy adventure has officially begun.

Dinner and the rest of the evening are free.

The Heart of Milan

After breakfast, it’s time to really get to know Milan.

Together with a local guide, we start from the city’s ultimate landmark: the Duomo di Milano.

We make our way up to the Duomo Rooftops, where we can literally walk among Gothic spires, statues, and pinnacles while taking in the city from above.

Back at street level, we cross the spectacular Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of Milan’s most recognizable landmarks, and continue toward Piazza della Scala.

From here, we make our way toward the Sforza Castle and Parco Sempione.

In just a few hours, we move through centuries of Milanese history.

Two Sides of One City

After lunch, Milan changes completely.

We leave the historic center behind and head toward Porta Nuova, where the city reveals its most contemporary side.

We walk through Piazza Gae Aulenti, surrounded by modern skyscrapers, and see the famous Bosco Verticale the Vertical Forest.

From here, we continue into Isola, where old Milanese courtyard buildings, independent restaurants, street art, design, and contemporary architecture all coexist within the same neighborhood.

Few Italian cities change personality as quickly as Milan.

Historic palaces in the morning, skyscrapers in the afternoon.

The evening is free.

We can head back to Brera, stay around Isola for dinner, discover another neighborhood, or simply enjoy Milan at our own pace.

Tomorrow we leave the city behind for a completely different landscape.

Back to Milan

The alarm goes off a little earlier today but there’s a good reason.

After breakfast, we head to Milano Centrale and board a direct train to Varenna, right in the heart of Lake Como.

In just over an hour, skyscrapers and city streets are replaced by mountains, historic villas, colorful villages, and water.

Welcome to Lake Como.

Varenna

We start our day in Varenna, one of the most picturesque villages on the lake.

From the train station, we walk down toward the waterfront and follow the famous Lovers’ Walk, a scenic pedestrian path running right along the lake.

Then we head into the village itself, exploring narrow streets, stone stairways, colorful houses, and tiny squares overlooking the water.

There’s some free time to explore at your own pace.

Those who want to can visit Villa Monastero and its gardens, while anyone looking for something slower can grab a coffee and simply enjoy the view.

All Aboard: Next Stop, Bellagio

Now it’s time to see Lake Como from its best perspective: the water.

We board a ferry and cross the lake to Bellagio, surrounded by mountains, waterfront villages, and historic villas.

Once we arrive, we wander through Bellagio’s famous stairways and picturesque streets filled with small boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.

Lunch is free, giving us the chance to choose a local trattoria together or grab something quick before continuing to explore.

Those who want can visit the gardens of Villa Melzi, while everyone else can enjoy some free time in town.

No rush. This is Lake Como, after all.

Back to Milan

In the afternoon, we ferry back to Varenna and catch the train to Milan.

Tonight is our final evening in the city.

We can choose a restaurant together, have a glass of wine, or head back to one of our favorite areas from the previous days.

Tomorrow, we change scenery again.

Next Stop Venice

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Milan and make our way to the train station.

We board our high-speed train from Milan to Venice.

No rental cars, no long road transfers just a comfortable train journey that takes us straight from one city center to another.

As soon as we step out of Venezia Santa Lucia station, everything changes.

No cars. No roads.

Just canals, boats, bridges, and one of the most unique cities in the world.

We drop off our bags at the hotel and head straight out to explore.

Dorsoduro: A Different Side of Venice

Our first introduction to Venice takes us away from its busiest landmarks and into Dorsoduro, one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods.

We walk through quiet canals, small bridges, hidden courtyards, and artisan workshops.

Along the way, we pass the Squero di San Trovaso, one of Venice’s few remaining traditional boatyards, where gondolas are still built and repaired.

From here, we continue toward the Zattere, a beautiful waterfront promenade overlooking the Giudecca Canal.

Eventually, we reach Campo Santa Margherita, one of the liveliest local gathering spots in the city.

Venice After Dark

The evening is ours.

We can stop for an aperitivo, choose a traditional bacaro, find a local trattoria, or simply keep walking with no particular destination.

This is one of the best times to experience Venice.

As the day-trippers leave, the streets become quieter and the city feels completely different.

Tonight, we get to enjoy it.

Exploring the Venetian Lagoon

After breakfast, we head out onto the water.

Today we leave Venice’s historic center behind for a few hours and explore two of the most famous islands in the Venetian Lagoon.

Our first stop is Murano, a name that has become synonymous with glassmaking around the world.

We visit a local glass workshop and watch a traditional Murano glassblowing demonstration, seeing firsthand how skilled artisans transform molten glass using techniques that have been passed down for generations.

Then it’s back on the vaporetto.

All the Colors of Burano

Burano feels like somebody turned up the saturation.

Pink, blue, yellow, green, orange brightly painted houses line the canals and make practically every corner photogenic.

We wander through the island’s small streets and bridges, discovering the local atmosphere and its long tradition of lacemaking.

There’s free time for lunch and to explore at our own pace.

Those with a sweet tooth can also try a bussolà, Burano’s traditional buttery cookie.

Back to Venice: Cannaregio

In the afternoon, we return to Venice and make our way toward Cannaregio.

This is another side of the city residential, lively, and full of small bars and restaurants.

We walk along Fondamenta della Misericordia before reaching the historic Jewish Ghetto, one of the most fascinating areas of Venice.

Quiet squares, narrow passages, and centuries of history make this neighborhood feel worlds away from the monumental heart of the city.

And just like that, it’s our last evening.

We can stay in Cannaregio, find a local bacaro, choose a trattoria, order one last Spritz, and toast to six very different days in Northern Italy.

From Milan’s skyline to Lake Como and the Venetian Lagoon — we’ve covered quite a lot of ground.

Arrivederci, Venice

After our final breakfast together, it’s time to say goodbye.

There are no scheduled group activities today, giving everyone the freedom to arrange their journey home or continue exploring Italy.

For those flying home, Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the most convenient option.

And for anyone continuing their Italian adventure, Venezia Santa Lucia station offers easy train connections to destinations throughout the country.

Six days ago, we met for the first time in Milan.

Since then, we’ve walked between Gothic spires and contemporary skyscrapers, sailed across Lake Como, explored Varenna and Bellagio, crossed Northern Italy by high-speed train, watched glassmakers at work in Murano, and wandered through the colorful streets of Burano.

Not bad for an Express.

What's included

What's not included

Roundtrip flight to/from destination
  • Food and beverages when not specified
  • All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
  • Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section

Optional activities

  • Transportation to Venice
  • Local transportation in Venice not included in the lagoon excursion
  • Museums and attractions not specifically listed

Additional info

Learn more about accommodation, transport, and other useful travel information.
  • Rooms with single or double beds and a private bathroom.
  • Train schedules are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control, such as delays
  • Info on private roomsShow all details

Why WeRoad

  • Small groups, on average 11 people

  • Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure

  • Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed

The Group Leaders

Our Group Leaders are chosen because they’re people just like you: passionate travelers who share the experience authentically, while having the skills to take care of the organisation, and help you get the most out of every moment of the trip.

Find your flight

For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.

ArrivalMilan (MIL)
ReturnVenice (VCE)
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A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader.

This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.

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