Embark on a dream week through Northern Italy where adventure meets indulgence. Glide across the tranquil waters of Lake Como, hike the majestic Dolomites, and unwind in the thermal spas of Lake Garda. This journey blends thrill and relaxation in one unforgettable escape.

Day 1 – Arrival in Milan & Transfer to Lake Como

Flight: Morning flight from the UK to Milan Malpensa (~2 hours)

Transfer: Rental car or train to Lake Como (approx. 1.5 hours)

The majestic hills and mountains surrounding the deep blue waters Lake Como. Buildings, including a clock tower, stand in the foreground. — The majestic hills and mountains surrounding Lake Como

Accommodation: Book into your accommodation in Varenna or Bellagio – peaceful, charming lakeside towns.

Afternoon:

Stroll the cobblestone streets, visit Villa Monastero, and relax at a café overlooking the lake.

Evening:

Dinner at a lakeside trattoria with views of the Alps.

Day 2 – Lake Como Adventure + Leisure

Morning:

Kayaking or paddle boarding on the lake – rent from Bellagio or Menaggio.

A young woman sits on a paddleboard, holding up her oar and looking at the camera smiling — Paddleboarding on Lake Como

OR take the funicular to Brunate for a short panoramic hike with epic views of Lake Como and the Alps.

Afternoon:

Visit Villa del Balbianello by boat (famous from James Bond & Star Wars).

Follow up with wine tasting at a nearby vineyard in Domaso (on the north side).

Evening:

Slow dinner in Menaggio or Bellagio. Optional: sunset boat cruise.

Day 3 – On to the Dolomites (Cortina d’Ampezzo area)

Morning:

Scenic drive to the Dolomites (~4.5–5 hours). Stop for lunch in Verona or Bolzano.

Afternoon:

Check in to a wellness hotel or alpine lodge near Cortina.

Evening:

Relax in the spa/hot tub with mountain views. Light walk in town or forest trail.

Day 4 – Adventure Day in the Dolomites

crystal clear aqua bluey green water in the foreground, with bright green trees in mid-shot. Behind, the Dolomites stretch into the sky with bits of snow dotted among them — The Dolomites: A stunning mountain range in the Italian Alps

Morning:

Take a cable car to Cinque Torri or Lagazuoi for breathtaking views.

Extra adventure activities:

Light via ferrata with a guide (suitable for beginners).

E-bike ride through alpine trails or around Lago di Misurina.

Afternoon:

Picnic lunch with views, or mountain rifugio meal.

Evening:

Dinner with local Ladin specialties.

Day 5 – Dolomites to Lake Garda

Morning:

An aerial shot of a road winding through trees, with Lake Garda left of shot. The sky is blue, with sunshine kissing the lake — Picturesque drive to Lake Garda

Drive south to Lake Garda (~3 hours).

Stop at: The charming town of Malcesine or Limone sul Garda.

Check into your Lake Garda Hotel

Afternoon:

Chill on the lakeside.

Optional: gentle sailboat cruise or short nature hike (e.g., Busatte-Tempesta Trail)

Evening:

Aperitivo in a piazza and dinner overlooking the lake.

Day 6 – Explore Sirmione & Spa Time

Morning:

Drive or ferry to Sirmione, a romantic town on a peninsula.
Visit Scaliger Castle and Grotte di Catullo (Roman ruins).

Afternoon:

Treat yourself to a relaxing soak at Aquaria Thermal Spa – with thermal pools and lake views.

A young woman with brown hair is in a bubbling spa pool. Her eyes are closed and her head is bent backwards so her hair in underwater with her face above the surface — Unwind at the Aquaria Thermal Spa

Evening:

Final gourmet meal lakeside with wine from the Valpolicella or Lugana region.

Day 7 – Return to Milan & Departure

Morning:

Drive to Milan Malpensa Airport (~1.5–2 hours).

Optional stop: If time allows, stop in Bergamo Alta – a hidden gem medieval town near the airport.

Afternoon flight: Return to the UK.

How much does it cost?

Here are some cost estimates for your 7-day Northern Italy adventure trip, flying from the UK and including activities in Lake Como, the Dolomites, and Lake Garda. Preferences on travel and accommodation will have a significant impact on final costs.

Tighter Budget: £560 - £800pp

Mid-Range Budget: £850 - £1200pp

Luxury Budget: £1600 - £2800pp

Itinerary split between culture, adventure and relaxation

Itinerary Balance

With a very even split, this holiday is perfect for people who want a bit of everything. Relaxation is served with lakeside lunches, serene ferry rides, and spa time in peaceful towns like Varenna and Bellagio. Experience the local culture via grand villas, lakeside cathedrals, and the timeless charm of Como’s historic streets. And for your adventure fix, hike scenic trails, kayak across the lake, or take a cable car up to Brunate for sweeping alpine views.

When should I go?

A poster image detailing the climate of Northern Italy — Northern Italy’s climate

Alternative Travel Options

Trains

Milan → Lake Como (Como S. G.)

~40 min £4–£7 - Fast, frequent local trains

Milan → Verona

~1h 15m - £10–£25 - High-speed or regional trains

Verona → Venice

~1h 30m - £8–£20 - Easy for a day trip

Milan → Bolzano (Dolomites base)

~3h - £20–£35 - Beautiful alpine route

Tip: Use Trenitalia or Italo for booking. First class upgrades can be affordable and offer extra comfort.

Buses

Intercity (FlixBus, Itabus)

£5–£25 - Good for longer trips like Milan–Venice on a budget

Local buses

£1.50–£5 - Useful in Como, Verona, and Dolomite villages

Tip: Local buses around lakes and mountains run less frequently on Sundays — always check schedules.

Ferry

Como–Bellagio

£8–£10 - Scenic must-do; slow ferries or fast hydrofoils

Lake Garda Routes

£4–£15 - Connects towns like Sirmione, Malcesine, Riva

Tip: Day passes are available and great value if visiting multiple towns.

Have a great trip!

A few of a sunrise out the the window of a passenger plane. The wing of the plane is in view beyond the frame of the window.