
TASTE OF NORTHERN ITALY: LAND & CRUISE TOUR
May 06 - 23, 2026 ~ 18 Days
May 06 - 23, 2026 - 18 Days
Tour Status - Available
Join Select Holidays on a delicious and scenic journey through Northern Italy, from the lakeside beauty of Garda to the timeless charm of Venice. This pre-cruise tour features rich culinary experiences, including visits to a Grana Padano cheese cooperative, family-run farms, and renowned wine regions like Valpolicella. Explore the historic streets of Verona and Venice, cruise to colorful Burano, and enjoy local hospitality along the way—an unforgettable taste of Italy before you set sail.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Return “Economy Class” airfare from: Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver / Winnipeg / Toronto / Ottawa
Superior Accommodations
Guided tours of Milan, Venice, Verona, Lake Garda region & more
Tours and attractions as outlined in brochure
Tour & tastings of a winery, cheese processing plant etc.
Boat excursions to Sant’Erasmo and Burano Islands
All-inclusive cruise experience (Wi-fi, drinks & gratuities included)
Escorted by Select Holidays
PLUS much more……..
Day 01: Wednesday, May 06, 2026 - International Flight(s)
Depart Canada for overnight flight(s) to Italy. [IFM]
Day 02: Thursday, May 07, 2026 : Milan - Lake Garda, Italy
Upon arrival at Milan Airport, meet with your tour manager. Private coach transfer to the Lake Garda region with a stop in the Franciacorta region for a wine tasting and a visit to a local winery. After the visit, continue towards the southern area of Lake Garda, arriving in the late afternoon. Stay in in the Lake Garda area, known for its charming towns and scenic beauty. [IFM/D]
Day 03: Friday, May 08, 2026 - Lake Garda, Italy
Visit to "Garda Latte," a renowned cooperative in the cheese production sector, known for producing the famous Grana Padano cheese. Enjoy lunch at the local farm with delicious homemade food. Visit the "La Morenica" Dairy Farm for a firsthand look at livestock and dairy production. Dinner and overnight in Lake Garda region [B/L/D]
Day 04: Saturday, May 09, 2026 - Scenic Bus Tour Around Lake Garda, Italy
This day will be dedicated to a panoramic coach excursion around Grada Lake, the largest lake in Italy. The tour will stop at various picturesque villages, historical centers, and small ports that line the lake, including towns such as Bardolino, Grada, Peschiera etc. Dinner and overnight in Lake Garda region. [B/D]
Day 05: Sunday, May 10, 2026 - Verona - Venice, Italy
Begin the day with a guided walking tour of Verona’s historic center (no museum visits included), seeing landmarks like the Arena, Juliet's house, and the beautiful Piazza delle Erbe. Head to the Valpolicella region or Soave region for a wine tasting and lunch at a local winery, sampling some of the area’s renowned wines. Depart for Venice this afternoon, with dinner and overnight in Venice. [B/L]
Day 06: Monday, May 11, 2026 - Discovering Venice, Italy
Enjoy a guided tour of Venice’s historic center, including the iconic Piazza San Marco and the famous Rialto Bridge, (all visits from outside). The afternoon is at your leisure, to explore the narrow streets and canals or relax by the Grand Canal. Overnight in Venice. [B]
Day 07: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 - Day Trip to the Venetian Islands
Take a boat ride to Sant ’Erasmo Island, known for its agricultural production, particularly vegetables. Visit a local producer on the island to learn about their farming techniques. After lunch on own, enjoy a relaxing walk around Burano, known for its colorful houses and lace-making tradition. Return to Venice in the late afternoon, where you’ll have some free time to explore. [B]
Day 08: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - Venice - Board Ship
After breakfast, transfer to the Venice Port for embarkation on the Windstar cruise ship. [B/L/D]
Day 09: Thursday, May 14, 2026: Rovinj, Croatia
Explore Rovinj’s romantic old town with its pastel-colored buildings, seaside promenade, and the hilltop Church of St. Euphemia offering stunning Adriatic views. [B/L/D]
Day 10: Friday, May 15, 2026: Split, Croatia
Walk through history in Split’s Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blends ancient Roman architecture with lively local life. [B/L/D]
Day 11: Saturday, May 16, 2026: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Stroll the majestic city walls of Dubrovnik, “the Pearl of the Adriatic,” with free time to explore its marble streets, baroque buildings, and seaside cafés. [B/L/D]
Day 12: Sunday, May 17, 2026: Kotor, Montenegro
Cruise into one of Europe’s most breathtaking bays and wander Kotor’s medieval Old Town, a maze of narrow streets, Venetian palaces, and fortress views. [B/L/D]
Day 13: Monday, May 18, 2026: Day at Sea [B/L/D]
Day 14: Tuesday, May 19, 2026: Giardini Naxos, Sicily
Discover the charm of Taormina with its Greek theatre and views of Mt. Etna, or opt for a volcanic adventure exploring Sicily’s iconic slopes. [B/L/D]
Day 15: Wednesday, May 20, 2026: Sorrento, Italy
Soak in coastal splendor with access to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, or a relaxing day enjoying Sorrento’s citrus-scented streets and cliffside cafés. [B/L/D]
Day 16 : May 21, 2026: Rome, Italy
Disembark in the Eternal City, where ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and vibrant Roman culture await. Transfer to your city-centered hotel. [B]
Day 17: May 22, 2026: Rome, Italy
Full day on own to explore Rome on your own. During your free time in Rome, wander the charming streets of the Trastevere neighborhood for local shops and authentic trattorias. Visit the iconic Trevi Fountain and toss a coin for good luck, or enjoy people-watching in the lively Piazza Navona. If you're craving art and history, explore the Pantheon or step inside St. Peter’s Basilica in nearby Vatican City. Don’t forget to indulge in a creamy gelato or a classic espresso at a café along the way. [B]
Day 18: May 23, 2026: International Flight(s) to Canada.
Depart for airport for flight(s) home. [B]
PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY - FROM TBD
PLUS AIR, PORT, & GOVERNMENT TAXES OF $TBDCAD PER PERSON
Initial Deposit - $2,500.00 CAD per person at time of booking, plus any airfare upgrades & travel insurance (if required)
Second Deposit - $2,000.00 per person prior to October 15, 2025
Final Payment - is due prior to January 03, 2026