Dolomites & Bernina Express

Alpine lakes, mountain passes and the world's most scenic railway

Alpine lakes, mountain passes and the world's most scenic railway A ready-built creator-led group trip across Italy, 9 days / 8 nights. GoExplorer shapes it into a departure under your name, with route, inclusions and logistics handled.

Italy · 9 days / 8 nights · Best season: May to October · Group size: 8 to 14 travellers

Route

Milan > Bernina Express > Lake Garda > Trento > Bolzano > Merano > Bressanone > Lake Braies > Cortina > Lake Misurina > Bassano del Grappa > Milan

Highlights

  • Bernina Express ride across the Swiss Alps from St. Moritz to Tirano
  • Lake Braies (Pragser Wildsee), the Dolomites' most photographed lake
  • Scenic drive past Lake Misurina and emerald Lake Dobbiaco
  • Cortina d'Ampezzo with views of Tre Cime di Lavaredo
  • Grappa tasting in Bassano del Grappa at Ponte degli Alpini

Day by day

Day 1: Milan

Airport pickup and included transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Milan.

Day 2: Milan > Bernina Express > Milan

Drive to St. Moritz for free time, then board the Bernina Express for one of the world's most scenic train rides across the Bernina Pass to Tirano: alpine villages, tunnels and panoramic mountain views throughout.

Day 3: Milan

Free morning, then a three-hour guided walking tour through the heart of Milan: Porta Venezia, Corso Venezia, Teatro alla Scala from outside and the Duomo, ending at Castello Sforzesco with an aperitivo.

Day 4: Milan > Lake Garda > Trento > Bolzano

South shore of Lake Garda at Peschiera, then Trento with Castello del Buon Consiglio. Continue along Italy's oldest wine route through Kaltern to Bolzano.

Day 5: Bolzano > Merano > Vipiteno > Bolzano

Merano's old town in the morning, then medieval Vipiteno with its Alpine charm. Back in Bolzano, see the Gothic Duomo and Via dei Portici.

Day 6: Bolzano > Bressanone > Brunico > Lake Braies > Cortina

Bressanone's 10th-century cathedral, colourful Brunico beneath Kronplatz, then the headline stop: Lake Braies, ringed by Dolomite peaks. Evening arrival in Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Day 7: Cortina lakes circuit

Scenic drive around the lakes near Cortina with views of Tre Cime di Lavaredo: Lake Misurina, emerald Lake Dobbiaco and the village of San Vito di Cadore beneath UNESCO-listed peaks.

Day 8: Cortina > Bassano del Grappa > Milan

Cross the Venetian Prealps to Bassano del Grappa: the Palladio-designed Ponte degli Alpini, medieval towers and a grappa tasting at the Museo della Grappa. Return to Milan.

Day 9: Milan

Breakfast and included transfer to the airport. Arrivederci!

Inclusions

  • Escorted touring with professional guides
  • 3 and 4-star hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
  • Two dinners plus one local food experience
  • Bernina Express tickets
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance and visas
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses and optional excursions