After landing at Venice Marco Polo, collect your rental car and drive north through the Veneto countryside, stopping for espresso and pastries at Ponte di Piave before climbing into the foothills. Pause for a brisk, low-elevation stroll around the lake at Lago di Santa Croce, where gentle paths and panoramic views of jagged peaks ease you into Dolomite scenery before continuing to your Cortina-area base.
After your lakeside stroll, continue higher into the Dolomites and stop for a relaxed alpine lunch at Passo Tre Croci, where terrace cafés offer mountain views and light Tyrolean dishes. In the afternoon take an easy, well-marked walk around the meadows near Rifugio Auronzo-a gentle 2-4 mile loop with minimal elevation gain that delivers dramatic vistas of the surrounding crags, then arrive at your Cortina-area accommodation in time to settle in and enjoy a sunset aperitivo in Cortina d'Ampezzo's pedestrian center.
Unwind your first evening with dinner at a cozy mountain tavern in San Vito di Cadore, savoring hearty local polenta and speck while watching the alpenglow on nearby peaks. Afterward, take a gentle post-meal stroll along the tree-lined promenade by Lago di Centro Cadore or enjoy an aperitivo on a terrace in Cortina d'Ampezzo as twilight settles, letting the sound of distant church bells and the clean mountain air set the tone for the week ahead.
Begin with a gentle, well-marked loop from Lago Federa, where mirror-like water and wildflower-fringed paths offer calm reflections of the crags-this 2-3 mile walk stays mostly flat and includes benches for lingering photos. After the lakeside amble, drive a short way to Malga Cengia for a light mountain brunch of local cheeses and house-baked bread on a sunny terrace, with an optional short stroll through nearby alpine meadows to spot marmots and enjoy unobstructed views of the towering Dolomite faces.
After your lakeside morning, drive to the charming alpine hamlet of Cortina's Faloria cable car and ride partway up for panoramic terraces; from the upper station take a gentle 2-3 mile ridge walk toward Monte Faloria with plenty of benches and photo stops that keep elevation gain minimal. Later, descend to the valley and stroll through the flower-filled meadows around Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti d'Ampezzo, finishing with a relaxed late-afternoon coffee on the verandah of Rifugio Scotoni while watching soft light bathe the peaks-an easy, scenic continuation of your Dolomite introduction.
As dusk falls, head to Lagazuoi's lower cable car area for a short, paved sunset stroll along the accessible viewpoints that look back toward the Tofane group-perfect for golden-hour photos without steep climbing. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed dinner in the nearby village of Miserin (or a similar local hamlet), sampling Ladin specialties and local wine on a terrace, then finish with a gentle post-meal walk under the stars along the illuminated village lanes to soak in mountain tranquillity.
Set out after breakfast for a sweeping drive along the Great Dolomites Road, pausing at the panoramic overlook by Passo Giau to stretch your legs and drink in ivory cliffs framed by larch trees. From there, take a short, well-marked loop through high meadows to Rifugio Fedare (an easy 2-3 mile walk with modest climbs), where a terrace espresso and views of the imposing Sorapiss massif reward you before a slow, scenic descent back toward your Cortina-area base.
After your morning at Passo Giau and Rifugio Fedare, take a leisurely drive toward the Falzarego area and stop at Passo Valparola for an easy stroll around the World War I open-air museum trails, where short, well-marked paths and interpretive signs make the history and landscape accessible without steep climbs. Continue to Lago di Misurina for a peaceful lakeside walk along the shore and a late-afternoon gelato at the lakeside café, then finish by winding the road back through pine-scented switchbacks, arriving at your Cortina-base in time for an aperitivo on a sunny terrace.
As the light softens, drive to the foothills around San Cassiano and enjoy an easy, paved promenade through the village center before settling on a terrace for aperitivo with mountain views. Follow this with a short sunset stroll along the gentle, well-signed path to Lago di Braies' lesser-known neighbor, Lago di Limides, where mirror-flat water and the evening hush create a peaceful backdrop for dinner at a nearby agriturismo serving hearty Alpine fare.
After a relaxed breakfast, drive toward your new base and pause for a gentle orientation walk through the flower-lined streets of Santa Cristina Val Gardena, popping into local craft shops to admire woodcarvings and pick up picnic supplies. Continue with an easy, mostly-flat stroll along the scenic footpath from Ortisei to the nearby Seceda cable car lower station-enjoy panoramic valley views and a short meadow walk above the town that stays well within your 5-mile / 1,000-ft comfort zone and sets a leisurely tone for settling into Val Gardena.
After settling into your Val Gardena lodging, take a short drive to St. Ulrich/Ortisei's funicular area and enjoy a gentle, paved walk through the flowered terraces toward Alpe di Siusi's lower meadows-this 2-3 mile loop stays mostly level and offers postcard views of the Sassolungo group without strenuous climbing. Later, wander the old streets of Selva di Val Gardena, popping into a family-run café for strudel and espresso, then follow the riverside promenade to the small Museum Gherdeina for a relaxed dive into local woodcarving and Ladin culture before an early evening aperitivo back at your base.
After checking into your Val Gardena lodging, wander into the historic center of Selva di Val Gardena for an early-evening passeggiata, stopping to admire the painted facades and artisan woodwork in boutique shops before settling on a terrace. Then drive a short way to Monte Pana for a gentle, paved sunset loop (well under 3 miles) with panoramic views of the Sassolungo and a cozy alpine tavern-enjoy buckwheat pancakes or local canederli and a glass of grappa as twilight softens the peaks.
Set out after breakfast for a scenic but manageable outing on the gentle slopes above Compatsch (Alpe di Siusi), taking the well-graded trail toward the panoramic viewpoint at Bullaccia - the route is a steady, mostly even 3-4 mile loop with only modest climbs and frequent benches for photos of the Sassolungo and Sella groups. After the loop, reward yourselves with a long terrace coffee and slices of homemade strudel at Rifugio Panorama, then stroll the nearby flower-rich meadows toward Castelrotto's lookout for a final, easy viewpoint before returning to your Val Gardena base for a relaxed lunch.
After lunch, drive up to Seceda's higher pastures and take the mellow ridge trail toward the Furchetta viewpoint - a mostly even 2.5-3 mile walk with well-placed benches that delivers sweeping views of the Odle peaks and valley villages. Finish with a restorative stop at Rifugio Fermeda for a slice of homemade cake and a warming cup of tea while you watch afternoon light sweep across the Sella group, then return to your base with time to freshen up before an evening stroll in the village.
Wind down with a short drive to the charming alpine hamlet of Chiusa (Klausen) where you can wander the medieval streets and enjoy panoramic views from the hill above the old town. Dine at a family-run osteria near Santuario di Santa Croce, sampling local game or a mushroom risotto, then take a gentle post-dinner stroll along the illuminated riverfront by Isarco River to listen to the evening bell tones and watch the valley lights come alive.
Drive a short way to the high pasture plateaus around Rasciesa and take the mellow, well-maintained trail through larch woods and flower-strewn meadows toward the panoramic terrace at Monte Rasciesa-an easy 2-3 mile out-and-back with plenty of benches and photo stops that keeps elevation gain gentle. After the walk, stop for a late-morning aperitivo and local apple cake at the hilltop Rasciesa panoramic café, then descend via the scenic forest path to browse the artisan stalls in the nearby village of Santa Cristina before returning to your Val Gardena base for a relaxed lunch.
After lunch, take a short drive to Alpe di Siusi's Seiser Alm plateau and enjoy a leisurely 2-3 mile loop that passes flower-filled pastures and rustic rifugi-stop at Rifugio Osteria for a slice of strudel and panoramic views of the Sella group. Later, continue by car to the peaceful valley hamlet of Fiè allo Sciliar for a gentle lakeside stroll around Lago di Fiè, with time to relax at a café on the shore while watching reflectively lit peaks as the afternoon light softens.
As twilight approaches, drive to the charming hamlet of Ortisei's nearby St. Ulrich Church area for a relaxed passeggiata through walnut-lined streets and artisan shops, then continue a few minutes to the peaceful meadow overlooking Sassolungo's western face for soft-light views. Finish with dinner at a family-run agriturismo near Monte Pana, where you can savor local canederli and a glass of Alto Adige wine on a terrace while hearing cowbells drift down from the pastures.
Leave the Dolomites after an early breakfast and take a scenic, low-stress drive that pauses at Bassano del Grappa for a stroll across the famous wooden Ponte Vecchio and a quick tasting of local grappa at a town distillery; the riverside cafés are perfect for a light mid-morning snack. Continue toward the airport with a relaxed stop at Villa Pisani in Stra to stretch your legs through its formal gardens and maze-an easy, elegant finale to the mountain portion of your trip before returning the car and catching your afternoon flight to Sicily.
Drive down from the mountains with a relaxed stop in Treviso to wander its charming canal-lined center and enjoy a leisurely lunch of cicchetti and prosecco at Piazza dei Signori; the flat, historic streets are perfect for stretching your legs without strenuous walking. Later, detour to Parco del Sile for a gentle riverside stroll among willow trees and slow-moving water-an easy, restorative final taste of Veneto nature-before returning the rental at the airport and checking in for your afternoon flight to Sicily.
After returning your rental and arriving at the airport city, enjoy a relaxed evening neighborhood stroll and dinner near Campo San Polo (if in Venice) or Navigli (if in Milan), sampling regional small plates-fresh seafood and cicchetti in Venice or risotto alla Milanese and aperitivo alongside the canals in Milan. Finish with a leisurely post-dinner walk to take in local atmosphere at Fondamenta Zattere (Venice) or a twilight boat-side promenade on the Darsena (Milan), then board your evening flight to Sicily feeling refreshed and ready for the next chapter.
After collecting your Sicily rental at the airport, take a relaxed coastal drive toward Taormina with a first stop at Giardini Naxos to stretch your legs on its pebbled shore and enjoy a seaside espresso while watching local fishermen. Continue up the coast to pause for a gentle, 1-2 mile cliffside promenade through the botanical terraces of Isola Bella (accessible by short ferry or walkway) and then arrive in Taormina to check in and wander the historic upper town, starting with a light morning visit to the panoramic terrace by Piazza IX Aprile for sweeping sea and Mount Etna views before a leisurely brunch at a café on Corso Umberto.
Drive a short way from Taormina to the coastal village of Letojanni for a relaxed seaside lunch on a palm-lined promenade, then take a gentle 1-2 mile stroll along the shore to the small fishing harbor to watch boats come and go. Later, head inland to the terrace gardens of Villa Comunale (or nearby public gardens if in a different town) for shaded pathways and panoramic views of the Ionian coast, finishing with an easy visit to Castelmola's café piazza for almond wine and sweeping vistas before returning to your Taormina base to settle in.
As the sun lowers, drive a short way to the clifftop hamlet of Mazzarò for a relaxed waterfront aperitivo and sea-breeze views, then take the panoramic chairlift up to Taormina Mare for a gentle stroll along the promenade and a chance to watch fishing boats glide home. For dinner, settle into a trattoria near Piazza Duomo to sample fresh swordfish or caponata, then finish with a twilight walk through the softly lit lanes toward Porta Catania, pausing for gelato and the warm glow of town life before returning to your base.
Begin with a seaside stroll along the palm-lined promenade of Sicilian Riviera (near Giardini Naxos), then drive a short way to the dramatic coastal headland of Capo Taormina for an easy 2-3 mile loop that skirts low cliffs and offers close-up views of the Ionian Sea and fishermen casting nets. After the walk, linger over a relaxed brunch of granita and brioche at a café in Piazza Duomo (Taormina) and enjoy sweeping vistas of the bay and distant Mount Etna before a gentle visit to the nearby botanical terraces of Villa Comunale for shaded paths and postcard panoramas.
After brunch, drive down the coast to the sheltered bay at Sirenes Bay (Baia delle Sirene) for a gentle 1-2 mile shoreline stroll and the chance to watch local fishermen mend nets while sampling fresh arancini from a beachside kiosk. Next, head inland a short distance to the terraced lemon groves around Castello di Taormina for a shaded, flat walk through scented orchards and a visit to a family-run limoncello maker for a tasting and behind-the-scenes look at their production before returning to town for an evening aperitivo.
As dusk falls, head to the clifftop village of Taormina's Belvedere di Tricania for a short, paved sunset promenade with unobstructed views of the Ionian coast and Mount Etna glowing in the distance; pause at a lookout bench to watch fishing boats head home. Afterward, drive a few minutes to the historic seaside hamlet of Isolabella and enjoy a seafood-focused dinner at a waterfront trattoria, then take a gentle post-meal stroll along the softly lit harborfront, finishing with a gelato while the town's lamps reflect on the water.
Drive gently up the slopes of Mount Etna to the Silvestri crater area and take an easy, well-marked 2-3 mile loop across the lava fields with interpretive signs and dramatic volcanic vistas, pausing at Rifugio Sapienza for coffee and a short guided talk about recent eruptions. Afterward, descend to the fragrant vineyards of Randazzo for a shaded stroll through ancient stone streets and a visit to a family-run cellar for a light wine tasting and bruschetta made with local olive oil before returning to your Taormina base for a relaxed noon break.
After your Mount Etna morning and a leisurely lunch, head to the sheltered lava-formed coves of Cala Junker (near Torre Archirafi) for a gentle 1-2 mile coastal walk along soft volcanic rock and pebble beaches, with plenty of benches and sea-spray views. Later, drive to the hillside village of Acireale to stroll its baroque center and the seaside promenade of Lungomare di Acireale, pop into a pastry shop for cassata or a granita, and finish with a calm sunset from the panoramic terrace above Punta Campanella before returning to Taormina.
As evening falls, unwind with a short coastal drive to Capo Calavà for a gentle sunset promenade along the clifftop path-benches and viewpoints make it an easy, picture-ready walk as the Ionian Sea turns gold. Follow this with dinner in the seaside village of Faro Capo Mulini, dining on grilled catch and lemon-dressed salads at a waterfront trattoria, then finish with a leisurely post-meal stroll through the softly lit harbor of Marina di Cottone, where fishermen mend nets and local gelaterie stay open for a nightcap.
After an easy check-out from your Taormina-area base, drive west along the coastal highway and pause for a refreshing seaside walk at Cefalù's long sandy beach followed by espresso on the Piazza del Duomo while admiring the Norman cathedral's façade. Continue inland to the hilltop town of Castelbuono for a gentle stroll through its medieval lanes, a visit to the handsome Matraxia Castle courtyard, and a tasting of local manna and artisanal cheeses at a family-run shop before completing the short drive to your Palermo-area accommodation.
After arriving at your Palermo-area base and checking in, take a short drive to Monreale to wander the shaded cloister and admire the golden mosaics inside the cathedral, then enjoy a leisurely lunch on a terrace overlooking the Conca d'Oro valley. Later, head down to the coastal town of Mondello for a gentle promenade along the palm-lined beach and a relaxing gelato while watching local families and fishermen; finish the afternoon with a calm seaside aperitivo at Foro Italico as the light softens over the Tyrrhenian Sea.
After settling into your Palermo-area lodging, head to the seaside village of Sferracavallo for a relaxed waterfront aperitivo with fresh seafood tapas while watching local fishing boats return. For dinner, drive a short way to Capaci and dine at a family-run trattoria serving swordfish involtini and pasta alla Norma, then finish the night with a gentle moonlit stroll along the beach promenade of Addaura, where the coastal cliffs and soft surf provide a peaceful end to a day of travel and exploration.
Start with a slow, sensory morning wandering the lively stalls of Ballarò Market, sampling fresh ricotta, olives and warm sfincione while chatting with vendors; follow this with a shaded walk through the nearby historic quarter to admire the exterior of Church of the Gesù and its ornate Baroque facades. Then head to the peaceful green terraces of Giardino Inglese for a riverside bench and a light picnic of local pastries before a short drive to the seaside promenade at Via Maqueda to continue your gentle exploration of Palermo's neighborhoods.
Drive a short way to the coastal fishing village of Sferracavallo for a leisurely waterfront lunch of grilled pesce spada at a family-run ristorante, then stroll the marina to watch local boats and visit the small Museo del Mare for maritime memorabilia. Later, head inland to the hillside village of Monte Pellegrino and take the easy, paved promenade to the panoramic terrace by Santuario di Santa Rosalia for sweeping views over Palermo and the Tyrrhenian Sea, finishing with an aperitivo on the terrace as afternoon light softens the coast.
As dusk settles, enjoy a seaside aperitivo at La Cala di Palermo's waterfront bars, then take a gentle, lantern-lit stroll along the promenade toward Foro Italico to watch the sky deepen over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Afterwards, dine at a warm, family-run trattoria in Kalsa-sample fresh sardine pasta and local Nero d'Avola-then finish with a short walk through the atmospheric, narrow lanes of Vucciria Vecchia to soak in late-evening street life and music.
Enjoy a relaxed final morning with a short, fragrant walk through the sunlit citrus terraces of Villa Romana del Casale (orchard picnic area) where you can savor leftover pastries and a last cup of Sicilian coffee beneath lemon trees before checking out. Return toward Palermo with a gentle stop at Capo Gallo Nature Reserve for a 1-2 mile coastal stroll along easy paths and final sea-air views, then drive to Falcone-Borsellino Airport to refuel, return the rental car, and complete airport check-in with time for a leisurely espresso at Aeropuerto Café before boarding.
Spend a relaxed final afternoon with a short coastal detour to Sferracavallo Marina for a leisurely waterfront lunch of grilled fish and a last taste of Sicilian lemon wine, followed by an easy 1-1.5 mile stroll along the sheltered breakwater to watch local boats. Then drive inland for a calming stop at Parco della Favorita where shaded avenues and orchard groves offer benches to pack, sip coffee, and stretch before returning the rental car at Falcone-Borsellino Airport with time to spare for duty-free treats and a final espresso at Aeroporto Bar Palermo.
If your flight is later in the evening, linger over a final relaxed dinner at Trattoria ai Cascinari near the old port for a last plate of pasta alla Norma and a glass of local Nero d'Avola, then take a gentle post-meal stroll along the palm-lined promenade at Foro Italico to watch the twilight over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Finish with a short drive to Falcone-Borsellino Airport, return the rental at the airport desk, and enjoy a calm final espresso and souvenir shopping at Aeroporto Bar Palermo before boarding your overnight flight home.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Venice Marco Polo Airport (arrival) | Free |
| Rental car pickup (Venice) - compact for 12 days (per person, 4 sharing) | €120 |
| Ponte di Piave espresso & pastry (café stop) | €5 |
| Lago di Santa Croce (stroll) | Free |
| Lunch at Passo Tre Croci (mountain café) | €20 |
| Rifugio Auronzo - short meadow loop | Free |
| Cortina d'Ampezzo aperitivo (terrace) | €12 |
| San Vito di Cadore dinner (mountain tavern) | €30 |
| Lago di Centro Cadore promenade stroll | Free |
| Lago Federa walk | Free |
| Malga Cengia brunch (typical) | €18 |
| Faloria cable car (one-way or return) | €12 |
| Monte Faloria ridge walk | Free |
| Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti d'Ampezzo (park access) | Free |
| Rifugio Scotoni coffee/snack | €8 |
| Lagazuoi lower cable car / sunset viewpoint | €18 |
| Dinner in Miserin or nearby hamlet | €28 |
| Great Dolomites Road drive (Passo Giau stop) | Free |
| Rifugio Fedare espresso/terrace stop | €6 |
| Passo Valparola / WWI open-air museum trails | Free |
| Lago di Misurina lakeside gelato | €5 |
| Promenade in San Cassiano | Free |
| Lago di Limides stroll | Free |
| Transfer drive to Val Gardena (fuel share per person) | €25 |
| Santa Cristina Val Gardena orientation walk & shopping | Free |
| Seceda cable car (return) | €30 |
| Alpe di Siusi lower meadows loop | Free |
| Museum Gherdeina (small local museum) | €6 |
| Monte Pana sunset loop (paved) | Free |
| Dinner at alpine tavern (Monte Pana area) | €28 |
| Compatsch (Alpe di Siusi) - Bullaccia loop | Free |
| Rifugio Panorama coffee/strudel | €7 |
| Seceda to Furchetta ridge trail (gentle section) | Free |
| Rifugio Fermeda cake/tea | €6 |
| Chiusa (Klausen) evening stroll | Free |
| Dinner near Santuario di Santa Croce (osteria) | €26 |
| Rasciesa Monte Rasciesa trail and panoramic café | €6 |
| Rifugio Osteria (Alpe di Siusi strudel stop) | €6 |
| Lago di Fiè lakeside stroll & café | €5 |
| Ortisei passeggiata and Sassolungo viewpoint | Free |
| Fuel / tolls returning toward Venice or Milan (per person share) | €30 |
| Bassano del Grappa stroll & grappa tasting (small tasting) | €8 |
| Villa Pisani gardens (entry) | €8 |
| Treviso lunch (cicchetti & prosecco) | €18 |
| Parco del Sile riverside stroll | Free |
| Flight Venice/Milan to Sicily (per person economy, estimate) | €120 |
| Sicily rental car pickup (per person, 6 days split 4 ways) | €80 |
| Giardini Naxos seaside espresso | €4 |
| Isola Bella access / walkway (Taormina area) | €6 |
| Piazza IX Aprile panoramic terrace (Taormina) | Free |
| Brunch on Corso Umberto (typical) | €18 |
| Letojanni seaside lunch | €20 |
| Villa Comunale gardens (Taormina) | Free |
| Castelmola almond wine tasting (small glass) | €5 |
| Mazzarò aperitivo & chairlift to Taormina Mare | €10 |
| Taormina trattoria dinner (seafood) | €35 |
| Sicilian Riviera / Giardini Naxos promenade stroll | Free |
| Capo Taormina coastal loop | Free |
| Baia delle Sirene shoreline stroll & arancini | €8 |
| Lemon grove visit & limoncello tasting (family-run) | €10 |
| Belvedere di Tricania sunset promenade | Free |
| Mount Etna Silvestri craters loop (Rifugio Sapienza area) - cable/park access | €15 |
| Randazzo cellar light wine tasting | €12 |
| Cala Junker coastal walk | Free |
| Acireale baroque center & pastry stop | €6 |
| Capo Calavà sunset promenade | Free |
| Faro Capo Mulini dinner (seaside) | €30 |
| Cefalù beach stroll & espresso | €5 |
| Castelbuono stroll & local tastings | €8 |
| Monreale cathedral entry | €6 |
| Mondello promenade & gelato | €6 |
| Sferracavallo waterfront aperitivo | €12 |
| Capaci family-run trattoria dinner | €28 |
| Ballarò Market tasting (self-guided) | €10 |
| Church of the Gesù (exterior visit) | Free |
| Giardino Inglese picnic items | €6 |
| Museo del Mare (small maritime museum) | €4 |
| Santuario di Santa Rosalia terrace (Monte Pellegrino) | Free |
| Parco della Favorita stroll | Free |
| Villa Romana del Casale orchard picnic area (note: main villa is farther; assumed local picnic) | Free |
| Capo Gallo Nature Reserve coastal stroll | Free |
| Falcone-Borsellino Airport fees / snacks (final espresso) | €5 |
| Return rental car (Palermo) fees included (per person share) | €10 |
| Flight Palermo to Birmingham (economy estimate per person) | €400 |
| Miscellaneous snacks/drinks / contingency per day (12 days prorated per person) | €120 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | €2,136 |