2-Week Winter Journey Through Italy's Snowy Highlights

Day 1: Milan Arrival

Milan, Italy on April 24, 2025

10:00am

Breakfast at Pavé

Enjoy a traditional Milanese breakfast with fresh pastries and espresso at Pavé, a cozy and popular bakery open from 7:30am to 7:00pm.
EUR15, 1h

11:30am

Visit the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

Explore this iconic Gothic cathedral with its breathtaking architecture and take in panoramic views from the rooftop terraces. Open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Luini

Taste famous Milanese panzerotti (fried stuffed pastries) at Luini, open 10:00am to 8:00pm, perfect for a quick delicious lunch.
EUR10, 45m

2:00pm

Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through this elegant 19th-century shopping arcade with luxury shops and cafés. Open daily with most stores open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Sforza Castle

Tour this historic Renaissance castle and its museums, open 7:00am to 7:30pm, for a dose of history and art.
EUR10, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Milanese

Enjoy classic Milanese cuisine such as risotto alla Milanese at this traditional trattoria open 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Milan to Dolomites

Val Gardena, Italy on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before the journey to the Dolomites. Many hotels offer breakfast from 7:00am to 10:00am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Travel from Milan to Val Gardena

Drive or take a shuttle through scenic northern Italy to the Dolomites ski region, which takes approximately 4 hours.
EUR40, 4h

2:00pm

Check-in and settle at your accommodation

Unpack and get ready for mountain activities; choose a cozy mountain lodge with snowfall views.
Hotel cost, 1h

3:00pm

Light snow hike or walk in Val Gardena

Explore scenic walking paths with fresh snow, ideal for acclimatizing and enjoying alpine views. Best from afternoon daylight.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Tubladel

Dine on local alpine cuisine and Ladin specialties in a warm mountain setting, open 6:30pm to 9:30pm.
EUR50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Dolomites Ski Day

Val Gardena, Italy on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast to prepare for the day's ski adventures, usually served from 7:00am to 10:00am.
Included with accommodation, 1h

9:00am

Skiing or snowboarding in Val Gardena

Hit the slopes of the Dolomiti Superski area, open 8:30am to 4:00pm with beautiful snowy trails for all skill levels.
EUR60 for daily pass, 6h

12:30pm

Lunch at Rifugio Emilio Comici

Have a mountain hut lunch offering traditional Tyrolean dishes with stunning views. Open 11:00am to 3:30pm.
EUR25, 1h

4:30pm

Relax at hotel Spa

Unwind with spa treatments or a sauna, commonly available at mountain lodges, perfect after skiing.
EUR30, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Adler Dolomiti Spa & Sport Resort

Savor refined local dishes paired with wine in a luxurious setting. Open 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
EUR60, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Dolomites to Cortina

Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy on April 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading deeper into the Dolomites region.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Travel from Val Gardena to Cortina d'Ampezzo

Drive approximately 2 hours to Cortina, another renowned winter resort area with dramatic snowy peaks.
EUR30, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Al Camin

Relish hearty mountain fare in the heart of Cortina, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm and 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
EUR40, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Cortina town center

Walk through Cortina’s charming pedestrian zone with shops, cafes, and alpine architecture. Open all day.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit the Great War Open Air Museum

Discover WWI history with outdoor exhibits on the mountain fronts, open 9:00am to 6:00pm (seasonally).
EUR12, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tivoli

Dine in one of Cortina’s best restaurants featuring elegant dishes focusing on local ingredients. Open 7:00pm to 10:30pm.
EUR60, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Scenic Cortina & Surroundings

Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a fresh mountain breakfast offered by your accommodation.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Snowshoeing or winter hiking near Cortina

Explore nearby trails with snowshoes for breathtaking snowy landscapes. Equipment rentals available locally.
EUR25 rental, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Rifugio Faloria

Enjoy alpine dishes and panoramic views at this mountaintop refuge, open 10:00am to 4:00pm.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Cortina’s Church and cultural sites

Tour the historic parochial church and local galleries showcasing regional art.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Ariston

Sample local and international dishes in a refined setting, open 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
EUR50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cortina to Venice

Venice, Italy on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast at hotel

Prepare for travel day with a wholesome breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Venice

Drive or take a train/bus to Venice, approximately 3 hours south, transitioning from mountain snow to city canals.
EUR40, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria alla Madonna

Taste fresh Venetian seafood near the Rialto Market, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm and 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR40, 1h

1:30pm

Visit St Mark’s Basilica and Piazza San Marco

Admire Byzantine architecture and enjoy the iconic square, basilica open 9:30am to 5:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Gondola Ride

Experience Venice from its famous canals with a 30-40 minute gondola ride, available throughout the day.
EUR80, 40m

5:00pm

Walk along the Rialto Bridge and nearby shops

Explore this historic bridge and the bustling market area, ideal for evening strolls.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Bancogiro

Enjoy Venetian specialties and fine wines just steps from the Grand Canal, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm and 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Venice Cultural Day

Venice, Italy on April 30, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Florian

Indulge in a historic café experience in Piazza San Marco, open from 9:00am but breakfast seating available early.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Doge’s Palace

Explore the former residence of Venetian rulers with lavish rooms and the Bridge of Sighs, open 8:30am to 7:00pm.
EUR25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Alle Corone

Gourmet Venetian dining close to Doge’s Palace, open 12:00pm to 2:30pm and 7:00pm to 9:30pm.
EUR60, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Murano and Burano Islands

Take a vaporetto to these islands famous for glassmaking and colorful houses. Best to plan 3-4 hours including ferry rides.
EUR20 roundtrip, 4h

6:00pm

Return to Venice & rest

Relax at your hotel or local café after a full afternoon of discovery.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

End the day with authentic Venetian seafood dishes in a cozy atmosphere, open 6:30pm to 11:00pm.
EUR55, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Venice to Florence

Florence, Italy on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Light and early breakfast before heading to Florence by train, open from 7:00am.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train travel to Florence

Take a high-speed train from Venice to Florence, journey duration approximately 2 hours.
EUR50, 2h

11:00am

Visit the Duomo and climb the Dome

Explore Florence’s cathedral and climb Brunelleschi’s Dome for stunning city views, open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy traditional Tuscan dishes in a lively setting, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Uffizi Gallery

Admire world-class Renaissance art in the Uffizi, open 8:15am to 6:50pm. Booking tickets in advance recommended.
EUR20, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Ponte Vecchio and nearby shops

Walk across medieval bridge famous for jewelry shops, ideal for sunset views.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Dine on elegant Tuscan cuisine in a romantic setting, open 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR55, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Florence Art & History

Florence, Italy on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Start your day with specialty coffee and pastries, open from 8:00am to 8:00pm.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Visit Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David

Explore this renowned collection including the iconic David, open 8:15am to 6:50pm. Tickets should be booked ahead.
EUR20, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk in Boboli Gardens

Enjoy the expansive Renaissance gardens behind Pitti Palace. Open 8:15am to 6:30pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Sample an array of fresh Italian foods in this vibrant food market setting, open 10:00am to midnight.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Basilica di Santa Croce

Explore this historic church with tombs of notable Italians, open 9:30am to 5:45pm.
EUR8, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at a café overlooking Piazza della Signoria

Sip coffee and watch street life in historic square.
EUR10, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Savor traditional Tuscan dishes in a cozy, rustic atmosphere, open 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Florence to Rome

Rome, Italy on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final Florentine breakfast before traveling to Rome.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Rome

Take a high-speed train to Rome; journey time is about 1 hour 30 minutes.
EUR60, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Colosseum and Roman Forum

Explore Rome’s ancient amphitheater and ruins, open 8:30am to 7:00pm. Advance tickets recommended.
EUR24, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Luzzi

Casual Roman pizzeria serving authentic thin-crust pizza, open 11:30am to midnight.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Pantheon and Piazza Navona

Stroll through iconic historical sites with free entry to Pantheon, explore fountains and street artists at Piazza Navona.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps)

Sit on the famous steps and soak in lively Roman atmosphere.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma

Dine with views of the Colosseum featuring gourmet Roman cuisine. Open 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR80, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Rome Museums & Vatican

Rome, Italy on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Delicious pastries and coffee to start the day, open 7:30am to 7:00pm.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Visit the world-renowned Vatican Museums and marvel at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Open 9:00am to 6:00pm, last entry 4:00pm.
EUR30, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pizzarium Bonci

Famed for Roman-style pizza al taglio, open 12:00pm to 9:00pm.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

St. Peter's Basilica

Explore the world’s largest church with remarkable art and architecture, open 7:00am to 7:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along Tiber River and visit Castel Sant’Angelo

Historic fortress and museum with beautiful views, open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Armando al Pantheon

Classic Roman trattoria near the Pantheon, open 7:00pm to 10:30pm.
EUR60, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Ancient Rome & Leisure

Rome, Italy on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro

Famous Rome coffee and fresh pastries, open 7:00am to 8:00pm.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Visit Palatine Hill and Capitoline Museums

Explore Rome’s ancient palatial ruins and art collections, museums open 9:30am to 7:30pm.
EUR15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Osteria dell’Ingegno

Contemporary Roman cuisine in a stylish setting, open 12:30pm to 3:00pm.
EUR35, 1h

2:00pm

Free leisure time or shopping

Stroll through Via del Corso for shopping or relax at a café in Piazza del Popolo.
Variable, 3h

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at Il Margutta RistorArte

Vegetarian-friendly fine dining with creative dishes, open 7:30pm to 11:00pm.
EUR70, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Departure

Rome, Italy on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last Italian breakfast with memories of snowy mountain days and city adventures.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Transfer to airport

Travel to Rome Fiumicino Airport for your departure flight.
EUR40, 1h
View Hotel Availability