Northern Italy · Small Group Journey

Bella Northern Italy

9 Days / 8 Nights

Venice · Asolo · Verona · Lake Garda · Bologna

Journey beyond Italy’s familiar landmarks into a quieter north of hill towns, vineyard landscapes, lakeside villages and cities shaped by art, history and extraordinary food.

9 DaysBalanced Pace
Venice to BolognaNorthern Italy
8–12 GuestsMax 16
4–5 Star HotelsDeluxe Collection
Tour CaptainHosted Throughout
From $7,579Per Person

Beyond Italy’s Famous Cities

A quieter rhythm in Northern Italy

Begin in Venice, then move into the Veneto’s riverside towns, Palladian heritage and hilltop horizons. Three nights in Verona create room for the city itself, Valpolicella wine country, Sirmione and Lake Garda. Bologna provides a fitting finale amid porticoes, layered history and the culinary traditions of Emilia-Romagna.

The pace balances shared discoveries with time to follow your own curiosity.

Rooftops and bell tower in the hill town of Asolo

Why Now Journey

Northern Italy, with someone handling the details

A thoughtfully hosted route makes room for both shared discovery and the pleasure of choosing your own pace.

Small enough to move naturally

Designed for 8–12 guests, with a published maximum of 16, the group can settle into towns and tables without feeling unwieldy.

Hosted throughout

Your Tour Captain supports orientation, daily flow and logistics throughout, working alongside local guides where the program includes them.

Time in the places that matter

Two nights in Asolo, three in Verona and two in Bologna reduce hotel changes and give each chapter room to unfold.

Guidance without over-scheduling

Included walks and dining are balanced with optional dinners and intentional personal time.

Hotels selected for the route

The four- and five-star Hotels Collection is chosen to support the itinerary; named properties always remain or similar.

Journey by Chapters

Five chapters from Venice to Bologna

Follow the route at a glance, then step into the full story day by day.

Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge rooftops in Venice at sunset

Chapter One · 1 night · Day 1

Venice

Begin beside the canals and hidden lanes before turning inland toward a lesser-traveled Northern Italy.

  • Hidden Venice Discovery Walk
  • Welcome dinner

Hotel Saturnia & International or similar

Explore Day 1 →
Rooftops and bell tower in the hill town of Asolo

Chapter Two · 2 nights · Days 2–3

Treviso, Asolo & the Veneto Hills

Hilltop horizons, literary history and time to linger establish the route’s gentler rhythm.

  • Treviso and the City of 100 Horizons
  • Asolo walk, personal time and included dinner

Villa Cipriani or similar

Explore Days 2–3 →
Palladio's ornate stage inside Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza

Chapter Three · 3 nights · Days 4–5

Vicenza, Verona & the Veneto

Palladian artistry leads into Verona, where three nights create time for Roman stone, piazzas and evening character.

  • Marostica, Vicenza and Teatro Olimpico
  • Verona walk, Arena and principal piazzas

Hotel Due Torri or similar; Verona remains the base through Day 6

Explore Days 4–5 →
Sirmione peninsula seen from the water on Lake Garda

Chapter Four · Day excursion from Verona · Day 6

Valpolicella, Sirmione & Lake Garda

The vineyards give way to water, from Valpolicella’s wine country to Sirmione and Lake Garda.

  • Sirmione walk and Lake Garda boat experience
  • Masi Tenuta Canova food-and-wine experience

Returns to Verona; this is not an overnight stop

Explore Day 6 →
Bologna's illuminated porticoes at night

Chapter Five · 2 nights · Days 7–9

Bologna & Emilia-Romagna

The route closes beneath Bologna’s porticoes, where history and regional food come together at the table.

  • Orientation and local guide
  • Culinary discovery, personal time and final Apericena

Art Hotel Commercianti, Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni or similar

Explore Days 7–9 →

Day by Day

The complete 9-day itinerary

Nine distinct days, with included experiences, personal time, optional moments and overnight stays clearly set apart.

Day 1 · Chapter One

Venice · The Journey Begins

Arrival dayDiscovery WalkWelcome dinner1 night in Venice

The journey begins beside the canals, where Venice provides one final glimpse of familiar Italy before the route turns inland.

Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge rooftops in Venice at sunset

Arriving in Venice

Guests arrive at the hotel near San Marco and settle in. An optional airport-arrival experience may be requested through reservations and is subject to availability.

Hidden Venice

In the afternoon, meet your Now Journey Tour Captain for “Hidden Venice,” the Journey’s Discovery Walk through the city’s lanes and canals.

Welcome dinner

The group gathers for an included welcome dinner with premium beverages.

Where we stay — 1 night with breakfast

Hotel Saturnia & International or similar.

Day 2 · Chapter Two

Treviso and the Road to Asolo

BreakfastTrevisoAsolo Discovery WalkIncluded dinner2 nights in Asolo

Beyond Venice, the landscape softens into rivers, cultivated plains and the foothills of the Veneto.

Historic stone architecture and tower in Asolo

Treviso and the Marca

Travel to Treviso, still known by its ancient name, Marca, in a landscape associated with the Piave, Sile and Livenza rivers.

The City of 100 Horizons

Continue to Asolo, check in and begin a Discovery Walk through the hill town known as the “City of 100 Horizons.”

Welcome to Asolo dinner

Dinner with wine and premium beverages is included this evening.

Where we stay — 2 nights with breakfast

Villa Cipriani or similar.

Day 3 · Chapter Two

Asolo and the Art of Lingering

BreakfastGuided explorationLiterary historyLeisure time

Asolo rewards the traveler who slows down long enough to notice its views, gardens and stories.

Rooftops and bell tower in the hill town of Asolo

Writers, artists and asolare

Walk the City of 100 Horizons with your Tour Captain and hear of Robert Browning, Freya Stark, Hemingway and Cardinal Bembo. The local idea of asolare suggests spending time in pleasurable aimlessness — a fitting way to understand Asolo.

An afternoon shaped by you

The balance of the day is intentionally open: linger over lunch, return to a favorite lane or simply let the hill-town pace set the agenda.

Day 4 · Chapter Three

Marostica, Vicenza and Arrival in Verona

BreakfastMarosticaVicenzaTeatro OlimpicoIncluded dinner3 nights in Verona

The Veneto’s architecture and civic history unfold on the road from Asolo to Verona.

Palladio's ornate stage inside Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza

Marostica and its living chessboard

Pause in Marostica, known for the life-size chess game associated with its central square.

Palladio’s Vicenza

Continue to Vicenza, where the Teatro Olimpico stands among the city’s defining artistic wonders.

Verona at evening

Arrive, check in and join a Discovery Walk that introduces Verona as the light begins to change.

Welcome to Verona dinner

Dinner is included this evening.

Where we stay — 3 nights with breakfast

Hotel Due Torri or similar.

Day 5 · Chapter Three

Verona · Roman Stone and Renaissance Piazzas

BreakfastWalking explorationArenaJuliet’s HouseLeisure timeOptional dinner

Verona is a city best understood on foot, from Roman stone to the lively piazzas at its center.

Verona architecture and street lamps in warm evening light
Piazza delle Erbe and Torre dei Lamberti in Verona

The heart of Verona

Walk with your Tour Captain past Juliet’s House, the Arena, Piazza Bra, Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori.

Verona on your own

The balance of the day is yours for cafés, shopping, art, churches or an unhurried return to the city’s streets.

Tonight

Dinner with the Tour Captain is optional and not included, or choose your own evening independently.

Day 6 · Chapter Four

Valpolicella, Sirmione and Lake Garda

BreakfastSirmioneBoat experienceWinery visitFood and wineOptional dinner

The vineyards give way to water. Today links Lake Garda’s peninsula and mountain-framed shoreline with the wine country beyond.

Sirmione peninsula seen from the water on Lake Garda

Sirmione at the water’s edge

Walk through lakeside Sirmione with your Tour Captain and take in the peninsula from street level.

Lake Garda from the water

Board a boat for a different perspective on the lake and its history.

Vineyards stretching across the hills of Valpolicella
Boats and mountains viewed across Lake Garda

Tenuta Canova and Valpolicella

Continue to Masi Tenuta Canova for the included food-and-wine experience amid the Valpolicella hills, Lake Garda and Monte Baldo.

Return to Verona

The excursion returns to Verona. Dinner with the Tour Captain is optional and not included, or the evening is yours at leisure.

Day 7 · Chapter Five

Welcome to Bologna

BreakfastTravel to BolognaOrientationIncluded dinner2 nights in Bologna

Bologna changes the texture of the route — warmer, earthier and increasingly centered around the table.

Bologna's illuminated porticoes at night

Entering Emilia-Romagna

Leave the Veneto for Emilia-Romagna and settle beneath Bologna’s long porticoes for the final chapter.

La Grassa, La Rossa, La Dotta

The city’s traditional names speak to its food, civic history and ancient university.

Welcome to Bologna dinner

Dinner is included this evening.

Where we stay — 2 nights with breakfast

Art Hotel Commercianti, Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni or similar.

Day 8 · Chapter Five

The Tastes and Stories of Bologna

BreakfastLocal guideCulinary discoveryPersonal timeFinal Apericena

By Bologna, food is no longer an addition to the story. It is one of the ways the city tells it.

Fresh tortellini and regional pasta displayed in Bologna

Bologna with a local guide

Explore with a local guide and your Tour Captain, including Piazza Maggiore and stories of the city’s World War II liberators.

Emilia-Romagna at the table

Regional tastes may include Parmigiano Reggiano, prosciutto, homemade cakes, Malvasia, Lambrusco, balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

An afternoon of your own

Personal time invites a return to the porticoes, a market browse or a pause at your own table.

The final Apericena

Gather for the included final Apericena, a warm closing moment for the group.

Day 9 · Departure

Arrivederci, Bologna

BreakfastDeparture dayOptional extension

The formal journey ends in Bologna, but Northern Italy does not have to end here.

Departure morning

Breakfast is included before independent departures from Bologna.

Continue your travels

Extend independently or ask a Trip Specialist about additional arrangements, subject to availability. Departure transfer is not included; practical details appear in the FAQ below.

Hotels Collection

Four stays, each supporting the route

Four- and five-star properties are thoughtfully selected for each overnight chapter. Hotel assignments remain “or similar,” and no particular view, room category or named property is guaranteed.

Venice Grand Canal at sunset

Venice · 1 night

Beside the canals

The opening stay places the group near San Marco for arrival, the Discovery Walk and welcome dinner.

Hotel Saturnia & International or similar

Asolo rooftops and surrounding hills

Asolo · 2 nights

Room to linger

Two nights give the hill town’s views, stories and personal time space to settle.

Villa Cipriani or similar

Verona in warm evening light

Verona · 3 nights

A base for city, lake and vineyards

Verona anchors its own walking day and the Day 6 excursion to Sirmione, Lake Garda and Valpolicella.

Hotel Due Torri or similar

Bologna porticoes illuminated at night

Bologna · 2 nights

Under the porticoes

The final stay supports a guided culinary day, personal time and the closing Apericena.

Art Hotel Commercianti, Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni or similar

Dates & Prices

2026–2027 Bella Northern Italy Departures

Nine-day Deluxe journey · Limited to 16 guests. Prices are in U.S. dollars, per person based on double occupancy for two adults, and based on a minimum of four guests. The Now Journey Hotels Collection features four- and five-star properties with select room categories just above standard or similar; optional room upgrades may be requested where available.

2026 Departures

May 16–24, 20269 days$7,579InquireInquire
June 7–15, 20269 days$7,779InquireInquire
September 12–20, 20269 days$7,579InquireInquire
September 22–30, 20269 days$7,779InquireInquire
September 27–October 5, 20269 days$7,579InquireInquire
October 6–14, 20269 days$7,579InquireInquire

2027 Departures

May 15–23, 20279 days$7,579InquireInquire
May 24–June 1, 20279 days$7,779InquireInquire
June 6–14, 20279 days$7,579InquireInquire
June 15–23, 20279 days$7,779InquireInquire
September 12–20, 20279 days$7,579InquireInquire
September 21–29, 20279 days$7,579InquireInquire
October 3–11, 20279 days$7,579InquireInquire
October 12–20, 20279 days$7,579InquireInquire

Single occupancy: A single supplement is not published on the authoritative tour page; ask a Trip Specialist for the current sole-occupancy cost.

Deposit and payment: Reserve your place with a non-refundable deposit, typically $700 per person unless your proposal states otherwise. Your remaining balance is due 90 days before departure. If plans change at least 101 days before departure, the deposit may be transferred to a future journey; from 100 days before departure, it becomes non-transferable and payments are non-refundable. We strongly recommend Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance for added peace of mind.

Read the complete current Terms & Conditions.

Guest Reviews

What travelers say about Now Journey

The first quote below is published for Bella Northern Italy; the second reflects the wider Now Journey experience.

“Our itinerary was meticulously crafted, with every detail seamlessly planned and executed.”

— Mikki, Bella Northern Italy Tour

“Our Tour Captain’s expertise turned a great trip into an unforgettable adventure.”

— Italy’s Great Cities Adventurers

Frequently Asked Questions

Practical details, clearly answered

How large is the group?

Bella Northern Italy is designed for 8–12 guests, with a published maximum of 16.

Where does the journey begin and end?

The nine-day route begins at the Venice hotel near San Marco and ends after breakfast in Bologna.

Are airport transfers included?

Arrival transportation to the Venice hotel and departure transportation from Bologna are not included in the published program. An optional airport-arrival experience may be requested for Venice through reservations, subject to availability. Your Trip Specialist can also discuss additional arrangements.

How much walking is involved?

Sightseeing is generally leisurely, with walking tours averaging about 45 to 90 minutes. Historic streets, bridges, steps, uneven pavement and periods of standing are part of the route, and guests should be comfortable boarding vehicles and a boat.

Which meals are included?

Breakfast is included daily. The program also includes welcome or destination dinners in Venice, Asolo, Verona and Bologna, the Masi Tenuta Canova food-and-wine experience and the final Apericena. Day 5 and Day 6 Tour Captain dinners are optional and not included.

Which hotels are used?

The planned Hotels Collection includes Hotel Saturnia & International in Venice, Villa Cipriani in Asolo, Hotel Due Torri in Verona, and Art Hotel Commercianti or Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni in Bologna. Every named property remains “or similar,” and no room view or category is guaranteed.

Can the tour be arranged privately?

Private arrangements may be possible depending on dates, group size and supplier availability. Ask a Trip Specialist for a tailored proposal rather than assuming the published small-group inclusions or price will apply.

Can I add time in Venice or Bologna?

Yes, you may extend independently or ask a Trip Specialist about pre- or post-tour arrangements, subject to availability and additional cost.

What makes this different from a first-time Italy journey?

The route moves beyond the best-known city sequence into Treviso, Asolo, Marostica, Vicenza, Valpolicella and Sirmione, while giving Verona three nights and ending with Bologna’s history and food culture.

What is the payment schedule?

Current Now Journey Terms & Conditions, effective for bookings on or after February 5, 2026, state that the initial deposit is typically $700 per person unless otherwise stated and final payment is due 90 days before departure. Tours booked within 90 days require full payment. Review the complete current terms for transferability, cancellation and refund rules.

A quieter Italy awaits

Ready to Discover Northern Italy Differently?

Let us help you explore hill towns, vineyard landscapes, lakeside villages and the regional flavors of the Veneto and Emilia-Romagna.