Visit Milan, known as Italy’s cosmopolitan design center - an intersection of high fashion and stunning architecture- both new and old. Italy’s second largest city also houses some of the world’s famous artworks, such as Da Vinci’s Last Supper, and all roads in the city lead to its beautiful Cathedral, the largest in Italy.

Then, move to the Italian Lakes. A popular holiday spot since Roman times, the Lakes have an enduring, beguiling beauty. The Alps wind down from snow-capped mountains to be greeted by a Mediterranean burst of color; gardens filled with rose-red camellias, hot-pink oleanders, lemon trees and luxurious palms surrounding cerulean blue lakes. It’s simply impossible not to be seduced…

From Como, we’ll stopped for two nights in charming Verona, celebrated by Shakespeare as the setting for Romeo and Juliet. This UNESCO protected city founded in 1BCE, is pierced at its heart by a mini colosseum and awash with romantic piazzas; just the right size and pace for an easy visit.

Then we reached the climax of our journey: Italy’s renowned Dolomite mountains, where we were based for the next seven nights. We’ll enjoyed some fantastic hikes and food/drink along the way.

High fashion, bucket list artwork, a spectacular Duomo, Roman ruins, lakeside elegance, Cable cars, postcard views, meadows ablaze in Alpine flora, and loooong days in July… and a surprise stop in Venice! Like living in a painting!