Alpine Elegance that Defines Verona and Cortina d’Ampezzo

Day 1 – Arrive in Verona: A Romantic First Impression

Arrive in Verona and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in the heart of the historic center. After settling in, take a gentle stroll through atmospheric piazzas and cobbled streets framed by Roman ruins and Renaissance façades.

This evening, enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner at a traditional Veronese restaurant, paired with exceptional regional wines.

Suggested Hotels:
• Due Torri Hotel – historic grandeur and refined luxury
• Escalus Luxury Suites – intimate elegance overlooking Piazza Bra

Day 2 – Verona City Tour & Timeless Romance

Enjoy a private guided tour of Verona’s historic heart, discovering layers of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance history. Highlights include:

• Juliet Capuleti’s House and balcony
• Romeo’s House at Volto Barbaro
• Arche Scaligere, the dramatic Gothic tombs of the Scaliger family
• Porta Borsari, a beautifully preserved Roman gate
• The iconic Arena di Verona, still in active use today

The afternoon is free for café hopping, boutique browsing, or simply soaking in Verona’s romantic ambiance.

Day 3 – Valpolicella Wine Country

Travel into the rolling vineyards of Valpolicella for a private wine experience. Visit renowned estates, enjoy guided tastings of Amarone and Ripasso, and savor a leisurely lunch overlooking the countryside.

Return to Verona in the afternoon with time to relax or enjoy a final evening wandering the historic center.

Day 4 – Verona to Cortina d’Ampezzo | The Dolomites Await

Depart Verona by private transfer, traveling north into the dramatic Dolomite landscape. Arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Queen of the Dolomites and a celebrated Olympic host destination.

After check-in, enjoy a relaxed afternoon - perhaps a spa visit or a gentle walk through town - followed by dinner featuring Alpine cuisine.

Suggested Hotels:
• Rosapetra Spa Resort – elevated wellness and mountain serenity
• De Len Hotel – contemporary Alpine luxury with sustainable design

Day 5 – Olympic Heritage & Mountain Landscapes

Discover Cortina’s Olympic legacy with curated experiences that may include:

• Visits to Olympic bobsled and luge venues
• Alpine skiing opportunities (seasonal)
• Dog sledding through snow-covered valleys or scenic trails

Continue into the surrounding lakes, valleys, and mountain viewpoints, with time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery that defines the Dolomites.

Day 6 – Nature, Culture & Shopping in Cortina

Today invites deeper exploration at a relaxed pace. Venture into the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, known for its unspoiled landscapes, alpine flora, and scenic trails.

In the afternoon, return to Cortina for cultural discovery and shopping along Corso Italia, the town’s most renowned street. Browse artisan goods, local art, and jewelry, with a special visit to the Cortina Cooperative for regional specialties and gifts.

Day 7 – History, Reflection & Alpine Renewal

Begin your final morning with a guided visit to Cortina’s open-air World War II museum, set within the dramatic Dolomite landscape. This immersive experience explores the region’s pivotal role during the Great War and World War II, where the mountains themselves became strategic front lines.

Walk along restored military paths, tunnels, and fortifications carved directly into the rock, once used by Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops. Your expert guide brings these sites to life with stories of daily survival, mountain warfare, and the resilience of the soldiers who endured extreme conditions at altitude. The setting offers a profound reminder of history, framed by sweeping alpine views that are both humbling and unforgettable.

Following the museum visit, return to Cortina for a leisurely afternoon devoted to wellness and reflection. Indulge in a restorative spa experience at your hotel or enjoy a relaxed lunch overlooking the peaks that have silently witnessed centuries of history.

As your journey comes to a close, take one last stroll through town or pause at a scenic viewpoint to absorb the stillness of the Dolomites - a fitting farewell that blends culture, contemplation, and natural beauty.

This thoughtfully curated journey, curated by Darby's Destinations, weaves together the romance of Verona and the majestic beauty of the Dolomites, balancing culture, history, and nature at an unhurried pace. From Renaissance art and Valpolicella vineyards to Olympic heritage, alpine adventures, and meaningful moments of reflection in Cortina d’Ampezzo, each day is designed to feel immersive and deeply personal. The result is a Northern Italy escape that is as enriching as it is elegant — a seamless blend of iconic highlights and lesser-known experiences, crafted for travelers who value depth, beauty, and unforgettable memories.