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  3. Dolomites, Verona and the lakes of Northern Italy, Jewish heritage in Milan. We would like culture and want it to be an active trip. We don’t wanna be sitting a lot. We would like a lot of walking and exploration led by expert tour guide guides who speak English.

The only real bummer was the hotel in Cortina...
Italy | Oct 3 - Oct 14, 2026

C
Chris H.
Phoenix, AZ | Reviewed on Oct 21, 2026

The only real bummer was the hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo, it was not a friendly or helpful personnel, the hotel is dark and depressing, the "free" breakfast" was especially underwhelming. Also the prices in the available restaurants were very high for the most part, we should have been warned. We really got ripped off in one meal experience. Milan too was too busy and not comfortable though the hotel was high end, we were only there 18 hours and needed the airport to begin our travel home. We would have much preferred to return to Verona from Lake Como as it is where we began and did not have enough time there.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Indigo Verona - Grand Hotel Des Arts
Verona

I especially loved the outside seating in our room.

Authenticity & Character
Location
A bit of a walk to the shopping area though we liked that and walking was essential
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Royal
Cortina d'Ampezzo

I mentioned this in previous question. I did not enjoy this home or hospitality. The breakfast was very weak and the gathering room to eat was dark and soulless.

Authenticity & Character
Dark, reception was poor...dining area...unimaginable
Location
Very central
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cannot understand how dining area was chosen, not comparable on any level to other hotels
Olivi Thermae & Natural Spa
Sirmione

Bright, clean, excellent service, grounds were beautiful, This is a well run family owned hotel with much pride.

Authenticity & Character
elaborate, spared not expense, pride is plentiful
Location
Its a bit of a walk though we loved that
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Albergo Terminus
Como

It seems like the hotel was doing small renovations while we were there. Very dated though lovely. The dining room was divine and easily my favorite of all hotels

Authenticity & Character
Location
central to where we were
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel The Square Milano Duomo
Milan

Beautiful property. Rich and elegant. Rooms were by far the most plush, rooftop bar was a pleasure and bonus

Authenticity & Character
High end, elegant,
Location
Central in a very bustling city
Staff
could have been warmer
Cleanliness & Comfort
High standards, excellence
Activity Reviews
1-Day Experience – Easy Hike Around Lago di Braies
1-Day Experience – Easy Hike Around Lago di Braies
Italy

Very laid back, educational and fun, good exercise

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
relatable and friendly
Transport
upbeat, positive and patient with us
E-Bike Adventure in the Ampezzo Dolomites (2–4 hours)
E-Bike Adventure in the Ampezzo Dolomites (2–4 hours)
Italy

Rain and cold and we went anyway. It was uncomfortable to be sure though no regrets. I would do it all again and imagine with dry, even sunny weather this would have been more of a highlight.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was under the weather so a bit limiting, I am sure he did not want to go given the weather, though he was a trooper
Transport
actually just walked from hotel to get bikes, the rest was just the ev bikes
The Valpollicella wine region
The Valpollicella wine region
Italy

Another not pretty day so a bit cool and overcast, the guide did well with 2 different groups at once. It was interesting and I think guide did well to keep it on track

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
She did great and handled it professionally
Transport
Long drive to and from
Private boat tour of Lake Como - Explore Bellagio
Private boat tour of Lake Como - Explore Bellagio
Italy

Guide was great and knowledgeable, beautiful day helped immensely and many photo's taken, Bellagio was touristy so not a big fan though still lovely, this was a wonderful experience

Quality of Experience
Guide and driver were wonderful
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private transfer from Illasi to Verona city center
Private transfer from Illasi to Verona city center
Verona

Guide was wonderful, flexible, amazing energy, a friend, loved her

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Jewish tour in Milan
Private Jewish tour in Milan
Italy

Not too exciting for me and of course the subject is already sad and devastating...

Quality of Experience
The facility was fit for the subject matter
Guides, Drivers and Staff
He was very good
Transport
Local specialist: Caterina Belvedere
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