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COMING SOON: Northern Italy: Mountains, Lakes & Canals (2026)

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Why Travel With Us?

  • All meals included, all 100% plant-based. Here's your chance to try local favorites!
  • Hand-picked tours & activities specifically catered by vegans, for vegans
  • Emphasis on wildlife with visits to sanctuaries, refuges & shelters
  • Deluxe accommodation with a focus on location and comfort
  • Two tour leaders per trip for ultimate attention & service during your adventure
  • Travel the world with fellow vegans and create life-lasting friendships

Getting Started With World Vegan Travel

  • Trip Length:10 days / 9 nights
  • Trip Dates:June 2026
  • Start Location:Milan, Italy
  • Trip Price:TBC: ~6500$/person in a shared double/twin room
  • End Location:Venice, Italy
  • Single Supplement:TBC: ~USD1000$/person
  • Group Size:16-24 travelers
  • Sign Up Fee:USD 1500$/person
Northern Italy’s awe-inspiring Dolomite mountains, dreamy Lake Garda, serene alpine meadows, gourmet plant-based cuisine await! Not to mention a visit to romantic Verona, a gondola ride on Venice’s canals, and Prosecco and Aperol Spritz aplenty! Join us on an amazing all-inclusive trip through northern Italy! ANDIAMO!
We're Off To Northern Italy

You don’t need to go to Switzerland for amazing Alps scenery. Italy has the Dolomites, one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. And within it are countless alpine villages, meadows, and fun hiking opportunities, all begging to be explored… and we just happen to have an incredible trip planned for the region!

Northern Italy is not all mountains though, as we’ll explore beautiful Lake Garda and end up with a stay in world-famous Venice that you don’t want to miss!

We’ll be staying at a countryside villa near Lake Garda, a canal-facing palazzo in Venice, a vegetarian hotel in Europe’s largest high-altitude Alpine meadow, and even at Italy’s first ever 100% vegan hotel in the mountains. How fun is that!?

Throughout you’ll indulge in one epic meal after another, all included and featuring plant-based versions of local specialties and famous Italian favorites. Oh, and drinks are all included. Yes, including wine

So brush up on your Italian (and German!), dust off those hiking shoes, work out an appetite and join Colleen Patrick-Goudreau on an exciting all-inclusive trip through Italy’s mountains, lakes and canals.  Andiamo!

Why You'll Love This Trip
  • 3 nights in a 100% vegan hotel in the mountains
  • guided hikes in the Italian Alps, and visits to small alpine villages
  • 2 nights at a vegetarian hotel at the foot of the towering Dolomites
  • lots of chance to sample local Italian wine, prosecco and aperitvos
  • 2 nights in a canal-facing palazzo in Venice
  • explore Lake Garda by boat
  • 2 nights at a beautiful countryside villa near Lake Garda
  • explore Venice by boat, gondola and on a guided walking tour
  • 100% plant-based meals, including local specialties and your Italian favorites: pasta, tiramisu, lasagna, you name it!
  • lots of chance to go off on your own for some hiking and biking in the mountains and lake countryside
  • Visit a 5000 year-old iceman!
  • cooking demo by a vegan chef
  • Gift bag with some travel essentials
  • lots of surprises and treats along the way​
Trip Info

Trip Price

TBC: ~6500$/person in a shared double/twin room

Single Supplement

TBC: ~USD1000$/person

Group Size

16-24 travelers

Trip Departure Location

Milan, Italy

Trip End Location

Venice, Italy

Trip Status

Pre-Registration.  This trip is scheduled for June 2026.

Price Includes

  • all 100% plant-based meals, from breakfast to dinner, featuring local specialties and Italian favorites. PLUS all non-premium drinks during meals (juice, coffee, tea, wine, beer)
  • deluxe accommodation: 2 nights in a Lake Garda villa, 3 nights in a 100% vegan hotel in the mountains, 2 nights in a vegetarian hotel in the Dolomites, 2 nights in a canal-facing palazzo in Venice
  • guided visit at Bolzano's South Tyrol Archeology museum to see Otzi the iceman
  • guided hikes during our stay in the mountains
  • guided walking tour of Venice
  • boat trip on Lake Garda
  • gondola ride in Venice
  • wine tasting
  • cooking demo
  • gift bag with some travel essentials
  • quality time with Colleen during the trip, including talks, Q&A, etc.
  • all ground transportation for included activities
  • all tips for local guides and drivers during our included activities
  • two professional English-speaking tour leaders plus local Italian guides
  • one complimentary laundry day
  • complimentary activities during free time
  • games, treats and surprises​
  • live Q&A before the trip to ask your questions to the tour leaders

Price Excludes

  • transportation (ie flights, train, etc.) to Milan and from Venice
  • optional activities outside of what we've planned (see itinerary for more detail)
  • medical travel insurance (mandatory)
  • premium brand alcoholic drinks
  • extra snacks, drinks, alcoholic beverages and meals outside of what's included (see itinerary)
  • tips for guides/drivers on non-included activities, or to hotel staff (completely optional)
Itinerary

The itinerary below is there to serve as an example only, based on our previous trips to Northern Italy.  An updated itinerary will be posted once our dates have been confirmed and the trip goes live for bookings. 

DAY 1- Milan: first meeting & drive to Lake Garda

We will be meeting at a location in Milan in the early afternoon (the exact time and place will be shared with our travelers before the trip, of course!) for a quick trip briefing and all-around introductions of your fellow travelers.  

After a trip briefing, introductions and a toast to our upcoming adventures, we board our bus for the 2-hour drive to our accommodation for the next 2 nights near romantic Lake Garda.  While not near the lake, our villa is located in its own vineyard and has its own beautiful forested park.  The perfect getaway! 

After check-in, we’ll have time to get to know each other better over some drinks and snacks, before dinner is served at around 7pm.

Accommodation:

Villa Cordevigo (5-star)

Included:

welcome meeting & drinks

dinner

non-premium drinks during dinner

all transportation once the trip begins

Excluded:

breakfast & lunch

transportation to our meeting place in Milan

premium drinks

DAY 2- Lake Garda

After breakfast, we’ll drive 1 hour to visit a local farm animal sanctuary.  We will learn about the work they are doing, as well as the plight of animals in this region of Italy. 

We’ll then drive 30mins to a sumptuous lunch by the lake!  

We will then be spending the rest of the day exploring the the lake itself on a boat excursion, with an unguided tour of the nearby town of Sirmione.  Situated on a peninsula jutting out into the lake, this beautiful medieval town is perfect for aimless wanderings, shopping and simply having a glass of wine on its many squares and terraces.

Dinner will be back at the villa.    

Accommodation:

Villa Cordevigo (5-star)

Included:

visit and donation to the farm sanctuary

boat ride on Lake Garda

breakfast, lunch & dinner

non-premium drinks during meals

all transportation

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 3- to the mountains!

After breakfast we’ll head up north to our hotel for the next 3 nights.  Hotel La Vimea is Italy’s first 100% vegan hotel!   It’s also the gateway for some amazing hiking, and the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.

Accommodation:

Hotel La Vimea 

Included:

breakfast, lunch & dinner

non-premium drinks during meals

all transportation

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 4- Hiking & optional visit to Glurn

This morning we’ll go on a guided hike — or you can choose to head out on your own!   After lunch, we’ll have more free time for you to do another hike, explore the nearby town of Glurns, relax at the hotel’s pool, or visit a nearby mountain town on an optional excursion.

Accommodation:

Hotel La Vimea 

Included:

hiking guide in the morning

visit to the small walled village of Glurns

breakfast, lunch & dinner

non-premium drinks during meals

all transportation

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 5- Hiking & optional visit to Bolzano

We take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures to go on another guided hike.    After lunch, we yet again have more free time for you to hike some more, relax by the hotel’s pool, or visit the nearby town of Bolzano, home to the South Tyrol Archaeology Museum.  Here you can meet Ötzi the Iceman, the natural mummy of a man who lived between 3400 and 3100 BC and discovered in the nearby mountains in 1991!

Dinner is at the hotel.  Come hungry! 

Accommodation:

Hotel La Vimea 

Included:

hiking guide in the morning

entrance to the South Tyrol Archaeology Museum

breakfast, lunch & dinner

non-premium drinks during meals

all transportation

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 6- The Dolomites!

After breakfast, we drive 90 minutes to our home for the next 2 nights, Paradiso PureLiving, a vegetarian hotel nestled at the foot of  the towering Dolomites.  

The setting will blow you away as soon as you see it.  Located beneath the giants of the Dolomites and overlooking the beautiful high-altitude pasture, it’s difficult not to be overwhelmed and wanting to head off right away to explore its every nook and cranny!

But first, lunch!  🙂  Afterwards, you can choose to spend some free time at the hotel’s pool, go for a walk on your own, or go on a visit to nearby Castelrotto (Kastelruth).

Dinner is at the hotel.

Accommodation:

Hotel Paradiso Pure.Living

Included:

afternoon visit to Castelrotto

breakfast, lunch & dinner

non-premium drinks during meals

all transportation

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 7- Hiking the Alpe Di Siusi

Today we do on a guided hike on the Alpe Di Suisi (Seiser Alm), a Dolomite plateau and the largest high-altitude Alpine meadow (German: Alm) in Europe.  We’ll also enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by towering peaks and enjoy the incredible nature.  

The afternoon is free for you to relax those legs at the hotel’s pool, sip a beer on the terrace while admiring the views, or sit in the sunshine (fingers crossed!) with a nice book in hand before our delicious vegan dinner.   Or better yet, try one of many of the hotel’s wellness experiences:

  • whirlpool
  • Zerobody floating experience
  • infrared sauna
  • Finnish sauna
  • experience showers
  • steam bath
  • hay sauna
  • relaxation area

This is the epitome of relaxation!

Then, right before dinner, you’ll get to attend a cooking demo from Colleen herself!

Accommodation:

Hotel Paradiso Pure.Living

Included:

guided hike in the Alpe Di Suisi

cooking demo from Colleen

breakfast, lunch & dinner

non-premium drinks during meals

all transportation

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 8- Venice

After breakfast, we’ll board the bus for our long ~5hrs drive down the mountains to Venice.  We will stop along the way for a fun relaxing lunch.  Don’t worry though: your time in Venice will more than be worth the long drive!

Ah, Venice… the city needs no introductions, and we’ll soon board our boats and cruise the grand canal to our canal-facing palazzo hotel.   

After a few free hours for you to freshen up, we’ll head out to dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation:

H10 Palazzo Canova (4-star)

Included:

private boat to our Venice hotel

breakfast, lunch & dinner

non-premium drinks during meals

all transportation

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 9- Venice

Waking up in Venice is one of travel’s great delights! 

After breakfast, we’ll go on a 2-hour guided walking orientation tour, great for those for which this is their first trip to Venice, but even for the returnee!   You can of course choose to head out on your own and meet the group again for lunch. 

The final afternoon and evenings on a World Vegan Travel and Joyful Vegan Trip are always memorable, and this certainly won’t be the exception!  We don’t want to divulge too much, but we’ll be spending some quality time together before heading out for our final dinner.

Accommodation:

H10 Palazzo Canova (4-star)

Included:

guided walking tour in Venice

surprise afternoon activities

breakfast, lunch & dinner

non-premium drinks during meals

all transportation

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 10- Departure

Today is sadly our departure day.   Please note that we do not include any transfer to the train station or airport, so if you are leaving this morning, please make sure to make the necessary arrangements.  Your tour leaders will be happy to help you, of course! 

You can of course choose to stay put a few extra nights, either at our hotel or another one of your choosing.  

Whatever your plans, here at World Vegan Travel and Joyful Vegan Trips thank you so very much for entrusting us with your precious holiday time, and hope we’ll get to see each other somewhere in the world again soon! 

Ciao

Accommodation:

  N/A

Included:

breakfast

Excluded:

transfer to train station, airport or another hotel

lunch & dinner

Your Journey

Booking Terms & Conditions
How To Join
Solo Travelers
Payment Schedule
Payment Methods & Fees
Cancellation Policy
Important Notes

We  expect this trip to sell out quickly so ensure your spot on the trip and sign up early by paying the sign-up deposit (1500$/person).    

Once we have the necessary numbers for the trip to go ahead, we will confirm the trip.  Please see the TRIP INFO section for the confirmation date.

Do note that the sign-up fee and subsequent payments are non-refundable. Please see our cancellation policy section below for more information.

In order to sign up, click the booking link on this page (once it’s live).  Any problems or questions?  Email us!

If you are signing up as a solo traveler, do so quickly!  We only have 4 single room available and we foresee them going quickly.  Please read our solo travelers section for more information. 

SINGLE ROOM AVAILABILITY: due to the number of rooms at our hotels, we are currently offering a maximum of 4 single rooms available for booking and they will be available on a first-come-first-served basis.  Please note that the single supplement of 1200USD applies. 

SHARING ROOM WITH ANOTHER SOLO TRAVELER: due to the room setup at 2 of our 4 hotels, we unfortunately can’t offer any shared rooms options.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Following the sign-up fee (PAYMENT #1), the remaining balance will be due in 2 installments:

  • 1 month after the trip has been confirmed OR immediately if the trip is already confirmed: 50% of remaining balance (PAYMENT #2)
  • 3 months before the trip’s start date: final balance (PAYMENT #3).   This is non-negotiable.  If you do not pay the balance for your trip, your place will be given to another individual and your payments until then will be forfeited.

We can work with you on a payment plan:  pay your trip in the usual 2 installments, or opt for several.   Contact us to discuss what works best for you!

PAYMENT METHODS
We currently accept US DOMESTIC BANK TRANSFERS and CREDIT CARDS PAYMENTS.  

EXTRA PAYMENT FEES
Online Bank Payment – US only: also called eCheck or ACH, we do not charge a fee for this, although your bank may do so.   Please inquire with them directly.

Credit card payment​: the following fees will be added to the total:

  • 2.9% for Visa and MasterCard
  • 3.9% for American Express

Since our trips are highly catered and made of activities that need a lot of planning and organization, all payments (the initial 1500$ sign-up deposit, 50% deposit and final payment) are all non-refundable.     This is because we must forward payments for accommodation, transportation, suppliers, etc. very early on, in order to privatize our accommodation, activities and our meals.

To see our booking terms and conditions you can click here. You will find the cancellation policy in section 9 and 10.

TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE​ – MANDATORY
This is requirement to join a World Vegan Travel trip.   We need to know you are covered for any medical situation, including evacuation, in case of emergency.    You will need to provide a policy and emergency contact number in order to join the trip.  This can be done just prior to the trip’s date.   

Trip Insurance (ie. covering your flight tickets, luggage, etc.) is definitely recommended as well, but not mandatory. 

ITINERARY
​The itinerary is therefore subject to change, especially if we find an experience that we believe would make the trip even better. 

DIET RESTRICTION & ALLERGIES
​We do try to accommodate everyone’s food restrictions, especially allergies.   We can only do so if you let us know of any requirements when you sign up.  We begin working with all our hotels and restaurants a long time in advance, and meals are usually locked several months before the trip.  At this point, it is often no longer possible to change menus.   

​In other words: it is your responsibility to alert us of any dietary requirements, restrictions, allergies and needs, when you sign up.

FAQ

​TOUR PRICE REASONING

We do realize our prices seem high.   However, when compared to many other tours to the region, we are actually comparatively priced when you take into account that our trips include all meals (and vegan to boot!) and drinks, all the tips for drivers and local guides, and many other extras like a gift bag, a free laundry day, the support of 2 full time tour leaders (most tours have only one), and, finally, the chance to travel with author and animal advocate Colleen Patrick-Goudreau.

It’s also worth noting that there aren’t many 100% fully vegan tours to Northern Italy.  Veganism is still somewhat of a new concept in the region, despite their cuisine being very vegetarian-friendly at its base.   Our trip cost does factor in the lengthy and hard work done with all our hotels, restaurants and local partners in educating and preparing them for our visit (meals, advocacy, toiletries, etc), which is far beyond any tasks that other tour companies are faced with.  This work begins several months before the trip, and approaches full-time hours around 2-3 months prior to the trip’s start date.

We also realize that for many, these types of trips are something they’ve dreamed about for many years.  As such, we’ve constructed an itinerary that will make this trip truly memorable in regards to our accommodation, meals, and choice of activities.   

CAN I SIGN UP AS A SOLO TRAVELER?

Absolutely!   We have many people on our trip that sign up as solo travelers.   ​However do note that single rooms availability is low, so book quickly!  Please see our COST & SIGN-UP section for more information.  

Should you still be on the waiting list when the trip closes and gets confirmed, we may be able to offer you a single room (depending on availability).

​FLIGHTS, VISAS & INSURANCE

FLIGHTS
You are in charge of your own transportation — whether it be flights, train, bus, car, etc. — to our starting city and meeting location, and your return transportation from our departure city. 

For your arrival, we ask that you try and arrive early on the first day, as our first meeting tends to be just after lunch.  This exact time and place will be confirmed at a later date, but do plan ahead adequately to leave you enough time to get to our meeting place by that time.  Even better is arriving one or more days before.  This would provide you with a chance to take care of jet-lag and visit the town.

Please note that your transportation costs to our first meeting point and from our final location are not included.  

VISAS
For citizens of western countries (ie USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc), no visas are necessary for a stay of 90 days or less in the Schengen Area, of which Italy is a member.   Other European citizens do not need a visa to enter Italy.

TRAVEL/MEDICAL INSURANCE
Medical travel insurance is mandatory on our trip.    We need to have assurances that you are fully covered in the event of a medical emergency, including repatriation.  You will need to send us your policy detail and emergency contact number before the trip’s start date.

Trip Insurance (trip cancellation, lost baggage, etc.), on the other hand, is entirely up to you, though we highly recommend purchasing it.  It often comes packaged along with medical travel insurance, or you may get coverage simply by paying for the trip using a credit card (inquire with your card supplier). 

CAN YOU HELP WITH BOOKING OUR FLIGHTS AND ONGOING TRAVEL?

As we are not a travel agency or booking agents, we can’t book any flights or ongoing travel (ie hotels, transportation, etc) for you. However we can surely help with recommendations, suggestions and tips as you look into flights, or extending your holiday. It never hurts to ask, so don’t hesitate to contact us with any queries whatsoever!

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?

In general, June is an excellent time of year to visit Northern Italy, with slightly fewer crowds than the next few weeks/months will bring, and milder temperatures.  We also have better chances at clear days in the mountains although of course this is no sense a guarantee!

Travelers will find very comfortable temperatures for sightseeing, exploring the countryside and engaging in outdoor activities. Days remain warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to sometimes 30°C (86°F).

Do note that rain is not uncommon in the mountains, so an umbrella or rain jacket is a good idea.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK?

While we don’t have a luggage restriction on this trip, we recommend you not to bring more than 1 suitcase per person. You will need to carry your bags only from the bus to the hotel twice (plus the trip to our meeting place) but you should still make sure you can lift it by yourself (ie it’s not too heavy).

We do have one free laundry included on the trip, so hopefully this can help in not over-packing. Laundry will also be available on other days at a fee.

In terms of clothing, it’s a good idea to bring some summer garb, such as shorts, t-shirts, light dresses, light cotton pants, etc.  We also recommend bringing a swimsuit as our hotels (outside of Venice) have pools.  A hat is a good idea to block off the sun.

A sweater or light jacket for the mountains and cooler evenings is a good idea. A rain jacket or a small umbrella could prove useful at this time of year.

Do bring some comfortable, but sturdy, shoes, as we have many walking tours and hiking opportunities.  You probably don’t need rugged hiking boots.  Hiking shoes or runners with decent grip should do the trick.  

You can always bring a 2nd set of comfy shoes/loafers to wear in the evening, for dinner and also afterwards when we’re relaxing with a nightcap.

  • Other essentials should include:
  • sunglasses
  • Cameras and plenty of batteries and storage cards is a must.
  • sunscreen lotion

We will be sending an info packet several weeks before the trip that will include, amongst other bits of information, a packing list.

WILL MY MOBILE PHONE WORK IN ITALY?

If you are coming from outside of Europe, then yes, your mobile phone should work, but do check with your carrier to make sure. It is highly recommended to turn off global roaming unless you carrier can offer you a package for your stay in Italy. Otherwise you risk being charged exorbitant fees upon you return home!

If you are a UK or other European citizen, your phone should work as usual as Europe no longer has borders when it comes to mobile phone usage. However do check with your carrier to ensure your package qualifies.

If your phone is unlocked (please check with your carrier directly) you can also purchase a local Italian SIM Card when you arrive in the country (usually sold at airports). You can sometimes find SIM cards on Amazon; for example the Orange Holiday Europe prepaid SIM card.

​WILL THERE BE INTERNET ACCESS DURING THE TRIP?

Yes, our hotels have WIFI, and we will also have internet connection on-board our bus. For the latter, connection speeds may vary, as will the connection itself.

​HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING?

We provide all accommodation, transportation and meals. All expenses during our included activities are taken care of, including tips for guides and drivers.

You will then only need cash for extra purchases such as souvenirs, extra drinks outside of what’s included, extra snacks, etc. There are ATMs in every town and credit cards are accepted in most places. This mostly means Visa and MasterCard, with American Express having quite a lower acceptance rate outside of hotels and higher-end restaurants.

The tour leaders will be carrying extra cash. If you decide to go on an optional activity at the last minute but don’t have enough money, we will be able to help you out and you can simply pay us back when we find an ATM.

For drinks during meals: we have a limited amount of alcoholic beverages (beer and wine) per meal. Any extra drinks on top of what’s provided will require you to pay the suppliers (ie hotel, restaurant) directly. We will make it very clear how much is included before each meal.

Tipping hotel and restaurant staff is not necessary and entirely up to you.

​I HAVE A DIETARY RESTRICTION (ALLERGIES, GLUTEN-FREE, ETC)

This is generally not a problem, but we do need to be informed at the time of booking so we may prepare the meals accordingly. Please be as precise and detailed as possible. Once on the trip, it is difficult and/or not possible to change our meal plans.

HOW MUCH TIME WILL I HAVE WITH COLLEEN?

Colleen (and her husband David) is very much another traveler in our group and will be taking the same vehicles and participating in the same activities as the rest of us. You can approach and talk to her at any time, just like anyone else. Having said that, do remember that she will be as tired as everyone after a long day of travel or sightseeing, so we should just be respectful of that as we are of anyone else. ​​

HOW MUCH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CAN I EXPECT?

We do have quite a lot of walking activities on this trip, including some hiking, and all with a fair amount of uphill and downhills.  A certain amount of physical fitness will provide for a happier trip.  Having said that, you do not need to join any walking or hiking activities. 

IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT TO JOIN THE TRIP?

Youth above 16 years young are welcome.    We are currently not accepting any younger children. ​

There’s no upper age limit, though do note that there is a fair amount of walking on this trip. 

WHAT DRINKS ARE INCLUDED?

We will provide water, juice, coffee, tea, some cocktails and wine/beer during lunches and all dinners and some activities. We will make it clear what’s included and what’s not. Premium alcoholic drinks (ie expensive cognac, whiskey, champagne, etc) are not included. You can pay for those on the spot or sign it to the room and pay when checking out.

LGBTQ TRAVELLERS

World Vegan Travel aims to be a safe place for all LGBTQ travelers. We have a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination of any sort.

​Generally speaking, Italy is considered a gay-friendly country and public opinion on homosexuality is generally regarded as increasingly culturally liberal. Same-sex civil unions and unregistered cohabitation have been legally recognized since June 2016.