Lake Orta - lake maggiore - Lake Como - Lake Lugano - Lake Garda

Majesty of the Italian Lakes

Destination
Lake Orta - lake maggiore - Lake Como - Lake Lugano - Lake Garda
Dates From
01/01/2023
Duration
11 nights
12 days
Price From
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SMALL GROUP TOUR

You’re about to experience to experience the scenic splendours that await you in the Italian lakes region. Northern Italy meets Switzerland in an enchanted region of azure lakes, soaring mountain peaks, and charming medieval towns. From the snowy slopes of the Alpine Milky Way region to villas framed by gazebos and mould-breaking art and architecture, Northern Italy is as action-packed as it is artful. The glacial lakes of Lombardy-where fishing boats bob in tiny harbors while palaces float in the Borromean Gulf-have been a popular spot since Roman times. Meanwhile, artists, celebrities and moneyed Mittel Europeans have been lured here since the days of the Grand Tour, by world-class art, an embarrassment of culinary riches, cult wines and a slew of sophisticated cities.

Writers from Goethe to Hemingway have lavished praise on the Italian lakes, dramatically ringed by snow-powdered mountains and garlanded by grand villas and exotic, tropical flora.

You’ll experience the very best of this scenic corner of Europe on this unique travel program.

Highlights & Inclusions

  • Guaranteed departures group travel: small, intimate group limited to 12/14 participants only
  • More than 15 included sightseeing tours & cultural experiences
  • Visit popular UNESCO World heritage sites
  • Enjoy ‘la dolce vita’ with ample leisure time for exploring local sights and delights
  • Dine at authentic and highly recommended local restaurants and trattorias that will leave lasting memories
  • Exceptional local tour director, experienced to accompany you throughout your journey
  • Entrances to main sites are included
  • Transportation on tour, via private air-conditioned 21 seats motorcoach
  • Included gratuity for city guides
  • Tour city guides as per itinerary in Milan, Orta San Giulio, Stresa, Bergamo, Como, Verona, Sirmione
  • City taxes and service charges at all hotels and restaurants
  • Transfers while overseas, baggage transfers and porters are included
  • Included regional meals: All breakfasts, 4 foodie experiences, 4 dinners, 3 lunches (main meals include regional wine, mineral water, local coffee or tea only)
  • The tour will begin with transfers from Milan Malpensa airport to the center of Milan and end with a transfer to the airport in Verona at scheduled times

Itinerary

DAY 1: WELCOME TO MILAN & THE CAPTIVATING LAKE ORTA

You’re about to experience the scenic splendours that await you in the Italian Lakes region and the Swiss Alps. After breakfast, you’re off on a walking tour of fashion Milan, the style capital of Europe. You’ll see the Castello Sforzesco, a Visconti fortress redesigned by Leonardo da Vinci and now a remarkable art museum. You’ll also visit the Duomo, the fourth largest cathedral in the world and Piazza Mercanti. Head for Piazza della Scala, which is flanked by the world-renowned Opera house. Stop over for lunch at one of the cafes and then browse around Milan’s splendid 19th century shopping mall, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. After an included street food experience, depart Milan to the off the beaten path Lake Orta where you will spend the first two nights in the captivating medieval village of Orta San Giulio staying at the family run “Hotel San Rocco”. This evening meet your local tour director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink followed by an included feast of flavours in a local tavern. Overnight stay in Orta San Giulio.

DAY 2: THE TREASURES OF ORTA SAN GIULIO & ITS STUNNING ISLAND

Lake Orta is the westernmost lake in the lower Alps region, characterised by soft hills and possibly the most charming of Italian lakes. Villages are dotted around the lake, along the shore or perched among green terracing. This morning our expert guide will introduce you to the history of tranquil Orta San Giulio, located on a promontory in the middle of the lake.There is a very northern Italian magic about Orta San Giulio, one of the prettiest old lakeside towns you’ll find anywhere. We will board a boat to take us to the tiny island of St Giulio, dominated by the 12th century basilica, full of vibrant frescoes mostly of saints. A light lunch is included today in a local restaurant. The remainder of the day is at leisure for more explorations maybe visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sacro Monte, a sanctuary built in 1591 on the rise above Orta. Overnight stay in Orta San Giulio.

DAY 3: NEBBIOLO WINERY & MAGICAL SANTA CATERINA HERMITAGE

Your transfer to Stresa and Lake Maggiore features a stop to the heart of the Gattinara countryside, famous for its Nebbiolo wine where we will visit a well-known winery for a tasting of their local wines accompanied by local products. Next, we discover the charming backroad village of Gattinara for an included light lunch in a popular restaurant. Board a private boat for a visit to the Santa Caterina Hermitage, one of the most evocative and fascinating places on Lake Maggiore. Spend the next three nights in the delightful town of Stresa staying at the historical “Hotel Des Iles Borromees”. Overnight stay in Stresa.

DAY 4: AMAZING STRESA & THE BORROMEO ISLANDS

Explore Lake Maggiore’s jewel-like Borromeos Islands by private boat today. First stop we will visit Isola Bella, home of the grand 17th century Palazzo Borromeo and the stunning gardens. Continue to Isola Madre, where you can stroll among lush terraced gardens that tumble to the lake-shore. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Enjoy an evening boat ride to the Isola Dei Pescatori for an included dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Stresa.

DAY 5: VILLA TARANTO BOTANICAL GARDENS & BACKROAD LAKE MERGOZZO

Today’s excursion takes you to the lake town of Verbania for a visit to the stunning late 19th century Villa Taranto. With its rolling hillsides of purple rhododendrons and camellias, acres of tulip flowers and hothouses full of equatorial lilies it is considered one of Europe’s finest botanical gardens. Continue to the ancient lake village of Mergozzo, rich with memories of its medieval and Renaissance history. It is a true paradise with its direct lakeside location. After an included family lunch in a stunning farmhouse, return to Stresa for time at leisure. Overnight stay in Stresa.

DAY 6: THE MEDIEVAL TOWN OF COMO & EXTRAVAGANT VILLA BALBANIELLO

Leaving Stresa behind, your next sightseeing stop is Como, on the gorgeous blue-green lake of the same name. Highlights of your tour include the marble-faced cathedral, the multi-hued town hall, and the “new” city walls, rebuilt in 1162. We also visit the Silk Museum where it is possible to see the whole silk manufacturing process, from silkworm breeding to finishing it. During your free time, you may consider taking a funicular from the harbor to the small hillside village of Brunate to take in stunning views over the lake. After an included street food experience, continue to the beautiful Villa Del Balbaniello, one of the finest villas surrounding the lake. Originally built for a cardinal, the statue-lined balustrades fringed with flowers that outline the gardens of this 1784 villa have caught the eye of many film directors. The lake town of Menaggio is your base for the next three nights at the central “Grand Hotel Menaggio” or similar. Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight stay in Menaggio.

DAY 7: LA DOLCE VITA IN BELLAGIO & COOKERY CLASS

In the morning explore the elegant and delightful resort of Bellagio which, with its idyllic location on a promontory on the lake, is often described as the most beautiful town in Italy. Once the haunt of European monarchs, today the attractive, pastel-coloured buildings, faded by decades of sunshine, line the lake shore and narrow cobbled streets and lanes climb their way to the hilly centre. Afterwards, experience cooking in a real Italian home to cook a perfect Italian meal. Return to Menaggio for your afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay in Menaggio.

DAY 8: UNESCO CASTLES OF BELLINZONA & LAKE LUGANO

Today’s adventure takes you across the Swiss border to the Castles of Bellinzona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These massive medieval fortifications loom above the town, guarding an alpine pass and are strikingly Italianate in feel. Departing Bellinzona, you’ll visit Lugano. Surrounded by mountains and fronting Lake Lugano, this lovely town enchants with natural beauty and architectural charm. Here we will enjoy together a sightseeing stroll where you’ll see the ornate Palazzo Civico and the main shopping street. At 18.45 meet your tour guide and the rest of the group for an Italian “apericena” accompanied by a local aperitif. Live as a local! Overnight stay in Menaggio.

DAY 9: BIBLICAL BERGAMO & ELEGANT SIRMIONE

Departing Lake Como this morning, you’ll head for the lovely Lake Garda, declared one of the most beautiful places on earth by many writers and poets. Enroute, you’ll visit the walled hill-top town of Bergamo. After a sightseeing tour of this medieval charmer, you’ll continue to the charming lake town of Gardone Riviera or Simione for your last three nights at the central “Grand Hotel Gardone Riviera” or “Hotel Sirmione”.  Overnight stay in Lake Garda.

DAY 10: HIGHLIGHTS OF VERONA & VALPOLICELLA WINERY

Verona is a vibrant trading centre, the largest city in the Veneto region and one of the most prosperous in northern Italy. Today we have a guided walking tour in order to appreciate it at its best, discovering its ancient centre, with many magnificent Roman ruins and fine palazzi built of rosso di Verona, the local pink-tinged limestone. Explore Valpolicella’s scenic vineyards and historic wineries during an included wine tasting accompanied local products in a popular local winery. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay in Lake Garda.

DAY 11: DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF LAKE GARDA

Your day begins with a discovery tour around the Garda Lake with an inclusive boat ride around the peninsula of Sirmione. Following this you will have the rest of the day at your own pace in the charming historical area, where you’ll admire the town’s maze of narrow streets, attractive cafes, elegant shops, villas and churches. You might also visit the Catullo Caves, the ruins of a villa thought to be the residence of the Roman poet Catullus. In the evening celebrate your Italian Lakes District adventure with an “Arrivederci dinner” sharing travel memories and toasting new friends. Overnight stay in Lake Garda.

DAY 12: ARRIVEDERCI NORTHERN ITALY

Morning transfers to Verona airport or train station.

DATES & PRICES

Starts Ends Price Status Book
01/01/202331/12/2023On RequestOn Request
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Terms and Conditions

Exclusions

Optional excursions/sightseeing
City Tax: some City Councils may introduce a tourist tax that has to be paid directly at the hotel
Meals and beverages other than those specified
Tips/Gratuities
Everything which is not clearly specified under inclusions

* Please note, price is subject to fluctuation and availability is subject to change until booked and confirmed *