Best of the Italian Lakes

Visit Italy

Day 1

Journey from Milan to Lake Maggiore

A favourite summer retreat for the who's who of Italy for centuries provides an enchanting backdrop for your first day in Italy.

Airport transfers will be provided at set times from Milan Malpensa Airport to your hotel in the charming resort of Baveno on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Enjoy a Light Supper with a drink this evening to meet your fellow travel companions and Travel Director before embarking on your journey together.

Day 2

Admire Beautiful Lake Como

Journey through Italy's exquisite Lake District to scenic Lake Como.

Walk along the beautiful Como waterfront or relax by the lake indulging in a tasty gelato. Then it’s time to ease into la dolce vita, strolling along the lake shore at Baveno – the gentle sounds of this lakeside setting are a soulful way to enjoy your afternoon. Spend free time exploring Baveno with its Romanesque bell tower and octagonal baptistery.

Day 3

Continue to Lake Garda Connect with Locals Make Travel Matter

The enchanting lanes of Bergamo, near the foothills of the Alps, yield architectural and artistic treasures which we will have an opportunity to explore this morning.

Wander past centuries-old Renaissance façades and into the exquisite Piazza Vecchia built on the site of an ancient Roman forum, the heart of political power in the city for several centuries. See the ornate Contarini Fountain and 12th century Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, which the people of Bergamo built to thank the Virgin Mary for coming to their aid in the midst of the plague during the 12th century. We continue our love affair with the Italian Lakes, travelling to Lake Garda for a relaxing five-night stay, where long, lazy days are a way of life. This evening, we Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience featuring local fare with the Serenelli family. On this memorable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll hear all about the farm’s incredible role in Napoleon’s Battle of Solferino, the bloody aftermath of which inspired the establishment of the International Red Cross.

Day 4

Explore Verona

Romance is in the air today as we journey to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's tragic star-crossed lovers.

Our walking tour with a Local Specialist will take us to Juliet's Balcony, as well as the incredible Roman arena, still in use today. There is also plenty of time to explore the city at leisure - see the seven medieval towers of Castelvecchio, relax under the shady trees in Verona's expansive Piazza Bra or clamber up Lamberti's Tower for magnificent views.

Day 5

Discover the Treasures of Mantua

A leisurely start to your day could see you stroll along the lakefront and enjoy a quiet coffee.

Later today, you’ll embark on a half-day excursion to Mantua, a European 'Capital of Gastronomy' renowned for its significant role in the history of opera. Surrounded by lakes, this historic city with its UNESCO-listed centre is a delight to explore as you’ll come to discover during your visit. See architectural treasures and artefacts, elegant palaces and Renaissance cityscapes before returning to the picturesque lakeside setting of Lake Garda.

Day 6

Lake Garda Your Way

Indulge in a full day at leisure to soak up the picture-perfect setting of Italy's largest lake.

Journey along its tranquil shores, stopping at lakeside villages to savour the intoxicating aroma of lemons around every turn. Enjoy the flavours of delicious local olive oils and cheese at local markets, stroll along flower-lined lakeside paths or visit the lake's extraordinary sights. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the magnificent Dolomite mountains, a World Heritage Site comprising 18 peaks over 10,000 feet (3,000 m).

Day 7

Admire Ferraris in Modena Dive Into Culture

Our day starts with a gourmet interlude at a historic, traditional Acetaia on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to taste the delicious sweet and sour flavours of some of the world’s best organic and biodynamic balsamic vinegar.

This experience contributes to UN Global Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption. We continue to the gastronomic hub of Modena, home of sparkling Lambrusco, salty prosciutto and the intense aromas of parmigiano, for an exploration with a local specialist. Wander past pastel-hued façades in the heart of the city that was the birthplace of Ferrari, Pavarotti and tortellini. Modena's Old Town and the magnificent Piazza Grande with its 12th century cathedral and Torre Civica, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This afternoon we visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum where we Dive Into Culture and explore the history of this Italian icon. This evening, enjoy a leisurely dinner in our Italian lakeside resort.

Day 8

Onwards to Milan

In search of spires that reach the sky, we leave our tranquil lakeside setting behind for the chic northern capital of Milan.

Admire the extraordinary Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and 19th-century Galleria with its impressive glass and iron-domed roof. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to jostle with the glamorous Milanese for your spot in the shopping district of Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Via Sant'Andrea. This evening we indulge in a Farewell Dinner, joining our fellow travellers to celebrate the end of an exquisite holiday together.

Day 9

Farewell Italy

Our leisurely jaunt through the Italian Lakes has come to an end.

We say arrivederci to Italy and our newfound friends.

Dining Summary

4 Dinner (D)

8 Breakfast (B)

Be My Guest

Solferino: Join the Serenelli family for a Be My Guest dinner featuring home-grown produce. Learn about their local history and the formation of the Red Cross as you explore their didactic farm.

Dive Into Culture

Modena: Celebrate all things Ferrari, past, present and future, at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena. This pit stop includes intriguing exhibitions and an immersive experience that you'll never forget.

Iconic Experience

Como: Take in exquisite views of the lake and its alpine backdrop as you enjoy an orientation of this magnificent town.

Bergamo: See Bergamo's characteristic bell towers and admire the city's captivating Renaissance architecture.

Verona: Join a Local Specialist on a sightseeing walk along Verona's charming central streets. See the bronze statue of Juliet and the Roman arena. 

Mantua: Visit UNESCO-listed Mantua. See the central arcade and grand dome of the basilica as you stroll past gold-toned façades. 

Modena: Delve into the history and culture of Modena with a Local Specialist. Stroll through the Old Town streets and see the beautiful arcade of the Piazza Grande. 

Milan: See Milan's central highlights on an orientation tour with your Travel Director.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

: Enjoy a gourmet interlude at an historic traditional Acetaia for a tasting of some of the world’s best balsamic vinegar. As a pioneer in organic and biodynamic balsamic vinegar, they put sustainable production and presentation of the soils at the heart of what they do. This experience contributes to UN Global Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.

Must-see Highlights

: Explore Verona and Modena with a Local Specialist

: Discover Bergamo and Milan

: Visit Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and Lake Garda, Mantua and the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena

: View the Piazza del Duomo in Bergamo, Juliet's Balcony and the Roman Arena in Verona, the Cathedral in Modena and the Duomo and La Scala Opera House in Milan

Whats Included

: An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

: Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

: All porterage and restaurant gratuities

: All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

: Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

: Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

: Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

: Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

: Optional Experiences and free time

: On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

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