Overview

<div class="tooltip to-top inline-block">
<div class="tooltip-text"><strong>2 </strong> <strong><span class="text">Countries </span></strong>Italy, Switzerland and <strong>5</strong> <span class="text">Cities</span></div>
</div>
<p>Say yes to a love affair with Italy’s elegant lake district. Stunning 19th-century façades with tumbling wisteria and pretty lakeside villages against the backdrop of the towering snow-capped Alps make this the perfect place to explore life the way only the Italians can – to the fullest. On this 8-day journey, savour your free hours in heavenly surroundings, mixing it up with visits to the fashion capital of Milan, the sophisticated cobblestone streets of Lugano and medieval Bergamo.</p>
<p><strong>Please Note: Travel Date is 13 to 20 August 2022</strong></p>
<div class="flex-col xs-12 sm-12 md-4 lg-4">
<h3 class="td-title title theme-darker-fg f-t-s">INCLUDED SIGHTSEEING</h3>
</div>
<div class="flex-col xs-12 sm-12 md-8 lg-8">
<div class="flex-row">
<div class="flex-col icon-column xs-12 sm-6 md-6 lg-6 i-m">
<div class="icon-container">
<div class="bg-container theme-lighter-bg">BERGAMO</div>
</div>
<div class="text-container">
<p class="ic-description f-s-r sc-ritch-text">Visit this fascinating historic city with two distinct centres and enjoy a funicular ride with spectacular views</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="flex-col icon-column xs-12 sm-6 md-6 lg-6 i-m">
<div class="icon-container">
<div class="bg-container theme-lighter-bg">LAKE COMO</div>
</div>
<div class="text-container">
<p class="ic-description f-s-r sc-ritch-text">Enjoy the alpine peaks and sparkling waters of this scenic lake as well as an included cruise to Bellagio</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="flex-col icon-column xs-12 sm-6 md-6 lg-6 i-m">
<div class="icon-container">
<div class="bg-container theme-lighter-bg">LAKE GARDA</div>
</div>
<div class="text-container">
<p class="ic-description f-s-r sc-ritch-text">Visit Italy’s largest lake and enjoy breathtaking scenery on an included scenic drive</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="flex-col icon-column xs-12 sm-6 md-6 lg-6 i-m">
<div class="icon-container">
<div class="bg-container theme-lighter-bg">LAKE LUGANO</div>
</div>
<div class="text-container">
<p class="ic-description f-s-r sc-ritch-text">Visit the Swiss city of Lugano located on the shores of this spectacular lake</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="flex-col icon-column xs-12 sm-6 md-6 lg-6 i-m">
<div class="icon-container">
<div class="bg-container theme-lighter-bg">LAKE MAGGIORE</div>
</div>
<div class="text-container">
<p class="ic-description f-s-r sc-ritch-text">Visit Italy’s second-largest lake and see the beautiful towns, villages and gardens</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="flex-col icon-column xs-12 sm-6 md-6 lg-6 i-m">
<div class="icon-container">
<div class="bg-container theme-lighter-bg">MILAN</div>
</div>
<div class="text-container">
<p class="ic-description f-s-r sc-ritch-text">Enjoy a sightseeing tour in Milan with your Local Specialist including views of the Duomo, the Galleria and La Scala Opera House</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="flex-col icon-column xs-12 sm-6 md-6 lg-6 i-m">
<div class="icon-container">
<div class="bg-container theme-lighter-bg">VERONA</div>
</div>
<div class="text-container">
<p class="ic-description f-s-r sc-ritch-text">View Juliet’s Balcony and the impressive Roman Arena</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Day 1 :

Arrive Milan – Saronno (2 Nights)

Arrive in Milan and head to Saronno, a pretty little town best known for the famous Amaretto liqueur whose honey-almond flavours are a sweet delight after dinner. You'll have some time to explore on your own before meeting your Travel Director and travel companions for an included dinner at your hotel. Hotel - Starhotels Grand Milan Included Meals - Dinner

Day 2 :

Lake Como excursion

It's just a short hop to Lake Como, whose deep blue waters have inspired great writers like Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway. Once you've arrived, you'll see for yourself why this idyllic retreat has endured as a firm favourite among aristocrats, celebrities and locals since Roman times. Board your included cruise to Bellagio, the pearl of the lake, with its steep lanes and sophisticated harbour area. Soak up the fresh lake breeze, as you cruise past luxurious villas and elegant terraced gardens that line the lush hills along the lake's expansive coastline. You could spend hours sipping a refreshing Spritz and watching the world go by but you'll want to join an optional dinner in Como instead. Included Meals - Breakfast ITALIAN LAKES DINNER IN COMO Explore Como town before joining us for a delightful dinner with drinks at a local restaurant. Adult Price: €59.00*

Day 3 :

Saronno – Lugano (Switzerland) – Lake Maggiore (2 Nights)

As you cross the border into Switzerland this morning, you may do a double take arriving in Lugano, known as the 'Monte Carlo of Switzerland'. Italy has had quite the magic touch on shaping Lugano's culinary, cultural and architectural scene as you'll come to see in its piazze and along the narrow streets. Choose an optional scenic cruise on Lake Lugano or take a leisurely stroll along its lakeside promenades or indulge in some well-deserved retail therapy - the city is famous for its high-end fashion boutiques. Once you've bagged all the best buys, return to Italy for a two-night stay at your hotel on the western shores of Lake Maggiore, Italy's second-largest lake. Tuck into another Italian cena before turning in for the evening. Hotel - Villa Carlotta Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner MOUNT SAN SALVATORE AND LAKE CRUISE Enjoy a scenic lake cruise to view villas and villages on the shores of Lake Lugano. After, we’ll board the funicular to gradually take us to the summit of Lugano’s most well-known mountain and to the balcony of the Swiss Alps! Here you'll have time to explore and admire the beautiful views and breathe the fresh mountain air. Adult Price: €55.00*

Day 4 :

Lake Maggiore free day

Immortalised in Hemingway's 1920s novel 'A Farewell to Arms', Lake Maggiore is one of Italy's most scenic lake landscapes. With so many hidden treasures to uncover, we've included a free day for you to do whatever you wish. You won't need to wander far for those same epic views of the surrounding mountains and "lake in the sunlight" to inspire you as they did him. One of our favourite options is to join an breathtaking excursion to the Borromean Islands, purchased by the Borromeo family in the 16th century and still owned by them. Explore the magnificent palace and elegant gardens that remain dotted across the lake's islands and islets to this day. Included Meals - Breakfast DISCOVER THE BORROMEAN ISLANDS We've organised a private launch to take you to the beautiful islands of Lake Maggiore. Here, with your Local Specialist, you'll see the Isola Madre, the Isola dei Pescatori, and on the Isola Bella we visit the magnificent palace of the Borromean Princes (this optional is only operated between mid March and the end of October). Adult Price: €45.00* VISIT LAKE ORTA AND SAN GIULIO ISLAND Come with us to Pettenasco, on the shores of Lake Orta, to experience northern Italy's best-kept secret with a Local Specialist. Afterwards, we'll cruise to the island of San Giulio, famous for its peaceful atmosphere and delightful church. Then, spend time strolling in Orta town, taking in the area's beauty. Adult Price: €38.00*

Day 5 :

Lake Maggiore – Verona – Lake Garda scenic drive – Rovereto (2 Nights)

Lose yourself in the tragic love affair of Romeo and Juliet when you visit Verona. Your orientation tour of this romantic Italian city will include views of the ancient Roman Arena and balcony where a fictional Juliet once called for her Romeo. During your free time, visit the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore - one of the most important religious buildings in the area and the site where the two star-crossed lovers bound themselves together for eternity. The sun at its peak, we take a scenic drive along Lake Garda, renowned for its crystal-clear waters. Snap a selfie and admire the view before arriving at your hotel for your two-night stay. Hotel - Mercure Nerocubo Included Meals - Breakfast LAKE GARDA DISCOVERY Discover the largest of the Italian Lakes as we take a route along its scenic shoreline. You’ll get to enjoy views of mountains, lush countryside and its glistening blue waters as you cross the lake, taking in historical towns along the way. Adult Price: €43.00*

Day 6 :

Lake District free day

Throw your guidebook out the window and switch off your phone. This is the perfect time to indulge in a relaxing siesta, as Italian families have done for centuries. Kick back on the shores of Lake Garda and reflect on the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you, watch the world go by or let your mind contemplate your next journey. If you're feeling energetic, you could make the most of your time by joining a full-day Optional Experience to Bolzano, capital of southern Tyrol. Shop in the arcaded streets and soak up the mountain views. Included Meals - Breakfast SUDTIROL AND THE DOLOMITE MOUNTAINS Come with us as we follow the Adige Valley to Bolzano, capital of the southern part of the Tyrol. With our Local Specialist, we'll see the city, have time to shop in the arcaded streets and take a cable car to the top of the Renon. At the top, we'll ride on the century-old train, where we'll enjoy incredible panoramas from this famous mountain plateau. Adult Price: €62.00*

Day 7 :

Rovereto – Bergamo – Milan (1 Night)

Our return journey to Milan would not be complete without a stop in Bergamo, enveloped within Venetian walls whose construction famously caused eight excommunications by the local clergy. You may agree it was worth it when you board the funicular which has been ferrying locals and visitors for over a century to the Upper Town, enjoying the most breathtaking views of the town's beautiful gardens and even the Apennines on a clear day. Arriving in Milan, your walking tour with a Local Specialist will reveal some of the city's most treasured sights, including the 14th-century Gothic Cathedral and La Scala Opera House, which you could choose to visit as an Optional Experience. Later, you'll toast a fond farewell to an exhilarating journey over dinner at your hotel with new friends. Hotel - Holiday Inn Nord Zara Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner TREASURES OF MILAN A fantastic opportunity to take in some of the highlights of elegant Milan. Amongst other sights, we'll visit La Scala, the world's most famous opera house, where Giuseppe Verdi, Maria Callas and others have left their mark. Our wonderful Local Specialist will bring the city’s eventful past to life. Adult Price: €45.00*

Day 8 :

Day 8 Depart Milan

Your heart full and probably a few pounds heavier, it's time to close the curtain on an enchanting encounter with the Italian Lakes. For now, it's arrivederci but not goodbye forever as you say farewell to your travel companions and Travel Director. Included Meals - Breakfast