 ITINERARY
Day 1 - Milan/Stresa/Lugano/Como
Morning departure to Lake Maggiore, one of the largest lakes in Italy, with mild winters and a breezy, comfortable summer. This weather allows for a variety of unique flowers and plants typical of a sub-tropical climate, making this region even more beautiful. Upon arriving in Stresa, a quaint town on the shores of Lake Maggiore, board a boat for Pescatori Island, a former fishing community. It’s history still intact, with its simple houses, narrow lanes, stone portals, and attractive underpasses, you will surely be charmed. Continue to Bella Island to visit the Borromeo Palace and its magnificent gardens. Return to Stresa for free time to roam the village and have lunch (not included). In the afternoon, after a panoramic tour of Lake Maggiore, we reach Lugano, in the Italian-speaking frontier of Switzerland. Rich with shops and art galleries, this is an ideal place to purchase luxury goods. In the early evening, depart for Como, overnight.
Day 2 - Como/Bellagio/Varenna/Bergamo/Brescia
Breakfast at hotel. Short visit of Como, a small town with amazing natural panoramas of mountains, lake, and wild alpine valleys. See the industrialized Brianzola Hill, downtown Como, and the small houses in the village. Visit Bellagio via boat. Bellagio is home to the most renowned beach in Italy. Stroll through this picturesque village with its small streets, luxury hotels, villas, and gardens, stopping for lunch in one of the many cafés in town (not included). Back on the boat, on to Varenna, panoramic tour and move on to Bergamo, a truly historic and artistic jewel characterized by its division of urban structure: the lower modern part and famous upper town with the city’s Medieval history. After a short walking tour of in the city center, depart to Brescia, overnight.
Day 3 - Brescia/Sirmione/Riva del Garda/Verona
After breakfast, panoramic tour of Lake Garda’s west coast, taking in the splendid natural scenery: the Dolomites of Brenta, the gentle slopes of the Morainic Hills, lemon trees, oleanders, magnolias, and bouganville. Next, on to Sirmione, see Lake Garda and its surroundings at their finest: blue waters and tree-lined shores, the Sirmione Cape, castle, and Catullo’s ruins during a boat tour. Back on land, free time for lunch before departing for Riva del Garda on the north side of the lake, with its Venetian-style historic center. Verona will be final stop of the day, overnight.
Day 4 - Verona/Milan
Breakfast at hotel, set out for the famous city of Verona. This fascinating crossroad of historical periods and cultures (both classical and Germanic) is a blend of Nordic & Mediterranean influences. Walk through its narrow streets and experience its varied and fascinating past: traces of its splendid Roman origins, its Medieval structures, its magnificent Renaissance palaces, as well as the impressive fortifications. Time for lunch before departing for Milan, end of services.
*During fairs, overnight location may change to Lugano instead of Como, during the Millemiglia event overnight may be in Bergamo instead of Brescia. |
