Best of the Italian Lakes
Best of the Italian Lakes
Best of the Italian Lakes
9 Days Starting and ending in Milan
Visiting: Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Garda, Verona, Mantua, Modena, Milan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ITMIZN19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 54
Trip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Italy's picturesque Lake District on the "Best of the Italian Lakes" tour. This enchanting adventure begins and ends in the fashion capital of Milan, whisking you away to the serene beauty of Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, and Lake Garda. Alongside a Local Specialist, explore the historic charms of Verona and Modena, marvel at the architectural wonders in Bergamo and Milan, and visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum for a dive into Italian culture. With luxury air-conditioned coach travel, cherry-picked hotels, and a host of included meals, this tour promises a blend of relaxation and exploration. Highlights include viewing Juliet's Balcony, the Roman Arena, and the iconic Duomo, ensuring an unforgettable experience steeped in history, art, and the breathtaking landscapes of Italy's most famous lakes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Journey From Milan To Lake Maggiore
Location: Lake Maggiore
Accommodation: Simplon
Accommodation Name: Hotel Simplon Baveno
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 Welcome Reception this evening to meet your fellow travel companions and Travel Director before embarking on your journey together.
Day 2: Admire Beautiful Lake Como
Location: Lake Como
Accommodation: Simplon
Accommodation Name: Hotel Simplon Baveno
Meals Included: Breakfast
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, ambling along the glamorous Baveno Marina – 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
Location: Lake Garda
Accommodation: Palace Hotel Desenzano
Accommodation Name: Palace Hotel Desenzano
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Location: Verona
Accommodation: Palace Hotel Desenzano
Accommodation Name: Palace Hotel Desenzano
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Mantua
Accommodation: Palace Hotel Desenzano
Accommodation Name: Palace Hotel Desenzano
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Lake Garda
Accommodation: Palace Hotel Desenzano
Accommodation Name: Palace Hotel Desenzano
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Modena
Accommodation: Palace Hotel Desenzano
Accommodation Name: Palace Hotel Desenzano
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our day starts with a gourmet interlude at Acetaia Fiorini on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to taste the delicious sweet and sour flavors 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
Location: Milan
Accommodation: Starhotels Business Palace
Accommodation Name: Starhotels Business Palace Milan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Location: Milan
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our leisurely jaunt through the Italian Lakes has come to an end. We say arrivederci to Italy and our newfound friends.
What's Included
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Travel Director
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Sightseeing
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Free Time
Optional Experiences and free time
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Additional Services
All porterage and restaurant gratuities, all hotel tips, charges and local taxes
What's Not Included
Specific transfer information can be found here: Airport Transfers
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Check out our Q&As
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What countries will I visit on the Best of the Italian Lakes tour?
You will visit Italy on the Best of the Italian Lakes tour.
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What are some highlights of the tour?
Some highlights of the tour include exploring Verona and Modena with a Local Specialist, discovering Bergamo and Milan, visiting Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, and Lake Garda, Mantua, and the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena. You will also 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.
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What type of transportation is provided on the tour?
The tour provides luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).
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What type of accommodation can I expect?
You can expect cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, for your accommodation.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included in the tour.
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What are the inclusions of the tour?
The inclusions of the tour are an expert Travel Director and professional Driver, must-see sightseeing and surprise extras, audio headsets for flexible sightseeing, optional experiences and free time, all porterage and restaurant gratuities, all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes.
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Are airport transfers included?
No, airport transfers are not included. Specific transfer information can be found under the 'Airport Transfers' exclusion.
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What is the starting location of the tour?
The tour starts in Milan.
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What is the ending location of the tour?
The tour ends in Milan.
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What are the pick-up and drop-off times?
Pick-up times at Milan Malpensa Airport are 09:30, 13:00, and 15:30. Drop-off times at Milan Malpensa Airport are 07:30 and 10:30.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions