Italian Northern Lakes, Milan & Bernina Express

Welcome to Milan! When you arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport, a driver will take you to your accommodation. In the afternoon, you will meet your local professional guide at the hotel and embark on a three-hour walking tour through the beautiful city of Milan. You will start at Porta Venezia (meaning Venice Gate), a historical gate to Milan that may have medieval or even Roman origins. There is a legend that these gates are also known as “Porta Renza,” given its name by Renzo Tramaglino, the co-protagonist of the novel – The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni – that entered Milan through these gates. You will also go through Corso Venezia and Giardini Indro Montanelli, a stunning garden that is open to the public. You will also see the Galleria d’Arte Moderna (modern art museum) and the iconic La Scala opera house, which was renovated from 2002-2004. You will then visit the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) and end the tour at the Castello Sforzesco, a medieval fortress built by Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan, in the 15th Century. After the tour, you will have some free time to relax and enjoy a typical Italian aperitivo (happy hour) at a nearby bakery before returning to the hotel on your own for the night.

Start your day with a hotel breakfast and get ready for a quick visit to Como, a tourist hotspot known for its closeness to Lake Como and the Alps. Prepare for stunning views of the lake and Alps! The lake, often referred to as Lario, is famous for its distinctive Y shape and the charming town of Bellagio, which you’ll reach by boat.

Bellagio sits at the crossroads of the lake’s two southern arms, surrounded by the Alps to the north. It boasts some of Italy’s most captivating landscapes. Explore this picturesque town with its narrow streets, luxurious hotels, villas, and gardens. For lunch, take your time at one of the many restaurants or cafes.

As you return to the boat, make your way to Tremezzo/Villa Carlotta. Here, you’ll meet your driver and begin your journey to Bergamo, a true historical and artistic gem. Bergamo’s urban layout is unique: the lower city (città bassa) is modern and lively, while the upper city (città alta) preserves the medieval core of the town. Check in at your Bergamo hotel, enjoy dinner, and overnight stay.

On the fourth day of your trip, you will visit Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, and take a panoramic tour of the west coast following breakfast in the hotel. You will see the natural landscapes of Brenta Dolomites, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the gentle slopes of the Moraine Hills of Lower Garda, as well as the area’s rich vegetation, including lemon trees, oleanders, magnolias, bougainvillea and be sure to taste some of the locally-made olive oil and wines. You will also take a boat tour of Sirmione and see the castle, the ruins of Catullus’s villa (that was once owned by a 1st century BC poet), and the beautiful blue waters of the lake. After some free time to have lunch, you will move on to Riva del Garda, a charming town on the north side of the lake with a Venetian-style historical center. Dinner and overnight stay in Bergamo.

On the fifth day, after a delicious breakfast, you will have the opportunity to visit Verona, a city with a rich history and cultural influences that is home to the famous balcony of Romeo and Juliet. You will take a guided tour through the narrow streets and see the city’s Roman, medieval, and Renaissance structures, as well as the impressive fortifications meant for protection. The combination of art and history will amaze you. After the tour, you will drive to Franciacorta, a region known for its winemaking and grape cultivation, and enjoy a light lunch and wine tasting. Finally, you will return to Milan, where your tour services will end.