Northern Italy Lakes Tour from Milan

Depart at 8:30 am from the hotel Starhotels Ritz in Milan to a small and charming Lake Orta northeast of the Piedmont region. Stop by the picturesque village of Orta San Giulio for a short visit. Then, take a boat tour to the island of San Giulio, known as “the Pearl of the Lake”. The island is famous for the Monastery Mater Ecclesiae and its studies of antique books. After a short visit to the Monastery, take the ferry back to Orta and hop on a bus to Stresa, on Lake Maggiore, one of the largest Italian lakes. Lake Maggiore is nestled between the pre-alps and of clear glacial origin. The lower section of the lake is framed by the hills of the region of Novara, while the upper section is surrounded by high mountain peaks covered by snow all year round. The climate is mild with pleasant temperatures during all seasons. In summer, the breezes blow on the water’s surface and cool down the air, changing the lake’s color. Many flowers and plants typical to the sub-tropical climate have adapted to the lake’s mild climate. Arrive in Stresa, an international tourist resort in a central but scenic position along the lakeside road, just in front of the ‘Borromee’ islands. Spend free time having lunch in Stresa (“Isola dei Pescatori”). In the afternoon, visit the “Isola dei Pescatori” (Fishermen’s Island) by boat. As the name suggests, the island was characterized by fishing activities lasting centuries. Although only a few families still preserve the original fisherman lifestyle, the identity of the small community remains intact. Tourists are blown away by its simple houses, the narrow streets, the stone portals and the attractive underpasses. Later, venture out to the “Isola Bella” (The Beautiful Island), where you might visit the Borromeo Palace and its magnificent gardens. Return to Stresa (free time for lunch – not included). Lastly, depart to Como and stay overnight in the hotel.

Savor breakfast at your hotel before heading off on a journey to Como, a small town with amazing views of mountains, lake Como and wild alpine valleys. You’ll also see the modernized Brianzola hill, downtown Como, and the tiny houses in the village. The lake itself, sometimes called Lario, is famous for its y-shape. Three branches intersect at Bellagio, which you will visit via boat. Bellagio has one of Italy’s most charming landscapes, with the Alps dominating the horizon to the north. Spend some time strolling the tiny streets of this picturesque village full of luxury hotels, villas, and gardens. Stop by for lunch in one of the many downtown cafés (not included). Return on the boat and make your way to Varenna the same afternoon, where you will have a scenic tour before moving on to Bergamo. Bergamo is a genuinely historical and artistic gem characterized by its urban architecture. The “lower town” (città bassa) is modern and dynamic, while the famous “upper town” (città alta) houses are influenced by the city’s medieval history. After a short walking tour in the city center, depart to Brescia, where you will check-in at your new hotel for the night.

The next destination is Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy. After breakfast at the hotel, you can enjoy a panoramic tour of the lake’s west coast and its splendid natural scenery: bright colors, the Dolomites of Brenta, and the slopes of the moraine hills. This area is rich in vegetation, including lemon trees, oleanders, magnolias, and bougainvillea that flourish thanks to the Mediterranean climate. So, spoil your taste buds with some locally produced olive oil and wines. The next stop is Sirmione, where you will see lake Garda and its surroundings at their finest. During a boat tour, watch the sun reflections on the lake’s crystal blue waters, tree-lined shores, the Sirmione cape, the Castle, and the Catullo’s ruins. Back on land, you will have a lunch break before leaving for Riva del Garda with its Venetian-style historic center on the north side of the lake. The tour ends in Verona, where you will stay at a hotel for the night.

Get your day started with a breakfast at your hotel before you get going to see the world-class city of Verona, a work of art in itself. Take in the sights as you enjoy the mix of Nordic and Mediterranean cultures taken from both ancient and modern times. Simply take a walk through the city’s streets and get connected with Verona’s unique and varied past, which includes distinguished parts of it’s impressive roman origins, medieval structures, the massive renaissance palaces, as well as the impressive fortifications protecting it. The art and history of this town is truly breathtaking. After all that, take a some time to eat some mid-day lunch (not included) before setting off for Milan, where the tour will come to an end.