Northern Lakes Tour

4 Days /3 Nights
Depart from Milan and arrive in Milan
1 night Como, 1 night Brescia, 1 night Verona
Breakfast Daily

Meeting Point: Jolly hotel Machiavelli in central Milan

DAY 1: MILAN – STRESA – LUGANO – COMO

Departure at 08.30 am from hotel to the Maggiore Lake, one of the largest Italian Lakes. Wedged between the pre-alps, Lake Maggiore, of clear glacial origin, is framed in its lower section by the soft hills of the "Novarese" region, and in the upper section, by high mountain peeks, some of which with perennial snow. These features make it possible that in the costal areas the climate is temperate, milder in winter than in the inner areas and cooled down in summer by the breezes that blow on the water's surface changing its colour. Thanks to its mild climate it was possible for many species of flowers and plants typical to the sub-tropical climate to adapt in the costal areas. Arrival in Stresa, an international tourist resort situated in a central but also panoramic and picturesque position along the lakeside roadway, stands just in front of the Borromee islands. Tour of the Pescatori Island by boat. The island is named after the main activity which over the centuries has characterized this fishermen town. Although only few families still go on with the original activity, the identity of the small community appears still intact. Tourists are fascinated by its simple houses, the narrow lanes, the stone portals and the attractive underpasses. We will continue to the Bella Island, where it is possible to visit the Borromeo Palace with its magnificent gardens. Return to Stresa. (Free time for lunch, not included). In the afternoon, after a panoramic tour around the lake, we reach Lugano (Switzerland frontier). A very nice city, rich of shops and art galleries (Swiss shops offer the best luxury goods to be purchased). At the end of the visit departure to Como. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 2: COMO – BELLAGIO – VARENNA – BERGAMO – BRESCIA

Breakfast at the hotel. Short visit of Como. An amazing small province rich of atmospheres, panoramas, and human takeovers. In little kilometres it is passed from the high mountain to the lake, from the wild alpine valley to the industrialized brianzola hill, from the city area of Como to the villages of little houses, from the fanatical oasis to north to the tracks from ski to south. Como lake, It has long been famous for its setting at the intersection of the three branches of the Y-shaped lake, which is also known as Lario. Board the boat we reach Bellagio, situated at the tip of the peninsula separating the lake's two southern arms, with the Alps visible across the lake to the north. Divided in three branches, is situated on the most renowned beach on the Italian landscape. It is a picturesque village with small streets, luxury hotels and villas and gardens. Visit. Time free for lunch. In the afternoon departure by boat to Varenna. Panoramic tour and departure to Bergamo. City characterized by a division of the urban structure on two levels, the “Lower town” (Città bassa), modern and dynamic and the famous “Upper town” (Città alta), a truly historic and artistic jewel. After a Small walking tour of in the city centre, departure to Brescia. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 3: BRESCIA–SIRMIONE–RIVA DEL GARDA–VERONA

Breakfast at the hotel, departure for the Garda Lake, the largest Italian lake. Panoramic tour on the West Coast. Lake Garda offers the visitor a splendid natural scenery, full of colours, surrounded by the Dolomites of Brenta in the north and the gentle slopes of the morainic hills in the south. A rich vegetation flourishes thanks to the Mediterranean climate: lemon trees, oleanders, magnolias and bougainvilleas. The cultivation of vineyards and olive groves produces good wines and olive oil. Arrival in Sirmione. Here the lake offers its best panorama, really sunny with the blue of its waters and the green of its trees. Boat tour to have a nice view of the Sirmione Cape, the castle and the Catullo’s ruins. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon departure to Riva del Garda on the North side of the Lake. Its historic centre shows the signs of the Venetian domain. Leave to Verona. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 4: VERONA -MILAN

Breakfast at the hotel and visit of famous city Verona. It is a work of art in itself: a fascinating cross-roads of historical periods and cultures (both classical and Germanic), a blend of both Nordic and "Mediterranean" influences; the city is at the same time both ancient and modern. A walk through its narrow streets allows we to get in touch with its varied and fascinating past: traces of its splendid Roman origins, its prevailing medieval structure dating back to the time of knights and castles, its magnificent Renaissance palaces as well as the impressive fortifications which protect it. A suggestive blend of art and history which continuously fascinates the on lookers. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon departure to Milan. End of services.