Italy Northern Lakes

Lake Maggiore - Lake Orta - Lake Como

Lake Lugano - Lake Iseo - Lake Garda

~ 10 Days ~

The most famous lakes in Italy are in what is sometimes called the Italian Lake District, in the north of the country not far from the Alps. That anglicised description is evocative of the area's poetic and literary connections.

Beloved of the romantic poets as well as later writers, statesmen and royalty, the northern Italian lakes are beautiful and atmospheric, where mountains descend to meet the lakeshore, and stately grand Villas dominate pretty lakeside towns.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Milan Malpensa Airport

After your Hotel Transfer to Stresa and check in, enjoy some leisure time. If you just arrived on a Transatlantic flight, we suggest you spend sometime resting. Meet your Tour Director and rest of Group. Evening Welcome Dinner Party in a traditional restaurant

Day 2: Lake Maggiore

Today we visit  Isola Madre and Isola Bella. Their gardens are particularly famous for their azalea, rhododendron, and camellia blossoms but also for the pergolas of ancient wisteria, for the Cashmere Cyprus and for the espaliers of citrons and lemons. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Lake Orta

This morning we travel to Lake Orta to visit the village of Orta and Saint Julius Island.  The lake is surrounded by mountains and luxuriant vegetation; especially in the southern part where we find several villas and parks with secular trees. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Castle Rocca Borromeo

This morning we will visit the Castle Borromeo of Angera, an unusual example of a completely preserved medieval fortified building. The Castle rises on a spur of calcareous rock that dominates the southern part of Lake Maggiore. Late afternoon transfer to Lake Como. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Lake Como

This morning we explore the splendid gardens of Villa Balbianello. The Estate has something special that captures your heart and never leaves it. In the afternoon we continue our journey with a visit to the spectacular village of Bellagio. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Lake Lugano

Today we cross the border into Switzerland to visit Lugano. Since as early as the Middle Ages, Lugano has been the hub of a thriving traffic of goods. It is a refined travel destination with many attractions and things to see. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Lake Iseo

This morning we explore Lake Iseo. We will travel east towards Lake Garda and we will spend most of the day in this almost unknown lake area of Italy. Here will visit Monte Isola easily reached by a short ferry ride. Late afternoon transfer to Lake Como. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Lake Garda

Today we embark on a discover adventure of Lake Garda eastern shore. We first visit Sirmione peninsula with its castle and historic centre then in the afternoon we drive through the Bardolino region to visit Malcesine. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Lake Garda

This morning we travel to Lake Garda western shore to first visit the Andre Heller Botanic Garden, formerly known as the Giardino Hruska Botanico.  We then continue our journey to explore the characteristic town of Limone. Overnight at the hotel.

Evening Farewell Dinner Party in a traditional restaurant