Set out on a captivating 6-day journey through Italy’s enchanting lakes region, where natural splendor and historical wonders seamlessly intertwine. Witness the iconic Bernina Express traverse the Swiss Alps, explore the UNESCO-listed treasures of Verona and Bergamo, and learn about the vibrant ambiance of Milan. This meticulously crafted tour promises an immersive experience, with carefully curated accommodations, meals, and a knowledgeable guide to ensure travelers uncover the region’s hidden gems. Whether you’re seeking picturesque landscapes, culture, or a touch of adventure, this Italian lakes and Milan experience is poised to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- Comprehensive 6-day tour of the Italian Lakes region, including lakes Como, Garda, Maggiore, and Orta, and the UNESCO-listed city of Verona.
- Boat trips on the lakes to immerse in the natural beauty, and a journey on the iconic Bernina Express train through the Swiss Alps.
- Accommodations in 4-star hotels, 5 breakfasts, 3 dinners, air-conditioned transportation, and a professional guide.
- Exploration of Milan’s vibrant cityscape, high fashion, and historic landmarks, including the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
- Discover the charming town of Bellagio, the historic city of Bergamo, and savor local cuisine throughout the tour.
Tour Overview and Inclusions
This 6-day tour provides travelers with a comprehensive exploration of the picturesque Italian Lakes region, including visits to four renowned lakes – Como, Garda, Maggiore, and Orta – as well as the UNESCO-listed center of Verona.
Guests will enjoy boat trips around each lake, seeing the stunning natural beauty. The tour also includes a journey on the iconic Bernina Express train, offering scenic views of the Alps.
Accommodations are in 4-star hotels, and the package includes 5 breakfasts, 3 dinners, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a professional guide.
With this inclusive itinerary, travelers can experience the best of the Italian Lakes and Milan without the hassle of planning everything themselves.
Pickup and Start
The tour begins with pickup from Milan Malpensa Airport, where travelers embark on their Italian adventure.
From here, the group heads to the city of Milan, the starting point of the 6-day tour. Participants will have the chance to explore the vibrant city, soaking in its rich history and culture.
The first day is dedicated to discovering the highlights of Milan, setting the tone for the enchanting journey ahead. With a professional guide leading the way, travelers can expect a seamless and enriching experience as they venture into the heart of the Italian Lakes region and the picturesque city of Verona.
The tour is designed to provide a well-rounded exploration of Northern Italy’s natural beauty and historical gems.
Explore Milan
Immersing themselves in Milan’s vibrant cityscape, travelers begin their exploration of the cosmopolitan hub, where the allure of high fashion and historic landmarks converge.
They stroll through the bustling Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, marveling at the stunning architecture and window-shopping the luxury boutiques.
Next, they visit the iconic Duomo, a breathtaking Gothic cathedral that dominates the city’s skyline. Climbing to the rooftop terraces offers panoramic views of Milan’s modern skyscrapers juxtaposed with the centuries-old landmarks.
As the day winds down, they savor an authentic Italian aperitivo, sipping Campari and Prosecco while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this dynamic city, setting the tone for the captivating Italian adventure to come.
Bernina Express Train Journey
Embarking on the iconic Bernina Express, travelers set out on a scenic mountain train journey that winds through the breathtaking landscapes of the Swiss Alps.
This narrow-gauge railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, carries them past snow-capped peaks, lush alpine meadows, and stunning glacial vistas as it climbs steadily towards the Bernina Pass.
The journey is a true highlight, offering panoramic views of the majestic Engadin Valley and the Morteratsch Glacier. Passengers can sit back and marvel at the engineering feat that’s the Bernina line, crossing steep ravines and spiral viaducts as they make their way towards the final destination of Tirano, Italy.
Como, Bellagio, and Bergamo
After their journey on the Bernina Express, travelers head to the captivating region of Como, where they’ll explore the charming town of Bellagio and the historic city of Bergamo.
In Como, they’ll take a boat tour across the serene lake, admiring the villas and gardens that line the shores.
In Bellagio, they’ll stroll through the picturesque streets, stopping to savor local cuisine and browse the artisanal shops.
Then, it’s on to Bergamo, a UNESCO-listed gem with a well-preserved medieval old town. Here, they’ll discover the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the stunning Venetian-style Città Alta, all while soaking up the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Sirmione, Riva Del Garda, and Bergamo
Next, the travelers head to the picturesque towns of Sirmione and Riva del Garda, located on the stunning shores of Lake Garda. In Sirmione, they’ll wander through the charming medieval streets, admiring the well-preserved Scaliger Castle and the ancient Roman ruins of the Grotte di Catullo.
Then, it’s on to Riva del Garda, a vibrant town where they’ll explore the Venetian-influenced architecture and enjoy breathtaking views of the lake from the Rocca, a historic fortress.
The day’s itinerary also includes a visit to Bergamo, a historic city with a well-preserved medieval Città Alta (Upper Town) and a charming Città Bassa (Lower Town).
Some highlights of Bergamo include:
- The Piazza Vecchia, a beautiful Renaissance square
- The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, a stunning example of Lombard Romanesque architecture
- The Cappella Colleoni, a magnificent chapel adorned with intricate marble carvings
- The funicular railway that connects the upper and lower towns, offering panoramic views.
Verona and Franciacorta Wine Region
The tour then takes the travelers to the historic city of Verona, famed for its Shakespearean legacy and impressive Roman architecture. They explore the UNESCO-listed city center, marveling at the well-preserved Roman arena and Juliet’s iconic balcony.
Following their exploration of Verona, they venture into the renowned Franciacorta wine region, known for its exceptional sparkling wines. Here, they visit a local winery, learning about the traditional Metodo Classico production method as they sample the region’s finest vintages.
The combination of the culturally rich Verona and the picturesque Franciacorta vineyards provides a well-rounded experience, blending Italy’s history and its renowned winemaking heritage.
Free Time in Milan
On the final day, travelers have the opportunity to explore Milan at their own pace, taking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and iconic landmarks.
Some must-see attractions include:
- The Duomo of Milan, a magnificent Gothic cathedral that took over 600 years to complete and offers stunning views from the rooftop.
- The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a beautiful 19th-century shopping arcade with stunning architecture and high-end shops.
- The Sforza Castle, a grand Renaissance fortress that now houses several museums and art collections.
- The Last Supper, Leonardo da Vinci’s famous mural housed in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
With ample time to wander, travelers can enjoy the energy of this dynamic city before concluding their Italian adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum and Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
The tour does not specify a minimum or maximum group size. Typically, these types of multi-day tours have small group sizes, often ranging from 10 to 25 participants, to provide a more personalized experience.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Activities?
The tour can be customized to include additional activities, though this may incur extra costs. The tour operator can work with travelers to tailor the itinerary to their specific interests and needs within the overall tour structure.
Is There an Option to Extend the Stay in Any of the Destinations?
Yes, the tour can be extended to allow more time in destinations like Milan, Como, Verona, or Bergamo. Guests can customize their itinerary by adding extra nights in their preferred locations through the tour operator.
Do the Boat Trips Include Any Guided Tours or Commentary?
The boat trips on the Italian lakes typically include guided commentary, allowing travelers to learn about the history, architecture, and natural beauty of the surrounding areas during the excursions. This enhances the overall experience of visiting these picturesque destinations.
Can Participants Choose Their Own Hotel Accommodations?
No, participants cannot choose their own hotel accommodations on this tour. The tour includes 4-star accommodation at pre-selected hotels in Milan, Como, Verona, and Bergamo as part of the package. The hotels are chosen by the tour operator.
Recap
This 6-day tour of the Italian Lakes region offers travelers an immersive experience, showcasing the region’s natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural gems.
From the vibrant cityscape of Milan to the stunning lakes and charming towns, the tour provides a well-rounded and captivating exploration of Northern Italy, leaving visitors with lasting memories of this enchanting corner of the country.
