North Lakes (4 Day Tour)

Tour Description > View Itinerary

While Italy is well-known for its historic and art-filled cities like Rome and Florence, the Northern Lakes of the country also get a lot of love from nature-loving travelers. These lakes are easily accessible from major cities like Milan and Venice, making them very popular day trip destinations for tourists and locals alike. The climate surrounding the lakes are relatively moderate and have a great view of the scenery throughout the year.

Itinerary

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Day 1: Milan – Lake Orta – Stresa – Como
Day 2: Como – Bellagio – Varenna – Bergamo – Brescia
Day 3: Brescia – Sirmione – Riva Del Garda – Verona
Day 4: Verona – Milan

Day 1: Milan – Lake Orta – Stresa – Como

Departure will be at 8:30 am from Hotel Starhotels Ritz in Milan to Lake Orta, a small and charming lake situated in the north-eastern side of the region Piedmont. The first stop is the beautiful village of Orta San Giulio. Then, a tour by boat to reach the island of San Giulio, just in front of the village. Known as “ the Pearl of the Lake”, it is almost entirely occupied by the Monastery Mater Ecclesiae, famous for its studies on antique books.

After a short visit, you will take the ferry back to Orta and then leave by bus to Stresa, on Lake Maggiore, one of the largest Italian lakes. Wedged between the pre-Alps, and of clear glacial origin, its lower section is framed by the soft hills of the region of Novara and – in the upper section – by high mountain peaks with perpetual snows. These features make it possible to have a moderate temperature during all seasons, milder in winter than in the inner areas and cooled down in summer by the breezes that blow on the water’s surface, allowing it to change the lake’s colour. Thanks to its mild climate, many species of flowers and plants typical to the sub-tropical climate adapt to the lake area’s climate.

Stresa is an international tourist resort situated in a central but also panoramic and picturesque position along the lakeside roadway, just in front of the ‘Borromee’ islands. Upon arrival, you will take a short break for lunch. In the afternoon, you will go on a tour of the “Isola dei Pescatori” (Fishermen’s Island) by boat. The island was named after the main activity that, over the centuries, has characterized this fishermen town. Although only few

families still ply this trade, the identity of the small community appears intact. Tourists are fascinated by its simple houses, the narrow lanes, the stone portals and the attractive underpasses. Afterwards, we will continue to the “Isola Bella” (The Beautiful Island), where you might opt for a visit of the Borromeo Palace with its magnificent gardens. Finally, you will return to Stresa (free time for lunch not included), where you will travel to Como. You will arrive by nightfall and spend the night in the hotel.

Day 2: Como – Bellagio – Varenna – Bergamo – Brescia

You’ll start the day by enjoying breakfast at your hotel before setting off on a short visit to Como. This is a small town with amazing natural panoramas of mountains, Lake Como, and wild alpine valleys. You’ll also see the industrialized Brianzola hill, downtown Como, and the small houses in the village.

The lake itself, sometimes called Lario, has long been famous for its Y-shape, its three branches intersecting at Bellagio that you will visit via boat. Separating the lake’s two southern arms with the Alps dominating the horizon to the north, Bellagio is home to some of the most charming landscapes in Italy. You will get to spend some time strolling this picturesque village with its small streets, luxury hotels, villas, and gardens. Afterwards, you can stop for lunch in one of the many cafés in town (not included).

Back on the boat, you will make your way to Varenna that afternoon, where you will have a panoramic tour before moving on to Bergamo, a truly historic and artistic jewel characterized by its urban structure. The “lower town” (città bassa) is modern and dynamic, while the famous “upper town” (città alta) houses the city’s medieval history. After a short walking tour in the city center, you will depart for Brescia, where you will check in at your new hotel for the night.

Day 3: Brescia – Sirmione – Riva del Garda – Verona

Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, is the next destination. After breakfast at your hotel, you will have a panoramic tour of the lake’s west coast, taking in the splendid natural scenery: the brilliant colors, the Dolomites of Brenta, and the gentle slopes of the moraine hills. Enjoy the area’s rich vegetation, including lemon trees, oleanders, magnolias, and bouganville that flourish thanks to the mediterranean climate. So be sure to taste some of the olive oil and wines made locally.

Next, you will move on to Sirmione, where you will see Lake Garda and its surroundings at their finest. See the sun shining off of the lake’s blue waters and tree-lined shores, the Sirmione cape, the Castle, and the Catullo’s ruins during a boat tour. Back on land, you will have free time for lunch before departing for Riva del Garda on the north side of the lake, where you will see its Venetian-style historic center. Verona will be your final stop of the day, where you will check in to your hotel for the night.

Day 4: Verona – Milan

Fuel up on breakfast at your hotel before setting out to see the famous city of Verona, a work of art in itself. This fascinating crossroad of historical periods and cultures (both classical and Germanic) is a blend of both Nordic and Mediterranean influences that is both ancient and modern. A walk through its narrow streets will allow you to get in touch with Verona’s varied and fascinating past. There are many traces of its splendid Roman origins, its medieval structures, its magnificent renaissance palaces, as well as the impressive fortifications protecting it. The combination of art and history will surely fascinate you. Spend some time eating lunch (not included) before departing for Milan, where your tour will come to an end.

Not ready to go home yet? Having too much fun exploring magnificent Italy? Your travel specialist will review all the options available to you at the end of the trip, including an extended opportunity to explore the country or the option of spending an extra night in Rome. If you must go, you’ll head to the airport for your return home. Remember, we are always eager to help you create the travel experience you desire, so don’t hesitate to ask if you’d like to keep your travel options open!

Additional Information

The tour includes:

• Transportation by deluxe motor coach
• Multilingual tour guide and escort
• Accommodation at the hotels
• Meals as per itinerary)
• Visit to the North Lakes Region
• Prosecco Tasting
• Luggage service: 1 piece of luggage and 1 carry-on per person
• US Taxes and fees
• 24 hour emergency hotline

The tour does not include:

• Tips
• Drinks and extras in hotel
• Optional Tours
• Entrance fees to monuments or museums not included in the itinerary
• Everything that is not mentioned in “The tour includes” section
• Extra luggage may incur an additional fee