Best of the Italian Lakes
Best of the Italian Lakes
$2825
Best of the Italian Lakes
9 Days Starting and ending in Milan, Italy
Visiting: Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Garda, Verona, Mantua, Modena, Milan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ITMIZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the Italians’ favorite holiday haunts on this irresistible Italian Lakes trip. Linger over a sweet gelato?on the shores of Lake Maggiore, sample authentic balsamic vinegar in Modena, then ease into the easy-going local way of life in enchanting lakeside villages.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Journey From Milan To Lake Maggiore
Location: Lake Maggiore
Accommodation Name: Simplon
Meals Included: Dinner
A favorite summer retreat for the who's who of Italy for centuries provides an enchanting backdrop for your first day in Italy. Airport transfers will be provided at set times from Milan Malpensa Airport to your hotel in the charming resort of Baveno on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Enjoy a Light Supper with a drink this evening to meet your fellow travel companions and Travel Director before embarking on your journey together.
Day 2: Admire Beautiful Lake Como
Location: Lake Como
Accommodation Name: Simplon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey through Italy's exquisite Lake District to scenic Lake Como. Walk along the beautiful Como waterfront or relax by the lake indulging in a tasty gelato. Then it’s time to ease into la dolce vita, strolling along the lake shore at Baveno – the gentle sounds of this lakeside setting are a soulful way to enjoy your afternoon. Spend free time exploring Baveno with its Romanesque bell tower and octagonal baptistery.
Day 3: Continue To Lake Garda
Location: Lake Garda
Meals Included: Breakfast
The enchanting lanes of Bergamo, near the foothills of the Alps, yield architectural and artistic treasures which we will have an opportunity to explore this morning. Wander past centuries-old Renaissance façades and into the exquisite Piazza Vecchia built on the site of an ancient Roman forum, the heart of political power in the city for several centuries. See the ornate Contarini Fountain and 12th century Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, which the people of Bergamo built to thank the Virgin Mary for coming to their aid in the midst of the plague during the 12th century. We continue our love affair with the Italian Lakes, traveling to Lake Garda for a relaxing five-night stay, where long, lazy days are a way of life.
Day 4: Explore Verona
Location: Verona
Meals Included: Breakfast
Romance is in the air today as we journey to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's tragic star-crossed lovers. Our walking tour with a Local Specialist will take us to Juliet's Balcony, as well as the incredible Roman arena, still in use today. There is also plenty of time to explore the city at leisure - see the seven medieval towers of Castelvecchio, relax under the shady trees in Verona's expansive Piazza Bra or clamber up Lamberti's Tower for magnificent views.
Day 5: Discover The Treasures Of Mantua Connect With Locals Make Travel Matter
Location: Mantua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A leisurely start to your day could see you stroll along the lakefront and enjoy a quiet coffee. Later today, you’ll embark on a half-day excursion to Mantua, a European 'Capital of Gastronomy' renowned for its significant role in the history of opera. Surrounded by lakes, this historic city with its UNESCO-listed center is a delight to explore as you’ll come to discover during your visit. See architectural treasures and artefacts, elegant palaces and Renaissance cityscapes before returning to the picturesque lakeside setting of Lake Garda. This evening, enjoy a Be My Guest experience featuring local fare with the Serenelli family. On this memorable Be My Guest experience, you’ll hear all about the farm’s incredible role in Napoleon’s Battle of Solferino, the bloody aftermath of which inspired the establishment of the International Red Cross.
Day 6: Lake Garda Your Way
Location: Lake Garda
Meals Included: Breakfast
Indulge in a full day at leisure to soak up the picture-perfect setting of Italy's largest lake. Journey along its tranquil shores, stopping at lakeside villages to savor the intoxicating aroma of lemons around every turn. Enjoy the flavors of delicious local olive oils and cheese at local markets, stroll along flower-lined lakeside paths or visit the lake's extraordinary sights. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the magnificent Dolomite mountains, a World Heritage Site comprising 18 peaks over 10,000 feet (3,000 m).
Day 7: Admire Ferraris In Modena Dive Into Culture
Location: Modena
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our day starts with a gourmet interlude at a historic, traditional Acetaia on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to taste the delicious sweet and sour flavors of some of the world’s best organic and biodynamic balsamic vinegar. This experience contributes to UN Global Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption. We continue to the gastronomic hub of Modena, home of sparkling Lambrusco, salty prosciutto and the intense aromas of parmigiano, for an exploration with a local specialist. Wander past pastel-hued façades in the heart of the city that was the birthplace of Ferrari, Pavarotti and tortellini. Modena's Old Town and the magnificent Piazza Grande with its 12th century cathedral and Torre Civica, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This afternoon we visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum where we Dive Into Culture and explore the history of this Italian icon. This evening, enjoy a leisurely dinner in our Italian lakeside resort.
Day 8: Onwards To Milan
Location: Milan
Accommodation Name: Starhotels Business Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In search of spires that reach the sky, we leave our tranquil lakeside setting behind for the chic northern capital of Milan. Admire the extraordinary Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and 19th-century Galleria with its impressive glass and iron-domed roof. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to jostle with the glamorous Milanese for your spot in the shopping district of Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Via Sant'Andrea. This evening we indulge in a Farewell Dinner, joining our fellow travelers to celebrate the end of an exquisite holiday together.
Day 9: Farewell Italy
Location: Milan
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our leisurely jaunt through the Italian Lakes has come to an end. We say arrivederci to Italy and our newfound friends.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
The tour covers all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Travel is provided in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and free time
The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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Visa fees
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries, ensuring a comfortable journey between destinations. Enjoy the flexibility of audio headsets for sightseeing and the convenience of airport transfers from Milan Malpensa Airport.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels, including the charming Simplon in Baveno and the elegant Palace Desenzano Del Garda, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey. Enjoy a final night at the Starhotels Business Palace in Milan, ensuring a restful end to your Italian adventure.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
Dive Into Culture
- Modena: Celebrate all things Ferrari, past, present and future, at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena. This pit stop includes intriguing exhibitions and an immersive experience that you'll never forget.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to a traditional Acetaia in Modena for a balsamic vinegar tasting, supporting sustainable production. Additionally, there is a Be My Guest dinner with the Serenelli family in Solferino, where you learn about local history and the formation of the Red Cross.
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What can I expect during the visit to Modena?
In Modena, you will taste organic and biodynamic balsamic vinegar at a historic Acetaia, explore the city's UNESCO-listed Old Town, and visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum to learn about the history of Ferrari.
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How is the tour structured in terms of meals?
The tour provides breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals. There are also special dining experiences such as a Be My Guest dinner and a Farewell Dinner.
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What is the significance of the Be My Guest experience in Solferino?
The Be My Guest experience in Solferino involves dining with the Serenelli family, learning about their local history, and the role their farm played in Napoleon's Battle of Solferino, which inspired the establishment of the International Red Cross.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour in Verona?
In Verona, you will have a walking tour with a Local Specialist to see Juliet's Balcony and the Roman arena. You will also have time to explore the city at your leisure, including sites like Castelvecchio and Piazza Bra.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions