Tom’s Travel returns to Italy, this time concentrating on Northern Italy and its beautiful lakes. Highlights include Milan, Venice, Lake Como, Maggiore and Garda. This is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Price: $4469 including air
Overnight Flight
You are on your way to discover Milan, the fashion-forward financial capital of Italy.
Milan
Arrive in Milan, a chic and sophisticated metropolis known for being the hub of Italian high fashion and a mecca for international opera buffs. This evening, join your local guide for an authentic Milan ritual, an informal Apericena meal mixing pre-dinner drinks and tapas-style food. (D)
Milan
This morning, take in some of the city’s iconic sights on a locally guided walking tour: view the La Scala Opera House and Vittorio Emanuele Gallery, and visit the Duomo,* Milan’s magnificent Gothic cathedral. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this bustling city at your own pace. You may choose to visit the Sforza Castle, Sant’Ambrogio Cathedral, Leonardo’s Last Supper** or the Brera Academy of Fine Arts. (B)
Milan – Lake Maggiore
This morning, join your local guide for a tour of the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan’s high-fashion district, including visits to some of the city’s best ateliers and fashion stores. In the early afternoon, transfer to Lake Maggiore where you begin your tour of Northern Italy & its Lakes. Your journey begins in Lake Maggiore where you will settle in for a leisurely 4-night stay, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Alpine lakes region. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers as you cruise to picturesque Isola dei Pescatori* for a welcome dinner featuring regional delicacies and local wines. (B, D)
Lake Maggiore – Stresa – Lake Maggiore
Start the morning by strolling the cobbled streets of Stresa. Long-favored by European aristocracy because of its blend of elegant belle-époque mansions, fragrant gardens and charming views, Stresa has inspired artists and writers since the late 1800s. Later, surround yourself in the beauty and grandeur found on the lakes of Northern Italy. Cruise along scenic Lago Maggiore passing the Borromean Islands sprinkled throughout this stunning lake. These petite but incredible islands are brimming with grand villas and exquisite, world-renowned gardens. Glide past Isola del Pescatore viewing the gulf of Baveno before making a stop at Isola Bella. Then we make our way along the cobblestone streets of the quaint town to the impressive, Baroque Borromean Palace and gardens. This famed palace is steeped in immeasurable wealth and regal pageantry. On your guided tour, surroundings will bring you back to the 17th century. Get a glimpse inside life as a royal as you stroll through the opulent halls superbly decorated with rare artwork and tapestries. Then, you’ll head outside to the perfectly manicured, tiered gardens that abut the lakeshore. Behold stunning views and the splendor of the gardens as we make our way through with an expert. Return to the boat for a cruise back to Stresa. (B)
Lake Maggiore-Lake Lugano, Switzerland-Lake Como, Italy-Lake Maggiore
Take a scenic drive along the glittering shores of Switzerland’s Lake Lugano before enjoying a day of sunshine and scenic peaks on the stunning banks of Lake Como. Sail to Bellagio, an ancient peninsula home to winding streets and views that will take your breath away. Enjoy some free time to discover the town’s secrets on your own before returning to Lake Maggiore in time for dinner at your hotel. (B, D)
Lake Maggiore
The entire day is yours. You may want to soak up the sun on the beach, relax in an outdoor café, or head out on the waves by boat. Perhaps you will take an optional tour to picture-perfect Lake Orta, a hidden gem surrounded by romantic villages and filled with quaint islands, before returning to Lake Maggiore where the evening is yours to enjoy the twinkling lights that illuminate the shores as night falls on the lake. (B)
Lake Maggiore – Lake Garda – Treviso
This morning, head to Sirmione, an ancient village situated on the shores of Lake Garda. Enjoy time at leisure to discover the narrow streets, take in views of its famous sinking castle, or simply relax alongside the bright blue waves of the lake. End the day at your hotel next to Treviso, in the Venetian mainland. This evening, explore Treviso, an elegant town of painted houses and quaint canals, crossed by the Sile and Botteniga rivers and encircled by a set of Renaissance city walls. (B)
Treviso – Murano Island – Venice – Treviso
Start your day with a visit to Murano Island,*** known for its intricate glass making. Witness a glassblowing demonstration, providing a glimpse into the methods behind this fine art. Feel the grandeur of the past come alive as you make your way to Venice, a floating labyrinth settled on a lagoon. Pass through the sprawling St. Mark’s Square with an expert guide and admire the Campanile, a brick bell tower that rises above the piazza. Step outside the main square and explore the Castello district, making your way past historic buildings and architecture as you walk the narrow streets. Enjoy some time at leisure before returning to your hotel in time for dinner. (B, D)
Treviso
The day is yours to discover Treviso however you wish. Perhaps you will choose to explore more of the Venetian mainland on an optional tour to the enchanted hilltop village of Asolo, where the streets echo the footsteps of the poet Robert Browning, composer Igor Stravinsky and explorer Freya Stark. Continue your journey into the rolling hills of Italy’s Prosecco region for a visit to a local vineyard where you’ll taste the region’s sparkling specialty. This evening, celebrate the end of a memorable journey during a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B, D)
Treviso – Tour Ends
Wish Italy arriverderci as your tour comes to a close today. (B)