Day 2

Accommodation

5-Star Lake Como Luxury Resort - Bellagio, Lombardy Region

Room Type: Classic Double

Check in policies:

Check-in time: 2:00 PM
Check-out time: 11:00 AM

Included Unique Activities

Private Como Lake & Castle Vezio Excursion

Bellagio, Lombardy Region

You cannot leave Lake Como without visiting the gem that is Varenna. Your boat tour brings you to Varenna, a small fishing hamlet where you can stroll along the lakeside, enjoying breathtaking views.  Your driver will then take you to the old Castle of Vezio, situated on top of the hill behind the village. Cross the old drawbridge and be ready for a medieval adventure! You may also climb up the tower to enjoy a 360-degree view, one of the best panoramas of Lake Como. In the middle of the Castle's enchanting olive gardens, or on the grand terrace overlooking the lake, you will indulge in a rich aperitif with local delicacies.

Must-See Sites

Lake Como, Lombardy Region

On the Map: In Italian it’s Lago di Como, also called Lario, Latin Lacus Larius, a lake in Lombardy, northern Italy, 25 miles (40 km) north of Milan.

Lake Como has been a popular retreat for aristocrats and the wealthy since Roman times. Villas and palaces abound, including Villa Olmo, Villa Serbelloni, and Villa Carlotta. Well-known people have had homes on the shores of Lake Como since Roman times, and still do.  (At 1,300 feet deep, it is the deepest European lake outside Norway.  The blue waters are gorgeous.)  The lake is cupped in the shadow of snow-covered alps and lush, green hillsides.  The historic downtown, and what’s left of its 12th century walls, is charming. Como’s economic base has been silk for centuries—go shopping. Besides visiting the villas, go to the Basilica di San Fedele. Some of it dates from the 12th century, and there are dazzling windows and frescoes from the 16th and 17th centuries. A craft and antiques market fills its piazza on Saturdays.

Overnight Location

Bellagio, Lombardy Region

On the map: Bellagio is situated on a promontory near the center of Lake Como, about 19 miles (30 km) northeast of the town of Como, in the Lombardy region of Italy. 

Bellagio is considered the pearl of Lake Como, a top lakeside vacation destination, and one of the most romantic places to visit in Italy. Bellagio boasts panoramic lake views and a fairly mild climate. The charming lakeside promenade leads to Villa Melzi with its beautiful gardens. The village features picturesque stone lanes and stairways with little shops, gelato bars, cafes, and restaurants. Nearby is the Tower of the Arts, a venue for exhibitions and performances, and the Romanesque San Giacomo Church. Bellagio has been a favored summer resort since Roman times.  They planted olive and laurel trees, and later Italians grew camellias and rhododendrons around their villas.  You can launch into the lake, or stroll through town. 

Day 3

Accommodation

5-Star Opulent Lakeside Resort - Stresa, Piedmont Region

Room Type: Standard Double

Check in policies:

Check-in time: 2:00 PM

Check-out time: 12:00 PM

Included Unique Activities

Stresa Mottarone Cable Car

Stresa, Piedmont Region

The cable car takes 20 minutes to reach an altitude of 4,900 feet, with a stop half-way up to change cars. A 15-minute walk at the halfway station takes you to the Alpinia Gardens with some lovely alpine flowers and plants. At the top of the cable car, you can take the new chairlift to the summit.  There are gorgeous views, as far as the Po valley, of seven surrounding Lakes and the Alps at 360°.  (Mottarone is situated between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta and is a natural balcony.) At the summit, there is Alpyland, an exciting bobsled on rails. This is great fun for the young and the young-at-heart! If you love nature, walking, and enjoy beautiful views, or are looking for amusement or relaxation, the cable car is ideal.

Must-See Sites

Lungolago di Stresa, Piedmont Region

For a delightful afternoon stroll alongside Lake Maggiore head for the Lungolago (lakefront) di Stresa. The mile-long lakefront promenade meanders through beautifully manicured gardens and past grand Liberty-style hotels, with views of Bella Island jutting up from the water. The journey northwest from the Stresa ferry dock takes you past cafes, fountains, and statues. A convenient turn-around point is the ferry dock at Carciano, which is also a base station for the Mottarone Mountain cable-car.

Overnight Location

Stresa, Piedmont Region

On the map: Stresa is a town of about 5,000 people on the shores of Lake Maggiore, just across from Verbania, in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, about 56 miles (90 km) northwest of Milan. It is on the road and rail routes to the Simplon Pass, a high mountain road between the Pennine Alps and the Lepontine Alps in Switzerland.

The name of this town first appeared in documents in 998 AD. By the 15th century it had become a fishing community, and eventually ended up under the control of the Borromeo Family. In 1948 Ernest Hemingway visited Stresa—he had set part of his novel, A Farewell to Arms, in the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees. Stresa has a front and center view of sunrise over Lake Maggiore. It also has the feel of a bygone era of decadence and elegance. In the center of town, the Piazza Cadorna is shady, and a nice place for coffee or a wine break. There are ancient cobblestone streets that weave through town—they’re perfect for exploring. Enjoy a cable car trip up Monte Mottarone. You’ll have amazing views over the lake, including those of the gorgeous, little islands. Take a ferry to the Borromean Islands and wander the lush gardens. Consider taking The Lago Maggiore Express, a one-day train trip to Domodossola, and switch to the Hundred Valleys train to Locarno, Switzerland. (You can take a ferry back to Stresa.) Stresa is an exceptional town.

Day 4

Accommodation

5-Star Opulent Lakeside Resort - Stresa, Piedmont Region

Room Type: Standard Double

Check in policies:

Check-in time: 2:00 PM

Check-out time: 12:00 PM

Included Unique Activities

Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat

Stresa, Piedmont Region

Avoid the restrictive schedules of most sightseeing tours and discover the beauty of Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands at your own pace. This tour gives you an exclusive boat service between Stresa and the islands of Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre. Hop off and on as often as you like throughout the day. Relax aboard the comfortable boats as you take in the stunning views of the lakes. Jump off at Isola Bella to visit the summer palace of Count Vitaliano VI. Stroll around the gardens of Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Madre. Find a nice spot for lunch in the fishing village on Isola dei Pescatori, the only island of the archipelago that is still inhabited.

Must-See Sites

Isola Bella, Stresa, Piedmont Region

On the map: Isola Bella is one of the 3 Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore, less than a quarter mile off Stresa, and can be reached in a few minutes from Verbania, Baveno, Stresa and Arona.

Literally meaning “beautiful island” Isola Bella is a treasure one cannot miss. Dominated by its sumptuous Baroque palace, along with a luxuriant Italian-style garden, laid out on ten terraces and reaching a height over 120 feet. Many parts of the palace are open to visitors: richly furnished rooms and opulent salons are embellished with priceless artworks.  

The garden is full of flowers and exotic plants of great rarity, which grow thanks to the particularly mild climate of the Borromean Gulf. Everything on the island has been designed to create a scenic effect, including the “Theatre” constructed at the end of the superimposed terraces, dominated by a statue of a Unicorn, the heraldic emblem of the Borromeos, which is flanked by statues representing Nature and Art. The huge, extraordinary garden is further decorated with ponds, fountains and a plethora of statues dating from the second half of the 17th century. The white peacocks that wander over the manicured lawns add their grace to this enchanting spot.

Overnight Location

Stresa, Piedmont Region

On the map: Stresa is a town of about 5,000 people on the shores of Lake Maggiore, just across from Verbania, in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, about 56 miles (90 km) northwest of Milan. It is on the road and rail routes to the Simplon Pass, a high mountain road between the Pennine Alps and the Lepontine Alps in Switzerland.

The name of this town first appeared in documents in 998 AD. By the 15th century it had become a fishing community, and eventually ended up under the control of the Borromeo Family. In 1948 Ernest Hemingway visited Stresa—he had set part of his novel, A Farewell to Arms, in the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees. Stresa has a front and center view of sunrise over Lake Maggiore. It also has the feel of a bygone era of decadence and elegance. In the center of town, the Piazza Cadorna is shady, and a nice place for coffee or a wine break. There are ancient cobblestone streets that weave through town—they’re perfect for exploring. Enjoy a cable car trip up Monte Mottarone. You’ll have amazing views over the lake, including those of the gorgeous, little islands. Take a ferry to the Borromean Islands and wander the lush gardens. Consider taking The Lago Maggiore Express, a one-day train trip to Domodossola, and switch to the Hundred Valleys train to Locarno, Switzerland. (You can take a ferry back to Stresa.) Stresa is an exceptional town.

Day 5

Accommodation

5-Star Milanese Fashion District Luxury Hotel - Milan, Lombardy Region

Room Type: Classic Double

Check in policies:

Check-in time: 2:00 PM
Check-out time: 12:00 PM

Included Unique Activities

Milan Walking Tour

Milan, Lombardy Region

This half-day walking tour of Milan introduces you to Italy’s most stylish city. See the grand medieval Sforza Castle and fortress, once a residence of the ruling family of Milan. It now houses exceptional museums and art collections. Visit the famous Duomo, one of the world's largest and most striking Gothic cathedrals, with over one hundred spires and three thousand statues, adorning the roof and facade of the building. Find unique treasures inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping gallery, a 19th century glass-vaulted shopping plaza. Brimming with fashionable shops and cafes, it is often called the ‘salotto di Milano’ or ‘Milan’s drawing room’ for its importance over the years as a common meeting place for the people of Milan.

Walk through Milan’s most famous Opera House, the opulent La Scala theatre. Founded in 1778 and still in use, some of the world’s greatest musicians and opera singers have performed here, including Pavarotti and Giuseppe Verdi. Your entrance ticket provides 24-hour admission to the theatre and museum so you can return the next day. Your tour ends with an intimate viewing of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper, a UNESCO World Heritage site, housed at Santa Maria delle Grazie. The delicate nature of the mural, and its cultural importance, means that Last Supper tickets are strictly limited to those who have pre-booked. Your tour includes this difficult-to-obtain pre-booked entrance, guaranteeing exclusive no-line entry and access. 

Must-See Sites

La Scala Opera House, Milan, Lombardy Region

Milan's most opulent spot is undoubtedly the velvet-draped theater known as La Scala (Teatro alla Scala). It is probably the most renowned opera house in the world, known as the premier place to perform or see an opera or ballet. It was commissioned by the Empress Maria Theresa of Austria during her cultural enrichment of Milan, which also instituted the Brera Gallery, botanical garden, national library and observatory in the city. The theater has four tiers of separate loggias, gallery seating on the floor, and an upper level known as the Loggione, where the "cheap seats" are located, famous for its enthusiasts through the centuries who either cheered or jeered boisterously.

Royal Palace, Milan, Lombardy Region

One of the most prestigious and history-rich buildings in the city, the Palazzo Reale di Milano (Royal Palace of Milan) in northern Italy's Lombardy region, is a must see for any art aficionado. It has been home to the city government since the 16th century. Its heyday arrived two centuries later under Austrian rule when it was refurbished in neo-classical style with contributions from architects and artists such as Pelagio Palagi and Francesco Hayez. Despite severe bombing during World War II, the Royal Palace has been hosting a flurry of art exhibitions since the 1950s. Between the end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017, exhibitions will be dedicated to influential Japanese artists such as Hokusai, Hiroshige and Utamaro; the Baroque of Rubens; and sculptures by Arnaldo Pomodoro are planned.

Overnight Location

Milan, Lombardy Region

On the Map: Milan, a metropolis in Italy's northern Lombardy region, is the second-most populous city in Italy after Rome.

Milan is a fast-paced global capital of fashion and design. Home to the national stock exchange, it's a financial hub also known for its high-end restaurants and shops. The Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and the Santa Maria Delle Grazie convent, housing Leonardo da Vinci's mural "The Last Supper," testify to centuries of art and culture. 

Day 6

Accommodation

5-Star Milanese Fashion District Luxury Hotel - Milan, Lombardy Region

Room Type: Classic Double

Check in policies:

Check-in time: 2:00 PM
Check-out time: 12:00 PM

Included Unique Activities

Milan Street Food Tour

Milan, Lombardy Region

Rub shoulders with the Milanese locals as you scout out seasonal produce. Here you'll find the best cheeses available, perfect for a chic aperitivo, or the ideal tomatoes to garnish your “cotoletta alla Milanese.” Experience the delights of everyday Milan, behind its fashionable facade, and dive into your destination like a local foodie. Explore your guide’s most trusted artisanal food shops, tasting as you go. Share your passion for Italian gastronomy with other like-minded travelers as you make new friends in this small group, street food tour. There is a maximum of 12 people for an authentic experience. 

Must-See Sites

Castello Sforzesco, Milan, Lombardy Region

The Sforzesco Castle, or the Castello Sforzesco is one of the best-known historical buildings in Milan, witness of several historical events in the past centuries. Built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, on the remnants of a 14th-century fortification, it was later renovated and enlarged, in the 16th and 17th centuries it was one of the largest citadels in Europe. Extensively rebuilt by Luca Beltrami in 1891–1905, it now houses several of the city's museums and art collections and has become a symbol of the city itself and of its history.

Overnight Location

Milan, Lombardy Region

On the Map: Milan, a metropolis in Italy's northern Lombardy region, is the second-most populous city in Italy after Rome.

Milan is a fast-paced global capital of fashion and design. Home to the national stock exchange, it's a financial hub also known for its high-end restaurants and shops. The Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and the Santa Maria Delle Grazie convent, housing Leonardo da Vinci's mural "The Last Supper," testify to centuries of art and culture. 

Day 7

Accommodation

5-Star Historic Country House - Verona, Veneto Region

Room Type: Classic Double

Check in policies:

Check-in time: 2:00 PM
Check-out time: 11:00 AM

Included Unique Activities

Verona Walking Tour

Verona, Veneto Region

Explore Verona with a knowledgeable guide.  This is a city that showcases some of Italy's finest sights and history. Learn how Verona’s architecture and urban structure reflect the evolution of this fortified town. Verona, often overlooked for neighboring Venice, possesses its own impressive artistic heritage and vibrant cultural diversity. Located a short drive from Venice and Lake Garda, in the heart of the Valpolicella wine region, it is an ideal destination for visitors looking for cultural events, shopping, history, fine dining, and amazing wine. Verona has preserved a remarkable number of monuments from antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance.  You'll see sites such as the medieval and Renaissance city walls, the Borsari and Lion gates, stunning piazzas, Romeo and Juliet’s houses, and Renaissance palaces.

Must-See Sites

Juliet's Balcony, Verona, Veneto Region

Visitors flock from around the globe to Verona to see the famous site of star crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. The balcony belongs to the aptly named La Casa di Giulietta, or House of Juliet, the former home of the Cappello family and the inspiration for the Capulets. Love-struck couples linger in the garden, pose for pictures on the balcony, or attach letters filled with sweet nothings to the walls. For good luck, many like to cop a feel off the bronze statue of Juliet, specifically her right breast, which has resulted in it developing a beautiful patina. Many people also leave their mark through graffiti and sticking chewing gum to the walls, some of the blobs being shaped into crude hearts.

Overnight Location

Verona, Veneto Region

On the Map: Verona is a city on the Adige River in the Veneto region in Italy. It is 64 miles (103 km) from Venice, 86 miles (140 km) from Milan, and 116 miles (188 km) from Florence.

Two of Shakespeare’s plays are set in Verona, including Romeo and Juliet. Verona is a well-loved city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Verona has a Roman amphitheater, the Arena, in the city’s largest plaza—it could seat 25,000 spectators in 44 tiers of marble seats. Verona’s gladiator games were a major attraction. San Zeno Maggiore, built in 1120 AD, houses the shrine of Verona’s patron saint—it’s the most ornate Romanesque church in northern Italy. Castelvecchio is an extraordinary castle built between 13355-1375 and houses one of the best art galleries in the area. One of the city’s most beautiful churches is San Lorenzo. Built in 1117, it is typical of a Veronese church. (The bell tower dates from the 15th century.) The Duomo is elegant, and inside you’ll see Titian’s Assumption. Food and wine are celebrated in Verona. This city is a perfect romantic getaway. For friends and families travelling together, there is plenty to explore and discover, in the town and the countryside.

Verona, Veneto Region

On the Map: Verona is a city on the Adige River in the Veneto region in Italy. It is 64 miles (103 km) from Venice, 86 miles (140 km) from Milan, and 116 miles (188 km) from Florence.

Two of Shakespeare’s plays are set in Verona, including Romeo and Juliet. Verona is a well-loved city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Verona has a Roman amphitheater, the Arena, in the city’s largest plaza—it could seat 25,000 spectators in 44 tiers of marble seats. Verona’s gladiator games were a major attraction. San Zeno Maggiore, built in 1120 AD, houses the shrine of Verona’s patron saint—it’s the most ornate Romanesque church in northern Italy. Castelvecchio is an extraordinary castle built between 13355-1375 and houses one of the best art galleries in the area. One of the city’s most beautiful churches is San Lorenzo. Built in 1117, it is typical of a Veronese church. (The bell tower dates from the 15th century.) The Duomo is elegant, and inside you’ll see Titian’s Assumption. Food and wine are celebrated in Verona. This city is a perfect romantic getaway. For friends and families travelling together, there is plenty to explore and discover, in the town and the countryside.

Day 8

Accommodation

5-Star Historic Country House - Verona, Veneto Region

Room Type: Classic Double

Check in policies:

Check-in time: 2:00 PM
Check-out time: 11:00 AM

Included Unique Activities

Lake Garda & Castle Excursion

Verona, Veneto Region

Meet your guide in the city center of Verona for your half-day tour to Lake Garda. After leaving the city center, you'll wind through the rolling countryside to reach Sirmione where you'll enjoy a tour of the lake by boat.  There are breathtaking views of the peninsula from the water. Be transported back in time in this charming medieval village, complete with a castle, narrow lanes, and old shops, called “botteghe.” Explore the town on your own, or follow your guide and explore the village together. After an hour of free time for wandering or lunch, your group will meet back up and return to Verona by van.

Authentic Verona Family Dinner & Cooking Demo

Verona, Veneto Region

In the heart of the Veneto wine region, we find Verona, known as the "City of Love,” and home to Romeo and Juliet. One of Verona's lesser-known secrets is its rich and varied gastronomy. Just like Romeo and Juliet, every local dish has its own love story.  For example, the Love Knot, known as the Tortellini of Valeggio, came from the legendary relationship between a soldier and a nymph, or “Pastissada de caval.” It is prepared using a recipe that dates back 1,500 years. 

When you dine at a host’s home in Verona, you will fall in love with the local dishes and their stories. Immerse yourself in a dining experience at a private home, enjoy an exclusive cooking demo, and taste authentic recipes treasured in family cookbooks and passed down by real Italian Mammas. Feel the warmth of Italian hospitality as you connect with local people. Enjoy an Aperitivo with sparkling wine and nibbles followed by a 4-course menu, including starter, pasta, main course with side dish, and dessert. Drinks are included—water, a selection of red and white wines from regional cellars, and coffee.

Must-See Sites

Lake Garda, Veneto Region

On the Map: Garda is the largest lake in Italy, about halfway between Brescia and Verona, and between Venice and Milan, on the edge of the Dolomites. It is 85 miles (138 km) from Milan, and 113 miles (183 km) from Venice.

Garda has many small islands, and five main ones. The largest is Isola del Garda—in 1220 St. Francis of Assissi founded his monastery there. Take your time at Garda, and fall into the atmosphere and beauty of fine, relaxed living, Italian-style. You’ll want to explore Roman ruins and soak in thermal hot springs. If you love wine, tour some of the world’s finest wineries from here. (If you’re not a wine enthusiast, no problem. The countryside is irresistible.) From Garda, you can day-hop to Verona, and enjoy exceptional opera. There are three distinct regions at Garda: In the north, there’s Austrian food and an alpine feel. In the south, a Mediterranean ambiance of ease, olive trees, and farms. In the central part, you’re in the region of the plains and traditional Italian fare and folks. Dip into the hot springs that were enjoyed by the Romans, at Sirmione. The entire lake is a love song.

Overnight Location

Verona, Veneto Region

On the Map: Verona is a city on the Adige River in the Veneto region in Italy. It is 64 miles (103 km) from Venice, 86 miles (140 km) from Milan, and 116 miles (188 km) from Florence.

Two of Shakespeare’s plays are set in Verona, including Romeo and Juliet. Verona is a well-loved city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Verona has a Roman amphitheater, the Arena, in the city’s largest plaza—it could seat 25,000 spectators in 44 tiers of marble seats. Verona’s gladiator games were a major attraction. San Zeno Maggiore, built in 1120 AD, houses the shrine of Verona’s patron saint—it’s the most ornate Romanesque church in northern Italy. Castelvecchio is an extraordinary castle built between 13355-1375 and houses one of the best art galleries in the area. One of the city’s most beautiful churches is San Lorenzo. Built in 1117, it is typical of a Veronese church. (The bell tower dates from the 15th century.) The Duomo is elegant, and inside you’ll see Titian’s Assumption. Food and wine are celebrated in Verona. This city is a perfect romantic getaway. For friends and families travelling together, there is plenty to explore and discover, in the town and the countryside.

Day 9

Depart From

Verona, Veneto Region

On the Map: Verona is a city on the Adige River in the Veneto region in Italy. It is 64 miles (103 km) from Venice, 86 miles (140 km) from Milan, and 116 miles (188 km) from Florence.

Two of Shakespeare’s plays are set in Verona, including Romeo and Juliet. Verona is a well-loved city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Verona has a Roman amphitheater, the Arena, in the city’s largest plaza—it could seat 25,000 spectators in 44 tiers of marble seats. Verona’s gladiator games were a major attraction. San Zeno Maggiore, built in 1120 AD, houses the shrine of Verona’s patron saint—it’s the most ornate Romanesque church in northern Italy. Castelvecchio is an extraordinary castle built between 13355-1375 and houses one of the best art galleries in the area. One of the city’s most beautiful churches is San Lorenzo. Built in 1117, it is typical of a Veronese church. (The bell tower dates from the 15th century.) The Duomo is elegant, and inside you’ll see Titian’s Assumption. Food and wine are celebrated in Verona. This city is a perfect romantic getaway. For friends and families travelling together, there is plenty to explore and discover, in the town and the countryside.