Best of the Italian Lakes

Day 1  Milan to Lake Maggiore  
Arrive into Milan and travel to stunning Lake Maggorie. A favourite summer retreat for the who's who of Italy for centuries provides an enchanting backdrop for your first day in Italy. 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  Lake Maggiore    
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. Spend free time exploring Baveno with its Romanesque bell tower and octagonal baptistery.  

Day 3  Lake Maggiore to Lake Garda    
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. We continue our love affair with the Italian Lakes, travelling to Lake Garda for a relaxing five-night stay, where long, lazy days are a way of life. This evening, we Connect with Locals at a Be My Guest experience featuring local fare with the Serenelli family.  

Day 4  Lake Garda    
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  Lake Garda    
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 centre is a delight to explore as you’ll come to discover during your visit.  

Day 6  Lake Garda    
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 savour the intoxicating aroma of lemons around every turn. Enjoy the flavours of delicious local olive oils and cheese at local markets, stroll along flower-lined lakeside paths or visit the lake's extraordinary sights.  

Day 7  Lake Garda  
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 flavours of some of the world’s best organic and biodynamic balsamic vinegar. 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  Lake Garda to Milan    
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 travellers to celebrate the end of an exquisite holiday together.

Day 9  Milan  
Our leisurely jaunt through the Italian Lakes has come to an end. We say arrivederci to Italy and our newfound friends.