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HIGHLIGHTS OF ITALY’S LAKE DISTRICT

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Discover Italy’s magnificent north in all of its splendor, exploring the many different faces and vibes with this Italian vacation package. Set off on the remarkable journey in Venice, letting the city’s enchanting magic set the tone for your Italy tour. Soak up the romance in Verona and feel the buzz in busy Milan. Then unwind in the stunningly beautiful Lake District, roaming the lakes of Como and Maggiore to see the beauty of the Borromean islands, the resplendent villa-laden shores, the glitz of Bellagio’s promenades and the majestic backdrop of snowcapped Alps.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Discover the original stage of Romeo & Juliet’s moving love story in Verona
Enjoy a private tour of Milan to see the highlights and shop in the world’s oldest active mall, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
Take the Lake Maggiore Express and the Centovalli train on a gorgeously scenic day trip

SUMMARY

Starting in Venice and finishing in Stresa, this private tour of Italy features 9 nights of accommodation in four-star hotels or historic mansions, with full buffet breakfasts (3 nights in Venice, 1 in Verona, 3 in Milan and 2 in Lake Maggiore area). Included are first-class tickets on the Venice-Verona-Milan Italian train as well as a private van transfer from Milan to Stresa (with an English-speaking driver) plus airport transfers. This private tour of Italy can also be organized as a self-drive or by deluxe van with an English-speaking driver. Professional assistance is provided throughout the trip. Private tours with English-speaking guides all include entrance fees. Several day trips are also part of this Italian vacation package: boat tours of the Grand Canal in Venice, Lake Maggiore and Lake Como as well as the Centovalli train excursion.

10 days
9 nights

from

€4500

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Days 1-3

Take In the Beauty of Venice

Day 1

See the iconic highlights of Venice on a walking tour and by boat

Day 2

Visit the three main islands of the Venetian lagoon

Day 3

Enjoy some time on your own and tour Venice’s wine bars, bacaros

Meander the narrow calle (streets) of Venice on a private walking tour, taking in the old Rialto Bridge and the expansive St. Mark’s Square. Hop on a boat to tour the town’s ‘main street,’ the renowned Grand Canal. As you glide, marvel at its palazzos and churches rising from the water. CVisit to the islands in the lagoon: Murano, world-famed for its colorful glass; Burano, the island of brightly colored fishermen’s houses and handmade lace; and Torcello, where the Church of Santa Maria Assunta features some of the region’s earliest mosaics. Then kick back and wander Venice on a tour of bacaros, local wine bars, where you can munch on traditional fare (cicheti) over a glass of ombre (local wines) at reasonable prices.

Day 4

Delight in the Romance of Verona

Day 4

Tour the landmarks of Verona with a private guide

Welcome to Verona, the stage of Shakespeare’s timeless love story, of Romeo and Juliet. Join a private tour to discover Verona beyond the house of Juliet: the town’s history spans over two millennia and magnificent remains lie scattered throughout. Admire the ancient castle, the pretty squares and the romance-infused ambiance.

Day 5-7

Feel the Pulse of Milan and the Cool of Lake Como

Day 5

Take a private guided tour of Milan’s splendid landmarks

Day 6

A day at leisure to dive into Milan’s exciting shopping scene

Day 7

Take a full-day excursion to Lake Como and visit the pretty town of Bellagio

Soak up the bustling vibe of Milan as you roam its streets with a private guide. Discover its sights, including the world’s second largest cathedral, the oldest working shopping mall at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the central square of Piazza della Scala and the 15^th-century Sforza Castle. Round off with a visit to Cenacolo, at the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, to admire the Last Supper by Leonardo. Make the best of your free time shopping in the Fashion District or wandering the lively Navigli area. Unwind on Lake Como, touring the storybook landscapes by private water taxi to get close-up views of the beautiful villas gracing the lake’s banks. Stroll the charming lakeside town of Bellagio, wandering its cobbled streets and soaking up the panoramas.

Days 8-10

Explore Lake Maggiore

Day 8

Private boat tour of the Borromean archipelago on Lake Maggiore

Day 9

Take the Centovalli train for a scenic journey by narrow gauge trail

Day 10

Transfer to the airport in Milan

Relax in the resort town of Stresa, known as the “pearl of Lake Maggiore.” Embark on an outing by private boat for a relaxing sail around the Borromean Islands. Visit the three main islands: Isola Bella, with its elegant palazzo and expansive gardens; the low-lying Isola dei Pescatori, brimful of quaint homes and fishing boats in the harbor; and Isola Madre, featuring the baroque Palazzo Borromeo and white peacocks and parrots in its botanical garden. Take the Lake Maggiore Express ferry to Locarno in Switzerland and board the Centovalli train for one of Europe’s most scenic rides by narrow gauge rail. Between dreamy landscapes of lush forests and majestic Alps, find idyll in the rustic villages where the train stops along the way.

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