Jewels Of the Northern Italian Lakes Small Group Tour - 12 days/11 nights

Your small group journey through Northern Italy begins this morning in the stylish city of Milan. At 09:00, meet outside the Una Hotel Cusani Milano for a guided walking tour through Italy’s world capital of fashion and design. Discover the grandeur of Castello Sforzesco, wander the artistic Brera district, and marvel at the magnificent Duomo di Milano before continuing to the elegant Piazza della Scala and the glittering Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. After time for lunch and shopping at leisure, we’ll depart for the tranquil beauty of Lake Orta, one of Italy’s most enchanting and lesser-known lakes. Settle into your charming hotel in Orta San Giulio, a medieval lakeside village of quiet cobblestone streets and timeless views. This evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner at a local tavern, the perfect introduction to the magic of Northern Italy.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch on your own, dinner included

Accommodations: Overnight in Orta San Giulio

Get your camera ready! Today is all about the timeless beauty of Lake Orta, nestled in the western reaches of the Lower Alps and framed by soft rolling hills dotted with medieval villages. We’ll begin with an expert-guided tour of Orta San Giulio, a village brimming with charm, history, and quiet mystery, before boarding a private boat to the tiny Isola di San Giulio, home to its remarkable 12th-century Basilica and vibrant, well-preserved frescoes. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. Wander the historic city center, enjoy a lakeside café, take in scenic spots like Anello Orta San Giulio, or join an optional walking tour of the Sacro Monte, a series of chapels offering breathtaking views of the island.

Meals: Breakfast & evening aperitif with appetizers included

Accommodations: Overnight in Orta San Giulio

Journey toward Lake Maggiore, stopping to savor the rolling hills and vineyards of the Gattinara countryside, renowned for its grapes and wine production. We’ll visit a celebrated winery for a tasting of local wines and products, a perfect chance to refine your palate and discover new favorites, before enjoying lunch at a charming local restaurant in the hidden gem village of Gattinara. In the afternoon, we’ll board a private boat in Arona to reach the Santa Caterina Hermitage, one of Lake Maggiore’s most evocative sites, perched dramatically on the cliffside and filled with stunning stained glass and historic artworks. The day concludes in the delightful lakeside town of Stresa, where we’ll stay for the next three nights in a centrally located hotel.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Stresa

Explore the enchanting Borromeo Islands, each a treasure of gardens, history, and lakeside charm. Wander the magical grounds of Isola Bella, where peacocks roam among ornate statues and blooming flowers, and marvel at the grand 17th-century Palazzo Borromeo, once welcoming illustrious guests like Napoleon and Mussolini. Next, we’ll visit Isola Madre, where you can stroll freely through lush, terraced gardens that seem to float above the lake. As the day winds down, we’ll enjoy a private boat ride to Isola dei Pescatori for a memorable dinner at a local restaurant, surrounded by the sparkling waters and timeless beauty of Lake Maggiore.

Meals: Breakfast & dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Stresa

Today invites both creativity and beauty as we begin with a hands-on cooking class led by a local Italian chef, who will guide you through preparing simple yet authentic recipes perfect for savoring at lunch and taking home as delicious memories. Afterward, we travel to the charming lake town of Verbania to explore the breathtaking Villa Taranto, a late 19th-century masterpiece and one of Europe’s finest botanical gardens, filled with lush flowers, exotic plants, elegant sculptures, and tranquil water features. In the late afternoon, we’ll return to Stresa, leaving the rest of the day free to wander, relax, or soak in the lakeside charm at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Stresa

Journey toward the shimmering shores of Lake Como, one of Italy’s most elegant and picturesque destinations. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of time to admire the turquoise waters framed by dramatic alpine scenery before discovering the charming city of Como. Explore at your leisure! Perhaps visit the magnificent Cathedral of Como, stroll along the harbor, or wander through the historic city walls. After lunch, we’ll visit the fascinating Silk Museum, where you’ll witness the artistry and tradition of silk-making that has defined Como for centuries. In the late afternoon, we continue to the colorful lakeside town of Menaggio, where we’ll stay for three nights in a centrally located hotel. It’s a vibrant lakeside oasis that’s sure to capture your heart.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Menaggio

This morning, we’ll set sail across the sparkling waters of Lake Como for a visit to the exquisite Villa del Balbianello, one of the lake’s most admired villas and a favorite of filmmakers for its enchanting gardens and breathtaking views. After exploring its elegant terraces and lush grounds, we’ll continue by boat to the graceful town of Bellagio, often called the pearl of Lake Como. Stroll its cobblestone streets lined with pastel houses, enjoy lunch or shopping at leisure, and take in the panoramic beauty that has long inspired travelers and artists alike. Later in the afternoon, we’ll return to Menaggio for time at leisure before meeting again in the evening for dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the lake.

Meals: Breakfast & dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Menaggio

Today we cross the border into Switzerland for a visit to the impressive castles of Bellinzona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose medieval fortifications have guarded the alpine passes for centuries. After exploring these remarkable strongholds, we’ll continue to the elegant lakeside town of Lugano, surrounded by lush mountains and shimmering waters. This distinctly Swiss destination charms with its graceful architecture, inviting piazzas, and serene lake views. We’ll enjoy a guided stroll to see the Palazzo Civico and the lively main shopping street, offering the perfect chance to find a memorable keepsake of your journey. The evening is yours to relax or explore at leisure; we recommend a visit to the nearby town of Varenna, a true gem on Lake Como’s shore.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch & dinner on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Menaggio

Depart from the serene shores of Lake Como and journey toward the enchanting landscapes of Lake Garda, long celebrated by poets and writers as one of the most beautiful places on earth. Along the way, we’ll stop in the walled town of Bergamo for a guided tour of the historic Città Alta, where medieval and Renaissance architecture crown the city’s upper reaches. Stroll through the exquisite Piazza Vecchia, one of Italy’s most charming squares, and take in the timeless atmosphere of this storybook town. Continuing onward, we arrive in the picturesque lakeside village of Sirmione, whose terracotta rooftops and turquoise waters create a scene of pure Italian magic. Here, we’ll settle in for the final three nights of our Northern Italian Lakes adventure.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch & dinner on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Sirmione

Today, we’ll explore Verona, a vibrant center of culture and commerce and the largest city in the region. A guided walking tour reveals its many treasures, from elegant pink limestone palazzos to ancient Roman ruins, that whisper stories of the past. Afterward, we’ll journey into the Valpolicella wine region, where rolling vineyards and time-honored traditions await. Enjoy a wine tasting and tour, the perfect opportunity to deepen your appreciation for Italy’s rich winemaking heritage. Later, return to Sirmione for an evening at leisure and perhaps dine at a lakeside restaurant and toast to another unforgettable day in Northern Italy.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Sirmione

Set out by private boat to explore the fascinating Grotte di Catullo, the nearby ruins of a grand Roman villa, and the striking Scaligero Castle during an orientation tour with your tour director. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure! Stroll the cobblestone streets, savor a gelato by the lake, or simply relax and take in the atmosphere of this idyllic town. This evening, we’ll gather one final time for a celebratory dinner at a regional restaurant, raising a glass to the unforgettable memories made on our Northern Italian Lakes adventure.

Meals: Breakfast & dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Sirmione

After breakfast, it’s time to say arrivederci to the beautiful Northern Italian Lakes. Morning transfers will be provided to Verona Airport and the train station, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through Italy’s most enchanting landscapes. As you depart, may the memories of shimmering lakes, historic villages, and warm Italian hospitality stay with you long after your return home.