Isola San Giulio

Spend an enjoyable 4 days and 3 nights touring the lakes region of northern Italy. Admire the scenic beauty of the area as you tour by land and water. Visit lovely lakeside villages and islands and explore the historic city of Verona on a guided tour. Day 1: Milan, Lake Orta, Stresa, Como Depart Milan at 08:30 for the drive to Lake Orta, a small, charming lake situated in the north-eastern part of the Piedmont region. Stop in the beautiful village of Orta San Giulio for a short visit. Then take a boat to the island of San Giulio, the gem of the lake that is almost entirely occupied by the Mater Ecclesie Monastery. After a short visit, you’ll take the ferry back to Orta, and travel by bus to Stresa, on Lake Maggiore, one of the largest of Italy’s lakes. Arrive in Stresa, an international tourist resort, where you’ll enjoy free time for lunch, and in the afternoon take a tour of Pescatori island by boat. Continue to Bella Island, where you can visit Borromeo Palace with its magnificent gardens. Return to Stresa before heading on to Como. Overnight in Como. Day 2: Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Bergamo, Brescia Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by a short visit to Como. Take in views of the high mountain overlooking the lake, the wild alpine valley, and the surrounding villages. On Lake Como you’ll board a boat to take you to Bellagio, located at the tip of the peninsula that separates the lake's 2 southern arms. You’ll have views of the Alps across the lake to the north. There will be free time for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll depart by boat for Varenna. After a panoramic tour you’ll continue on to Bergamo. Enjoy a short walking tour of the city center before heading to Brescia. Overnight in Brescia. Day 3: Brescia, Sirmione, Riva Del Garda, Verona You’ll depart Brescia for Lake Garda after breakfast. Enjoy a panoramic tour along the western coast of the largest of the Italian lakes. Admire the splendid natural landscapes surrounded by the Dolomites of Brenta to the north and gentle sloping hills to the south. When you arrive in Sirmione you’ll have the best panoramic views of the lake. Take a boat tour and admire the Sirmione Cape, the castle, and the Grotto of Catullo. Depart for Riva del Garda on the north side of the lake. Visit its historic center with free time for lunch before the drive to Verona. Overnight in Verona. Day 4: Verona, Milan After breakfast at the hotel you’ll tour the famous city of Verona, a work of art in itself. This fascinating crossroads of historical periods and cultures is a blend of Nordic and Mediterranean influences. See traces of its splendid Roman origins, its prevailing medieval structures, its magnificent Renaissance palaces, and impressive fortifications. You’ll have free time for lunch before departing for Milan in the afternoon.