North Lakes, Milan & Bernina | 6 Days

DAY 1:                                  MILAN

Upon arrival at Milan Malpensa Airport, you will have a private transfer to your tour hotel. In the afternoon, at approximately 3pm, meet your professional local guide at the hotel and set off on a three-hour walking tour through the heart of Milan. Going down via Spallanzani, you will reach Porta Venezia, one of the historical gates to the city. It has medieval and possibly even Roman origins, and it gives the name to the city district all around it. An urban legend has it that the other name it is known as – “Porta Renza” – stems from Renzo Tramaglino, co-protag­onist of the novel The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni, who enters Milan exactly from this access. Proceed towards Corso Venezia and take a shortcut inside Giardini Indro Monta­nelli, a public garden. Opposite the gardens, you will go past GAM, the Galleria d’Arte Moderna (modern art museum). Pro­ceeding along Viale Manzoni, you will head for La Scala opera house (Teatro alla Scala), inaugurated on 3 August 1778. The theatre underwent major renovations from early 2002 to late 2004. Then, get ready to take in the stunning Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano). Your tour guide will illustrate its main features. The last stop will be the majestic Castello Sforzesco, a medieval fortress built in the 15th century by the Duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza. In its vicinity, we have chosen a refined bakery for you to be able to relax and taste a typical aperitivo. At the end of the aperitivo, the tour is over and you will have some free time before making your own way to the hotel. Overnight Milan.

DAY 2:                                   MILAN – TIRANO – (BERNINA EXPRESS) – ST MORITZ – MILAN

This is the day of your Bernina Express tour, on board “the train that snakes its way up to the mountain peaks”. Admire unique views from your seat on board the Bernina Train, a piece of history (it is 100 years old) and a World Heritage train. After breakfast at the hotel, travel to Tirano. You will get on board there and start this ride along one of the most beautiful railway routes in the world, with its unsurpassed alpine views. The journey will need two hours to complete. The train winds its way over the Alps, occasionally passing through mountain tunnels, and puffing its way past a myriad of towns and villages. Look out at the Swiss Alps as you ride along the Bernina pass to St. Moritz, and then enjoy free time to explore it. Meet your driver In St. Moritz and return to Milan. Overnight Milan. (B)

DAY 3:                                   MILAN – COMO – BELLAGIO – BERGAMO  

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then prepare for a short visit to Como, in the vicinity to Lake Como and the Alps. Amazing views over the lake and the alpine valleys are guaranteed! The lake itself, sometimes called Lario, has long been famous for its y-shape and for Bellagio, the town that you will reach by boat. This little gem town lies at the intersection of the lake’s two southern arms, with the Alps dominating the horizon to the north, and is home to some of the most charming landscapes in Italy. Spend some time exploring this picturesque village and its small streets, luxury hotels, villas, and gardens. Continue to Tremezzo/Villa Carlotta where you will meet the driver and begin your journey to Bergamo, a truly historic and artistic jewel characterized by its urban struc­ture: the città bassa (or lower town) is modern and dynamic, while the famous città alta (or upper town) houses the city’s me­dieval heart. Overnight Bergamo. (B, D)

DAY 4:                                   BERGAMO – SIRMIONE – RIVA DEL GARDA – BERGAMO   

Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, is the next destination. After breakfast, embark on a panoramic tour of the lake’s west coast, immersing yourself in the breathtaking natural landscape. This includes the Brenta Dolomites (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the gentle slopes of the Moraine Hills of Lower Garda. You’ll be surrounded by lush vegetation, from lemon trees to oleanders, magnolias, and bougainvillea. Upon reaching Sirmione, where Lake Garda and its surroundings are at their finest, you’ll see the sun reverberating on the lake’s blue waters, the tree-lined shores, Sirmione Castle, as well as the ruins of Catullus’s villa or Grottoes of Catullus (the 1st-century BC poet owned a villa here) during a boat tour. Once you’re through, you will have some free time before departing for Riva del Garda. Located on the north side of the lake, you will see its quaint Venetian-style historical centre. Return to Bergamo for overnight. (B, D)

DAY 5:                                   BERGAMO – VERONA – FRANCIACORTA – MILAN    

After breakfast, travel to Verona. A local guide will take you on a guided tour. The fascinating mix of historical periods and cultures (both classical and Germanic) is a blend of Nordic as well as Mediterranean influences that is both ancient and modern. A walk through its narrow streets will allow you to get in touch with Verona’s varied and fascinating past: traces of its splendid Ro­man origins, its medieval structures, its magnificent renaissance palaces, as well as the impressive fortifications protecting it. The combination of art and history will amaze you. Two of William Shakespeare’s plays are set in Verona: “Romeo and Juliet” is by far the most famous one. We suggest a visit to the so-called Juliet’s home and its balcony. It is a medieval building located in via Cappello. Capello is the name of a family who resided in the edifice in the 14th century. After the Verona tour, continue toward the territory of Franciacorta, whose soil consisting of gravel and sand over limestone is ideal for the cultivation of grapes and for winemak­ing. Enjoy a light lunch and taste some local food as well as the renowned local wine. Continue to Milan for overnight. (B, L)

DAY 6:                                   MILAN   

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. End of our services. (B)

Accommodation (or similar):

SUPERIOR CLASS

MILAN: Antares Hotel Concorde BW Signature Collection

BERGAMO: Capello d’Oro

Inclusions:

–          Transportation by deluxe motorcoach

–          English speaking tour escort

–          Accommodation in 4-stars hotels

–          Meals as per itinerary

–          Visit of Milan, and Verona with local expert guide

–          Bernina Express

–          Scenic boat transfers

Not Included:

–          Tips

–          Porterage service

–          Drinks

–          Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned

–          City tax for overnight stays (according to each city council rules)

–          Everything that is not mentioned in “Includes”

Things to Note:

–          Accommodation is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to avoid hotel changes but should a mid-tour hotel change become necessary after this list has been printed, contact details of the new hotel will be supplied to you by your Tour Director.

–          Hotel rooms may not be available for check-in before 2:00 p.m.

–          Hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling are not included in the tour price.

–          Tour can be a combination of regular tours, therefore coach changes may be required. The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.

–          For operational reasons, order of itinerary and/or excursions is subject to change at any time. Optional excursions not specified in our itinerary will be suggested by the tour leader.

–          A government tourist tax may need to be paid locally upon arrival at your hotels.