Milan, Lake Orta, Orta San Giulio, Stresa, Como, Bellagio, Bergamo, Lake Garda, Sirmione, Riva del Garda, Verona, Iseo, Genoa, Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, Porto Venere, Cinque Terre, Laigueglia, Finalborgo
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See the highlights of the Italy North Lakes and Liguria on this action-packed 7-day fully escorted tour
Departure at 8:30 am from Starhotel Ritz in Milan to the Lake Orta, a small and charming lake situated in the North-eastern side of the region Piedmont. Stop in the beautiful village of Orta San Giulio for a short visit. Then, tour by private boat to reach the island of San Giulio, just in front of the village: it is the pearl of the lake, almost entirely occupied by the Monastery Mater Ecclesie, famous for studies on antique books. After a short visit, back to Orta and departure by bus to Stresa, on Lake Maggiore, one of the largest Italian ones. Wedged between the foothills, and of clear glacial origin, it is framed in its lower section by the soft hills of the region of Novara, and in the upper section, by high mountain peaks, some of which with perpetual snow. These features make possible an average temperature during all seasons, milder in winter than in the inner areas and cooled down in summer by the breezes that blow on the water’s surface changing its colour. Due to its mild climate, many species of flowers and plants typical to the sub-tropical climate could adapt to the lake areas climate. Arrival in Stresa, an international tourist resort situated in a central but also panoramic and picturesque position along the lakeside roadway, stands just in front of the ‘Borromee’ islands. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, tour of the Pescatori island (Fishermen island) by private boat. The island was named after the main activity which over the centuries has characterized this fishermen town. Although only few families still maintain the original activity, the identity of the small community appears intact. Tourists are fascinated by its simple houses, the narrow lanes, the stone portals, and the attractive underpasses. We will continue to the Bella Island. Return to Stresa. At the end of the visit, departure to Como. Overnight in Como.
Breakfast at the hotel. Short visit of Como. An amazing small province rich of atmospheres, panoramas, and human takeovers. In little kilometres you can admire the high mountains over the lake, the wild alpine valley and the industrialized brianzola area, the city area of Como and the villages of little houses. Lake Como. It has been famous for its setting at the intersection of the three branches of the Y-shaped lake, and it is also known as Lario. Board the boat we reach Bellagio, situated at the tip of the peninsula separating the lake’s two southern arms, with the Alps visible across the lake to the north. Divided in three branches, is situated on the most renowned beach on the Italian landscape. It is a picturesque village with small streets, luxury hotels and villas and gardens. Visit. Before lunch, we invite you to try a Prosecco as a welcome drink to Bellagio in a typical wine cellar. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, departure with panoramic route along the lake side. to Bergamo. City characterized by a division of the urban structure on two levels, the “Lower town” (Città bassa), modern and dynamic and the famous “Upper town” (Città alta), a truly historic and artistic jewel. After a short walking tour inside the old town with many beautiful churches and monuments, transfer to the modern town, with the best shops, restaurants, and museums. Overnight in Bergano.
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to the Lake Garda, the largest Italian one. Lake Garda offers the visitor a splendid natural scenery, full of colours, surrounded by the Dolomites of Brenta in the north and the gentle slopes of the hills in the south. A rich vegetation flourishes thanks to the Mediterranean climate: lemon trees, oleanders, magnolias and bougainvilleas. The cultivation of vineyards and olive groves produces good wines and olive oil. Arrival in Sirmione where the lake offers its best panorama, sunny with the blue of its waters and the green of its trees. Boat tour to have a nice view of the Sirmione Cape, the castle and the Catullo’s ruins. Next, departure to Riva del Garda on the North side of the Lake. Its historic centre shows the signs of the Venetian domain. Free time for lunch and then outgoing to Verona. Overnight in Verona.
Breakfast at the hotel and visit of this famous city, Verona. This town is known all around the world for its Coliseum called Arena and main symbol as Juliet balcony, that represents the most important love-story of the literature, written by Shakespeare and inspired to real facts of the two enemy Verona families. We’ll visit the old square of the market, Piazza delle Erbe, surrounded by some of the most famous buildings, like Torre Lamberti, the City Hall, the tribunal. Continuation to Lake Iseo, an amazing place surrounded by hills and nice villages. We stop in Iseo, the main city to have free time for lunch. In the afternoon, departure to Genoa via Milan with a panoramic itinerary on the South-west side of the lake. Arrival to Genoa. Seaport, one of the largest of the Southern Europe, the first in Italy; 6th city of the country, this town has an important history, as a Maritime Republic. Its historical centre has grown around the dock, is full of narrow and characteristic streets and has a medieval origin. Overnight in Genoa.
Breakfast at the hotel. Indicative city tour of Genoa in the morning and later, departure to Rapallo, famous tourist centre. Visit of the old town where a long promenade ends with the beautiful castle of Dragut. Then, road to Santa Margherita, beautiful seaside city of Riviera di Levante (Eastern Riviera), located in the Tigullio Gulf. Lunch at your own. In the afternoon, visit of Portofino. Around a little square, you can have a nice view of a group of high, coloured and picturesque houses. In the small port, during the high season, you can see expensive yachts from every part of the world. Finally, return to Genoa with a panoramic road. Overnight in Genoa.
Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Portovenere, a fishermen village located at the end of La Spezia Gulf. Visit. Ferry to Cinque Terre (if the atmospheric conditions doesn’t permit the boarding, the visit will be done with a panoramic itinerary in minibus). Heritage of the Unesco, these 5 fishermen villages, symbolize a group unique in the World for its beautiful landscape and the medieval style of their buildings. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon coming back to Genoa. Overnight in Genoa.
Breakfast at the hotel before travelling to the western coast of Liguria. Arrival to Laigueglia, a picturesque and little village of fishermen with its nice corners and small beaches. Visit. Later, departure to Finalborgo, a typical medieval village at the bottom of the mountains where the Alps meets the Apennines. Lunch at your own. Return to Milan. End of services.
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Accommodation options in superior (4*) hotels
English speaking guide
Touring as per itinerary
6 Breakfasts
Transportation by air conditioned vehicle
Hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling are not included in the tour price
Entrance fees to sights are not included and are to be paid locally
Drinks are not included in meals
Other meals, snacks and drinks
Passport or visa Fees
Pre and post tour accommodation
Any other items of personal nature
All rates are based on twin/double share. Please enquire for single and triple rates. Rates are based on AUD. Availability is conditional on final confirmation from the supplier and is subject to change.
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.
Accommodation in Verona is based on 3-star hotel.
Tour can be a combination of regular tours; therefore coach changes may be required.
The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.
A government tourist tax may need to be paid locally upon arrival at your hotels.
Between November 1st and March 31st, the ferry service at Lake Como does not operate. The route from Como and Bellagio will be by bus/minivan through panoramic road.
Between November 1st and March 31st, the ferry service at Cinque Terre does not operate. The itinerary will be by bus/minivan between La Spezia and Manarola (in place of Portovenere) and by train from Manarola to Monterosso via Vernazza.
Please note, services that include a private boat (Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda) are subject to weather conditions. If the weather is unfavourable, an alternative activity on land will be offered.
During the high season between April and October, the ferry services will operate weather permitting. In case conditions are unfavourable, the activity will be replaced with the low season alternative as specified above.
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