Northern Lakes & Dolomites Tour | Guided Small Group Tour | 7 Days

DAY 1:                   MILAN – LAKE ORTA – STRESA – BORROMEAN ISLANDS – COMO  

Make your own way to Starhotels Anderson (Piazza Luigi di Savoia 20, Milan) for departure at 08.30am from Milan to 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 Eccelsiae, famous for studies on antique books and the Romanesque Basilica of Saint Julius. After a short visit, back to Orta and departure 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; 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 to 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 Borromean islands. Lunch at your own. In the afternoon, tour of the Isola del Pescatori by private boat. The island name is due to the activity of fishermen since the ancient time. 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 Isola Bella, elegant and charming. Return to Stresa and departure to Como. Overnight in Como.

DAY 2:                   COMO – BELLAGIO – BERGAMO OLD AND NEW TOWN

Breakfast at the hotel. Today or tomorrow, depending on the weather, you will be invited to taste a typical Italian aperitive with Prosecco, a great white wine in its dry version. Short visit of Como. An amazing small-town rich of atmospheres, panoramas and human takeovers. Admire the high mountains over the lake, the wild alpine valley and the industrialized area. The lake is famous for its setting at the intersection of the three branches of the Y-shaped lake, and it is also known as Lario. Divided in three branches, is situated at the bottom of the most renowned peaks of the Italian landscape. 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. It is a picturesque village with small streets, luxury hotels and villas and gardens. Lunch at your own. 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 Bergamo. (B)

DAY 3:                   BERGAMO – SIRMIONE – LAZISE – VERONA  

After breakfast, depart to Lake Garda, the largest Italian lake. Lake Garda offers to 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 to Sirmione where the lake offers its best panorama. Boat tour to have a nice view of the Sirmione Cape, the castle and the Catullo’s Grotto ruins. Next, depart to Lazise, a village in the South-East of the lake, popular for its medieval castle, nowadays part of the walls of entrance to the old town, in front of the lake. Lunch on your own and in the afternoon, travel to Verona. Overnight in Verona. (B)

DAY 4:                   VERONA – VAL DI CADORE – PIEVE DI CADORE – CORTINA D’AMPEZZO

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning visit of Verona with a walk through its narrow streets allows us to get in touch with its varied and fascinating past: traces of its splendid Roman origins, its prevailing medieval structure dating back to the time of knights and castles, its magnificent Renaissance palaces as well as the impressive fortifications which protect it. A suggestive blend of art and history which continuously fascinates the onlooker. We will visit Piazza Bra with the Arena, a Roman amphitheatre, Via Mazzini, Piazza Delle Erbe e dei Signori with the monument to Dante Alighieri and Juliet’s Balcony. Lunch on your own. Next, departure to Cortina d’Ampezzo (Departure is also possible in front of the train station of Venice Mestre at 3pm). The journey will be around Val Cadore among sinuous mountains and little villages that show the history of the territory, the tradition of the craftsmanship and offer good food and a lot of local museums. Visit on the way to Cortina of the centre of Pieve di Cadore, capital of the glasses industry and birthplace of the great painter Tiziano Vecellio. Arrival to Cortina d’Ampezzo, probably the most renowned one because of its historical importance in Italian summer and winter holidays since the 1950’s, is in the middle of the large valley of Boite. Cortina is not only a tourism resort but also the centre of traditional works, as for example, wood manufacturing. Overnight in Cortina. (B)

DAY 5:                   CORTINA – LAKE MISURINA/TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO – LAKE DOBBIACO  – PUSTERIA AND BADIA VALLEYS – FALZAREGO PASS – CORTINA

Breakfast at the hotel. Outing to Lake Misurina (situated in a perfect position among woods and Dolomites tops, Three peaks of Lavaredo the most important ones, probably one of the best places for alpinism experts). Then to Lake Dobbiaco, with its emerald water, followed by a visit of Val Pusteria and Val Badia, probably the most typical valleys of the region, having a stop in a village to have lunch at your own. After that, we will cross Falzarego Pass coming back to Cortina, in order to have free time for the rest of the day. Overnight in Cortina. (B)

DAY 6:                   CORTINA – PASSO FEDAIA – MARMOLADA – CANAZEI – LAKE CAREZZA – MERANO – BOLZANO 

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will be invited to taste the flavourful speck, a kind of smoked ham, typical of the Dolomites valleys. Departure to Canazei through Fedaia Pass; arrival to the bottom of the Glacier of Marmolada, the highest glacier of the eastern Alps. Visit of Canazei, an important place for tourism in all seasons, due to the wonderful view given by this part of Dolomites that receives thousands of tourists every month. Through Passo Costalunga, we arrive at Lake Carezza. Stop to have a look at this wonderful lake. Then, departure to Merano, the second biggest city of the province after Bolzano. Famous worldwide for its Christmas market, Merano is also a charming and amazing cultural and historical centre. Visit of the old town and lunch on your own. Second half of the day is dedicated to Bolzano. Important commercial centre in the Middle Age, it has increased its industry productions during the World War. Tourism still represents the first resource of the local economy. Visit of Duomo: the Cathedral, with a gothic style, is considered as the symbol of the town; finally, we’ll visit the main central streets, as Via dei Portici, core of the Medieval town. Rest of the evening is free for your personal visits. Overnight in Bolzano. (B)

DAY 7:                   BOLZANO – ROUTE OF THE WINE – TRENTO – MILANO

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Trento, capital of the region through the so called Weinstrasse, the route of the wine, where small villages like Caldaro or Trameno offer relaxing and amazing views. Short stop for visiting the area. Arrival to Trento. The city is dominated by the castle, known as del Buon Consiglio, symbol of the House of Habsburg which dominated the district for many centuries. Santa Maria Maggiore, built in the XVI century and one of the first work of Renaissance and Gothic age; Palace Geremia, building that represents the XVI century and Piazza Duomo with the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Vigilius. Lunch at your own. Departure to come back to Milan. End of the services. (B)

ACCOMMODATION:

SUPERIOR CATEGORY:

COMO: Albergo le Due Corti, or similar

BERGAMO: Best Western Hotel Cappello D’Oro, or similar

VERONA: Hotel Mastino, or similar

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO: Hotel Meuble Villa Neve – Cortina, or similar

BOLZANO: Parkhotel Laurin, member of WorldHotels Elite (Classic Room), or similar

SUPERIOR PLUS CATEGORY:

COMO: Albergo Terminus (Lakeview Room), or similar

BERGAMO: Best Western Hotel Cappello D’Oro (Deluxe Room), or similar

VERONA: Hotel Due Torri (Classic Room), or similar

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO: Hotel Ambra Cortina D’Ampezzo (Classic Room), or similar

BOLZANO: Parkhotel Laurin, member of WorldHotels Elite (Superior Room), or similar

Includes:

–          6 nights’ accommodation

–          Breakfast at the hotel

–          Bus at disposal for the mentioned itinerary

–          Bilingual (English and Spanish) speaking escort guide/driver up to 8 people (driver and guide with more than 8)

–          Private boat to Isola di San Giulio (Lake Orta)

–          Private boat for the Borromean Islands (Lake Maggiore)

–          Cruise by boat at Lake Como

–          Private boat for tour around the Peninsula of Sirmione (Lake Garda)

–          A typical local aperitive on the lakes (Prosecco sparkling wine)

–          Red and green Dolomites apples tasting

–          Speck (a typical Dolomites smoked ham) tasting

–          Local guide in Verona

–          Audio guide during the cruise at Lakes Como

–          Free Wi-Fi on board

Excludes:

–          Meals (except breakfast at the hotel)

–          Beverages

–          Entrances

–          Porterage

–          City taxes

–          Tickets

–          Tips and extras in general

–          Anything not listed under ‘includes’

Things to Note:

–          A minimum of 2 participants are required for tour to operate.

–          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.

–          Entrance fees to sights are not included and are to be paid locally

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

–          Itinerary may be modified at anytime.

–          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.

–          The services with private boat (Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda) will operate when the weather conditions permit them. In case this condition cannot be met, we will propose a similar activity on the land.