Northern Lakes & Italian Riviera 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 – LAKE ISEO – MILAN – GENOA

Breakfast at the hotel and visit of the famous city of Verona. It is a work of art in itself: a fascinating crossroad of historical periods and cultures (classical and Germanic), a blend of both Nordic and Mediterranean influences; the city is at the same time ancient and modern. 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. Continuation to Lake Iseo, an amazing place surrounded by hills and nice villages. We stop in Iseo, the main city. Lunch at your own. 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. 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. (B)

DAY 5                    GENOA – RAPALLO – SANTA MARGHERITA – PORTOFINO – GENOA

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will be invited to taste focaccia, a typical local kind of bread in both versions, regular and with cheese. 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. (B)

DAY 6                    GENOA – THE EASTERN COAST: PORTOVENERE – CINQUE TERRE – 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 with a panoramic itinerary by bus/minivan and train.) 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. Visit of the little village of Vernazza and Monterosso, the biggest of the five villages, characterized by long beaches and narrow streets full of restaurants and handcraft shops. Lunch at your own. In the afternoon coming back to Genoa. Overnight in Genoa. (B)

DAY 7                    GENOA – THE WESTERN COAST: LAIGUEGLIA AND FINALBORGO – MILAN

Breakfast at the hotel and outgoing 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. (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

GENOVA: Starhotels President, 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

GENOVA: Starhotels President (Deluxe 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)

–          Cruise by boat at the Cinque Terre (in case of bad conditions of weather, the excursion will be by bus/minivan and panoramic train)

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

–          Local guide at Lake Como, Verona, Genoa and Cinque Terre

–          Audio guide during the cruise at Lake Como and at the Cinque Terre

–          Focaccia and Focaccia with cheese tasting in Liguria

–          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.

–          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.

–          During the high season (April to October), the ferry services operate when the weather conditions permit them. In case this condition cannot be respected, the same activity will be replaced with the winter alternative as specified above.