Romantic Italian Lakes

Plan to arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport by 12:30 pm today so we can take a group airport transfer to the charming Lake Maggiore. Our driver will be waiting after customs to whisk us away for the start of an exciting upcoming week. 

We'll be staying at the Grand Hotel Bristol for the first two nights, a stunning 4-star hotel right on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Featuring a rooftop bar, infinity pool overlooking the lake, and plush rooms, it's the perfect spot for us to rest and relax. 

In the early evening, we'll set out for Orta San Giulio, which sits on the neighboring Lake Orta and is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, lined with ancient stone walls and doorways. We'll take a walking tour with a local guide, wandering through the quaint alleyways and authentic piazzas. 

We'll board a boat for a tranquil ride around the lake with a stop on the car-free Isola San Giulio. Take time to explore the island's breathtaking Basilica di San Giulio, a catholic church dating back to the 9th century.

Back on Lake Maggiore, we'll indulge in the first of many delicious Italian dinners at Ristorante Lastresa, toasting to the week ahead.

Wake up and enjoy a hearty breakfast spread at the hotel. Perhaps take a cappuccino back up to your private terrace and luxuriate in the sweeping views of the bright blue lake. 

Today, we'll be island hopping around the Borromean Islands, a group of three islands and two inlets that have long fascinated visitors of the area. Each island has its own unique charm, and we'll enjoy a VIP experience on a private boat.

On Isola Bella, we can walk through the iconic palace and its tiered gardens, while Isola Madre is home to expansive parkland and unique plant species. Isola dei Pescatori contrasts with its small-village setting, narrow lanes, and lakeside restaurants, making it a lovely place to pause and take in local life.

The tour also includes a stop at the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a monastery built directly into the cliffs above the water. Here, we'll walk through centuries-old buildings, learn about the site’s history, and take in stunning lake views from its many terraces. 

We've had a long day of exploring and sunshine! Relax and refresh at the hotel before we head to Trattoria La Botte for our dinner reservation.

Today, we'll explore the culinary traditions of Piedmont, a region whose identity has long been shaped by its rich agricultural land. 

Our morning begins with a visit to a family-run rice mill, where generations of expertise have been dedicated to producing the renowned Carnaroli rice. We’ll learn about the rice's journey from field to table and witness the traditions that have made rice cultivation an important part of local life.

From there, we’ll continue to the elegant city of Novara, lunching amidst historic architecture and authentic Piedmontese culture at Locanda delle due Suocer. Perhaps you'll try the region’s signature dish: paniscia. This rich and flavorful risotto highlights the agricultural heritage and culinary traditions of the countryside.

Next, we're off to the shores of Lake Como, arriving in the enchanting lakeside town of Bellagio after about a 2-hour drive. After checking into the stunning Belvedere Bellagio, enjoy some time to relax and freshen up before we spend an evening centered around one of Italy’s greatest passions: food.

We’ll step into a welcoming local kitchen for a hands-on cooking experience where we’ll prepare classic Italian specialties, including fresh handmade pasta, traditional gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce, and the beloved dessert tiramisu, using fresh local ingredients and time-honored techniques. 

Once our creations are complete, we’ll sit down to enjoy the meal together, accompanied by carefully selected local wines. 

This morning, we’ll trade roads for open water as we set off on a full-day private cruise through the stunning landscapes of Lake Como. 

Departing from Bellagio, we'll begin with the graceful gardens of Villa Melzi, where centuries-old trees and vibrant plantings stretch to the water’s edge. A crossing to the eastern shore brings us to Varenna, a postcard-perfect village of colorful facades, flower-filled lanes, and lakeside promenades that beg for a leisurely stroll.

Back aboard our private boat, we’ll continue along the shoreline toward Villa Carlotta, celebrated for its historic architecture and botanical gardens. A highlight of the day awaits at Villa del Balbianello, one of Lake Como’s most stunning estates. We'll walk through its elegant rooms and terraces with breathtaking lake views. Rich in history and known from films, the villa offers a glimpse into the luxurious lakeside lifestyle.

Midday finds us near Isola Comacina, the lake’s only island, before we stop in the charming village of Sala Comacina for a relaxed lunch beside the water at Locanda La Tirlindana.

We'll continue exploring the lake’s quieter corners, gliding past exclusive waterfront estates, including the famed Villa Oleandra, eventually arriving at the dramatic Orrido di Nesso, where a waterfall tumbles through a deep stone ravine into the lake below.

As we make our way back toward Bellagio, soak in the plentiful views of elegant villas, picturesque villages, and mountain peaks reflected in the water. Dinner will be on your own tonight, your trip leader would be happy to share local recommendations.

Leaving Lake Como behind after breakfast, we’ll journey east through the picturesque landscapes of northern Italy toward Lake Garda, the country’s largest and perhaps most diverse lake. 

Upon arrival in Sirmione, we’ll check into Hotel Ocelle Thermae & Spa, an elegant lakeside retreat with a thermal spa and private beach just moments from the town's historic center. Take a moment to unpack and relax before we come together for lunch at Easy Bistrot.

This afternoon, we'll set out to discover just what makes this peninsula so charming and beloved. We'll begin at the impressive Scaligero Castle, a remarkably preserved medieval fortress rising directly from the lake.

From there, we’ll wander through the old town’s charming web of cobbled lanes and lakeside promenades before continuing to the Grotte di Catullo and the Archaeological Museum. Here, the remains of a vast Roman villa offer a fascinating glimpse into the luxurious lives of those who were drawn to these shores nearly two thousand years ago. 

Dinner this evening at Il Girasole offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our first encounter with Lake Garda's elegance and history.

Lake Garda is practically beckoning us to experience it from its most spectacular perspective: the water. We'll enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting sail from Sirmione aboard a private boat, spending the day tracing the lake’s varied shoreline.

As we head north, we'll soak in the stunning coastline of Rocca di Manerba and the tranquil islands of San Biagio and Isola del Garda. We'll also pass a series of charming villas, historic villages, and hidden coves, showcasing the area's wide variety of landscapes.

Midday brings us to a scenic lakeside lunch at Hotel Ristorante Sogno before we continue to the sophisticated town of Salò, where some leisure time lets us explore its graceful promenade and historic center. 

Back on the boat, we'll glide past the grand villas and lush gardens of Gardone Riviera before crossing the lake toward Malcesine, one of Garda’s most picturesque towns. 

Nestled beneath the slopes of Monte Baldo and crowned by its own lakeside castle, Malcesine offers a delightful setting for an afternoon stroll. We'll return to Sirmione, having experienced the lake from south to north in all of its varied beauty. 

This evening, we’ll gather for a final dinner at La Vecchia Griglia overlooking the lake we’ve spent the day exploring.

Enjoy one last breakfast overlooking the lake before we bid farewell to our new friends and this lovely region. We'll take a group transfer to Milan airport for onward travel at 7 am, arriving at the airport around 9 am. Please plan onward travel after 12 pm to allow adequate time to clear security and customs.

Until we meet again...