11 Day Italian North Lakes & Liguria

Itinerary

Day 1,Sat.  USA – MILAN: Overnight flight to Rome. Airfare not included.

Day 2, Sun. MILAN: Welcome to Milan. Meet with our driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free at your leisure.   

Day 3, Mon. MILAN > Lake Orta > Stresa > Borromean Islands > COMO: 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 color. 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 at the hotel. (B)

Day 4, Tues. COMO > Bellagio > BERGAMO (old and new town): Breakfast at the hotel. Short visit of Como. An amazing small province rich of atmospheres, panoramas, and human takeovers. In few kilometers 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 at the hotel. (B)

Day 5, Wed. BERGAMO > Sirmione > Riva del Garda > VERONA: Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to the Lake Garda, the largest Italian one. Lake Garda offers the visitor a splendid natural scenery, full of colors, 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 bougainvillea. 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 Casullo’s ruins. Next, departure to Riva del Garda on the North side of the Lake. Its historic center shows the signs of the Venetian domain. Free time for lunch and then outgoing to Verona. Overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 6, Thurs. VERONA > Lake Iseo > GENOA (via Milán): 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 center has grown around the dock, is full of narrow and characteristic streets and has a medieval origin. Accommodation in hotel, overnight. (B)

Day 7, Fri.  GENOA > Rapallo > Santa Margherita Ligure > Portofino > GENOA: Breakfast at the hotel. Indicative city tour of Genoa in the morning and later, departure to Rapallo, famous tourist center. 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, colored, 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 at the hotel. (B)

Day 8, Sat. GENOA > Porto Venere > Cinque Terre > GENOA: Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Porto Venere, 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 at the hotel. (B)

Day 9, Sun. GENOA > Laigueglia > 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. Check in and overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 10, Mon. MILAN: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Today you have a full day to explore this fascinating city at your own pace. Milan known for its plush and chic fashion designs, with designers Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana. Sicilian Domenico Dolce and Milanese Stefano Gabbana being few. Optional sightseeing tours available such as the Duomo of Milan, Leonardo’s Last Supper, or the Royal Palace of Milan to name a few. Overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 11, Tues. MILAN / USA:  After breakfast you will check-out of your hotel and be
transferred to Milan Malpensa International Airport for your flight home. (B)

Pre or Post Extensions are available by calling us at
1-800-385-3650

Includes

§ Roundtrip airport transfers Airport – Hotels - Airport        

§ Hotel accommodations with daily breakfast· Accommodations in selected hotels according to the category choice - A  or  B.

§ Transportation throughout via air-conditioned minivan, max 8 pax or 16 pax minibus

§ Tour Escort/Driver at your disposal throughout Italy.

§ Panoramic sightseeing per itinerary in Stresa, Lake Como & Bellagio, Bergamo, Verona, Genoa, Milan.

§ Prosecco sparkling wine tasting

§ Tasting a focaccia & focaccia with cheese.

§ Porterage one 25” medium size suitcase

§ Hotel taxes and service charges except local hotel tax to be paid directly upon checking out of hotel. 

 Hotels

Cat. A - Tourist Superior 3 & 4 * hotels   

             Como           Le Due Corti 4*

             Bergamo     Best Western Cappello D’oro 4*

             Verona        Mastino 3*

             Genoa         Best Western Moderno Verdi 4*

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Cat. B - 1st Category 4 & 5 * hotels                                 

             Como         Terminus 4* (Lakeview Room)

             Bergamo    Best Western Cappello D’oro 4* (Deluxe Room)

             Verona       Due Torri 5* (Classic Room)

Please note: Rates do not include local hotel city taxes. City tax will be paid directly at the reception hotel desk at the arrival or at the check-out according to the local city board procedure. City tax will change according to hotel category (3 - 6 euros/ per day) 

TRANSFERS: Airport transfers are included per itinerary only when airfare is purchased from Classic Holidays. Taxi service or private ground transfers are available for those purchasing their airfare elsewhere at additional cost.