Day 1 - Journey to Lake Maggiore: Italy's Lakeside Welcome
Your Italian adventure begins as you arrive in Milan. From Milan Malpensa Airport, a convenient transfer will take you to your charming hotel in Baveno, nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Maggiore. This area has long been a cherished summer retreat for Italy’s elite, setting an enchanting backdrop for your first day. This evening, enjoy a light supper and a refreshing drink, providing the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and Travel Director, ready to begin your shared journey.
- Accommodation: Simplon (or similar)
- Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Lake Como's Charms & Lake Maggiore's Tranquility
Today, journey through Italy’s exquisite Lake District to the stunning Lake Como. You’ll have time to walk along the beautiful Como waterfront, soaking in the serene atmosphere, or perhaps indulge in a tasty gelato as you relax by the lake. Later, ease into la dolce vita as you stroll along the lake shore back in Baveno. The gentle sounds of this lakeside setting offer a soulful way to spend your afternoon. Explore Baveno at your leisure, admiring its Romanesque bell tower and octagonal baptistery.
- Accommodation: Simplon (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Bergamo's Renaissance & Arrival at Lake Garda
The morning unveils the captivating city of Bergamo, near the foothills of the Alps, a treasure trove of architectural and artistic wonders. Wander past centuries-old Renaissance façades and step into the exquisite Piazza Vecchia, once the political heart of the city, built upon an ancient Roman forum. You’ll admire the ornate Contarini Fountain and the magnificent 12th-century Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. Continuing your love affair with the Italian Lakes, you’ll travel to the Lake Garda area for a relaxing five-night stay, where long, lazy days truly become a way of life.
- Accommodation: Poiano Resort (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - Verona: A Walk Through Romance and History
Romance truly fills the air today as you journey to Verona, the legendary home of Shakespeare’s tragic star-crossed lovers. Your walking tour with a Local Specialist will lead you directly to Juliet’s Balcony, allowing you to imagine the famous scene, and introduce you to the incredible Roman arena, a testament to ancient engineering that’s still in use today. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the city at leisure. Perhaps you’ll see the seven medieval towers of Castelvecchio, find shade under the trees in Verona’s expansive Piazza Bra, or clamber up Lamberti’s Tower for magnificent panoramic views.
- Accommodation: Poiano Resort (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Mantua's Treasures & A Memorable Local Encounter
Enjoy a leisurely start to your day, perhaps with a quiet coffee along the lakefront. Later today, you’ll set off on a half-day excursion to Mantua, a proud European ‘Capital of Gastronomy’ renowned for its significant role in the history of opera. Surrounded by lakes, this historic city boasts a UNESCO-listed centre, which you’ll delight in exploring with a Local Specialist. Discover architectural treasures, fascinating artefacts, elegant palaces, and captivating Renaissance cityscapes. Before returning to the picturesque lakeside setting of Lake Garda, you’ll enjoy a special Be My Guest experience. This memorable evening features delicious local fare with the Serenelli family, where you’ll hear fascinating stories, including the farm’s incredible role in Napoleon’s Battle of Solferino and how its bloody aftermath inspired the establishment of the International Red Cross. This is truly a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience.
- Accommodation: Poiano Resort (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Lake Garda: Your Day, Your Way
Indulge in a full day at leisure to truly soak up the picture-perfect setting of Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. You might choose to journey along its tranquil shores, stopping at charming lakeside villages where the intoxicating aroma of lemons fills the air. Explore local markets to discover the delicious flavours of local olive oils and cheeses, enjoy a leisurely stroll along flower-lined lakeside paths, or visit some of the lake’s extraordinary sights. For those seeking even more natural beauty, perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the magnificent Dolomite mountains, a World Heritage Site boasting 18 peaks over 10,000 feet (3,000 m).
- Accommodation: Poiano Resort (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Modena's Automotive & Gastronomic Delights
Your day begins with an introduction to Modena, a vibrant gastronomic hub and the birthplace of sparkling Lambrusco, salty prosciutto, and intense parmigiano cheese. An exploration with a Local Specialist will lead you past pastel-hued façades in the heart of the city that also famously birthed Ferrari and Pavarotti. Modena’s Old Town and the magnificent Piazza Grande, with its 12th-century cathedral and Torre Civica, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the day continues, you’ll Dive Into Culture with a visit to the Enzo Ferrari Museum, where you’ll delve into the thrilling history of this iconic Italian brand. This afternoon, enjoy a gourmet interlude at a historic, traditional Acetaia on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Here, you’ll taste the delicious sweet and sour flavours of some of the world’s best organic and biodynamic balsamic vinegar, an experience that contributes to UN Global Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption. This evening, unwind with a leisurely dinner at your Italian lakeside resort.
- Accommodation: Poiano Resort (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Milan's Chic Grandeur & Farewell Dinner
In search of spires that reach the sky, you’ll leave your tranquil lakeside setting behind for the chic northern capital of Milan. Prepare to be dazzled as you admire the extraordinary Gothic Duomo, the renowned La Scala Opera House, and the elegant 19th-century Galleria with its impressive glass and iron-domed roof. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, perhaps joining the glamorous Milanese in the exclusive shopping districts of Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, and Via Sant’Andrea. This evening marks your Farewell Dinner, a special occasion to join your fellow travellers and celebrate the unforgettable end of an exquisite holiday together.
- Accommodation: Starhotels Business Palace (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Farewell to Italy
Your leisurely jaunt through the stunning Italian Lakes has come to an end. It’s time to say arrivederci to Italy and your newfound friends, taking with you a lifetime of cherished memories.