BEST OF ITALIAN LAKES

• Airport transfers will be provided at set times from Milan Malpensa Airport to your hotel in the charming resort of Baveno on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
• Enjoy a Light Supper with a drink this evening to meet your fellow travel companions and Travel Director before embarking on your journey together.

Arrival Transfer: Depart Malpensa airport at 09:30, 13:00, 15:30

• Journey through Italy’s exquisite Lake District to scenic Lake Como.
• Walk along the beautiful Como waterfront or relax by the lake indulging in a tasty gelato.
• Then it’s time to ease into la dolce vita, strolling along the lake shore at Baveno.
• Spend free time exploring Baveno with its Romanesque bell tower and octagonal baptistery.

Included Experience: Explore Como

Optional Experience: Discover Lake Como / Discover The Borromean Islands

• The enchanting lanes of Bergamo, near the foothills of the Alps, yield architectural and artistic treasures which we will have an opportunity to explore this morning.
• See the ornate Contarini Fountain and 12th century Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, which the people of Bergamo built to thank the Virgin Mary for coming to their aid in the midst of the plague during the 12th century.
• We continue our love affair with the Italian Lakes, travelling to Lake Garda for a relaxing five-night stay, where long, lazy days are a way of life.
• This evening, we Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience featuring local fare with the Serenelli family.
• On this memorable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll hear all about the farm’s incredible role in Napoleon’s Battle of Solferino, the bloody aftermath of which inspired the establishment of the International Red Cross.

Included Experience: Dine with the Serenelli Family at their Didactic Farm, Featuring Home-Grown Produce and Explore Bergamo

• Romance is in the air today as we journey to Verona, the home of Shakespeare’s tragic star-crossed lovers.
• Our walking tour with a Local Specialist will take us to Juliet’s Balcony, as well as the incredible Roman arena, still in use today.
•  There is also plenty of time to explore the city at leisure – see the seven medieval towers of Castelvecchio, relax under the shady trees in Verona’s expansive Piazza Bra or clamber up Lamberti’s Tower for magnificent views.

Included Experience: Verona City Tour

Optional Experience: Lake Garda Discovery

• A leisurely start to your day could see you stroll along the lakefront and enjoy a quiet coffee.
• Later today, you’ll embark on a half-day excursion to Mantua.
• Surrounded by lakes, this historic city with its UNESCO-listed centre is a delight to explore as you’ll come to discover during your visit.
•  See architectural treasures and artefacts, elegant palaces and Renaissance cityscapes before returning to the picturesque lakeside setting of Lake Garda.

Included Experience: Visit Mantua

Optional Experience: Spectacular Countryside and Dinner

• Indulge in a full day at leisure to soak up the picture-perfect setting of Italy’s largest lake.
• Journey along its tranquil shores, stopping at lakeside villages to savour the intoxicating aroma of lemons around every turn.
• Enjoy the flavours of delicious local olive oils and cheese at local markets, stroll along flower-lined lakeside paths or visit the lake’s extraordinary sights.
• Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the magnificent Dolomite mountains, a World Heritage Site comprising 18 peaks over 10,000 feet (3,000 m).

Optional Experience: Sudtirol and the Dolomite Mountains

• Our day starts with a gourmet interlude at a historic, traditional Acetaia on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to taste the delicious sweet and sour flavours.
• We continue to the gastronomic hub of Modena, home of sparkling Lambrusco, salty prosciutto and the intense aromas of parmigiano, for an exploration with a local specialist.
• Wander past pastel-hued façades in the heart of the city that was the birthplace of Ferrari, Pavarotti and tortellini.
• This afternoon we visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum where we Dive Into Culture and explore the history of this Italian icon. This evening, enjoy a leisurely dinner in our Italian lakeside resort.

Included Experience: Discover an unforgettable experience at the Enzo Ferrari Museum, Modena City Tour and MTM Modena Balsamic Vinegar

• We leave our tranquil lakeside setting behind for the chic northern capital of Milan.
•  Admire the extraordinary Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and 19th-century Galleria with its impressive glass and iron-domed roof.
• Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to jostle with the glamorous Milanese for your spot in the shopping district of Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Via Sant’Andrea.
• This evening we indulge in a Farewell Dinner, joining our fellow travellers to celebrate the end of an exquisite holiday together.

Included Experience: Milan Orientation

Optional Experience: Treasures of Milan

• Our leisurely jaunt through the Italian Lakes has come to an end. We say arrivederci to Italy and our newfound friends.

Departure Transfer: Arrive at Malpensa airport at 07:30, 10:30