Day 1 MILAN AIRPORT-MILAN

After airport pick up you’ll be transfered to Grand Hotel Rosa 5* or similar, our lodging for the first two nights on the tour. In the evening we’ll depart for our first evening out on the town. Welcome meeting and aperitifs in the garden of a local restaurant. An introduction to traditional Milanese cuisine will follow.(B,D)

Day 2 MILAN

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci is housed in Santa Maria delle Grazie Church. Painted between 1494 and 1498 Leonardo abandoned the traditional painting on wet plaster for an experimental painting on dry wall, that resulted in much deterioration and successive restorations. It remains one of the world’s most celebrated works of art. After guided tour of Last Supper walking tour will continue in the afternoon with a visit to the fabulous Duomo, the symbol of Milan and the fifth largest church on this planet. The rest of the day is free to explore Milan on your own.(B)

Day 3 MILAN-BERGAMO-BELLAGIO

After breakfast drive to the nerby Bergamo, set against the Italian Alps and rising 85 meters off the valley, presents one of the most beautiful hill town settings in all of Italy. Our local guide tour will include a panoramic drive up to the old town followed by visits to the Piazza Vecchia and the Palazzo della Ragione and Cable car ride up to Colle San Vigilio

In the afternoon drive to enchanting Bellagio on Lake Como. We’ll be staying two nights at the Hotel Florence  or similar. Free evening. (B)

Day 4 BELLAGIO-LENNO-BELLAGIO

Lake Como is formed in the shape of an upside down “Y”, Bellagio occupying the vertex and the internal shores where the lake splits into two branches.

Today we’ll explore the western coastline and visit two an extraordinary villa on a private tour. Villa del Balbianello was constructed in the early 1800s on a promontory near the town of Lenno. The beauty of the villa, its spectacular setting and views have made it the location of many famous films.

Lunch on your own at one of the lakeside cafes of Lenno. Afternoon arrival back to Bellagio. In the evening dinner in a local resturant. (B,D)

Day 5 BELLAGIO-LAGO DI ORTA–LIMONE SUL GARDA

Leave in the morning and head to fourth largest lake in N. Italy- the Iseo lake famous for largest lake island and Riva style boats.

At the arrival enjoy a short visit of Iseo town and a stroll down the main lake promenade, then head to the nerby Franciacorta sparkling wine region for a Cantina visit and light lunch.

In the afternoon departure Franciacorta for Lake Garda. Following a spectacular road on shores of Lake Garda  arrival at Limone sul Garda for two nights. Your hotel is Park Hotel Imperial 5* or similar. Dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 6 LIMONE SUL GARDA-LAGO DI TOBLINO-ST.URLICH-LIMONE SUL GARDA

This morning we’ll take the UNESCO Dolomite panoramic route north into the region of Alto Adige.

Our first photo stop is at a castle on Lake Toblino, then head to St.Urlich/Ortizei. Ortizei has a lively pedestrian center with typical Alpine architecture of Sud Tyrol region with excellent restaurants and  shops famous for wood carving. After a short visit to the old town head up the cable car to reach Alpe di Suisi. Alpe di Suisi is a high plateau above Ortizei, is a beautiful area of sunny meadows and farmhouses. and Dolomite Mountains as backdrop.

Head back to Limone sul Garda in the afternoon. Free evening (B)

Day 7 LIMONE SUL GARDA-RIVA DEL GARDA-MALSECINE-SIRMIONE-MANTUA

After leaving Limone enjoy more of Lake Garda stunning views on the panoramic lake road called Gardesana, passing towns Riva del Garda and Malcesine.

Lunch stop is in Sirmione on Lake Garda where wealthy Romans constructed vacation villas here and enjoyed the thermal waters that bubble up from the lake bottom. Situated on a peninsula on the southern end of the lake it had a strategic military importance up through medieval times, as evidenced by the 12^th century Scaliger Castle. Today it is a picturesque tourist town with a charming historic center and many restaurants offering al fresco dining around the main square.

Departure Sirmione  for Mantova. Our lodging for two nights is the Hotel Casa Poli 4* or similar located a short walk from the historic center. Evening free. (B)

Day 8 MANTUA

Mantova was founded around the 6th century BC and in 214 BC became a Roman colony. In the 12th century, as an independent commune, a system of defense was created by deviating the waters of the River Mincio to form four lakes around the city thereby transforming Mantova into an island.

In their four centuries of rule (1328- 1707) the noble Gonzaga family created a period of political and economic stability and changed Mantova into an artistic and architectural jewel, the city reaching its maximum splendor in the 16th century. Discover Mantua old town, enormus Pallazo Ducale, the Teatro Scientifico Bibiena and more on a included tour  by our expert local guide.

Free afternoon and evening. (B)

Day 9 MANTUA-BAVENO

Transfer to the shores of Lake Maggiore in the region of Piemonte where we’ll be staying our last three nights on tour at the Grand Hotel Dino 5* or similar in Baveno.

Baveno has been a prominent tourist destination since the early 19th century. The graceful and stylish lakefront is lined with Art Nouveau hotels and fine villas and is lush with beautiful gardens. It overlooks the Borromeo Islands that take their name from the family who has owned them since the 15th and 16th centuries. Isola Bella and Isola Madre were transformed by the introduction of lavish palaces and amazing landscaping.

You afternoon begins with a boat ride to visit the most beautiful and remarkable botanical gardens of Isola Madre, boasting rare plants from the world over. The palace has splendid Borromeo furnishings and 18th century marionette theaters. At Isola Bella we’ll have a guided tour of the ornate palazzo that is full of surprises and includes the extensive Borromeo collection of precious art.

Free evening.(B)

Day 10 BAVENO-LAKE ORTA-BAVENO

Lake Orta is one of the smaller of the sub-alpine northern Italian lakes, just 8 miles long and a mile wide. Lesser known and quieter, though in no way lacking in charm nor a fascinating history, Orta has been a favorite of writers (Balzac), poets (Browning) and philosophers (Nietzsche). Evening boat ride for an included dinner on Isola dei Pescatori, a picturesque fishing village of an earlier era.

Our mid morning departure will take us to Orta San Giulio, the most populated (1,161) of the few settlements around the lake. A boat will take us to the enchanting Isola San Giulio. A wander around this picturesque tiny island (900 feet long by 460 feet wide), ringed by lovely palaces and draping wisteria vines, will lead us to the beautiful and interesting 12th century Romanesque basilica.

After some free time on Lake Orta we head back to Baveno.

Evening boat ride for an included farawell dinner on Isola dei Pescatori, a picturesque fishing village of an earlier era. (B,D)

Day 11 BAVENO-MALPENSA AIRPORT

Morning transfers to Milan Malpensa airport (B)