THE NORTHERN LAKES: 7 DAYS/ MAGGIORE LAKE- COMO LAKE- GARDA LAKE

Northern Italy is a treasure in geological terms. Its naturalistic richness and geological stratification has led over the millennia to the formation of a series of lakes, from the largest to the smallest, which extend from east to west in the northern arch of Italy, just below the Alps. With the most varied origins, mainly glacial, fluvial and tectonic, these water basins have played a fundamental role in the history of the local populations and have represented over the centuries destinations with a unique and elegant atmosphere. Some of them, have remained in the common memory due to the role they played in some of the most famous works of the Italian literature. For example “quel ramo di lago di Como che volge a Mezzogiorno ” is the first sentence of “I Promessi Sposi” ( trad. The Betrothed) di Alessandro Manzoni which set the story of Renzo and Lucia and their obstacled love in one of the three branch of the Como Lake. Lakes with different origins that have common traits but at the same time that make them unique and distinct from each other. Their common strength? The vastness and heterogeneity of thir offer. There is always something to see and do for everybody: for those seeking a naturalistic trip, to trails and bike rides lovers to those who love to scout  city of art of small villages and their food and wine traditions- these enchanted places offer activities and views to admire for all tastes and needs. An itinerary designed to take you to discover the 3 Great Lakes while leaving you time to explore small villages, smaller lakes and hidden realities along the way. Lake Maggiore is undoubtedly the richest in terms of art and culture. The 3 Borromean Islands are a splendour of palaces and gardens surrounded by small fishers’ villages. The Como Lake with its 3 branches, known for the beauty of the villages, the town of Como, the largest and most important and the beautiful Bellaggio. The last but largest lake in Italy, Garda lake is dotted with wonderful paths carved into the rock, nice to be explored by bike or walking- but it is also an unmissable destination for those who love small villages, good wine and wellness. Let us guide you to discover these enchanting places and take advantage of the spare time to go more deeply into the hidden gems that this magical locations hide. In your free time, take the opportunity to take a moment to visit the small but suggestive Orta Lake just a few minutes' drive from Maggiore Lake, and if you are in the area from April to November, don't miss a walk through the Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto, near the Maggiore Lake as well. From Garda, on the other hand, don't miss a walk in the villages of Lugana and Peschiera on the southern side or go further on the east coast to visit the destinations of Bardolino and Lazise. Finally, if you are looking for some fun as well, don't miss a stop at Gardaland, the largest amusement park in Italy.

7 days/ 6 nights- 2 pax minimum

Day 1:

Arrival to Stresa on the Maggiore Lake and check-in at the assigned hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2:

Start the morning with a private half-day boat excursion that will give you the opportunity to admire the 3 wonderful Borromean Islands from the waters of the lake: Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori. The latter is the only one permanently inhabited, even if by a small community, while the two "sister" islands are just scouted by tourists. Two unique islands, rich in sumptuous palaces and gardens, famous for the quality of the landscape and for the care and variety of plant architecture, composed of over 2000 varieties of different species. On Isola Madre there is also a large fauna of oriental birds, such as white peacocks, golden pheasants and parrots, free in the beautiful garden. Isola Bella, on the other hand, has a garden that, skilfully designed over the centuries, has multicolored blooms throughout the year, rotating among the various floral species including roses, orchids, bulbs, magnolias, orchards, azaleas, gardenias and wisteria. During the tour you will have the opportunity to stop at one of the three islands and by purchasing the entrance ticket on the spot, choose where you prefer the guide to accompany you with his explanations. Lunch and rest of the day on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3:

Free morning to visit the area on your own. Free departure to Como and check-in at the hotel. Free evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4:

The day will be entirely dedicated to discover the Como lake by boat, the famous town of Bellaggio and to explore the beautiful lakes and villages of Switzerland at a very short distance from our base. You'll stop in the small village of Cadenabbia, then enjoy a cruise from Bellagio and soak up panoramic views of Como Lake in a full-day tour. After leaving Como, a coach will take you to the Swiss city of Lugano, where you will have free time to visit the picturesque city center and taste some Swiss chocolate. The next stop will be the small village of Cadenabbia, where both Queen Victoria of England and Tsar Nicholas of Russia were frequent visitors, and then reach the village of Tremezzo. Here your Exclusive Cruise will begin aboard a private boat to reach Bellagio, also known as the "Pearl of Como Lake ". During this cruise you will have the chance to see Lake from a different perspective and glide in front of the villas with their beautiful gardens and unspoiled nature. Once in Bellagio, you will have some free time to soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this idyllic and relaxing place and to have lunch, before returning to Tremezzo. BellagioDa lì inizierà la vostra Crociera Esclusiva a bordo di una barca privata per raggiungere Bellagio, conosciuta anche come la “Perla del Lago di Como”. Durante questa crociera avrete la possibilità di vedere il lago di Como da una prospettiva diversa e scivolare davanti alle ville con i loro splendidi giardini e alla natura incontaminata Una volta a Bellagio, avrete un po' di tempo libero per immergervi nell'atmosfera rilassata di questo luogo idilliaco e rilassante e per pranzare, prima di tornare a Tremezzo. Afterwards you will get back to Como by bus enjoying a panoramic tour on the bus. Free evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5:

In the morning you will join a pleasant cultural and enogastronomic walk through the charming streets of the center of Como accompanied by a local guide. Passing by the main points of interest, this tour will take you to a series of historic restaurants, modern cafes and trendy eateries where you can taste the true gastronomic wonders of this city. Start your day off right with a traditional lunch in a historic wine bar where you can enjoy a platter of high-quality cured meats and a good local glass of wine. Continuing the tour you will arrive at a lovely historic bakery, and then continue the walking tour with a stop for a dish of polenta, the queen of the table in the Como area as well as throughout the Alps and conclude with a slice of Nuvola cake, with a consistency similar to panettone and pandoro, but much softer and filled with apricot jam. Alternatively, you can enjoy a delicious ice cream while strolling along the romantic lakeside promenade. End the tour with a coffee. Departure to the third stop of our itinery and check- in at the hotel. Free evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6:

Start the morning with a walk on your own in Sirmione, one of the most sought-after spa destinations in Italy, and then treat yourself to a half-day of relaxation by accessing the thermal baths where you can indulge in a real moment of well-being. You will also have the opportunity to have a 50-minute massage of your choice from the available and conclude with a tasting of lugana, a typical local wine, accompanied by local products. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon, explore Lake Garda from the water point of view. You will meet your tour leader in Piazzale Porto in Sirmione to board the boat which will sail on the enchanting Lake Garda, one of the most famous basins in Italy. During the crossing, you will observe the extraordinary natural setting that surrounds Lake Garda and the defensive buildings that extend along its shores, such as the Scaliger Castle or the fortress of Lazise. Listening to the explanations of the audio guide, you will discover the important defensive role these fortresses have played during the centuries. You will sail between Veneto and Lombardy until you reach Bardolino, where you will disembark for a one-hour visit. You will stroll through its charming streets, until you reach the restaurant where you will be served an aperitif with various appetizers and three glasses of wine. You will then continue sailing towards the towns of Garda and Punta San Vigilio. Finally, you will make a stop near Villa Canossa, for a refreshing dip (if the season allows it!). Back to the pier. Free evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7:

Free day. Departure.

HOTEL ACCOMODATION

– Stresa: Hotel La Palma or similar

– Como: Hotel Il Corazziere or similar

– Desenzano del Garda: Hotel Mayer & Splendid Wellness & Spa or similar