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Discover the Italians' favourite holiday haunt on this irresistible Italian Lakes trip. Linger over a sweet gelato on the shores of Lake Maggiore, sample the delights of salty prosciutto and parmigiano, then ease into the easy-going local way of life in enchanting lakeside villages.
The favourite summer retreat for the who's who of Italy for centuries provides an enchanting backdrop for your first day in Italy. 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 Welcome Reception this evening to meet your fellow travel companions and Travel Director before embarking on your At Leisure jaunt.
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, ambling along the glamorous Baveno Marina - the gentle sounds of this lakeside setting are a soulful way to enjoy your afternoon. Spend free time exploring Baveno with its Romanesque bell tower and octagonal baptistery.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Discover The Borromean Islands
We've organised a private launch to take you to the beautiful islands of Lake Maggiore. Here, with your Local Specialist, you'll see the Isola Madre, the Isola dei Pescatori, and on the Isola Bella we visit the magnificent palace of the Borromean Princes (this optional is only operated between mid March and the end of October).
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Discover Lake Como
Enjoy views of elegant villas and gardens as you cruise with your Local Specialist along Lake Como, one of the most beautiful spots in the Italian Lake District.
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Continue to Lake Garda
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. Wander past centuries-old Renaissance façades and into the exquisite Piazza Vecchia built on the site of an ancient Roman forum. See the ornate Contarini Fountain and 12th-century Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. We continue our love affair with the Italian Lakes, travelling to Lake Garda for a relaxing five-night stay. This evening, we Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience featuring local fare with the Serenelli family. Learn about their local history over dinner and the formation of the Red Cross as you explore their farm.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Oliveto
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 4
Explore Verona
Romance in the air, we journey to Verona engaging in the tragic tale of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers at Juliet's Balcony. Our walking tour with a Local Specialist will also take us past the Roman arena, still in use today, followed by some free time to explore the city alone. 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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Lake Garda Discovery
Discover the largest of the Italian Lakes as we take a route along its scenic shoreline. You’ll get to enjoy views of mountains, lush countryside and its glistening blue waters as you cross the lake, taking in historical towns along the way.
Adult Price: €43.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 5
Discover the Treasures of Mantua
A leisurely start to your day could see you stroll along the lakefront and enjoy a quite coffee. Later today, you'll embark on a half-day excursion to Mantua, a European 'Capital of Gastronomy' renowned for its significant role in the history of opera. 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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Spectacular Countryside and Dinner
We take a scenic drive from Lake Garda to the tiny village of Borghetto on the banks of the River Mincio, famous for it’s medieval bridge and ancient water mills. In this idyllic location, we'll enjoy a delicious meal of local specialities with wine and soft drinks included.
Adult Price: €65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Lake Garda Your Way
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, including the 13th-century Scaliger Castle or the Grottoes of Catullus. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the magnificent Dolomite mountain range, a World Heritage Site comprising 18 peaks over 10,000 feet high.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Sudtirol and the Dolomite Mountains
Come with us as we follow the Adige Valley to Bolzano, capital of the southern part of the Tyrol. With our Local Specialist, we'll see the city, have time to shop in the arcaded streets and take a cable car to the top of the Renon. At the top, we'll ride on the century-old train, where we'll enjoy incredible panoramas from this famous mountain plateau.
Adult Price: €62.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Admire Ferraris in Modena
Sparkling Lambrusco, salty prosciutto and the intense aromas of parmigiano await in the gastronomic hub of Modena, which we explore today in the company of a Local Specialist. Wander past pastel-hued façades in Modena's Old Town into the magnificent Piazza Grande which, along with its 12th-century cathedral and Torre Civica, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dive Into Culture and experience the deliciously sweet and sour flavours of some of the world’s best balsamic vinegar when you uncover the talents of the artisans of Acetaia Malpighi in the heart of a city that was the birthplace of Ferrari and Pavarotti and is home to Michelin Star restaurants and tortellini. Our gourmet interlude nearing its an end, we visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum where we'll Dive Into Culture and explore the history of this Italian icon. This evening, we enjoy a leisurely dinner at our hotel.
In search of spires that reach the sky, 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 ambitious Milanese for your spot on the runways 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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Starhotels Business Palace
A fantastic opportunity to take in some of the highlights of elegant Milan. Amongst other sights, we'll visit La Scala, the world's most famous opera house, where Giuseppe Verdi, Maria Callas and others have left their mark. Our wonderful Local Specialist will bring the city’s eventful past to life.
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Farewell Italy
Our leisurely holiday through the Italian Lakes has come to an end. We say arrivederci to Italy and our newfound friends. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Discover The Borromean Islands
We've organised a private launch to take you to the beautiful islands of Lake Maggiore. Here, with your Local Specialist, you'll see the Isola Madre, the Isola dei Pescatori, and on the Isola Bella we visit the magnificent palace of the Borromean Princes (this optional is only operated between mid March and the end of October).
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Discover Lake Como
Enjoy views of elegant villas and gardens as you cruise with your Local Specialist along Lake Como, one of the most beautiful spots in the Italian Lake District.
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 4
Lake Garda Discovery
Discover the largest of the Italian Lakes as we take a route along its scenic shoreline. You’ll get to enjoy views of mountains, lush countryside and its glistening blue waters as you cross the lake, taking in historical towns along the way.
Adult Price: €43.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Spectacular Countryside and Dinner
We take a scenic drive from Lake Garda to the tiny village of Borghetto on the banks of the River Mincio, famous for it’s medieval bridge and ancient water mills. In this idyllic location, we'll enjoy a delicious meal of local specialities with wine and soft drinks included.
Adult Price: €65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Sudtirol and the Dolomite Mountains
Come with us as we follow the Adige Valley to Bolzano, capital of the southern part of the Tyrol. With our Local Specialist, we'll see the city, have time to shop in the arcaded streets and take a cable car to the top of the Renon. At the top, we'll ride on the century-old train, where we'll enjoy incredible panoramas from this famous mountain plateau.
Adult Price: €62.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Treasures Of Milan
A fantastic opportunity to take in some of the highlights of elegant Milan. Amongst other sights, we'll visit La Scala, the world's most famous opera house, where Giuseppe Verdi, Maria Callas and others have left their mark. Our wonderful Local Specialist will bring the city’s eventful past to life.
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All transport shown. VIP private door-to-door UK airport transfers included. *This service is excluded from UK-based trips.
The Trafalgar difference
Connect with Locals
Join the Serenelli family for a Be My Guest dinner featuring home-grown produce. Learn about their local history and the formation of the Red Cross as you explore their didactic farm. (Day 3)
Dive into Culture
Gain a deep appreciation for Modena’s celebrated balsamic vinegar, learning how they make the perfect combination of sweet and sour at the Malpighi Showroom. (Day 7)
Celebrate all things Ferrari, past, present and future, at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena. This pit stop includes intriguing exhibitions and an immersive experience that you'll never forget. (Day 7)
Sightseeing highlights
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Explore Verona and Modena with a Local Specialist
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Discover Bergamo and Milan
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Visit Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and Lake Garda, Mantua and the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena
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View the Piazza del Duomo in Bergamo, Juliet's Balcony and the Roman Arena in Verona, the Cathedral in Modena and the Duomo and La Scala Opera House in Milan
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Handcrafted Highlights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
Best of the Italian Lakes Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Trip Rating
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5
Itinerary was fine but hotels in Lake Garda and Milano were terrible and almost ruined the entire trip
The hotel in Lake Garda, Villa Maria, leaves much to be desired and for this trip, the hotel should be located closer to those areas to be toured. The excuse is a hotel won't accommodate that many people so that means you should limit the groups so hotels would be more acceptable! The itinerary was very good and enjoyed the areas visited but too much time sitting in an uncomfortable bus!!
Our tour guide, Sondra and our Bus Driver were excellent and Trafalgar is fortunate to have them. However, I think your bus tours should be limited to less than 45 or even smaller as your bus seats were too small, uncomfortable and to squeeze 51 people into a bus is what turned me off with regard to Trafalgar.
I appreciated the long stays in hotels, so that we could concentrate on experiences. However, the location of the hotel in Lake Garda was disappointing because access to the local sites were difficult.
This was my first tour and I had a good experience. My travel director was personable and knowledgeable, providing possible options for me. I was a bit more active than some of the other travelers and found the pace to be sluggish, at times. Which was no fault of the director or the schedule! Just a bit more bus time than I anticipated. I enjoyed meeting travelers from all over the world!
We had an amazing trip with Trafalgar. Our tour director, Stacey, was fabulous in every way. She not only took great care of us but was also a wealth of information at each of our destinations. Our driver, Raffael, got us to every place safely. Our hotels were lovely. We will definitely be traveling with Trafalgar again.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
VIP private door-to-door UK airport transfers included. *This service is excluded from UK-based trips.
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