4 Days Northern Lakes Tour - From Milan

Departure at 08.30 am from Milan to to Lake Orta, a small and charming lake situated in the North-eastern side of the region Piedmont. Stop in the beautiful village of Orta San Giulio for a short visit. Then, tour by private boat to reach the island of San Giulio, just in front of the village: it is the pearl of the lake, almost entirely occupied by the Monastery Mater Eccelsiae, famous for studies on antique books and the Romanesque basilica of Saint Julius. After a short visit, back to Orta and departure to Stresa, on Lake Maggiore, one of the largest Italian ones. Wedged between the foothills and of clear glacial origin, it is framed in its lower section by soft hills and in the upper section by high mountain peaks, some of which with perpetual snow. These features make possible an average temperature during all seasons; due to its mild climate, many species of flowers and plants typical to the sub-tropical climate could adapt to the lake areas climate. Arrival to Stresa, an international tourist resort situated in a central but also panoramic and picturesque position along the lakeside roadway, stands just in front of the Borromean islands. Lunch at your own. In the afternoon, tour of the Isola del Pescatori by private boat. The island name is due to the activity of fishermen since the ancient time. Although only few families still maintain the original activity, the identity of the small community appears intact. Tourists are fascinated by its simple houses, the narrow lanes, the stone portals and the attractive underpasses. We will continue to the Isola Bella, elegant and charming. Return to Stresa and departure to Como. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today or tomorrow, depending on the weather, you will be invited to taste a typical Italian aperitive with Prosecco, a great white wine in its dry version. Short visit of Como. An amazing small town rich of atmospheres, panoramas and human takeovers. In little kilometres you can admire the high mountains over the lake, the wild alpine valley and the industrialized area. The lake is famous for its setting at the intersection of the three branches of the Y-shaped lake, and it is also known as Lario. Divided in three branches, is situated at the bottom of the most renowned peaks of the Italian landscape. Board the boat we reach Bellagio, situated at the tip of the peninsula separating the lake's two southern arms, with the Alps visible across the lake to the north. It is a picturesque village with small streets, luxury hotels and villas and gardens. Visit. Lunch at your own. In the afternoon, departure with panoramic route along the lake side to Bergamo. City characterized by a division of the urban structure on two levels, the “Lower town” (Città bassa), modern and dynamic and the famous “Upper town” (Città alta), a truly historic and artistic jewel. After a short walking tour inside the old town with many beautiful churches and monuments, transfer to the modern town, with the best shops, restaurants and museums. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Lake Garda, the largest Italian one. Lake Garda offers to the visitor a splendid natural scenery, full of colours, surrounded by the Dolomites of Brenta in the north and the gentle slopes of the hills in the south. A rich vegetation flourishes thanks to the Mediterranean climate: lemon trees, oleanders, magnolias and bougainvilleas. The cultivation of vineyards and olive groves produces good wines and olive oil. Arrival to Sirmione where the lake offers its best panorama, really sunny with the blue of its waters and the green of its trees. Boat tour to have a nice view of the Sirmione Cape, the castle and the Catullo’s Grotto ruins. Next, depart to Lazise, a village in the South-East of the lake, popular for its medieval castle, nowadays part of the walls of entrance to the old town, in front of the lake. Lunch on your own and in the afternoon, outgoing to Verona. Overnight at the hotel.