Best of the Italian Lakes
Operated by: Trafalgar
9 Days from $2,093 per person
Locations Visited
Milan, Baveno, Lake Garda, Verona, Marostica, Modena, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II ...more Milan, Baveno, Lake Garda, Verona, Marostica, Modena, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II"Simply the best"This was one of the best trips we have taken in Europe.
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Day 1
Arrive Milan – Lake Maggiore (Baveno) (2 Nights)
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.
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Day 2
Como Excursion and Lake Maggiore (Baveno) At Leisure
Journey through Italy's exquisite Lake District to scenic Lake Como. Walk through the beautiful Como waterfront or relax alongside 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.
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Day 3
Lake Maggiore (Baveno) – Bergamo – Lake Garda (5 Nights)
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' over a 'Be My Guest' dinner featuring local fare.
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Day 4
Verona Excursion
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.
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Day 5
Lake Garda Free Time and Mantua Excursion
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, 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 sightseeing tour. See architectural treasures and artefacts, elegant palaces and Renaissance cityscapes before returning to the picturesque lakeside setting of Lake Garda.
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Day 6
Lake Garda At Leisure
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.
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Day 7
Modena Excursion
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. Sample the intoxicating flavours, including their world famous balsamic vinegar, 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.
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Day 8
Lake Garda – Milan Free Time
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, ornate 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.
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Day 9
Depart Milan
Our leisurely jaunt through the Italian Lakes has come to an end. We say arrivederci to Italy and our newfound friends. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Price Includes
Dining Highlights
- 8 breakfasts
- 4 dinners (including Be My Guest)
First class travel Highlights
- Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Daily breakfast and up to half your evening meals
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Optional Experiences and free time
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Handcrafted Highlights
- VIP entry to many sights
Sightseeing Highlights
- ORIENTATION of Bergamo and Milan
- VISIT Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and Lake Garda, Mantua and the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena
- VIEW the Piazza del Duomo in Bergamo, Juliet's Balcony in Verona, the Cathedral in Modena and the Duomo and La Scala Opera House in Milan
- SEE the Roman Arena in Verona
Dates & Prices
Airfare is not included, but can be added to quote upon request-
Definite Departure
| Price | Discount | Availability | Price | |||
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Start Date:
Fri, Apr 24, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, May 2, 2020
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$2,325$2,093pp | SAVE: $232Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Fri, May 1, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, May 9, 2020
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$2,325$2,093pp | SAVE: $232Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Fri, May 8, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, May 16, 2020
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$2,375$2,138pp | SAVE: $237Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Fri, May 15, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, May 23, 2020
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$2,375$2,138pp | SAVE: $237Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Fri, May 22, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, May 30, 2020
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$2,375$2,138pp | SAVE: $237Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Fri, May 29, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Jun 6, 2020
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$2,375$2,138pp | SAVE: $237Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Fri, Jun 5, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Jun 13, 2020
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$2,375$2,138pp | SAVE: $237Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Fri, Jun 12, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Jun 20, 2020
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$2,375$2,138pp | SAVE: $237Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Fri, Jun 19, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Jun 27, 2020
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$2,375$2,138pp | SAVE: $237Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Fri, Jun 26, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Jul 4, 2020
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$2,375$2,138pp | SAVE: $237Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Fri, Sep 4, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Sep 12, 2020
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$2,375$2,138pp | SAVE: $237Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
|
Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Fri, Sep 11, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Sep 19, 2020
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$2,375$2,138pp | SAVE: $237Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
|
Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Fri, Sep 18, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Sep 26, 2020
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$2,375$2,138pp | SAVE: $237Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
|
Request Quote Book Now | ||
|
Start Date:
Fri, Sep 25, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Oct 3, 2020
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$2,375$2,138pp | SAVE: $237Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
|
Start Date:
Fri, Oct 2, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Oct 10, 2020
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$2,375$2,138pp | SAVE: $237Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
|
Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Fri, Oct 9, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Oct 17, 2020
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$2,325$2,093pp | SAVE: $232Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now |
Optional Add-Ons
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Italian Lakes
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: €41
Discover The Borromean Islands
We've organised a private launch to take you to the beautiful Isola Bella, one of the lake's Borromean islands. The island's palazzo and exquisite gardens once hosted the nobility of Europe. (This optional is only operated between mid March and the end of October)
Adult Price: €43
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
Lake Garda
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
Italian Lakes
Bolzano and the Dolomite Mountains
Come with us and follow the Adige Valley to Bolzano, capital of the southern part of the Tyrol. Here you'll have time to shop in the arcaded streets, take a cable car to the top of the Renon and ride on the century-old Tramvia, or Funivia in the local parlance, where you can enjoy incredible panoramas from this famous mountain plateau.
Adult Price: €62
Milan
Treasures Of Milan
You will have the opportunity to visit some of the highlights of Milan, including the famous La Scala Opera House, which is still the World's most famous for performing artists and public alike. Afterwards, you’ll visit another of the city’s highlights with our Local Specialist who will bring to life Milan’s eventful history.
Adult Price: €45
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