Best of the Italian Lakes
9 Days from $2,225 per person
Enjoy a stylish lakeside sojourn in Italy—explore 14th-century Marostica, sip a tasty cappuccino on Como's lakeside promenade and visit Milan, one of the world's design capitals.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Overview
Enjoy a stylish lakeside sojourn in Italy—explore 14th-century Marostica, sip a tasty cappuccino on Como's lakeside promenade and visit Milan, one of the world's design capitals.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
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Day 1: Arrive Milan – Lake Maggiore (Baveno) (2 Nights)
The favorite summer retreat for the who's who of Italy for centuries provides an enchanting backdrop for your first day in Italy. On arrival at Milan Malpensa Airport transfers will operate at 9:30 am, 1 pm and 3:30 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the 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 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, traveling to Lake Garda for a relaxing five-night stay. This evening, we connect with loclas 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: Marostica and Bassano del Grappa Excursion
We embark on a full-day excursion today to the ancient walled town of Marostica, most renowned for its living chess event held every second year, although the gigantic chessboard is visible in the Piazza Castello all year round. We enjoy a leisurely exploration of the city's iconic sights, including its old city walls, Castles and Romanesque bell tower. We venture to the banks of the River Brenta for an unhurried visit to Bassano del Grappa, celebrated for its white brandy (Grappa) and magnificent scenery. This evening we return to 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 savor the intoxicating aroma of lemons around every turn. Enjoy the flavors 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 Grottoes of Catullus. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the magnificent Dolomite mountain range, a World Heritage Site comprising 18 peaks over 9,800 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 flavors, including their world-famous balsamic vinegar, of a city that was the birthplace of Ferrari and Pavarotti, home to Michelin Star restaurants and tortellini. Our gourmet interlude nearing its an end, we take a short drive to the Ferrari Museum where we'll dive into culture and explore the history of this Italian icon founded by Enzo Ferrari. 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 travelers to celebrate the end of an exquisite vacation together.
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Day 9: Depart Milan
Our jaunt through the Italian Lakes has come to an end. We say arrivederci to Italy and your companions. Return transfers will operate from Baveno and arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport at 7:30 am and 10:30 am. Conditions apply.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 May 19 | 8 Jun 19 |
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$2,295pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 28 Jun 19 | 6 Jul 19 |
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$2,350pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 20 Sep 19 | 28 Sep 19 |
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$2,295pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 27 Sep 19 | 5 Oct 19 |
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$2,295pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 11 Oct 19 | 19 Oct 19 |
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$2,225pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $360 per person
Triple Room Discount: $40 per person
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $88 per person.
Airport transfer: On arrival at Milan Malpensa Airport, transfers will operate at 9:30 am, 1 pm and 3:30 pm to Baveno, Lake Maggiore. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport at 7:30 am and 10:30 am.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
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Personal Flight Options
Meal Summary
12 meals: 8 Buffet Breakfasts, 4 Dinners with local wine.
Insider Experiences
Connect with Locals
- On the shores of Lake Garda, enjoy a traditional Be My Guest dinner featuring flavors of olive oil, wine and lemons for which the region is famous
Dive into Culture
- A celebration of all things Ferrari—present and future—the Ferrari Museum in Maranello includes a permanent exhibition dedicated to Formula 1 complete with cars and a pit stop wall
Local Specialist
- For included sightseeing in Verona, Modena
Sightseeing Experiences
- City tour in Verona, Modena
- Orientation of Bergamo, Milan
- Visit beautiful Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Garda, Bassano del Grappa, Marostica, the Ferrari Museum in Maranello
- View the Piazza del Duomo in Bergamo, Juliet's Balcony in Verona, the Cathedral in Modena, the Duomo and La Scala Opera House in Milan
- See the Roman Arena in Verona
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
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Currency
The currency in Italy is the Euro (€). While it’s a good idea to bring some euros for when you first arrive in Italy, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate when you arrive in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in Italy. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
While Italy is most famous for pizza and pasta, few travelers are aware of just how varied the country’s culinary offering actually are. In fact, each of the 20 regions has its own distinctive cuisine. Traditionally, lunch (pranzo) is the most substantial meal of the day. A full meal consists of antipasto (starter), a primo piatto (pasta, rice or soup), a secondo piatto (meat or fish) with a side, or contorno (vegetable or salad), then frutta (fresh fruit). Finish with espresso and maybe a limoncello or grappa. Wine is usually served with the meal, accompanied by mineral water. Tap water is safe to drink, but not always tasty. We recommend you buy bottled mineral water. ‘Acqua non potabile’ means the water is not safe to drink. Find out about some local specialties to try in Italy’s top destinations below.
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Packing
In Italy, the weather changes very quickly, with temperatures varying from morning to night. We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
At bars and restaurants, tipping is less common or generous as in the U.S. When dining out, it’s appropriate, although not required, to leave an extra euro or two for your waiter.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
