Northern Lakes & Italian Riviera Small Group Tour 2025

Departure at 0830HRS from Milan to Lake Orta, a small and charming lake situated in the northeastern side of the region of 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 lakes. Wedged between the foothills, and of clear glacial origin, it is framed in its lower section by the soft hills of the region of Novara, and in the upper section, by high mountain peaks, some of which with perpetual snow. These features make an average temperature during all seasons possible. 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, standing just in front of the Borromean Islands. Lunch on 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. Continue to the elegant and charming Isola Bella. Return to Stresa and departure to Como for check in and overnight.

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, amazing small town rich in atmosphere and panoramas. You can admire the high mountains over the lake, the wild alpine valley and the industrialised area. The lake is famous for its setting at the intersection of the three branches of the Y-shape, situated at the bottom of the most renowned peaks of the Italian landscape. We will board the boat and 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, villas and gardens. Visit of the village and lunch on your own. In the afternoon, departure via panoramic route along the lakeside to Bergamo. City characterised 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 of the old town with many beautiful churches and monuments, transfer to the modern town, with the best shops, restaurants and museums. Rest of the day at leisure and overnight. (B, T)

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Lake Garda, the largest in Italy. Lake Garda offers the visitors 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 bougainvillea. 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 southeast 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, departure to Verona for check in and overnight. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit of the famous city of Verona. It is a work of art in itself: a fascinating crossroad of historical periods and cultures (classical and Germanic), a blend of both Nordic and Mediterranean influences. The city is at the same time ancient and modern. A walk through its narrow streets allows us to get in touch with its varied and fascinating past: traces of its splendid Roman origins, its prevailing medieval structures dating back to the time of knights and castles, its magnificent Renaissance palaces as well as the impressive fortifications which protect it. A blend of art and history which continuously fascinates the onlooker. We will visit Piazza Bra with the Arena, a Roman amphitheatre, Via Mazzini, Piazza delle Erbe e Dei Signori with the monument to Dante Alighieri and Juliet’s Balcony. Continue to Lake Iseo, an amazing place surrounded by hills and nice villages. We stop in Iseo, the main city with free time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, departure to Genoa via Milan with a panoramic itinerary on the southwestern side of the lake. Arrival to Genoa, one of the largest seaports in the Southern Europe, the first in Italy. Sixt city of the country, has an important history as a Maritime Republic. Its historical centre has grown around the dock, full of narrow and characteristic streets and with medieval origin. Check in at the hotel and overnight. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will be invited to taste focaccia, a typical local type of bread in both versions, regular and with cheese. Departure to Rapallo, famous tourist centre. Visit of the old town where a long promenade ends with the beautiful Castle of Dragut. Continue to Santa Margherita, a beautiful seaside city of Riviera di Levante (Eastern Riviera), located in the Tigullio Gulf. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon, visit of Portofino. Around a little square, you can have a nice view of the group of high, coloured and picturesque houses. In the small port, during the high season, you can see expensive yachts from every part of the world. Finally, return to Genoa via a panoramic road. Rest of the day at leisure and overnight. (B, T)

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Portovenere, a fishing village located at the end of La Spezia Gulf. Visit of the village, followed by a ferry to Cinque Terre (if the weather conditions prevent the boarding, the visit will be with a panoramic itinerary by bus/minivan and train). Heritage of the UNESCO, these 5 fishing villages, symbolise a group unique in the world for its beautiful landscape and the medieval style of their buildings. Visit of the little village of Vernazza and Monterosso, the largest of the five villages, characterised by long beaches and narrow streets full of restaurants and handcraft shops. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon return back to Genoa for overnight. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to the western coast of Liguria. Arrival to Laigueglia, a picturesque, small fishing village with nice squares and small beaches. Visit of the village, before departing to Finalborgo, a typical medieval village at the bottom of the mountains where the Alps meet the Apennines. After free time for lunch on your own, return back to Milan and end of services. (B)

Note: Tour starts and finishes at Starhotels Anderson (Piazza Luigi di Savoia 20, Milan). Please contact us if you require arrival and/or departure transfers, which are at additional cost.