Majesty of the Italian Lakes

Day 1 - UK - Verona - Lake Garda

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Verona. We’ll head straight to Lake Garda, where we stay four nights. Conveniently the hotel has a ferry stop just along the promenade, perfect for exploring the lake.

Hotel Savoy Palace, Gardone Riviera (4-star)

Day 2 - Lake Garda

Today, we’ll stop at Desenzano on the waterfront for a short stroll before travelling by boat to Sirmione, said to be the prettiest town on Lake Garda. You can judge for yourself on an included mini cruise around Sirmione Peninsula.

Hotel Savoy Palace, Gardone Riviera (4-star)

Day 3 - Lake Garda

Today, you’re free to enjoy lovely Lake Garda and its surroundings.

Hotel Savoy Palace, Gardone Riviera (4-star)

Day 4 - Lake Garda

At leisure.

Hotel Savoy Palace, Gardone Riviera (4-star)

Day 5 - Lake Garda - Lake Iseo - Lake Como

There’s time for one more stroll around Lake Garda this morning, before we set out through spectacular lake and mountain scenery towards Lake Como. We’ll make a short stop at pretty Lake Iseo along the way, before continuing on to our next hotel — a centuries-old former castle near the shores of Lake Como. After time to soak up the grandeur and atmosphere in the 600-year-old surroundings, we’ll meet for dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Hotel Castelo di Casiglio, Erba (4-star)

Day 6 - Lake Como

Today, we’ll get acquainted with the town of Como. A guided walking tour takes us inside the ancient walls of the ‘Citta Murata’, the historic centre of the city, where we’ll admire the marble-clad cathedral and neighbouring medieval town hall. After, there’s free time to explore Como further, or just buy an ice cream and soak up the views.

Hotel Castelo di Casiglio, Erba (4-star)

Day 7 - Lake Como - Lake Maggiore

We’re back on the road this morning for another dramatic drive, weaving and winding our way west from Lake Como to Lake Maggiore, whose northern tip stretches into Switzerland and the Alps. We spend the final five nights of the tour at a refined hotel set in centuries-old Mediterranean gardens with views of the lake. This afternoon we have an included excursion to Villa Taranto, where more than 20,000 rare and unique plant species curated from all over the world. Return to Baveno in time for dinner in the hotel restaurant, where floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the gardens to Lake Maggiore.

Hotel Simplon, Baveno (4-star)

Day 8 - Lake Maggiore - Borromean Islands

Today, we cruise over to the Borromean Islands, where guides will show you around the exquisite terraces and palazzos on Isola Bella. Look out for the white peacocks strutting along the terraces.

Hotel Simplon, Baveno (4-star)

Day 9 - Lake Maggiore

Another day to do as you please. Perhaps enjoy the views from the hotel’s sub-tropical gardens or explore nearby Stresa with its elegant lakeside promenade, cobbled square, bustling cafes and Belle Époque mansions and Liberty-style hotels.

Hotel Simplon, Baveno (4-star)

Day 10 - Lake Maggiore

This morning, we’ll visit Lake Orta and the medieval Orta San Giulio, one of Italy’s prettiest and most peaceful lakeside towns. A local ferry regularly makes the short trip to Isola San Giulio, famous for the vibrant frescoes in its 12th-century basilica.

Hotel Simplon, Baveno (4-star)

Day 11 - Lake Maggiore

This last full day is yours to do as you choose. You can explore Baveno’s historic town centre and lakeside promenade, relax in Villa Fedora Park or wander down to the lakeside for more beautiful views.

Hotel Simplon, Baveno (4-star)

Day 12 - Lake Maggiore - Milan - UK

Transfer to Milan airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting to take you home.