Arrive in Milan and head to Saronno, a pretty little town best known for the famous Amaretto liqueur whose honeyalmond flavours are a sweet delight after dinner. You’ll have some time to explore on your own before meeting your Travel Director and travel companions for an included dinner at your hotel.
Meals : Dinner
Hotel : Starhotels Grand Milan Saronno
It’s just a short hop to Lake Como, whose deep blue waters have inspired great writers like Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll see for yourself why this idyllic retreat has endured as a firm favourite among aristocrats, celebrities and locals since Roman times. Board your included cruise to Bellagio, the pearl of the lake, with its steep lanes and sophisticated harbour area. Soak up the fresh lake breeze, as you cruise past luxurious villas and elegant terraced gardens that line the lush hills along the lake’s expansive coastline. You could spend hours sipping a refreshing Spritz and watching the world go by but you’ll want to join an optional dinner in Como instead.
Meals : Breakfast
Hotel : Starhotels Grand Milan Saronno
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Italian Lakes Dinner in Como - Embrace the luxury and elegance of Lake Como with an evening tour you’ll cherish for years to come. Explore the picturesque streets of Como town with your fellow travellers, marvelling at neoclassical mansions and traditional storefronts, before enjoying a delightful dinner with drinks at a local restaurant.
Adult: 64.00 EUR
As you cross the border into Switzerland this morning, you may do a double take arriving in Lugano, known as the ‘Monte Carlo of Switzerland'. Italy has had quite the magic touch on shaping its culinary, cultural and architectural scene as you’ll come to see in its piazze and along the narrow streets. Choose an optional scenic cruise on Lake Lugano or take a leisurely stroll along its lakeside promenades or indulge in some well-deserved retail therapy – the city is famous for its high-end fashion boutiques. Once you’ve bagged all the best buys, return to Italy for a two-night stay at your hotel on the western shores of Lake Maggiore, Italy’s second-largest lake. Tuck into another Italian cena before turning in for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Villa Carlotta
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Mount San Salvatore and Lake Cruise - Take your tour of Switzerland to the next level with a scenic cruise on Lake Lugano, admiring villas and villages that dot the shores of the beautiful lake. Next, you’ll board the funicular to gradually climb the summit of Lugano’s most well-known mountain; San Salvatore, the balcony of the Swiss Alps! Here you’ll have time to explore and take in the breath-taking views from the mountain peak.
Adult: 65.00 EUR
Immortalised in Hemingway's 1920s novel 'A Farewell to Arms', Lake Maggiore is one of Italy’s most scenic lake landscapes. With so many hidden treasures to uncover, we’ve included a free day-for you to do whatever you wish. You won’t need to wander far for those same epic views of the surrounding mountains and 'lake in the sunlight' to inspire you as they did him. One of our favourite options is to join a breathtaking excursion to the Borromean Islands, purchased by the Borromeo family in the 16 century and still owned by them. Explore the magnificent palace and elegant gardens that remain dotted across the lake’s islands and islets to this day.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Villa Carlotta
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Visit Lake Orta And San Giulio Island - Come with us to the hillside village of Pettenasco, on the shores of Lake Orta, to experience Northern Italy's best-kept secret with a Local Specialist. Afterwards, we'll cruise to the island of San Giulio, famous for its peaceful atmosphere and delightful church. Then, spend time strolling in Orta town, taking in the area's beauty, with old-school trattorias and quintessential Italian charm.
Adult: 43.00 EUR
Discover The Borromean Islands - All aboard! Today-is all about the beautiful Lake Maggiore, which you can explore alongside a Local Specialist. Enjoy cruising along the pristine lake, viewing the Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella, where you’ll visit the magnificent Palace of the Borromean Princess. Visiting spectacular sights in the Italian lakes district, you’ll love the chance to explore these postcard-worthy islands.
Adult: 49.00 EUR
* This optional is only able to be operated between mid-March and the end of October.
Lose yourself in the tragic love affair of Romeo and Juliet when you visit Verona. Your orientation tour of this romantic Italian city will include views of the ancient Roman Arena and balcony where a fictional Juliet once called for her Romeo. During your free time, visit Piazza delle Erbe, home to a fruit and vegetable market since medieval times. The beautiful square is surrounded by
exquisite buildings from different periods of Verona's history. The sun at its peak, we take a scenic drive along Lake Garda, renowned for its crystal-clear waters. Snap a selfie and admire the view before arriving at your hotel for
your two-night stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Mercure Nerocubo
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Lake Garda Discovery - Today-is all about exploring the largest of the Italian Lakes as we take a route along the scenic shoreline of Lake Garda. You’ll enjoy views of the mountains, lush countryside and its glistening blue waters as you cross the lake, taking in historical towns and breathtakingly beautiful sights along the way.
Adult: 43.00 EUR
Throw your guidebook out the window and switch off your phone. This is the perfect time to indulge in a relaxing siesta, as Italian families have done for centuries. Kick back near the shores of Lake Garda and reflect on the stunning
natural beauty that surrounds you, watch the world go by or let your mind contemplate your next journey. If you’re feeling energetic, you could make the most of your time by joining a full-day-Optional Experience to Bolzano, capital of southern Tyrol. Shop in the arcaded streets and soak up the mountain views.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Mercure Nerocubo
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Sudtirol and the Dolomite Mountains - Come with us as we follow the Adige Valley to Bolzano, the quaint capital of the southern part of the Tyrol. With our Local Specialist, we'll explore the city, have time to shop in the arcaded streets and take a cable car to the top of The Renon. At the top, we'll ride on the century-old train and enjoy incredible panoramic views from this famous mountain plateau.
Adult: 62.00 EUR
Our return journey to Milan would not be complete without a stop in Bergamo, enveloped within Venetian walls whose construction famously caused eight excommunications by the local clergy. You may agree it was worth it when you
board the funicular which has been ferrying locals and visitors for over a century to the Upper Town, enjoying the most breathtaking views of the town’s beautiful gardens and even the Apennines on a clear day. Arriving in Milan, your walking tour with a Local Specialist will reveal some of the city’s most treasured sights, including the 14 -century Gothic Cathedral and La Scala Opera House, which you could choose to visit as an Optional Experience. Later, you’ll
toast a fond farewell to an exhilarating journey over dinner at your hotel with new friends.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: HolidayInn-Nord Zara
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Treasures Of Milan - Enjoy a fantastic opportunity to uncover some of the highlights of elegant Milan, from the world’s most famous Opera House, La Scala, to the gothic spires of the towering Duomo (Cathedral). Our wonderful Local Specialist will bring this city’s eventful past to life before your eyes, showing why this fashionable city is known as the culture capital
of Italy.
Adult: 45.00 EUR
Your heart full and probably a few pounds heavier, it’s time to close the curtain on an enchanting encounter with the Italian Lakes. For now, it’s arrivederci but not goodbye forever as you say farewell to your travel companions and Travel Director. Find out more about your available transfers at costsavertour.com/transfers.
Meals: Breakfast