Grand Tour of the Italian Lakes

Your adventure begins in the picturesque town of Bardolino. The rest of the day will be spent at leisure, allowing you time to settle into the hotel and start exploring if you wish.

Later this evening you can enjoy a welcome drinks reception to get to know your fellow travelling companions and your Tour Manager.   

Lake Garda first came to fame in the latter days of the 19th century when visitors came to make use of the clean mountain air, and it has been famous as an area of outstanding natural beauty ever since. Today we will have a tour of the lake, passing through some lovely, typically Italian villages complete with tiny harbours clinging to the shoreline with the mountains behind.

Today we also see lush groves of olives, citrus trees and of course vines used for making the famous Bardolino wines. The shore varies from the rich vegetation of the middle reaches to the more rugged north covered with pine trees whose unmistakable scent hangs heavy in the air. 

Today we head north to the magnificent Dolomite mountains, the result of geological activity some 230 million years ago which has given them a gorgeous pink and lime-green hue. The foothills are made up of strikingly green pastures studded with the occasional small shepherd’s house, a few sheep and goats here and there with pine forests stretching into the distance.

The region has been autonomous since the 12th century, meaning that today you could easily believe you were no longer in Italy. The houses in the picturesque tiny hamlets resemble Swiss or Austrian style chalets, low with gently sloping roofs and enormous window boxes crammed with flowers of every imaginable colour. The culture here is different too – many people identify as South Tyrolean rather than Italian, and many are bi- or tri-lingual, speaking Italian, German and a German dialect that’s specific to the region.

We have plenty of stops today as well as the opportunity to ascend on a cable car (subject to seasonal operation) to enjoy panoramic views of the whole area. There are not enough words to describe the awesome splendour of this rugged landscape and its clean, crisp and invigorating mountain air – it really will take your breath away.

Due to its remote situation, it is home to a huge amount of rare and unique wildlife, so if you are lucky, you could see chamois, ibex and golden eagles and various deer. 

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Relax and unwind at your hotel or take the opportunity to explore the picturesque surroundings of Lake Garda. A popular destination since the 19th century, the lake is home to a charming array of quintessentially Italian towns nestled along its shores, each offering its own unique atmosphere and beauty.  

After an early breakfast, we take the drive to Venice, a unique city caught in a time warp that’s as culturally rich as any city can be. We will take a walking tour during which we will see St Mark’s Square and its basilica, the Campanile, and Doge’s Palace together with countless other places of interest. 
Venice first came to prominence in the 10th century and grew in wealth and power after gaining its independence from Byzantium, reaching its zenith during the 15th century. It was then that many of the fantastic buildings you see today were built.

Venice at the time was the greatest power in the Mediterranean with an empire encompassing Crete, parts of Turkey and a huge portion of northern Italy, and it soon created a capital to match. Situated between East and West, trading quickly grew, and innumerable merchants made fortunes manifesting this newfound wealth, just as people do today, in the arts and property, private and municipal.

St. Mark’s Basilica is a must, built to house the relics of St. Mark himself, it is Europe’s most exotic cathedral, with opulent decoration inside. The statistics are staggering – there are over 40,000 square feet of detailed mosaics of every colour of the rainbow covering the entire interior. The blend of coloured marble columns, gold and red paintings, and bas-reliefs combine to create one of the world’s most beautiful buildings.

Adjacent is the Doge’s Palace, home of the most powerful man in Venice who, incidentally, was elected for life. The Palace was also the seat of government councils and courts, as well as the prisons. Obviously, the government of great power had to be accommodated appropriately and so, as a visit will reveal, it houses the most amazing wood carvings, and one room alone has four Tintoretto paintings in it. The floor is a revelation too, inlaid with exotic woods from all over the known world from as far afield as Japan. The walls and ceilings are exquisitely decorated with paintings, frescoes and gold leaf.

St. Mark’s Square is a must too, and the focal point of the city since its foundation. Today though, it is mostly visitors who flock to the square, rather than merchants. To sip a coffee in one of the pavement cafés and absorb the beauty around you must rank as one of life’s great pleasures.

To get a bird’s eye view of it all why not take a trip up the Campanile, the square’s imposing tower which was originally built as a lighthouse and where Galileo demonstrated his telescope to a sceptical public. For art lovers, there is Accademia, housing one of the finest collections in the world with superb examples of Renaissance work, or there is the Guggenheim with exhibits by Miro, Picasso, Chagall and Léger among others.

One thing that really strikes you about Venice is that it is not nearly as expensive as you might believe. Away from St. Mark’s Square and other touristy areas you can find small restaurants offering three-course meals at reasonable prices.  

But Venice is not just art and monuments, fantastic though they are; the city really needs to be seen from the water too, and what better than by taking a trip on a gondola. No visit to this city of canals is complete without experiencing it from the water. After our guided tour, immerse yourself in one of the world’s most romantic and inspiring locations, as you drift along Venice’s iconic waterways aboard a traditional gondola, capturing the mesmerising views at every turn that so inspired countless artists, poets, and writers through the ages. These beautifully made boats are crafted from 300 individual pieces of wood. A short ride on one of them is a lovely and peaceful way to explore the backwaters of the city.

You will have sore feet when you return to the hotel but everyone at least once in their lives should visit this wondrous city. 

If you've been to Venice before, perhaps join us on our tour of 'undiscovered' Venice with a local guide and explore the less-visited places that are just as intriguing. See the Santa Maria della Pietà church and the adjacent orphanage where Vivaldi taught music. Tucked away nearby is a modest Greek settlement, where we find the beautiful Greek Orthodox church with its classically Venetian exterior.

A short walk takes us down the narrow alleys so typical of the city to Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo, one of Venice's most significant squares with several highlights: the imposing Dominican church here boasts even more impressive interiors, and the majestic Scuola Grande di San Marco houses many of Tintoretto's masterpieces. 

This morning you’re free to explore your surroundings as you wish. So, what’s it to be? A stroll around the port is a charming way to spend your time, perhaps indulging in a little shopping or simply relax. 

Vineyards abound in this area thanks to the favourable climate, so this afternoon we will visit a small family run wine estate located in the fertile valley of the Trentino region, where we will have a guided tour of the cellars, followed by a tasting. Sample some of the finest wines of the region, savouring the flavours of a selection of superb produce on this enhanced wine tasting experience. Sit down to a hearty rustic lunch lovingly created from the finest local produce, in the delightful authentic ambience of the owner’s traditional restaurant where you’ll be made to feel like one of the family. 

Verona is one of the most beautiful and pleasant cities in Italy and today we have a guided walking tour in order to appreciate it at its best, discovering its hidden side too. We approach through the centuries-old city walls – when you enter the old town you cannot help but admire!

Medieval pink-hued buildings complete with contrasting frescoes underneath archways unchanged for centuries. Typical pavement cafés abound, some with violinists serenading their clients whilst they take a refreshing drink, enjoying the shade from the warm sunshine. It has tiny narrow streets, complete with the tasteful shops, so typical of Italy, and then there is the marketplace dating from Roman times, with interesting reminders of the city’s past.

The tragic story of Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona and when you experience the atmosphere here you can see why. The two great lovers from rival families have inspired countless films, poems and dramas. You can actually see the balcony where the immortal words “O Romeo, Romeo” were reputedly spoken.

The Roman arena is awe inspiring but there are also countless medieval and Renaissance squares and courtyards to explore, as well as a superb 12th century cathedral which houses a work by Titian. The Roman Theatre is a must too, as is one of the Renaissance’s finest gardens with clipped box hedges and a dazzling display of colour. Another interesting site is San Zeno – arguably the finest Romanesque church in northern Italy.

For those who have been to Verona before, our ‘undiscovered’ tour is the best way of seeing a different side of this city, including many hidden cultural and architectural gems that most visitors never see. 

One of the most delightful things about Verona is that although being close to Venice it receives fewer visitors. This afternoon is free so you can explore as you wish. After our guided tour of Verona, take stock and reflect on this legendary city’s ethereal beauty over a refreshing aperitivo just like a local. Soak up the atmosphere and views of its magnificent architecture and Roman amphitheatre as the echoes of history ring out over the exquisite domes and spires of this magical place.

Or perhaps indulge in some shopping. Italy is inextricably linked with fashion, style and chic, and Verona has some lovely shops with prices not nearly as expensive as you may imagine, with leather ware being particularly good value.

After a leisurely morning, we depart Lake Garda and head towards Lake Iseo for a one-night stay.  

Upon arrival, we embark on a scenic boat ride along the tranquil waters of Lake Iseo, renowned for its beauty and serenity. Set against the majestic backdrop of the Alps, this hidden gem offers a peaceful escape with its charming lakeside villages and unspoiled landscapes. A boat trip across Lake Iseo is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and vibrant culture of this unspoiled region.

Once we return, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you please. You can choose to explore more of the surroundings or unwind at the hotel. 

After a leisurely breakfast, we depart from the shores of Lake Iseo and continue our journey to the tranquil Lake Maggiore. Here, you’ll check into your lakeside hotel for a relaxing seven-night stay.  

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, giving you the perfect opportunity to settle into your hotel and begin exploring the beauty of this picturesque town at your own pace.

Want some recommendations? Our friendly Tour Manager is on hand at the hotel to help advise you on the local area, including must-see sights and tasty eateries.  

Unmistakably Mediterranean in character, Maggiore’s shores are lined with oleanders, palms and deeply aromatic verbena with the still waters reflecting the azure blue sky above.

Just offshore is one of the real gems of northern Italy, the spectacular Borromean Islands, once owned by a Milanese Count who, in the 17th century, created the most amazing ‘belle époque’ villa here of which we have a guided tour this morning.

You’ll feel quite simply on top of the world as you sip a deliciously chilled glass of fizz in the one and only Skybar on the lake. With dazzling views at every turn – the exquisite Borromean Islands taking centre stage against a backdrop of lush, forested slopes sweeping down to the glistening water’s edge, encased by a phenomenal mountain backdrop. Make sure you’ve your camera in tow to capture this wow moment for eternity.  

Isola Bella is an ornate achievement, with its staterooms crammed with fine furniture, sculpture and art with intricate parquet flooring and elegant pastel-coloured plasterwork and frescoes adorning the high ceilings, it’s simply stunning.

Even more impressive though, are the astonishing grounds, featuring 10 interlocking terraces imaginatively planted with orange and lemon trees, plus magnolias and a host of other fragrant and colourful shrubs and plants. Marble statues and white peacocks add the final touches to this dramatic display. Previous distinguished visitors include Queen Caroline of England, wife of George IV, plus Napoleon and Josephine.

In complete contrast, the narrow-cobbled streets, picturesque harbour and charming buildings of the fascinating Isola dei Pescatori, the second island we visit, reflect its 10th century origins and centuries old fishing tradition after which it is named.

This is the perfect place for a relaxing lunch in one of the excellent lakeside restaurants - many with enchanting, secluded terraces – before we cruise back to Stresa during the afternoon. 

Long and relatively narrow, Lake Maggiore beautifully straddles the Swiss-Italian border and this morning you enjoy a totally different view of the lake as we take a private boat to Cannobio, where you will have some free time before joining the coach to continue into Switzerland, to the chic resort of Locarno, nestling below the towering peaks of the Alps. 

During our journey you will see ever-grander snow-capped mountains, their colours gently changing from pinks to greens and blues, as the sun, arcing across the sky, casts its ever-changing shadows. You snatch tantalising glimpses of lakeside life with the locals going about their daily lives, whilst birds of prey soar on the numerous thermals and colourful wildfowl rise and fall as the boat’s wake radiates from the stern.

Locarno is staunchly Swiss, but the twisting lanes and alleys of the historic centre bear more resemblance to Tuscany than Zurich, lending it a real charm enhanced by a fascinating history encapsulated in the mighty castle dominating from above.

After some free time, we board the narrow gauge Centovalli train for an impressive scenic ride as it winds its way through wild, romantic landscapes, pure mountain cascades, vines, chestnut woods and villages clinging to the mountainsides.

Named after the so called ‘hundred valleys’ through which it passes, the train features specially designed panoramic carriages so you can sit back, enjoying the scenery in all its glory as it winds its seemingly impossible way around the valley sides. From Domodossola we return by coach to Stresa. 

This morning, we explore another of Northern Italy’s most famous lakes, and one of its most attractive too. Described by Wordsworth as ‘a treasure the earth keeps to itself’, and a favourite of Shelley, too, Lake Como has attracted visitors for centuries in search of relaxation, culture and inspiration. The famous ancient Roman, Pliny, wrote of its luxuriant beauty, and it has inspired some of the best works of greats such as Verdi and Rossini to name but two.

You will be free to explore Como as you wish. Renowned for its lakeside parks, grand hotels and the Villa Olmo, Como town has been home to many eminent Europeans including Napoleon, Archduke Ferdinand and Garibaldi, the ‘father of modern Italy.

This morning you can choose to relax in the hotel, perhaps take a swim in the pool or explore Stresa’s many delights. The lakeside exudes an ambience of classic ‘belle époque’ gentility, owing its origin to the days of the ‘Grand Tour’ when Europe’s 19th century aristocracy, having crossed the border from Switzerland, experienced their first taste of Italy. Literary aficionados may like to take a drink at the bar of the Grand Hotel featured in Hemingway’s ‘A Farewell to Arms’ and frequented by the likes of George Bernard Shaw and Charlie Chaplin. 

This evening, take a cruise to Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands and said to be the most authentic of the islands, with its verdant English-style garden. Wander the botanical gardens, home to an exotic mix of plants, birds and flowers, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and cake while taking in dazzling views of Lake Maggiore.

After dinner, end the evening in style with an atmospheric cruise around the magnificent Borromean Islands, absorbing the breathtaking views of their elegant, illuminated buildings, as the lights of Stresa twinkle in the starry night sky against a magnificent mountain silhouette. 

Today the views will take your breath away. We firstly climb the foothills of the Alps then cross the Swiss frontier and head into the high Alps themselves. We take the Simplon Pass, once used by the Romans to control their northern provinces with the first actual road constructed by Napoleon.

Continuing, the scenery becomes ever more spectacular, with lush, wildflower-covered meadows studded with tiny shepherds’ shelters sweeping through the dense forests, crowned by snow-capped mountains glistening in the sun. You could be lucky and catch a glimpse of the elusive ibex, chamois or even a golden eagle soaring high above.

Marvelling at the engineering feats, the road traverses towering viaducts and jaw dropping precipices, we pass countless torrential mountain streams tumbling waterfalls before arriving at the legendary village of Zermatt, nestling at the foot of the mighty, instantly recognisable Matterhorn. 

Zermatt is iconically Swiss, a car-free jumble of chalets and ancient wooden farm huts strewn along the valley floor, towards pastures alive with the sound of cowbells while soaring footpaths weave ever upwards to the majestic amphitheatre of the surrounding lofty summits.

The ultimate alpine peak, the Matterhorn is strangely shy until you reach the end of the village, turn a corner, and the Swiss national symbol is revealed in its unrivalled glory - truly, one of life’s ‘wow’ moments!

For an even better view take the cog railway to reach 3000 metres and the absolutely awe-inspiring mountain wonderland of glaciers and summits. Alternatively, you can relax in one of the many delightful cafés. 

On our final day in Lake Maggiore, we experience one of the tour’s real highlights. Orta is probably the prettiest of the Italian lakes, yet one of the least well-known. You’ll understand why it’s regarded as something of a hidden gem, as there’s an exceptional atmospheric charm that’s immediately discernible. Surrounded on three sides by deep blue water, the romantic lakeside village of Orta San Giulio has so far avoided the tourist hordes. Its pebble-studded lanes and stepped alleys – lined with myriad traditional food shops selling the gorgeous produce for which Italy is renowned – lead down to the shore and a main square. You’ll adore the village’s medieval architecture of picturesque buildings with shuttered windows in typically Italian shades of ochre, magenta and light blue, which create a kaleidoscope of colour.  

A boat trip takes you to the island of San Giulio, which features an enchanting basilica with an opulent interior containing an intricately carved black marble pulpit, wonderfully preserved frescoes and a vertebra which, according to legend, belonged to a dragon.