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Explore the Italian Lakes 15-day Small Group Tour
Personally hosted by Carol Haslam, Director of Slow Tours. Carol has travelled extensively in this region of Italy and knows it really well . She loves to show guests some of her favourite spots.
From the Piedmont and the Swiss border in the northern part of Italy across to the east, the lakes region lies at the foot of the Lombardy Alps. Blue waters flow at the foot of mountains reflecting mansions and villages, castles and fortresses, in a rare harmony appreciated as much by artists and photographers as by the tourists. Small ports, lake islands, villas with sumptuous gardens, flower-lined shores, good Italian cooking and local wines are some of the pleasures on the shores of these lakes, each one having its own special character.
Travel is in a comfortable new vehicle
Maximum 14 guests
Slow Tours offers a number of Small Group Tours in Europe
Pick-up from Milan airport, enjoy a 2-hour scenic drive arriving at your hotel to relax before a welcome dinner
Discover Lake Maggiore by car and ferry boat, a scenic drive around this magnificent lake with small towns and villages to visit, cafes with lake and mountain views,
After a leisurely breakfast, we take a short drive from the hotel, then a boat trip to the islands in the centre of Lake Maggiore from Stresa or Verbania
Drive to Varese and climb to the famous Sacre Monte for a magnificent view across the lake and a tour of this Unesco protected chapel, then on to our hotel near Lake Como
After breakfast, we enjoy a leisurely lakeside walk and lunch at Lenno then visit the Villa Balbianello and its stunning gardens. The owner, business man and famous explorer bequeathed this property to the State on his death
We take a ferry boat to cross the lake Como and explore Bellagio and Varenna. Lunch in Bellagio
Walk or take 2 stops on the ferry to the lakeside Villa Carlotta at Tremezzina. This villa, open to the public, has an interesting history and with its acres of magnificent gardens, invites walking along many paths with magnificent views of the lake and mountains. Free afternoon and dinner at the hotel
After breakfast, we drive from lake Como to Bergamo to visit the charming old town before lunch. Then we take a drive alongside the lake d'Iseo to our hotel
Today we will discover the medieval towns of Iseo and Sarnico with some free time for shopping, discovering these beautiful towns, relaxing with a coffee or walking along the waterfront
After breakfast, we will take a drive around the lake and a ferry to the Monte Isola, an island in the middle of the lake with an interesting history and several small villages. No cars allowed on the island, but there is a circular trail of around (9 kms) for those who like to walk or ride a bike, or there is the opportunity to discover the small villages close to the ferry stop.
Today we move on to our last hotel at the south side of Lake Garda. The afternoon will be a discovery of our surroundings including a visit to Sirmione fortress.
After breakfast, we take a ferry trip across the lake with a stop a Malsecine and the Scaliger castle. For the adventurous, a cable car up the mountain, or for those who prefer it, an opportunity to enjoy a walk around the town, along the waterfront and a stop in one of the beautiful cafes.
Today we take a step in the past as we visit one of the lakes beautiful villas and gardens overlooking lake Garda. A reflection on days gone by and the standard of living of the wealthy barons of the region. A fitting finish to two weeks of indulgence, stunning views, architectural and art treasures, great food and wine, and the sensation of living the good life!
Depart after breakfast for a 2 hour drive to Milan for your transfer to the Malpensa airport or Milan train station.
Transfer and depart from Milan airport or train station or stay on for the French Riviera tour
If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.
Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote
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The Italian Lakes Tour was spectacular; beautiful scenery combined with so much history and art. Having the opportunity to stay in Lenno on Lake Como and travel the lake to other villages by ferry ensured a memorable, cultural experience enhanced with wonderful cuisine and wines. The same applies to our time on Lake Maggiore, staying in Verbania; we particularly enjoyed our nights dining in the Plaza watching families and friends come together to dine, meet and listen to the music and/or musicians performing for the evening. The various palaces, stunning villas and their respective histories, their beautiful art and gardens were unbelievably beautiful. Our favourites were: Villa Carlotta, Villa Del Balbianello and Villa Taranto. Thank you Slow Tours; the tours we experienced were memorable, fun, interactive with community and personal. Chris and Lorin Adelaide Australia (2016)