Venice & The Italian Lakes
10 Days | 9 Nights • Venice • Verona • Lake Garda • Lake Como • Lake Maggiore • Milan
Tour Overview
Water, romance, and Alpine beauty — this 10-day journey through Northern Italy is one of the most visually stunning tours we offer. Begin in the incomparable floating city of Venice, then journey through romantic Verona and across three of Italy's most beautiful lakes — Garda, Como, and Maggiore — before finishing in the cosmopolitan splendor of Milan.
From gondola rides through Venetian canals to boat trips on crystal-clear Alpine lakes, from medieval castles to baroque island palaces, every day of this tour is a masterpiece of Italian beauty.
What's Included
Included
- 9 Nights Hotel Accommodation
- Daily Breakfast
- 4 Group Dinners
- Private Water Taxi in Venice
- Gondola Ride
- Murano Glass Factory Visit
- Lake Boat Trips
- Borromean Islands Excursion
- Private Transportation
- American-Italian Tour Director
- All Guided Walking Tours
Not Included
- International Airfare
- Lunches (unless noted)
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Gratuities for Tour Director & Driver
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Venice
Welcome to the most unique city in the world! Arrive in Venice and transfer by private water taxi to your hotel in the heart of the historic center. There is no better introduction to Venice than gliding along the Grand Canal, watching the magnificent palaces and churches drift past. This evening, join your tour director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a traditional Venetian bacaro.
Dinner includedVenice — La Serenissima
Spend a full day exploring Venice with your expert local guide. Visit St. Mark's Basilica with its golden Byzantine mosaics, the Doge's Palace, and cross the Bridge of Sighs. Take a gondola ride through the narrow canals of the Dorsoduro district. Visit the island of Murano to watch master glassblowers create extraordinary works of art. The afternoon is yours to get wonderfully lost in Venice's labyrinthine streets.
Breakfast includedVenice Islands — Burano & Torcello
Today's excursion takes you to the colorful island of Burano, famous for its brightly painted fishermen's houses and exquisite lace-making tradition. Visit a lace workshop and browse the charming shops. Continue to the ancient island of Torcello, Venice's oldest settlement, to visit the magnificent Byzantine cathedral. Return to Venice for a free evening to explore the Rialto market area.
Breakfast includedVerona — City of Romeo & Juliet
Transfer to Verona, one of Italy's most romantic and beautifully preserved cities. Your guided walking tour takes you to the magnificent Roman Arena, Juliet's famous balcony, the elegant Piazza delle Erbe, and the stunning Romanesque churches. Enjoy lunch at a local trattoria and spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace before checking into your hotel.
Breakfast includedLake Garda
Italy's largest lake awaits! Spend the day exploring the shores of Lake Garda, with its dramatic Alpine scenery, medieval castles, and charming lakeside villages. Visit the elegant town of Sirmione on its narrow peninsula, with its fairy-tale Scaligero Castle rising from the water. Take a boat trip across the lake to Malcesine, dominated by another stunning medieval castle. Enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant.
Breakfast & Lunch includedLake Como — Bellagio & Villa Carlotta
Transfer to the legendary Lake Como, the most glamorous of Italy's lakes. Check into your hotel in the charming town of Bellagio — the 'Pearl of Lake Como' — perched on the promontory where the two arms of the lake meet. Explore the elegant gardens of Villa Carlotta, filled with azaleas, rhododendrons, and sculptures. The afternoon is yours to stroll Bellagio's stepped streets and enjoy the lake views.
Breakfast includedLake Como — Varenna & Villa del Balbianello
Today explore more of Lake Como's treasures. Take the ferry to the enchanting village of Varenna, with its colorful houses reflected in the still water. Visit the spectacular Villa del Balbianello, whose terraced gardens and loggia have appeared in James Bond films and Star Wars. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Varenna before returning to Bellagio for a free evening.
Breakfast includedLake Maggiore — Stresa & Borromean Islands
Transfer to Lake Maggiore and the elegant resort town of Stresa. Take a boat to the extraordinary Borromean Islands — Isola Bella with its baroque palace and terraced gardens, Isola dei Pescatori with its authentic fishing village atmosphere, and Isola Madre with its botanical gardens. Return to Stresa for dinner at a lakeside restaurant with views of the Alps.
Breakfast & Dinner includedMilan — Fashion, Art & Architecture
Transfer to Milan, Italy's cosmopolitan capital of fashion and design. Your guided tour takes you to the magnificent Gothic Duomo — climb to the rooftop for extraordinary views — and the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world's oldest shopping malls. Visit Santa Maria delle Grazie to see Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper (advance booking required). The afternoon is free for shopping in the Quadrilatero della Moda.
Breakfast includedMilan — Final Day & Farewell Dinner
Spend your final morning in Milan at leisure — perhaps visit the Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery, explore the Navigli canal district, or simply enjoy a final cappuccino at a historic café. This evening, gather for a spectacular farewell dinner celebrating the beauty, romance, and memories of your Italian Lakes journey.
Breakfast & Dinner includedDeparture from Milan
After a final Italian breakfast, your private transfer takes you to Milan's Malpensa Airport. You leave with memories of shimmering lakes, Alpine peaks, ancient cities, and the timeless magic of Northern Italy. Arrivederci — until we meet again!
Breakfast includedDiscover Venice & the Italian Lakes
Water, romance, and Alpine beauty await. Let us plan your perfect Northern Italy journey.