Jewels of the North: Italy's Enchanting Lakes

Welcome to Mestre, the mainland gateway to the enchanting city of Venice. Check into your hotel, either Hotel Alexander, Mestre, or Best Western Plus Hotel Galileo, Padua, or similar, from 4:00 pm onwards. After settling in, meet your guide for an introduction to the tour. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

After breakfast, we'll embark on a guided tour of Venice, exploring iconic landmarks like St. Mark's Square and the Bridge of Sighs. Wander through the city's charming streets and squares, marvel at the ancient palaces, and discover the city's unique beauty. The afternoon is free for shopping or personal exploration. Optionally, join an excursion to the Islands of Murano and Burano or experience a gondola ride. We'll return to our hotel in Mestre or Padua for the night.

After breakfast, we'll head to Verona's historic center, exploring its cobblestone streets and medieval palaces. Highlights include the famous Arena di Verona and Juliet's House. We'll then journey to Lake Garda, the largest Italian lake, for a delightful lunch. In Sirmione, we'll take a boat trip to admire the stunning landscapes, the villa ruins of Catullus, and Scaligero Castle. We'll conclude our day's adventures with a transfer to our hotel in the greater Milan area.

After breakfast, we'll dedicate our day to exploring the enchanting Borromean Islands. Departing from Stresa on Lake Maggiore, we'll visit Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre, each offering unique attractions from lavish palaces and gardens to quaint fishing villages. After a day filled with exploration, we'll return to our hotel in Milan for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we'll focus on Lake Como. In Como, we'll explore its rich history and elegant squares. A stroll along the lake's picturesque shores will allow us to appreciate the serene scenery. Our next destination is Bellagio, the 'pearl of the lake', accessible by boat. We'll explore the historic heart of the town, admire majestic villas, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. We'll return to Milan in the afternoon for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, dedicate the day to exploring Milan, the capital of Lombardy. Guided by a local expert, we'll stroll through the historic center, taking in the Sforzesco Castle, La Scala Theater, and the luxurious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Inside the iconic Duomo, we'll appreciate its grandeur. We'll also delve into Milan's fashion scene, exploring how the city became the world's fashion capital. The day concludes with our return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, it's time to check out and say 'Arrivederci' to Italy. For added convenience, consider the optional private transfer to the airport or train station.