Lake Tour in Italy and Switzerland
A private journey takes You to the impressive Italian lakes region. You will explore stunning lakeside towns and islands, as well as spectacular mountains and valleys. Enjoy the wonderful views of Alpine peaks and sparkling waters.
Surrounded by hills and mountains, Lake Garda, the largest Italian lake, is Your first stop. Its shores are studded with pretty harbour towns, like Sirmione, a picturesque spa town located on the south shore of the lake. Enjoy Your private excursion by boat to visit the Grottoes of Catullus roman ruins, and cross the canals around the Scaliger Castle. Then sail towards Lake Garda’s biggest island, Isola del Garda, which is still owned by the Cavazza Family. The boat cruise continues to a much loved place called Gardone Riviera, where You can visit the monumental villa of the Italian Vittoriale, which was once poet Gabriele d’Annunzio’s home, and perhaps the less known Heller Garden, created by the last Russian Tsar’s dentist, Arturo Hruska. From the boat’s vantage point You can admire the architecture of Torre San Marco, once Ruhland tower, whose name was changed by Gabriele d’Annunzio when he became the owner in 1925. The boat trip takes You also to Punta San Virgilio, which is a small promontory around the Gulf of Garda where the Guarienti Villa is and the famous “Locanda” is still nowdays visited by worldwide known artists, noblemen and politicians.
Enjoy Your calm, quiet and relaxing boat cruise around Iseo Lake, dominated by a huge forested hump at its center, Monte Isola; it is Europe’s largest inhabited lake islands, home to old fishermen’s villages and castles. You can often see the fishermen at work on their “naecc”, traditional local boats. Circumnavigation around Loreto, the smallest island of the lake, and the pretty island of San Paolo, owned by the Beretta family, who export weapons all over the world.
You will have the chance to admire one of the most unforgettable and scenic lakes, Lake Como, an enormous expanse of water fringed by picturesque scattered villages. Enjoy a unique shopping experience in the most exclusive boutiques of FoxTown Factory Stores in Mendrisio, ideal for anyone seeking big brands at small prices.
The journey continues across the beauties of Lake Lugano, which prides itself of its untamed look.
Nestled beside the lake from which it takes its name, and surrounded by numerous mountains offering splendid viewpoints, the elegant town of Lugano is also a tempting place to wander.
The rate includes
- 7 nights in 4 stars hotel dbl room on b/b basis.
- minivan 20 seats as per program
- English speaking tour leader for all tour
- Tour leader cost (hotel + meals)
- Private Tour on boat to Sirmione
- Private tour on boat to Garda lake
- Private tour on boat to Iseo lake
- English speaking guide in Milan 3 hrs
- English speaking guide in Como 2 hrs
The rate does not include
- city taxes in all cities
- Tips
- Meals
- All items not specified in the chapter “the price includes”
Day 1: Malpensa Airport - Milan
Day 2: Milan - Desenzano - Sirmione
Day 3: Lake Garda
Day 4: Garda Lake - Iseo Lake
Day 5: Iseo boat tour Montisola
Day 6: Iseo Lake - Como Lake
Day 7: Como Lake - Mendrisio - Lugano
Day 8: Como - Malpensa Airport
Tour Location
Milan
The guided walking tour includes the main highlights of the city. Visit of the well preserved Sforza Castle with its medieval and Renaissance style, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the Duomo Square and the Duomo, the Cathedral of Milan, a great example of Italian Gothic style. Visit of the late 18th century La Scala Square with its Statue of Leonardo da Vinci and the famous opera house La Scala Theatre.Garda Lake
Garda Lake is the largest Italian lake, its beauty has inspired artists and authors. Shores are lined with villages, castles and monuments that witness of its long history since the roman times. Various spa complexes are held, and the remains of the roman baths can be visited.Isola del Garda Island and Gardone
A boat trip to Isola del Garda will leave a feeling of magic. Sail towards L’Isola del Garda, a rocky island, accessible only by small boat and with opening hours agreed by the family of nobles who still live there. Then continue to Gardone Riviera, which has attracted personalities like the poet Gabriele d’Annunzio. Here you can visit a monumental villa called the Italian Vittoriale and, perhaps the less known botanical gardens, created by the last Russian Tsar’s dentist, Arthuro Hruska, who imported plant species from around the world. The garden and the Venetian villa were later bought by the artist, André Heller, who produced daring compositions of nature and art, with works by Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein and Mimmo Paladino. From the boat’s vantage point you can admire the architecture of Torre San Marco, once Ruhland tower, whose name was changed by Gabriele d’Annunzio when he became the owner in 1925. This building was frequented by historical figures of the twentieth century: here Benito Mussolini and Claretta Petacci had many meetings . The tour continue to Punta San Vigilio on the opposite river. Punta San Vigilio is a small promontory around the Gulf of Garda This place is so charming that they say Sir Winston Churchill took refreshment here after political commitments and became intoxicated by the breeze that blows from the water. He painted in the shade offered by ancient lemon groves, similar to the ones that still grow on the peninsula.Iseo Lake
Iseo Lake, also known as Sebino lake, is the fourth largest lake in the Lombardy region of Italy and offers sublime landscape. Located between Bergamo and Brescia it is a lake where the natural landscape is well preserved and allows an interesting natural experience. Iseo the main town of the lake, is an ancient village with Medieval origins ruled by the Oldofredi, their Castle can still be seen.Lake Como
Lake Como has been a popular retreat for aristocrats and wealthy people since Roman times, and a very popular tourist attraction with many artistic and cultural gems. It has many villas and palaces (such as Villa Olmo, Villa Serbelloni, and Villa Carlotta). Many famous people have or have had homes on the shores of Lake Como, such asMatthew Bellamy, John Kerry, Madonna, George Clooney, Gianni Versace, Ronaldinho, Sylvester Stallone, Julian Lennon.Mendrisio
“The Way of Shopping” in Mendrisio – Ticino’s retail paradise is ideal for anyone seeking big brands at small prices. Indicated for the shopping lovers, the FoxTown Factory Stores in Mendrisio, dedicated to style and luxury. The centre boasts 160 shops housing the most famous names in world fashion, offering discounts of 30% to 70% all year round. With the outstanding quality and friendly service offered by this unique shopping experience you’ll feel just like you’re shopping in the most exclusive of boutiques.Lugano
Nestled beside Lake Lugano from which it takes its name, and surrounded by towering mountains, elegant Lugano lies in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland and bears many hallmarks of Italy. The town is also compact and perfect for exploring on foot. Admire the grand Italianate architecture and piazzas of the old centre, stroll along the arcaded Via Nassa, and peek inside Santa Maria degli Angeli Church to see its luminous 16th century Crucifixion fresco by Bernardino Luini. You may also want to walk the beautiful, palm and maple-lined promenades and discover the many lakeside parks that brim with sub-tropical plants, and in the summer, host colourful concerts and shows.Make Your Own Memories