Discover Northern Italy and the Lakes

10 days from £1600 per person

Route: Milan – Lake Como – Lake Garda – Verona

Northern Italy and the Italian Lakes are some of the country’s best-known and most beautiful regions. Embark on a 10-day self-drive adventure encompassing the glamourous lake resorts of Como and Garda as well as stylish Milan and romantic Verona. Start your journey in Milan discovering the city’s gothic architecture and fashion stores before driving to enchanting Lake Como via the scenic hill town of Bergamo. Set against the foothills of the Alps, Lake Como is one of Europe’s most exclusive destinations home to picturesque villages, pastel-coloured villas and beautiful scenery. Spend three nights on Lake Como before continuing to Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda. During your two night stay you may wish to participate in some water sports, take a cookery class or explore the region’s castles and Roman ruins. Finish your northern Italian itinerary in Verona, a city full of charm, culture and history. Visit Juliet’s famed balcony at Casa di Giulietta and spend a night at the opera at the ancient and spectacular Arena di Verona.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

The Duomo is Milan’s most striking piece of architecture. The gothic cathedral that features 135 spires and 3400 statues resembles a fairytale castle in the centre of this cosmopolitan city.

Northern Italy is home to some of the continent’s most breathtaking lakes. Framed by mountainous peaks visit the blue waters and local villages of Lake Como, Maggiore and Garda.

Verona is the setting of Shakespeare’s story of two star crossed lovers – Romeo and Juliet. Visit the beautiful Casa di Giulietta to see Juliet’s famed balcony.

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Guide
to Price

Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £1600 per person

The exact cost of this itinerary will vary depending on the season of travel, standard of accommodation, flight class, activities included and the date the booking is made. Please speak to one of our experienced travel specialists who will create a completely tailor-made and personalized quotation based on your requirements and budget.

** The above price is based on two adults travelling together in economy, sharing accommodation, travel based on low season for this destination and advance booking approximately nine months prior to travel**

Itinerary: Discover Northern Italy and the Lakes

Day 1 UK to Milan

This morning begin your journey by boarding your international flight to Milan. On arrival collect your hire car from the airport and make your way to your centrally located hotel in Milan. As the financial and fashion capital of Italy, Milan is one of country’s most cosmopolitan and forward-thinking cities. Known for its style and shopping, Milan isn’t just about fashion houses, it is home to wonderful gothic architecture including the famous Duomo, spectacular pieces of art such as Da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’ and a rich and diverse culinary scene. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the sights of Milan. (N)

Accommodation in Milan: NH Collection Milano President (or similar)
Upgrade option: The Square Milan Duomo

Day 2 Milan

Today you are at leisure to explore Milan as you wish. Highlights include one of the world’s most famous artworks – Da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’, the San Siro Stadium where both the AC and Inter Milan football teams play and the 15th century red-brick Sforzesco Castle. A visit to Milan wouldn’t be complete without seeing the magnificent Duomo, a fairytale cathedral of statues, spires and carvings built over 600 years. Milan is also a shopper’s paradise with hundreds of boutique fashion stores, or if you prefer the arts, an evening at the opera is highly recommended. La Scala is one of Italy’s most glamourous opera houses home to some of the world’s most iconic musical and operatic performances. (B)

Accommodation in Milan: NH Collection Milano President (or similar)
Upgrade option: The Square Milan Duomo

Day 3 Milan to Lake Como – 78 km

After breakfast continue your journey north to the stunning resort of Lake Como where en route you may wish to visit the scenic hill town of Bergamo. The walled old town atop a hill known as the città alta boasts atmospheric piazzas, medieval monuments and cobblestone streets whereas the città bassa is the modern part of the city home to vibrant cafes and boutique shops. On arrival to Lake Como, check in to your hotel before wandering to the waterfront to watch the sun set over the water. (B)

Accommodation in Lake Como: La Darsena di Riva Grande (or similar)
Upgrade option: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Day 4 - 5 Lake Como

Spend the next two days at leisure enjoying Lake Como and the surrounding area. As one of Europe’s most exclusive destinations, it’s not hard to see why. Set against the foothills of the Alps, Como’s mirror-like lake is dotted with picturesque villages framed by green peaks and colourful flowers. We recommend taking a boat out on the lake and visiting a number of the resort’s lakeside towns. Bellagio, often referred to as the ‘pearl of the lake’, conjures up images of pastel coloured villas and terraced gardens, whereas Lenno is home to Villa del Balbianello where James Bond’s ‘Casino Royale’ was filmed. You may also wish to visit neighbouring Lake Maggiore including the palaces and gardens of the beautiful Borromean Islands. (B)

Accommodation in Lake Como: La Darsena di Riva Grande (or similar)
Upgrade option: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Day 6 Lake Como to Lake Garda – 187 km

This morning drive to Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda which is home to sparkling emerald waters and dramatic mountain peaks. After checking into your hotel on the north shore in Riva del Garda, spend the afternoon exploring the elegant lakeside villages and spa towns. In the evening, take a boat to a neighbouring resort to enjoy a traditional spritz and plate of tortellini di valeggio, fresh pasta parcels filled with meat. (B)

Accommodation in Lake Garda: Olivi Hotel & Natural Spa (or similar)

Day 7 Lake Garda

Today spend the day at leisure exploring Lake Garda or choose to relax on one of the lake’s man-made beaches sheltered by pines. Riva del Garda and Malcesine in the north boast impressive cliffs and rugged scenery and are some of the best spots in the country for water sports and boating regattas. Riva is also home to some great art galleries and fashions boutiques whereas Malcesine features spectacular castles and Roman ruins. Further south, Sirmione is known for its thermal baths, medieval lakeside castle Rocca Scaligera and archaeological site dotted with olive trees. If you are looking for a memorable food experience, head to Limone on the east coast which is surrounded by lemon groves and home to a number of excellent cookery schools. (B)

Accommodation in Lake Garda: Olivi Hotel & Natural Spa (or similar)

Day 8 Lake Garda to Verona – 82 km

After checking out of your hotel, continue your journey to the final destination, Verona. The setting for Shakespeare’s masterpiece Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a fairytale city with a medieval core and rich architectural heritage. After lunch, meander down the labyrinth of cobbled streets that wind their way to picturesque piazzas, authentic trattorias and boutique shops. (B)

Accommodation in Verona: Gabbia D'Oro (or similar)
Upgrade option: Due Torri Hotel

Day 9 Verona

Today you have a full day at leisure to explore the romantic city of Verona. After breakfast take a stroll around the wonderful renaissance gardens, Giardini Giusti, before walking along the banks of the Adige River and exploring the gothic Castelvecchio and museum. Head to Piazza delle Erbe, the former site of the Roman forum where you will find a mix of market stalls for you to browse and a selection of delightful independent cafes from which you can watch the world pass by. If you are interested in the arts, an evening at the opera is highly recommended. Arena di Verona is one of Italy’s most iconic and historic opera houses housing some of the world’s most iconic musical and operatic performances, which we can arrange tickets for. (B)

Accommodation in Verona: Gabbia D'Oro (or similar)
Upgrade option: Due Torri Hotel

Day 10 Verona to the UK

After breakfast drive to the airport and drop your hire car off before boarding your international flight back to the UK. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Hotel accommodation and taxes
Car hire as specified

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature
Meals unless specified
One way car hire fee payable locally - EUR100

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.