Northern Lakes, Tuscany & Cinque Terre

Day 1

Welcome to Italy. Enjoy a comfortable private transfer from Milan Malpensa to Como Lake. Sit back and relax as you embark on a smooth journey to this picturesque destination.

Day 2

Varenna, Bellagio and Bellano Tour
In Bellagio, explore its famous villas, scenic shoreline, and charming streets with our knowledgeable guide. Visit the neoclassical Villa Melzi and its botanical gardens boasting rare plants and a Japanese pond. Admire works by Canova, Appiani, Comolli, and Bossi inside the villa, then explore the Napoleonic museum in the Orangery. Take in the splendid views of Lake Como from the terrace. Continue your journey to Varenna by ferry, a picturesque and peaceful village on the eastern shore. Walk along the romantic Passeggiata degli Innamorati, enjoy the charming streets, and reach the beautiful Riva Grande bay. Indulge in cafes, restaurants, artisan shops, and delightful gelato. Don’t miss the Church of San Giorgio in Piazza San Giorgio, showcasing medieval art and a black marble pavement. Return to Bellagio by ferry, concluding a wonderful day of exploration.

In Bellano, a hidden gem on the eastern bank of Lake Como you will explore the village’s charming side streets, visit its squares, and ancient churches. As we wander, our guide will share captivating legends about the Bellano “Orrido” waterfall, and we’ll listen to the powerful sound of water roaring through the rocky gorge of the creek. Surrounded by breathtaking lakes and mountains, this adventure will immerse us in art, history, intriguing stories, and the renowned figures of the Lario region (Lake Como).

Photo Credits: Carlo Borlenghi

Day 3

Bellagio
Spend a delightful day exploring the enchanting lakeside town of Bellagio, also known as the “Pearl of Lake Como.” Take a leisurely stroll through the village and soak in the grandeur of its beautiful villas and picturesque cobblestone lanes adorned with charming cafes and shops. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the neoclassical Villa Melzi, which is surrounded by stunning botanical gardens featuring rare and exotic plants, as well as a serene Japanese pond.

For a shopping experience, head to Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, where you’ll find numerous shops and boutiques offering local food, leather goods, clothing, perfumes, and more.

Make your way to the town center and discover Piazza della Chiesa, where you can admire the magnificent Basilica of San Giacomo. This Romanesque church dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries, showcasing impressive architectural features.

Immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Bellagio as you explore its captivating streets and embrace the unique atmosphere of this remarkable lakeside town.

Day 4

Lake Como to Lake Garda
Indulge in a private transfer on our comfortable vehicle as we embark on a journey to Garda Lake, where breathtaking views await. Sit back, relax, and take in the scenic beauty as we make our way to this enchanting destination. Garda Lake, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Northern Italy, is the largest lake in the country and offers a captivating blend of natural splendor and charming towns. Prepare to be mesmerized by the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by majestic mountains and picturesque villages. Whether you choose to explore the lakeside towns, indulge in water activities, or simply relax and soak in the tranquility, Garda Lake promises a truly unforgettable experience. Our private transfer ensures a comfortable and convenient journey, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking views that await you at Garda Lake.

Day 5

Sirmione Walking Tour & Scaliger Castle
Today, we will rendezvous with our guide in Desenzano del Garda. You will embark on a scenic boat ride across the lake to Sirmione, a charming town that stretches out on a long peninsula, offering unique views of the surrounding landscape. As we approach, you will be captivated by the colorful houses and cobbled streets that define the town’s picturesque character.

Our guide will lead you to Sirmione’s main attraction, the medieval Scaliger Castle. This impressive fortress was constructed in the late 13th century by the Lords of Verona and serves as the gateway to Sirmione’s old town. Crossing a small stone bridge, you wil enter the castle’s square, Piazza Castello, located next to the Saint Anna Church. Following narrow and winding medieval streets, our guide will take us to the Church of Saint Maria Maggiore. Inside, you will have the opportunity to admire the Last Supper painting by Veronese artist Brusasorci, along with various altars and precious 18th-century marble works.

Continuing our exploration, you will stroll uphill towards the magnificent villas that grace the Sirmione skyline. These grand residences were often built by affluent families who were drawn to the serene waters and breathtaking mountain vistas. You will pause to appreciate the park of the prestigious Villa Cortine, encompassing five hectares of lush greenery. From this vantage point, you will be treated to a view of the blue to emerald green waters at the Lido of Blondes, a popular beach spot.

Prepare to be enchanted by the beauty and history of Sirmione as our guide unveils its treasures and helps us immerse ourselves in the splendor of this remarkable lakeside town.

Day 6

Discovering Verona
Experience a seamless and comfortable private transfer from Garda Lake to the enchanting city of Verona. Sit back and relax as you navigate the scenic route between these two captivating destinations. As you leave behind the mesmerizing beauty of Garda Lake, prepare to immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural treasures of Verona.

At your arrival, immerse yourself in the art of Italian cuisine with a hands-on cooking class in Verona, led by our passionate local chef. Discover the secrets behind preparing an authentic Italian meal as the chef guides you through each step of the process. This interactive experience will make you feel right at home in the kitchen, allowing you to learn the techniques that make Italian food so exceptional.

During the class, you will have the opportunity to prepare a variety of delectable dishes. Start by crafting handmade fresh pasta from scratch, mastering the art of kneading and shaping the dough. Dive into the world of risotto, using locally produced rice to create a creamy and flavorful masterpiece. And of course, no Italian meal is complete without the original tiramisu—a heavenly combination of sponge cake, liqueur, coffee, and sweet mascarpone cream.

As you cook alongside the chef, you will receive invaluable tips and suggestions on enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients. You will discover that creating a delicious meal doesn’t always require extensive effort—sometimes, it’s about understanding the simplicity and quality of Italian cooking.

After the cooking session, savor the fruits of your labor. Share the results of your culinary adventure while enjoying a glass of local wine, creating a convivial atmosphere. To ensure you can recreate these delightful dishes at home, you will receive the recipes to take with you, allowing you to share the flavors of Italy with your loved ones.

This cooking class in Verona promises an unforgettable experience, combining the joy of cooking, the richness of Italian cuisine, and the pleasure of shared meals in a warm and welcoming environment.

After the cooking enjoy the romantic city of Verona with a relaxing walking tour through the city center.

Day 7

From Garda Lake to Tuscany crossing the food valley
Indulge in a comfortable transfer from Garda Lake to the captivating city of Florence, with an exciting detour through the renowned Food Valley. Along the way, immerse yourself in the flavors of the region with a delightful Culatello di Zibello experience. You will discover and learn the history behind the Culatello di Zibello: a cured meat with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in the EU and UK, typical of the province of Parma. Listed among the best Italian food products, Culatello, mentioned for the first time in a document dating back to 1735, is produced from the leg of pork, which is then stuffed into the pig’s bladder. On this day you will visit the Museum, characterized also by an open-air extension called PO FOREST. A beautiful 1.5 km outdoor course, divided into 12 stages to discover the forest, the Po river floodplain and our wild breeding black pigs. You will also admire the cellars, built in 1320, used for curing salumi and maturing cheeses, for ageing their wines and storing the produce from their lands.

This unique experience will take you on a gastronomic journey, where you will learn about the traditional production methods and the rich history behind this delectable delicacy. Taste the flavors of the carefully aged meat, with its distinct aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture, and discover why it is considered one of Italy’s finest cured meats.

After the Culatello di Zibello experience, we will continue our comfortable transfer to Florence, a city renowned for its art, culture, and culinary delights. Whether you plan to explore the iconic landmarks, immerse yourself in the world-class art museums, or simply wander through the charming streets, Florence offers a wealth of experiences to captivate your senses.

Day 8

Private walking tour in Florence
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Florence, exploring its top sites and immersing yourself in its timeless beauty. Your day begins with a guided walking tour, taking you through the picturesque historic center of the city.

As you stroll through the charming streets, your guide will lead you to the most important squares and monuments. Marvel at the grandeur of Piazza della Repubblica and take in the architectural splendor of Palazzo Vecchio. The squares and buildings in Florence are a testament to its rich history and artistic heritage.

Next, you will make your way to the iconic Ponte Vecchio, a symbol of Florence. Admire the graceful arches of this medieval bridge as it spans the Arno River, offering enchanting views of the cityscape.

No visit to Florence would be complete without a stop at the magnificent Duomo. Gaze in awe at the intricate details of its terracotta-tiled dome, an architectural marvel designed by Brunelleschi. Across from the Duomo, you will find Giotto’s Bell Tower, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and the Baptistery with its renowned bronze doors.

Immerse yourself in the history and artistry of Florence as you explore its top sites. The city’s iconic landmarks and stunning architecture will leave an indelible impression on your journey through its captivating streets.

Day 9

A legendary journey through the enchanting region of Tuscany. This comprehensive experience will take you to remarkable ancient towns, picturesque Chianti hills, and offer delightful culinary and wine experiences.

You will begin your adventure in full comfort aboard our state-of-the-art minivan, accompanied by a dedicated English-speaking driver and tour escort. Your first stop is the medieval city of Siena, nestled amidst vineyards and olive groves. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you will explore the town’s most striking sights and be captivated by the marvelous Piazza del Campo, known for its heart-rendering Palio horse race.

Next, you will continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano, renowned as “the city of beautiful towers.” This well-preserved ancient walled town boasts an exceptional skyline and offers a maze of cobblestone streets to wander. Take in the authentic atmosphere as you discover the town’s tall towers, once homes to noble families. San Gimignano’s charm has made it a popular backdrop for many movies.

Afterward, you will venture through the vineyard-clad Chianti hills to a boutique winery, where you’ll indulge in a scrumptious Tuscan lunch and wine tasting. Immerse yourself in the flavors of authentic Tuscan cuisine and enjoy a private visit to the winery’s cellar, learning about the winemaking process.

Continuing your journey, you will arrive in Pisa to explore the iconic Piazza dei Miracoli (Miracles Square). Marvel at the architectural marvels, including the famous Leaning Tower, the Duomo, and the Baptistery. While tickets to climb the tower are not included due to long queues, you can purchase them on-site if the lines are short.

Finally, as the day comes to a close, you will travel back to Florence in comfort, cherishing the memories of the enchanting sights you witnessed throughout the day. This Tuscany tour promises an unforgettable experience filled with history, culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes.

Day 10

Meet our expert guide for a 6-hour orientation tour of the captivating Cinque Terre villages. Depart from Florence in a comfortable car and arrive in La Spezia, where our knowledgeable guide will be waiting for you.

During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore two of the Cinque Terre villages, carefully selected to help you maximize your time in this stunning region. Our guide will not only show you the must-see attractions but also reveal local secrets known only to the residents.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the villages as you wander through their charming streets and soak up the unique atmosphere. Learn about the local culture, traditions, and history that make the Cinque Terre so special.

To enhance your experience, enjoy a traditional lunch, savoring the flavors of the region’s cuisine. This culinary delight will provide an authentic taste of the Cinque Terre’s gastronomy.

After a day filled with exploration and discovery, you’ll return to Florence, bringing back unforgettable memories of your time in the enchanting Cinque Terre villages.

Day 11

It was a pleasure to have you on board. Our dedicated and professional driver will ensure your comfortable transfer to the airport. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey as we take care of your transportation needs. Arrivederci and have a safe and pleasant journey!