5-day Northern Italy Lakes Tour + Bernina Express

Bergamo, Como, Varenna, Sirmione... Explore the breathtaking lakes of Northern Italy on this 5-day journey through the charming landscapes of Lombardy and Piedmont. This tour will also feature a ride on the scenic Bernina Express!

Description

Day 1: Milan

Welcome to Milan! Upon arrival, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel to check in and leave your luggage.

In the afternoon, join us for a comprehensive guided walking tour of Milan. For 3 hours, we will walk through the vibrant heart of this "capital of design", taking in all its major sights. We will traverse Porta Venezia and stroll through the Public Gardens, where we will also visit the Museum of Modern Art.

Continuing along the stylish Viale Manzoni, we’ll arrive at the renowned La Scala Opera House. We cannot miss the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the magnificent Duomo di Milano, the city's Gothic Renaissance cathedral.

Our tour will take us along Via Dante, lined with 18th and 19th-century palaces, leading us to the formidable Castello Sforzesco, a medieval fortress established by Duke Francesco Sforza of Milan. To conclude the day, we will stop at a local pastry shop to enjoy a traditional sweet!

Day 2: Milan - Bernina Express - Milan

We begin the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Tirano, the starting point of one of the world's most stunning train routes. Upon arrival, we will board the famous Bernina Express!

Throughout the journey, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes of the Alpine foothills, dotted with picturesque villages. The trip lasts 2 hours each way, bringing us to the beautiful town of Saint Moritz, where you will have free time to explore and appreciate the town’s allure.

Later, we'll return to Tirano and transfer you back to your hotel in Milan.

Day 3: Milan - Como - Bellagio - Bergamo

After breakfast at our Milan hotel, we will drive towards Lake Como, one of the region's highlights. Upon arrival, we will discover this extensive pre-Alpine lake, renowned for its elegant villas, gardens, and luxury hotels.

Next, enjoy a cruise on Lake Como to Bellagio, a glamorous villa that has inspired many artists and writers. You will have free time for lunch in this enchanting city. We will regroup later and make our way to Bergamo, where we will explore the city center and its rich Renaissance history. Evening dinner will be at your leisure, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: Bergamo - Sirmione & Lake Garda - Bergamo

The day will begin with breakfast at the hotel in Bergamo before we set off for Sirmione, a medieval village situated on the shores of Lake Garda. The village is famous for its impressive castle. To admire its beauty, we will take a boat tour around the area. Following the cruise, you can enjoy lunch at your leisure.

In the afternoon, we will have a scenic tour around the quaint town of Riva di Garda before returning to Bergamo for dinner at your convenience and rest at the hotel.

Day 5: Bergamo - Verona - Franciacorta - Milan

On our final day, we will rise early for breakfast at the hotel and set off from Bergamo to Verona, recognized as one of Italy’s most enchanting cities. We will embark on a guided tour where we’ll see the exterior of Juliet's House and the impressive Amphitheater Arena, which retains its ancient Roman structure. You will also stroll through the primary streets of the historic centre, rich with Renaissance architecture.

After exploring Verona, we will travel to the Franciacorta region, celebrated for its excellent wine production, influenced by its unique terroir. You will have free time for lunch in this picturesque region.

Later, we will return to our hotel in Milan.

Day 6: Milan - Airport

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your departure. Arrivederci!

Accommodation

This tour includes 5 nights’ accommodation and breakfast at the following hotels:

• Milan: Antares Hotel Concorde, BW Signature Collection 4 stars or similar
• Bergamo: Best Western Hotel Cappello D'Oro 4 stars or similar

The listed prices are per person in single, double, or triple room.

Bernina Express

The tour includes a ticket for a seat in the panoramic coach of the Bernina Express.