Italian Lakes Discovery

8 days - from $2650

For centuries, the Italian lakes have inspired poets, artists and travellers with their majestic beauty

In the shadow of the Swiss and Italian Alps, the Lake Como region is home to lavish villas and magnificent gardens – European nobility, seduced by its charm, have long flocked here for holidays. Elegant and luxurious villas line the shores of the lake and camellias, hydrangeas and azaleas are reflected in the quiet waters. We embark on some great walks and visit some of the area’s most splendid villas. It’s then into Switzerland where we explore the area of St Moritz and take one of the world’s most spectacular train rides, back into Italy. We then move on to explore Lake Garda, bordered by impressive rocky cliffs and soaring mountains in the north, vineyards and olive groves in the south. Old cobblestone paths take us through the maze of villages and up through the hills, dominated by snowy peaks in the distance. We walk through vineyards, olive groves and wild mountains, and discover a Roman chapel and an 18th century palace. There is so much to discover in this truly delightful region.

Highlights

• Limone on Lake Garda
• Bellagio - 'The Pearl of Lake Como'
• Bernina Express through the Eastern Alps
• Lake Como from Mount Grona
• Milan's Gothic masterpiece Duomo
• Morteratsch Glacier
• The alpine splendour and glamour of St Moritz

Itinerary:

Day 1: Milan2: From Milan - Lake Como - Breglia3: Mountains of Menaggio - Varenna4: Lake Como cruising5: St Moritz (Switzerland) - Tirano6: Tirano - Riva del Garda7: Lake Garda8: Riva del Garda - Verona
Included:

• The services of Peregrine's expert English-speaking local tour leader.

• Walking tour of Milan including entrance to the rooftop of Milan’s Duomo.

• Walks including in the hills of Menaggio and Bellagio, and along the peninsula of San Vigilio.

• Scenic boat trips on Lake Como and Lake Garda.

• Bernina Express from St Moritz to Tirano.

• Visit to St Moritz including an excursion to the glacier of Morteratsch.

• Entrance to Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi Bellagio.

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure taxes, visas, travel insurance (compulsory on all trips), other meals, drinks, optional sightseeing and entrance fees or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.