ITALY: Northern Lakes Tour – 6 days
Tour Summary
We welcome travellers from all over the world....Enjoy an experience of a lifetime
The Northern Lakes offer some of the most stunning scenery in Italy; placid waters, centuries old villas surrounded by fabulous gardens and views of snow-capped Alps in the distance. Experience the elegance of this region visiting amazing Villas, Palaces and Gardens. This tour will let you discover the jewels of that area; Stresa, on the shores of Lake Maggiore, with Como, Bellagio, Menaggio and Tremezzo on the shores of Lake Como.
In Lake Maggiore you will stay in Stresa, renowned for its elegant atmosphere since the late 19th century, still today evident in the opulent Art Nouveau hotels line along the elegant lakeside. The amazing Borromees Islands are in view from Stresa.
In the more sophisticated Lake Como you will stay in Lenno, a small village where you can enjoy the local lifestyle, far from the maddening crowd. Lenno is within walking distance to the amazing Villa Balbianello, maybe the most photographed villa in Lake Como.
You will enjoy an unforgettable excursion to the exquisite town of St Moritz, Switzerland and ride on the spectacular Bernina Express, the highest railway in Europe, viewing the breathtaking landscapes of the Alps.
This tour begins with a two night stay in Stresa and the full day visit by boat to the Borromees Islands : Isola Bella, Isola Maggiore and Isola dei Pescatori. Then you will reach Lake Como where you will stay for three nights, visiting the jewels of Lake Como, Como, Villa Balbianello, Bellagio, Tremezzo and Menaggio.
Destination: ITALY: Lake Maggiore – Stresa, Lake Como – Lenno,
Tour commences in: Milan: Departs Daily
Tour concludes in: Milan
Tour Style: Luxury private boutique journey
Length: 6 days / 5 nights
Accommodation: Luxury & Boutique Hotels
Meals: Breakfasts; 5:
Leaders: 1 or more local professional guides and drivers
Transportation: Deluxe chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles with Trains & Ferries also
Tour Grading: EASY; Suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility.
Tour Highlights
Explore the legendary Italian Northern Lakes: Stresa, Lenno, Como, Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzo
2 nights in Stresa & 3 nights in Lenno
Tour of Stresa and surrounding districts including Borromees Islands
Enjoy local life in Lenno
Discover the authentic side of Lake Como, staying in a small village and meeting the locals
Ride on the spectacular Bernina Express train
Stroll the exquisite Swiss town of St Moritz
Visit the jewels of Lake Como; Bellagio, Menaggio & Tremezzo
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Milan – Stresa on Lake Maggiore:
Upon your arrival at Milan you will be greeted by your English speaking driver and transferred to your Hotel on lake Maggiore. Lake Maggiore is framed below by soft hills and above by high mountain peaks, some of which have snow throughout the year. These features create a unique microclimate. Thanks to its mild climate, many species of flowers and plants typical to the sub-tropical area have adapted to the coastal areas. Arrival at your 4 star hotel, in Stressa you have a lake view room looking out at the Borromee Islands. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 2: Lake Maggiore: (B)
Meet your guide in the hotel foyer for a full day excursion by public boat to the Borromee Islands. Your first visit is to the Isola Madre, the largest island with its world-renowned botanical gardens. Continue to Fishermen’s Island, where there is time to explore the charming shops and have lunch in its medieval village. Then visit the Isola Bella, home to the 17th century Palazzo Borromeo and its Baroque garden, arguably the most beautiful in Europe. Return to Stresa by public boat. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 3: Como & Lenno: (B)
Your chauffered private car with English speaking driver will meet you in your hotel foyer and transfer you to Como where you will meet your private guide for a walking tour of Como’s city centre. A walk through the walled city allows you to admire the various artistic monuments that have made Como such an interesting place. After lunch (on your own) continue your drive to Lenno where you will visit Villa Balbianello the “Jewel of Lake Como“ to visit the marvellous gardens and the private Villa.
Your accommodation is at the 4 star hotel in Lenno with a Lakeview room. Lenno is a small, untouched village on the shores of Como Lake, with a view across to Bellagio. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 4: St. Moritz: (B)
This morning, meet your guide in the hotel foyer for a full day excursion to St.Moritz (Switzerland). Departure with private car and driver to Tirano and then rail from Tirano to St.Moritz on the Bernina Express, the highest railway in Europe, with breathtaking scenic views of the magnifient Alps.
Upon arrival you will have a tour of this exquisite town situated in the spectacular Upper Engadine Valley. Lunch on your own, your guide will be happy to suggest a good chalet or restaurant for some of the best local cuisine
In the afternoon, meet your driver in St Moritz for your return private transfer to Lenno. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 5: Bellagio, Menaggio & Tremezzo: (B)
Day at leisure to explore the amazing villages of Bellagio , Tremezzo and Menaggio. (A guide is available if you wish) Bellagio, a picturesque village with small streets, amazing villas and gardens. Bellagio is located on the top of the promontory that separates the two branches of Lake Como. It is surrounded by blue waters and green woods, adorned with beautiful flower gardens and Bellagio is also the best place to shop on the Lake!
Menaggio and Tremezzo are lovely villages on the shores of Lake Como that you can explore by public ferry (Ferry ticket included). Return to Lenno by public ferry.
Day 6: Milan: (B)
Your bespoke private tour concludes after breakfast.
At your leisure before transferring to Milan for your onward or homebound journey. private transfer with English speaking driver.
Depending on your departure itinerary, you may have time for some last-minute sightseeing and shopping. We are able to organise a private guide to accompany you. Some guests may wish to stay another day or more. Please don’t hesitate to contact Boutique Tours & Travel for further travel arrangements.
Our specially curated itineraries are carefully planned and well thought out to ensure you are rewarded with the best experiences. The magic of travelling in private tours allows us to cater for spontaneity and sometimes we often find some wonderful surprises along the way and it can be these unplanned occurrences that are the most memorable. The rich tapestry of experiences and the characters you meet along the way will make this guided private tour something special and one you will remember for a lifetime.
Please Contact Us for further information.
Flexibility
The itinerary may be flexible, sometimes due to weather or sometimes for sites or events which guests may wish to see. If there is something not included in this suggested itinerary that you would like to do or see, please contact us to discuss if it is possible.
Suggested Hotels
On request
Tour Inclusions
A specially curated itinerary for Boutique Journeys
Exclusive and private airport arrival and departure transfers for all guests
Luxury & boutique hotel accommodation available.
Internet access where available
Meals as per Itinerary: "B" Breakfast", “L” for Lunch and "D" for Dinner.
Private services of bilingual professional guide and driver
Concierge services throughout tour
Luxury private air-conditioned vehicles and other modes of transport as per the itinerary
Ferry Tickets on Day 2 & Day 5
Bernina Express Train – Return First Class Ticket
Admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
All porterage, tipping and gratuities except to professional guide.
Bottled water whilst touring in vehicle.
Not included:
International and or Domestic air fares
Arrival / Departure Taxes, levies and other charges
Passport and visa fees
Excess baggage charges
Cost of any ‘luggage delivery’ via FedEx or postal service
Personal travel insurance
gratuities, tipping to professional guide
Meals not included
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Country Information
Accommodation:
All our hotels are excellent five, four and or three star modern and boutique hotels. We highly recommend our hotels as they have excellent services and facilities. All rooms have modern facilities, private bathrooms with double or twin beds.
Climate & Clothing:
Given the choice, without a doubt the best time to see the Amalfi Coast is from April to June, when the spring flowers are in bloom, the weather is just warm enough, and the temperature of the Mediterranean allows for the first dips of the season. By choosing late spring or early summer, you can also avoid the tourist crush of July and August and the oppressive temperatures later in the year.
The general rule is to bring comfortable clothing including lightweight cottons. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as is a light waterproof jacket. We provide a detailed packing list to all our guests prior to departure.
If you wish to travel in the summer or autumn the weather in Italy is warm with the temperature average in June and July is about 78°F - 26°C. Summers are relatively dry, but rain does occur all year round.
Currency & Money Matters:
The official currency in Italy is EURO (€). On January 1, 2002, the Euro became the official currency for 300 million Europeans, in use in 12 countries of the European Union. Traveller’s Cheques can be exchanged at some banks and currency exchange offices but are not as welcome as cash or credit cards. ATMs are widely available in the cities, villages and tourist areas.
Electricity:
The electrical current in Italy is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The European two-pin plug is standard.
Insurance:
You must obtain Comprehensive Travel Insurance as a condition of travelling with Boutique Tours & Travel. We recommend that you purchase insurance at the time of Booking. Insurance is available from BT&T.
Language:
Italian is the official language, but English is widely understood in the main tourist areas.
Meals:
Our hotels offer a wonderful selection of dishes at their buffet breakfasts and our tour offers a with a wide variety of both menu and venue for lunches and evening meals.
Medical Services & Facilities:
Our hotels have access to a doctor if required. They can also assist guests with purchasing of medicine. The international hospitals in Italy are very good and have western trained medical and surgical specialists. Dental care is also available.
Passports & Visas:
To enter Italy, you require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and with at least two blank pages. No visa is required for tourists.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation:
Boutique Tours & Travel suggests that you may like to arrive a day before the start of your tour to allow time to relax and refresh. You are also very welcome to linger longer after the tour is completed.
Boutique Tours & Travel has negotiated special overnight rates at this hotel for both pre and post tour accommodation. Please ask for details at time of booking. Local tour guides are also available on request.
Solo Traveller:
We welcome single travellers and we are able to arrange single accommodation. We negotiate strongly to keep single supplements at a reasonable cost.
Special Requests:
Specific requests such as adjacent or connecting rooms, bedding requests, smoking or non-smoking rooms and special dietary needs or any other arrangement should be advised at time of booking. Please note that every effort will be made to secure your special request; however, they cannot always be guaranteed.
Time Zone:
Italy Standard time is GMT+ 1 (GMT + 2 during Summer Daylight Saving Time)
Transport:
We generally use modern luxury cars and minibuses for transfers and tours. We also walk where and when it’s suitable.
Water & Beverages:
Our hotels offer bottled water and bottled water is provided whilst touring in car or bus. No alcoholic beverages are included in the cost of this tour.
