Northern Italian Lakes & Countryside
Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to Turin, the starting point for a journey through Italy's northern countryside and lakes. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers and get to know one another over dinner, sharing your first taste of regional flavours. (D) Stay: AC Hotel by Marriott Torino
Get your bearings on a city tour of Turin with a Local Specialist, taking in piazzas, wide boulevards and baroque architecture. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Stroll the arcaded streets, sip a rich bicerin at a cafe or join an Optional Experience to the UNESCO-listed La Venaria Reale, once a royal hunting lodge and today one of Italy's most impressive palace complexes. (B)
Start your day lakeside at Lago d'Orta. There's time to enjoy a coffee by the water and take in views of the island and the Alps beyond.
Later, follow the shoreline of Lake Maggiore by road, enjoying scenes of pastel villas and wooded hills. In the town of Stresa, you can enjoy more time at leisure or join an Optional Experience to explore the Borromean Islands, a group of private isles once home to aristocratic families. You'll end the day in Erba, a gateway to the Lombardy countryside. (B) Stay: Hotel Leonardo da Vinci
Spend the day in Como, with plenty of time to explore at your own pace. You might take the funicular up to Brunate for panoramic views, browse local boutiques or relax by the lake with a gelato. For a different perspective, you can join an Optional Experience cruise with a Local Specialist to learn about the history, culture and villas of Lake Como from the water. (B)
Explore the upper town of Bergamo, where medieval streets lead to Piazza Vecchia, once the heart of civic life. See the Contarini Fountain and Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, built in the 12th century as a tribute to the Virgin Mary. Walk past Renaissance facades before travelling into the Lake Garda area. Enjoy a Be My Guest experience with the Serenelli family at their farm where you'll dine on Lombardy favourites. Settle in for a three-night stay surrounded by the Italian countryside and tree-covered hills. (B/D) Stay: Poiano Resort
Your day starts with an introduction to the gastronomic hub of Modena, home of sparkling Lambrusco, salty prosciutto and the aromas of parmigiano, for an exploration with a Local Specialist. Wander past pastel-hued facades in the heart of the city that was the birthplace of Ferrari, Pavarotti and tortellini. Modena's Old Town and the Piazza Grande with its 12th-century cathedral and Torre Civica, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As the day continues, visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum where you'll Dive into Culture and explore the history of this Italian icon. Enjoy a gourmet interlude at a historic, traditional Acetaia on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to taste the delicious flavours of some of the world's best organic and biodynamic balsamic vinegar. Settle in for a leisurely dinner with your travelling companions and Travel Director. (B/D)
Romance is in the air today as you journey to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's tragic star-crossed lovers. A walking tour with a Local Specialist will take you to Juliet's Balcony, as well as the Roman arena, still in use today. There is also plenty of time to explore the city at leisure - see the seven medieval towers of Castelvecchio, relax under the shady trees in Verona's Piazza Bra or clamber up Lamberti's Tower for city views. (B)
In search of spires that reach the sky, leave the tranquil lakes behind for the chic northern capital of Milan. Admire the Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and 19th-century Galleria with its glass and iron-domed roof. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to jostle with the Milanese for your spot in the shopping district of Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Via Sant'Andrea. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner to celebrate the end of your holiday together. (B/D) Stay: Starhotels Business Palace
Your jaunt through the lakes and countryside of northern Italy has come to an end. Say arrivederci to Italy and your newfound friends. (B)
Welcome to Turin, the starting point for a journey through Italy's northern countryside and lakes. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers and get to know one another over dinner, sharing your first taste of regional flavours. (D) Stay: AC Hotel by Marriott Torino
Get your bearings on a city tour of Turin with a Local Specialist, taking in piazzas, wide boulevards and baroque architecture. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Stroll the arcaded streets, sip a rich bicerin at a cafe or join an Optional Experience to the UNESCO-listed La Venaria Reale, once a royal hunting lodge and today one of Italy's most impressive palace complexes. (B)
Start your day lakeside at Lago d'Orta. There's time to enjoy a coffee by the water and take in views of the island and the Alps beyond.
Later, follow the shoreline of Lake Maggiore by road, enjoying scenes of pastel villas and wooded hills. In the town of Stresa, you can enjoy more time at leisure or join an Optional Experience to explore the Borromean Islands, a group of private isles once home to aristocratic families. You'll end the day in Erba, a gateway to the Lombardy countryside. (B) Stay: Hotel Leonardo da Vinci
Spend the day in Como, with plenty of time to explore at your own pace. You might take the funicular up to Brunate for panoramic views, browse local boutiques or relax by the lake with a gelato. For a different perspective, you can join an Optional Experience cruise with a Local Specialist to learn about the history, culture and villas of Lake Como from the water. (B)
Explore the upper town of Bergamo, where medieval streets lead to Piazza Vecchia, once the heart of civic life. See the Contarini Fountain and Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, built in the 12th century as a tribute to the Virgin Mary. Walk past Renaissance facades before travelling into the Lake Garda area. Enjoy a Be My Guest experience with the Serenelli family at their farm where you'll dine on Lombardy favourites. Settle in for a three-night stay surrounded by the Italian countryside and tree-covered hills. (B/D) Stay: Poiano Resort
Your day starts with an introduction to the gastronomic hub of Modena, home of sparkling Lambrusco, salty prosciutto and the aromas of parmigiano, for an exploration with a Local Specialist. Wander past pastel-hued facades in the heart of the city that was the birthplace of Ferrari, Pavarotti and tortellini. Modena's Old Town and the Piazza Grande with its 12th-century cathedral and Torre Civica, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As the day continues, visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum where you'll Dive into Culture and explore the history of this Italian icon. Enjoy a gourmet interlude at a historic, traditional Acetaia on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to taste the delicious flavours of some of the world's best organic and biodynamic balsamic vinegar. Settle in for a leisurely dinner with your travelling companions and Travel Director. (B/D)
Romance is in the air today as you journey to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's tragic star-crossed lovers. A walking tour with a Local Specialist will take you to Juliet's Balcony, as well as the Roman arena, still in use today. There is also plenty of time to explore the city at leisure - see the seven medieval towers of Castelvecchio, relax under the shady trees in Verona's Piazza Bra or clamber up Lamberti's Tower for city views. (B)
In search of spires that reach the sky, leave the tranquil lakes behind for the chic northern capital of Milan. Admire the Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and 19th-century Galleria with its glass and iron-domed roof. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to jostle with the Milanese for your spot in the shopping district of Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Via Sant'Andrea. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner to celebrate the end of your holiday together. (B/D) Stay: Starhotels Business Palace
Your jaunt through the lakes and countryside of northern Italy has come to an end. Say arrivederci to Italy and your newfound friends. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Explore Verona and Modena
- Visit Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Garda and the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena
- View Bergamo's Piazza del Duomo, Roman Arena in Verona, Modena Cathedral and Milan's Duomo and La Scala Opera House
- Discover Bergamo and Milan
Be My Guest
- Solferino: Walk the property with Anna Serenelli, meet the animals and hear how the farm played a part in Napoleon's Battle of Solferino, an event that helped inspire the founding of the International Red Cross, before sitting down to a hearty Lombardy meal.
Dive Into Culture
- Modena: Celebrate all things Ferrari, past, present and future, at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena. This pit stop includes intriguing exhibitions and an immersive experience that you'll never forget.
Iconic Experience
- Turin: Explore Turin on a city tour by coach with a Local Specialist. Take in the city's elegant streets and baroque buildings as you learn about its royal past and the influence of the House of Savoy from a local who knows it best.
- Visit Lake Orta, one of northern Italy's lesser-known gems. You'll have time to enjoy the peaceful lakeside setting, take in views of the island of San Giulio and maybe stop for a coffee in the town of Orta San Giulio, known for its quiet charm and narrow, cobbled streets.
- Como: Enjoy free time in Como to explore your way. Known for its Alpine backdrop and lakeside setting, Como offers cafe-lined squares, quiet lanes and waterfront views.
- Modena: Delve into the history and culture of Modena with a Local Specialist. Stroll through the Old Town streets and see the beautiful arcade of the Piazza Grande.
- Verona: Join a Local Specialist on a sightseeing walk along Verona's charming central streets. See the bronze statue of Juliet and the Roman arena.
- Milan: See Milan's central highlights.
Make Travel Matter®
- Modena: Enjoy a gourmet interlude at a historic, traditional acetaia with a tasting of some of the world's finest balsamic vinegar. As pioneers in organic and biodynamic production, they place sustainable practices and soil care at the heart of their craft. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
- 8 Breakfasts (B)
- 4 Dinners (D)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Explore Verona and Modena
- Visit Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Garda and the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena
- View Bergamo's Piazza del Duomo, Roman Arena in Verona, Modena Cathedral and Milan's Duomo and La Scala Opera House
- Discover Bergamo and Milan
Be My Guest
- Solferino: Walk the property with Anna Serenelli, meet the animals and hear how the farm played a part in Napoleon's Battle of Solferino, an event that helped inspire the founding of the International Red Cross, before sitting down to a hearty Lombardy meal.
Dive Into Culture
- Modena: Celebrate all things Ferrari, past, present and future, at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena. This pit stop includes intriguing exhibitions and an immersive experience that you'll never forget.
Iconic Experience
- Turin: Explore Turin on a city tour by coach with a Local Specialist. Take in the city's elegant streets and baroque buildings as you learn about its royal past and the influence of the House of Savoy from a local who knows it best.
- Visit Lake Orta, one of northern Italy's lesser-known gems. You'll have time to enjoy the peaceful lakeside setting, take in views of the island of San Giulio and maybe stop for a coffee in the town of Orta San Giulio, known for its quiet charm and narrow, cobbled streets.
- Como: Enjoy free time in Como to explore your way. Known for its Alpine backdrop and lakeside setting, Como offers cafe-lined squares, quiet lanes and waterfront views.
- Modena: Delve into the history and culture of Modena with a Local Specialist. Stroll through the Old Town streets and see the beautiful arcade of the Piazza Grande.
- Verona: Join a Local Specialist on a sightseeing walk along Verona's charming central streets. See the bronze statue of Juliet and the Roman arena.
- Milan: See Milan's central highlights.
Make Travel Matter®
- Modena: Enjoy a gourmet interlude at a historic, traditional acetaia with a tasting of some of the world's finest balsamic vinegar. As pioneers in organic and biodynamic production, they place sustainable practices and soil care at the heart of their craft. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
- 8 Breakfasts (B)
- 4 Dinners (D)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
You’ll enjoy the icons and hidden gems with a Local Specialist by your side. Read more
With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you. Read more
Find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. Read more
You’ll enjoy the icons and hidden gems with a Local Specialist by your side. Read more
With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you. Read more
Find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. Read more
Trip Reviews (5) Most Recent 'Northern Italian Lakes & Countryside' Reviews
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Trafalgar Europe (2025-26)
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Trafalgar Worldwide Tours (2026-27)
Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Trafalgar. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
