Villas and Gardens of the Italian Lakes

Arrival at Milan MXP Airport and private transfer to your accommodation. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in a 4*S hotel on lake Maggiore

A private boat tour of the Borromean Islands is a journey into elegance, history, and natural beauty. Departing from Stresa with a private boat and a private guide start your exploration of the gems of Lake Maggiore. The first stop is Isola Bella, the most opulent of the islands. You’ll visit the magnificent Borromeo Palace, a Baroque masterpiece filled with frescoed halls, crystal chandeliers, and treasured artworks. Outside, the terraced gardens are a vision of perfection — adorned with fountains, statues, and blooming flowers that frame spectacular views of the lake. Next, you’ll cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, a charming fishing village that has preserved its traditional soul. Among narrow cobbled alleys you will have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed lunch at a waterfront restaurant, savoring local specialties.

In the afternoon, your tour continues to Isola Madre, the largest and most tranquil of the three. The island’s lush English gardens are a haven of serenity, filled with rare plants, exotic trees, and peacocks roaming freely. Your guide will lead you through the 16th-century Borromeo Villa, whose elegant rooms and family collections evoke the grandeur of bygone eras. At the end of the visit sail back to Stresa; the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at lake Maggiore

Meet your private driver and embark on a day tour to Villa Taranto, Orta San Giulio, and its enchanting island offers a perfect blend of nature, elegance, and spiritual charm. Your journey begins in Verbania, on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, where you visit the world-renowned Villa Taranto Gardens. Created in the 1930s by Scottish captain Neil Boyd McEacharn, these gardens are a masterpiece of botanical art. Strolling through shaded paths and vibrant flowerbeds, you’ll encounter rare plants from every continent, graceful fountains, and peaceful terraces overlooking the shimmering lake. The colors and scents change with the seasons, making each visit unique — from spring tulips and azaleas to summer dahlias and autumn foliage. The atmosphere is one of serenity and refined beauty, a living symphony between human artistry and natural splendor.

Afterward, a scenic drive takes you to Lake Orta, a hidden gem known for its romantic charm and tranquility. The medieval town of Orta San Giulio welcomes you with cobbled streets, elegant stone houses, and the lively Piazza Motta, where cafés and craft shops overlook the calm waters. From the small harbor, a short boat ride brings you to the mystical Isola San Giulio, floating peacefully in the center of the lake. Dominated by its ancient basilica and the Benedictine convent, the island exudes a deep sense of silence and spirituality. A walk along the “Path of Silence” offers breathtaking views and quiet reflection. As the sun sets, you return to Orta, carrying with you the timeless grace and poetic calm of these enchanting places. Overnight at Lake Maggiore

Check-out from your hotel on Lake Maggiore. Departing from your hotel a private driver will take you on a scenic journey through the heart of the Italian and Swiss Lake District, where breathtaking landscapes and refined charm blend seamlessly. As you leave Stresa, the road winds along Lake Maggiore, offering panoramic views of shimmering waters framed by lush hills and grand villas. Crossing the border into Switzerland, you will soon arrive in Locarno, a delightful town that captures the relaxed sophistication of the Swiss Riviera. Here, you can stroll along the lakeside promenade, explore the Piazza Grande with its pastel-colored façades, or enjoy a leisurely coffee while admiring the serene beauty of Lake Maggiore from a different perspective. After your stop in Locarno, the drive continues toward Lugano, the largest city in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. Set between mountains and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Lugano, this elegant destination combines Swiss precision with Mediterranean flair. You may wish to visit the Parco Ciani, walk along Via Nassa for some refined shopping, or simply relax at a lakeside café and savor the local atmosphere.

The final stretch of your journey leads you back into Italy, descending toward the enchanting city of Como. The drive itself is an experience, offering sweeping views of alpine peaks, verdant valleys, and glittering lakes. Upon arrival in Como, you can wander through its historic center, admire the majestic Duomo, or take in the view of Lake Como’s tranquil waters, where the surrounding mountains reflect in shades of silver and blue. Check in at your new hotel in Como

Your day begins in the charming lakeside town of Como, where your private guide welcomes you for an unforgettable journey across the heart of Lake Como. Departing from Como onboard a public boat, you’ll travel along the scenic western shore, passing picturesque villages and elegant villas nestled between the lake and the mountains. The trip itself is a delight, with each turn revealing new vistas of shimmering blue water and lush green slopes.

Your first destination is the splendid Villa Carlotta, located in Tremezzo. This 18th-century villa is one of Lake Como’s most celebrated landmarks, renowned for both its art and its gardens. Inside, you’ll discover masterpieces by Canova and Hayez, elegant rooms filled with history, and terraces overlooking the lake. Outside, the vast botanical gardens offer a tranquil escape among blooming azaleas, camellias, and centuries-old trees. The air is filled with the scent of flowers and the gentle sound of fountains, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.

After your visit, you’ll board a lake ferry bound for Bellagio, often called the “Pearl of the Lake.” As you cross the water, you can admire the surrounding mountains and the elegant villas that line the shores. Bellagio welcomes you with cobblestone alleys, charming boutiques, and breathtaking panoramic views. Here, you’ll visit the Gardens of Villa Melzi, a masterpiece of neoclassical landscape design. The gardens stretch gracefully along the waterfront, featuring exotic plants, marble statues, and romantic pathways shaded by ancient trees. Time at leisure in Bellagio before returning to Como by boat. Overnight at your hotel in Como.

Your journey begins in the morning, when your private driver picks you up directly from your hotel in Como for a full-day adventure through the majestic landscapes of the Alps. Traveling in comfort, you’ll head north toward the Valtellina valley, passing through scenic mountain roads lined with vineyards, quaint villages, and breathtaking views. The drive to Tirano, the departure point of the famous Bernina Express, takes you through an ever-changing panorama that gradually shifts from the gentle beauty of Lake Como’s hills to the dramatic grandeur of the Alps.

In Tirano, you’ll board the Bernina Express, one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage experience. The train’s large panoramic windows immerse you in a constantly unfolding masterpiece of nature. As the train begins its ascent, you’ll cross graceful stone viaducts and spiral bridges, passing glaciers, waterfalls, and mountain lakes of dazzling blue. The route climbs to over 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) at the Bernina Pass, where snow-capped peaks and vast alpine vistas surround you in every direction. The train glides through postcard-perfect landscapes, from the shimmering Lago Bianco to the dramatic Morteratsch Glacier, offering a truly unforgettable encounter with the beauty of the high Alps.

After this breathtaking journey, you’ll arrive in the glamorous resort town of St. Moritz, a place synonymous with elegance and sophistication. Here, you’ll have time to stroll along the lakefront, explore the luxury boutiques, or enjoy a coffee with views of the Engadin valley.

Later in the afternoon, your private driver will meet you in St. Moritz for the return journey to Como for the overnight.

Your private driver will collect you directly from your hotel on Lake Como for a transfer to your new destination, lake Garda. As you depart the peaceful shores of Como, the drive takes you south through rolling hills and picturesque countryside before reaching the vibrant heart of Milan, Italy’s fashion and cultural capital. Here, you’ll meet your expert local guide for a walking tour of the historic city center. The experience begins in the grand Piazza del Duomo, dominated by Milan’s magnificent Gothic cathedral, a masterpiece of intricate spires and statues. You’ll have time to admire its stunning façade and step inside to appreciate its vast interior and stained-glass windows. From there, your guide will lead you through the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping arcades, with its glass dome and mosaic floors that embody the city’s refined spirit.

The tour continues toward the stylish Brera district, where cobblestone streets, charming cafés, and art galleries capture Milan’s creative essence. After the guided tour you will have time for lunch and for shopping in the famous “Quadrilatero fashion district”. 

In the afternoon, your journey continues east toward Lake Garda, Italy’s largest and most diverse lake. Check in at your new hotel and overnight.

Your day begins with a scenic drive to Sirmione, one of Lake Garda’s most enchanting towns, celebrated for its romantic atmosphere and rich history. Set on a narrow peninsula that stretches gracefully into the southern waters of the lake, Sirmione immediately captivates with its fairy-tale charm. Meet a local guide who will give you special insights of the monuments and the history of the village. Your guided walking tour of Sirmione begins at the entrance to the old town, where you’ll cross the drawbridge of the Scaliger Castle, a beautifully preserved medieval fortress that once guarded the peninsula. As you stroll through charming cobblestone streets, your guide will lead you past the Casa di Maria Callas, the elegant villa where the legendary soprano once stayed, sharing stories of her time in Sirmione and her enduring connection to the town. You’ll then visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, a 15th-century gem built on Roman foundations, featuring delicate frescoes and a peaceful atmosphere. The tour continues uphill to the Church of San Pietro in Mavino, Sirmione’s oldest church, dating back to the 8th century. Surrounded by olive trees, it offers stunning views of Lake Garda and ancient frescoes. After exploring Sirmione, your tour continues into the gentle hills of the Lugana wine region, renowned for producing refined white wines with delicate floral notes and a crisp mineral finish. Here, you’ll stop at a local family-run winery for a guided tour of the vineyards and cellars. You’ll learn about the unique clay-rich soil that gives Lugana wines their distinctive character, followed by a wine tasting. The afternoon takes you to the nearby Parco Giardino Sigurtà, one of Europe’s most magnificent gardens. Spanning over sixty hectares, the park is a living masterpiece of nature, with colorful flowerbeds, ancient trees, romantic ponds, and sweeping lawns. You can stroll or take a relaxing electric cart ride through this lush landscape, where every season brings new colors and scents. Return to your hotel for the overnight

In the morning travel with a private driver to Verona where you will meet a private guide for an exploration of the city’s historic heart, a place where Roman grandeur and Renaissance elegance blend seamlessly. Start with Piazza Bra, a lively square dominated by the magnificent Arena di Verona, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. As you admire its imposing stone arches, you’ll learn about its ancient origins and its modern transformation into a world-famous venue for summer opera performances.

From there, the walk continues through elegant streets lined with boutiques and historic palaces toward Piazza delle Erbe, once the site of the Roman forum and now the vibrant center of Veronese life. Surrounded by colorful frescoed buildings, market stalls, and the medieval Torre dei Lamberti, this square perfectly captures the city’s timeless charm. Nearby lies Juliet’s House, with its iconic balcony overlooking a small courtyard. After the guided tour you will have time at leisure for lunch in one of the many local restaurants before reaching the Giardino Giusti, a masterpiece of Renaissance landscape design which you will visit on your own. Created in the 16th century, this elegant garden offers a serene escape from the city’s bustle, with perfectly trimmed hedges, marble statues, cypress-lined avenues, and gently cascading fountains. From the upper terrace, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Verona’s red rooftops and the winding Adige River. Return to your hotel for the overnight.