Northern Italy lakes trip

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Turn a dream into a personally crafted Northern Italy lakes trip that celebrates slow travel, local flavor, and unforgettable alpine vistas. Work with our specialists to shape every detail and secure unique experiences that speak to your tastes.

Let us design a sincere, tailored Italy trip so you arrive feeling like a welcomed guest instead of a tourist. Start planning today to claim a travel experience as individual as you are.

Northern Italy lakes trip highlights

  • Private Lake Como and Bellagio cruise: Glide on a tailored private boat past villas and gardens, capturing intimate views and hidden coves.
  • Hands-on local food and wine: Savor artisan cuisine with private tastings and market tours.
  • Bernina Red Train scenic journey: Ride the UNESCO Bernina Red Train through dramatic alpine panoramas.
  • Hidden villages and tailored walking routes: Explore charming lakeside villages with a local guide.
  • Boutique stays and personalized service: Stay in handpicked boutique hotels or private villas.
DayMorningAfternoonEvening
Day 1Arrival in Milan; private transfer to StresaFree time to explore Lake MaggioreLakeside dinner or a relaxed walk
Day 2Private boat tour of the Borromean IslandsVisit Isola Bella and Isola Madre; lunch on one of the islandsReturn to Stresa and unwind
Day 3Transfer to Desenzano with scenic stopsFranciacorta wine tasting and cellar tourSettle in and dine locally
Day 4Private transfer to MilanGuided city tour with The Last Supper and Duomo rooftopOptional aperitivo or dinner in Milan
Day 5Transfer to Bellagio via alpine foothillsFree time to explore Bellagio and lakeside gardensRelaxed evening by the lake
Day 6Guided villa boat tour: Villa Melzi and VarennaVisit Villa Monastero and Villa CarlottaOptional sunset cruise or dinner
Day 7Bernina Red Train to St. MoritzStroll lakeside and return via Maloja PassFinal dinner and alpine views
Day 8Private transfer to Milan AirportReflect on your Italy trip and journey onward

Places you'll visit

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Lake Garda
Lake GardaNorthern Lombardy: lakes and mountains
Stresa
StresaStresa
Bellagio
BellagioBellagio
Day01

Day 1: Arrival in Milan and transfer to Stresa

Arrive in Milan and enjoy a smooth, private transfer to Stresa in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Your professional driver handles the details, so you can sit back and settle into the pace of your Italy travel.

Once in Stresa, unwind on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Choose how you explore: lakeside dining, a private boat tour, or a scenic walk tailored to your interests.

Italy
Day02

Day 2: Borromean Islands tour

Meet your local licensed guide in Stresa for a private boat tour of the Borromean Islands. Explore Isola Bella's magnificent palace and terraces and stroll through the rare botanical collections on Isola Madre.

Your full day includes stops at two islands, so choose lunch on Isola Bella, Isola Madre, or Isola dei Pescatori with our guide's restaurant recommendations to taste Lake Maggiore cuisine. After lunch, explore the second island before returning to Stresa at about 3:30 PM.

Isola Maggiore
Marianne

Tips from Marianne

Italy Travel Expert

quotes

Want the islands (almost) to yourself? Catch the earliest ferry from Stresa and go straight to Isola Madre first. Most visitors head to Isola Bella right away, so flipping the order means you’ll have the peaceful gardens and exotic birds of Isola Madre with barely a soul around.

Day03

Day 3: Franciacorta wine tasting

Take a private transfer from Stresa to Desenzano, enjoying lakeside views and flexible timing along the way. Your driver shares local tips to help you make the most of your Italy trip.

Stop in Franciacorta for a guided cellar tour and taste at least three signature wines: Brut, Brut Nature, Pas Dosé, and Satèn Millesimato, paired with local breadsticks, cured meats, and cheese.

Franciacorta
Day04

Day 4: Day trip to Milan

Travel in comfort with a private driver for a tailor-made day in Milan. Join a small-group guided tour that dives into the city’s stories and local secrets, ideal if you're after real art and culture, not just the highlights.

Visit Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, then head to the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), where rooftop views steal the show.

Milan
Day05

Day 5: Free day in Bellagio

Enjoy a relaxed transfer from Lake Garda to Bellagio, passing through scenic alpine foothills and quiet villages as you move between two of Italy’s most iconic lakes.

Spend the day exploring Bellagio at your own pace. Wander cobbled lanes, sip an espresso in Piazza della Chiesa near the Basilica of San Giacomo, and take in panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Visit the Villa Melzi Gardens for rare plants, sculptures, and a peaceful lakeside stroll. For even bigger views, join a guided tour of Villa Serbelloni’s hilltop grounds.

Bellagio
Day06

Day 6: Lake Como's villas, guided boat tour from Bellagio

Start your day with a stroll through the lakeside Gardens of Villa Melzi, then hop on a public boat to Varenna. Explore Villa Monastero’s house museum and botanical gardens, set right on the water.

Continue by boat to Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, known for its lush terraces, art-filled halls, and sweeping views of the Alps across Lake Como.

Lake Como
Day07

Day 7: Bernina Train tour

Travel by private minivan to Tirano, where you’ll board the iconic Bernina Red Train for a ride through the Alps, reaching heights of 2,253 meters. Arrive in St. Moritz to stroll along the lake and explore its historic center.

On the return, stop at Lake Silvaplana to watch kitesurfers skim the water, then take the scenic route over the Maloja Pass, an unforgettable drive through the Italian and Swiss Alps.

Red Train
Day08

Day 8: Transfer to Milan airport

A private driver picks you up in Bellagio for a comfortable transfer to Milan Airport, with time to take in the final lake views or stop for one last taste of local flavors.

Arrivederci, your Italy trip wraps up with unforgettable memories. When you're ready, we can design your next tailor-made journey to match your travel style.

Airport