milan_italian

Milan • Lake Garda • Vicenza • Venice
Includes 6 nights on the Italian Lakes: Two nights in fashionable Milan and six nights on fabulous Lake Garda make this an Italian experience not to be missed. We've included memorable visits and excursions to Stresa, Lugano and Como in the beautiful Italian Lakes; plus a full day in Venice!
First Class Hotels

Day 1 Depart USA Overnight flight to Milan. Day 2 Arrive Milan You are met at Milan's Malpensa airport and transferred to your hotel. Later, an orientation tour includes the gothic Duomo, the 19th century Galleria and "La Scala" Opera house. Tonight, after a welcome beverage with your Tour Director, why not dine at an elegant Milanese restaurant? Hotel: Holiday Inn Linate Day 3 Milan – Italian Lake District – Lake Garda (6) Today we head to the Italian Lakes. Our first stop is at Stresa, where we can see the idyllic Borromean Islands. Time to relax or take a boat trip before a short ferry ride across Lake Maggiore to Laveno. We enter Switzerland briefly on a visit to Lugano. Time to shop for Swiss chocolates and watches. Later, back in Italy we enjoy a scenic drive around Lake Como to the town of Como. At Bergamo, we join the 'autostrada' en route to Lake Garda for six nights. Hotel: Hotel Villa Maria (6 nights) Day 4 Lake Garda – Vicenza – Bassano del Grappa First we're off to the ancient Roman town of Vicenza. Here we will visit the Piazza dei Signori and the Corso Andrea Palladio before continuing via Castelfranco Veneto to Bassano del Grappa, famous for its white brandy, and covered bridge over the Brenta River. Later, we make a stop in nearby Possagno to visit the Temple of Canova. Finally it's back to Lake Garda for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Lake Garda – Venice Excursion An early start today as we make our way to magical Venice. On our arrival a private motor launch will take us along the canals past Palladian palazzos and churches, to St. Mark's Square. Here we'll see the Doges' Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. Then after witnessing a demonstration of Murano glass-blowing, enjoy time on your own. Why not venture out to the lagoon and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch? Later, a gondola ride would be hard to resist! Tonight, we enjoy dinner at our hotel.
Day 6 Lake Garda A full day to explore. Perhaps stroll along the lakeside or take an excursion to nearby Mantova visiting the magnificent Palazzo Ducale. This evening, we enjoy dinner at our hotel. Day 7 Lake Garda – Sirmione & Verona Excursion Today we experience the beauty of Lake Garda on an included excursion along its shores to Sirmione. Here we can admire the imposing Scaligers' castle before continuing to romantic Verona, for a guided tour of the city, home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers. We will see the Roman arena and Juliet's balcony. Then free time to shop, or simply "do as the locals do" and sit in one of the pavement cafés on the Piazza Bra. We return to Lake Garda for the night. Day 8 Lake Garda Enjoy another full day to explore in this serene area. Perhaps take a boat trip across the lake. Or join a full day excursion into the Dolomite Mountains where you can ride a cable car up one of the mountain peaks for spectacular alpine views. Alternatively, you may wish to relax in these peaceful surroundings! Whatever you decide, your Tour Director can advise you on how to make the most of your stay! We dine at our hotel tonight. Day 9 Lake Garda – Bergamo – Milan This morning we visit the attractive town of Bergamo. Here we ascend to the upper traffic-free town by funicular to see the town's finest buildings. Then we walk to the Piazza del Duomo to admire the 15th and 16th century buildings, with time for a cappuccino before returning to Milan. This evening, why not join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a final dinner in one of the city's excellent restaurants? Hotel: Holiday Inn Linate Day 10 Milan – USA This morning after breakfast there's time to bid farewell to Italy, your Tour Director and your new-found friends as Trafalgar arranges your transfer back to Malpensa airport for your return flight to America.