Northern Italy and Its Lakes

Your journey begins in Lake Maggiore where you will settle in for a leisurely 4-night stay, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Alpine lakes region.

This evening, get to know your fellow travelers as you cruise to picturesque Isola dei Pescatori* for a welcome dinner featuring regional delicacies and local wines. (D) Stay: Zacchera Hotels (4 Nights)

Start the morning by strolling the cobbled streets of Stresa. Long-favored by European aristocracy because of its blend of elegant belle-époque mansions, fragrant gardens and charming views, Stresa has inspired artists and writers since the late 1800s. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps you'll take an optional tour and coast along the ethereal waters of Lake Maggiore for an up-close look at the Borromean Islands before docking at Isola Bella,** known as the “beautiful island.” Join an expert guide and venture into the Borromeo Palace, a Baroque beauty with an exotic garden. Then, return to your boat and cruise by the remaining Borromean Islands. (B)

Take a scenic drive along the glittering shores of Switzerland's Lake Lugano before enjoying a day of sunshine and scenic peaks on the stunning banks of Lake Como. Sail to Bellagio, an ancient peninsula home to winding streets and views that will take your breath away. Enjoy some free time to discover the town's secrets on your own before returning to Lake Maggiore in time for dinner at your hotel. (B/D)

The entire day is yours. You may want to soak up the sun on the beach, relax in an outdoor café, or head out on the waves by boat. Perhaps you will take an optional tour to picture-perfect Lake Orta, a hidden gem surrounded by romantic villages and filled with quaint islands, before returning to Lake Maggiore where the evening is yours to enjoy the twinkling lights that illuminate the shores as night falls on the lake. (B)

This morning, head to Sirmione, an ancient village situated on the shores of Lake Garda. Enjoy time at leisure to discover the narrow streets, take in views of its famous sinking castle, or simply relax alongside the bright blue waves of the lake. End the day at your hotel next to Treviso, in the Venetian mainland.

This evening, explore Treviso, an elegant town of painted houses and quaint canals, crossed by the Sile and Botteniga rivers and encircled by a set of Renaissance city walls. (B) Stay: Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (3 Nights)

Start your day with a visit to Murano Island,*** known for its intricate glass making. Witness a glassblowing demonstration, providing a glimpse into the methods behind this fine art. Feel the grandeur of the past come alive as you make your way to Venice, a floating labyrinth settled on a lagoon. Pass through the sprawling St. Mark's Square with an expert guide and admire the Campanile, a brick bell tower that rises above the piazza. Step outside the main square and explore the Castello district, making your way past historic buildings and architecture as you walk the narrow streets. Enjoy some time at leisure before returning to your hotel in time for dinner. (B/D)

The day is yours to discover Treviso however you wish. Perhaps you will choose to explore more of the Venetian mainland on an optional tour to the enchanted hilltop village of Asolo, where the streets echo the footsteps of the poet Robert Browning, composer Igor Stravinsky and explorer Freya Stark. Continue your journey into the rolling hills of Italy's Prosecco region for a visit to a local vineyard where you'll taste the region's sparkling specialty.

This evening, celebrate the end of a memorable journey during a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B/D)

Wish Italy arriverderci as your tour comes to a close today. (B)