The Magic of the Italian Lakes
The Magic of the Italian Lakes
Overview
You will enjoy a scenic boat trip to Bellagio and Varenna, both picturesque towns on Lake Como’s shores, where nature and culture come together. Admire the centuries-old buildings, explore the cobbled alleyways, cafes, and shops. Lake Maggiore is a paradise of crystal waters, backed by towering mountains and surrounded by lush countryside. With its prestigious Italian gardens, intriguing palaces, and scenic landscapes, you can choose to relax or enjoy some of the many activities available.
On the way to Lake Maggiore, visit Lugano, set on gorgeous Lake Lugano, shared between Italy and Switzerland. Here—with a Mediterranean ambiance—you can stroll along the lakeside promenade or simply unwind as you enjoy a delicious gelato. Over centuries, Italy’s great lakes have been among Europe’s most popular vacation destinations, providing enchanting landscapes and a relaxing ambiance. Now is your time to enjoy them on this affordable Italian Lakes tour. It’s a lovely vacation, perfect for savvy, value-minded travel lovers.
You will enjoy a scenic boat trip to Bellagio and Varenna, both picturesque towns on Lake Como’s shores, where nature and culture come together. Admire the centuries-old buildings, explore the cobbled alleyways, cafes, and shops. Lake Maggiore is a paradise of crystal waters, backed by towering mountains and surrounded by lush countryside. With its prestigious Italian gardens, intriguing palaces, and scenic landscapes, you can choose to relax or enjoy some of the many activities available.
On the way to Lake Maggiore, visit Lugano, set on gorgeous Lake Lugano, shared between Italy and Switzerland. Here—with a Mediterranean ambiance—you can stroll along the lakeside promenade or simply unwind as you enjoy a delicious gelato. Over centuries, Italy’s great lakes have been among Europe’s most popular vacation destinations, providing enchanting landscapes and a relaxing ambiance. Now is your time to enjoy them on this affordable Italian Lakes tour. It’s a lovely vacation, perfect for savvy, value-minded travel lovers.
Itinerary
Check into your hotel in Milan. Start exploring with the help of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Start the day with an orientation tour of Milan, stopping to admire the famous Gothic-style Duomo. Travel east through the Po Valley and stop at Lake Garda to discover Sirmione. This is a Spa town rich in thermal waters and ancient charm situated on a long peninsula surrounded by breathtaking views. Among its highlights, a medieval castle, the famous Roman villa and grottoes of Catullo. Spend the evening in Verona, the "city of love". Today's Distance: 100 mi/ 160 km (B)
In the morning, a Local Guide takes you through the old cobblestone streets of the old part of Verona telling the stories behind the old buildings and how this beautiful city inspired Shakespeare. Spend the afternoon shopping, visiting, or taking a stroll along the Adige River banks, or sip and see with delightful wines and water views on an optional excursion to Valpolicella. Discover delicious local vintages, such as Valpolicella and Amarone, followed by time to relax on the shores of Lake Garda in Lazise. (B)
This morning, say goodbye to the romantic city of Verona and continue to fascinating Lake Como, where you'll spend two nights. Stroll around the narrow alleys of the city center and the "lungolago" (lake promenade) and maybe taste some fabulous local gelato. Today's Distance: 125 mi/ 200 km (B)
Inspiring everyone from Roman senators and great composers to Hollywood actors, Como is the glamorous image of the lakes. Its cobalt-blue waters are lined with magnificent mountains, lush gardens, and grand villas. Join the included boat trip to Bellagio, set in one of the most scenic locations in all of Italy, and Varenna, an old fishing village. (B)
Depart Lake Como and cross the border into Switzerland. Head towards beautiful Lake Lugano and the stylish city that bears its name. Time to stroll along the lakeside promenade, window shop on refined Via Nassa, or sip an espresso on the Piazza Riforma. Leave Switzerland and cross back into Italy, driving to Lake Maggiore. Today's Distance: 96 mi/ 155 km (B)
Set between Piedmont, Lombardy, and Switzerland, Lake Maggiore is a paradise of crystal waters, backed by towering mountains and surrounded by lush countryside. The day is yours to relax or to enjoy some of the many activities available around the lake. Breathtaking views are a shore thing with an optional boat trip to the Borromean Islands, with time to visit the extravagant Borromeo Palace, built like a ship anchored just off the shoreline. (B/D)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa. (B)
Check into your hotel in Milan. Start exploring with the help of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Start the day with an orientation tour of Milan, stopping to admire the famous Gothic-style Duomo. Travel east through the Po Valley and stop at Lake Garda to discover Sirmione. This is a Spa town rich in thermal waters and ancient charm situated on a long peninsula surrounded by breathtaking views. Among its highlights, a medieval castle, the famous Roman villa and grottoes of Catullo. Spend the evening in Verona, the "city of love". Today's Distance: 100 mi/ 160 km (B)
In the morning, a Local Guide takes you through the old cobblestone streets of the old part of Verona telling the stories behind the old buildings and how this beautiful city inspired Shakespeare. Spend the afternoon shopping, visiting, or taking a stroll along the Adige River banks, or sip and see with delightful wines and water views on an optional excursion to Valpolicella. Discover delicious local vintages, such as Valpolicella and Amarone, followed by time to relax on the shores of Lake Garda in Lazise. (B)
This morning, say goodbye to the romantic city of Verona and continue to fascinating Lake Como, where you'll spend two nights. Stroll around the narrow alleys of the city center and the "lungolago" (lake promenade) and maybe taste some fabulous local gelato. Today's Distance: 125 mi/ 200 km (B)
Inspiring everyone from Roman senators and great composers to Hollywood actors, Como is the glamorous image of the lakes. Its cobalt-blue waters are lined with magnificent mountains, lush gardens, and grand villas. Join the included boat trip to Bellagio, set in one of the most scenic locations in all of Italy, and Varenna, an old fishing village. (B)
Depart Lake Como and cross the border into Switzerland. Head towards beautiful Lake Lugano and the stylish city that bears its name. Time to stroll along the lakeside promenade, window shop on refined Via Nassa, or sip an espresso on the Piazza Riforma. Leave Switzerland and cross back into Italy, driving to Lake Maggiore. Today's Distance: 96 mi/ 155 km (B)
Set between Piedmont, Lombardy, and Switzerland, Lake Maggiore is a paradise of crystal waters, backed by towering mountains and surrounded by lush countryside. The day is yours to relax or to enjoy some of the many activities available around the lake. Breathtaking views are a shore thing with an optional boat trip to the Borromean Islands, with time to visit the extravagant Borromeo Palace, built like a ship anchored just off the shoreline. (B/D)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, complimentary headsets, private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi, as well as a scenic boat ride to Bellagio and Varenna.
- Buffet breakfast daily, 1 Dinners
- Milan: Holiday Inn Garibaldi Station (Superior First-Class)
- Verona: Leon D'Oro (Superior First-Class)
- Verona: Hotel San Marco (Moderate First-Class)
- Lake Como: B&B Como City Center (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Lake Maggiore: Simplon (Superior First-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, complimentary headsets, private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi, as well as a scenic boat ride to Bellagio and Varenna.
- Buffet breakfast daily, 1 Dinners
- Milan: Holiday Inn Garibaldi Station (Superior First-Class)
- Verona: Leon D'Oro (Superior First-Class)
- Verona: Hotel San Marco (Moderate First-Class)
- Lake Como: B&B Como City Center (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Lake Maggiore: Simplon (Superior First-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Enjoy inside visits to Europe's the must-see sites with a great mix of included excursions, free time and affordable value. Read more
Cosmos build free time into every one of their vacations, so you can eat, shop, and explore the way you want. Read more
Cosmos' easy going, fun-filled and multilingual Tour Directors and Local Guides love exploring as much as you do. Read more
Enjoy inside visits to Europe's the must-see sites with a great mix of included excursions, free time and affordable value. Read more
Cosmos build free time into every one of their vacations, so you can eat, shop, and explore the way you want. Read more
Cosmos' easy going, fun-filled and multilingual Tour Directors and Local Guides love exploring as much as you do. Read more
Trip Reviews (16) View All Most Recent 'The Magic of the Italian Lakes' Reviews
We had great communication with Sam from Global Journeys and hopefully this continues for all future enquiries.
Brochure
Cosmos Worldwide (2025-26)
Brochure
Cosmos Worldwide (2025-26)
Availability
USD
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 enquire. 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 Cosmos. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Cosmos. These 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.
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