Lake Region & Northern Italy Itinerary. . .

Day One: You arrive into Milan’s Malpensa airport, or the Como Train Station where you are met by a driver. After arriving at our villa along the western shore of Lake Como, you have the remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner is served at the villa this evening.

Day Two: This is an uncomplicated day along the shores of Lake Como. You tour the grounds of Villa D’Este near Cernobbio and continue north along the western shore of the lake to the town of Tremezzo where you have a private guided visit to the gardens at the splendid Villa Carlotta. Built in the 18th century by the immensely wealthy Giorgio II Clerici, the expansive villa and gardens are a reflection of the family’s importance to this region. You return to villa for dinner this evening.

Day Three: Today’s explorations take you across Lake Como to Bellagio. From the grounds of the Villa Serbelloni, you can take in the entire expanse of Lake Como. This incredible fifty acre park and villa were first built for the Sfondratis family. You enjoy lunch at a lovely lake side restaurant in Bellagio and the afternoon is free for your independent explorations. You return via ferry to the villa for dinner this evening.

Day Four: Our time today will be spent along the shores of Lake Maggiore. After breakfast you visit the town of Stresa. From there, you take a private launch, with guide, over to two of the three Borromeo Islands: Isola Bella and Isola Pescatore. A private guide leads you on an exploration of these gorgeous, quaint and beautiful islands. After lunch on Isola Pescatore, you take our private launch over the town of Intra where you disembark to visit the glorious gardens of the Villa Taranto. After our brief visit to the villa, you walk into close-by Intra where shopping and relaxation are yours for the remainder of the afternoon. You meet the group at a local wine bar for an aperitif before returning the villa, via ferry and private van. Dinner is served at the villa this evening.

Day Five: Milano. Today you take our private van into Milan. After visiting the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci in the church of Santa Maria della Grazie, you continue on to the Duomo – a confection of spires and white shimmering marble in the center of the city. Lunch is on your own in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a nearby, architecturally stunning, landmark shopping arcade and business center. Your afternoon is open for your own explorations in the capital of fashion. You return to the villa for dinner.

Day Six and Seven: Today you take a train, in First Class accommodations, to Parma. Once there, you are in the capable hands of a well known food expert. For the next day and a half you visit an incredible array of famous sites in, and near, the city. Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic vinegar are all produced in this area. You enjoy meals created in the very heart of Italy’s finest cuisine. From a gorgeous hotel in the beautiful medieval city of Parma, you explore this fascinating part of Italy. Dinners are on your own for the next two days

Day Eight: You leave Parma after lunch and head directly to Bologna where you check into a beautiful hotel in the center of the city. After settling in your room, a guide meets the group in the lobby and you enjoy a bountiful lunch in one of Bologna’s most famous restaurants. After lunch, the guide leads you on a short, two-hour walking tour of the city center. The remainder of the day is at leisure for shopping, relaxing or exploring the streets of this beautiful city, home to one of Italy’s most famous and well respected universities. Dinner is on your own this evening.

Day Nine: As you make your way across northern Italy, you begin to understand the gastronomic, architectural and historic diversity of this little visited region of bella Italia. Your next stop is Vicenza, a city profoundly influenced by one of the most famous architects in history: Andrea Palladio. Gorgeous canals intersect streets lined with incredible villas. A four-star hotel is your base in this jewel of a city. Dinner is on your own this evening.

Day Ten: You leave Vicenza this morning and visit Villa Emo, arguably the most famous Palladian villa in the Veneto region. After a private tour of this awe inspiring villa, you board a First Class train for your return trip to the villa near Como.

Day Eleven: Como. Today you experience an easy day visiting the city of Como. You can shop, enjoy lunch or wander through the parks that line the lake in the center of town. If you prefer, you can remain at your villa and relax. Dinner is served at the villa this evening.

Day Twelve: Today you head back over towards Lake Maggiore and, from Stresa, enjoy an unusual and beautiful day in the Centovalli. From Stresa, you take a train to Domodóssola and change trains for a two and a half hour trip through some of the most inspiring mountain scenery in the Lake Region. Between Domodóssola and Locarno (in Switzerland) the train travels around and through forests, across huge glacial valleys and along breathtaking sections of mountains. After arriving in Locarno, you board a ferry for a relaxing ride back along the entire length of Lake Maggiore. You remain overnight in Stresa this evening at a lovely lake-side four-star hotel. Dinner is on your own this evening.

Day Thirteen: After breakfast, you travel to Lake Orta, a short 45 minute drive west of Stresa. A private guide leads you through the Benedictine Monastery on the island of San Giulio. Founded during the 4th Century B.C., the island has been continuously inhabited and has become famous for its beautiful position in the middle of yet another stunning alpine lake. Lunch is on your own, perhaps in one of the lakeside restaurants. You return to the villa for dinner this evening.

Day Fourteen: This is an open day at the villa. Take time to relax on the terrace, lounge by the pool, swim in the lake or just think back over your incredible explorations in this diverse region of bella Italia. Your small group celebrates your time with Private Italy with a very special farewell dinner.

Day Fifteen: You are taken to your departure airport or train station for your return trips to the United States or your onward travel. Add-on’s for three days/three nights in Venice are available to enjoy either before or after your time with us. Call for details.