Our tours of Northern Italy include adventures to crystal clear alpine lakes, surrounded by the Italian and Swiss Alps. Exceptional local specialties prepared by cooks and private excursions across northern Italy await you on this memorable trip. From a gorgeous villa located along the shore of Lake Maggiore only fifty minutes from Milan’s Malpensa International Airport, you experience easy day trips to Bellagio, Lake Como, the Centovalli, Vicenza and Lake Orta. The villa is located near a small village on the shores of the lake, so our guests can walk into the village if they wish. In Bologna, we have selected a gorgeous luxury hotel located in the city center. All the places visited provide a focus on the magical combination of history, architecture, food, and flavors of Northern Italy. Guests spend a day on a private launch, with a guide, exploring the Borromeo islands. Guests can also relax in lakeside villages or on beautiful ferries that cross the Lakes of Maggiore, Como, and Orta. A balance of flavorful food, unforgettable scenery, and easy days are yours on this exploration with Private Italy Tours.
Itinerary
Please note this itinerary indicates a typical tour with us. Some dates and destinations are subject to change to support the highest quality tour possible.
- Day One: Arrival. Private transfer from Milano Malpensa Airport to a gorgeous villa on the shores of a lake north of Stresa on Lago Maggiore. Welcome dinner.
- Day Two: Open morning. Group lunch in Stresa. Afternoon visit to the historic lakeside Convent of Santa Caterina.
- Day Three: Borromeo Islands – Isola Bella and Isola Pescatori using private launch. Lunch on Isola Pescatori.
- Day Four: Private guided tour of Lago Como, including the Villa Carlotta, city of Como, and the village of Bellagio.
- Day Five: Private guided tour in Milan to include the Duomo, Galleria, La Scala, and visit to Leonardo’s Last Supper.
- Day Six: Mid-morning cooking class above Lake Maggiore with lunch. Open evening.
- Day Seven: Lago Maggiore Express: Ferry to Locarno and return by Centovalli train through the Alpine foothills.
- Day Eight: Private guided tour of Lago Orta and Isola San Giulio.
- Day Nine: Easy day excursion to a small, family-owned and operated winery in the Novaresi Hills, not far from the villa
- Day Ten: Day excursion to Lago Lugano with lunch aboard lake ferry. Open time in Lugano in the afternoon.
- Day Eleven: Transfer from Lago Maggiore to the city of Bologna. Check in to four-star hotel near city center.
- Day Twelve: Private guided tour of the city center of Bologna. A light lunch will be served during the tour. Afternoon open.
- Day Thirteen: Day excursion to Parmigiano, Prosciutto, and Balsamic producers north of Bologna.
- Day Fourteen: Day excursion to the Byzantine city of Ravenna. Group farewell dinner in Bologna.
- Day Fifteen: Guests depart early for Bologna Marconi Airport and return flights.
Details
Included Services
- Meet-and-greet at Milan Airport with private transportation from the airport to the villa
- Accommodations along the shores of Lago Maggiore in a lovely villa
- Private guides throughout the tour to add additional perspective to your time in the Lake Region
- Breakfast and dinner most days at the villa, prepared by the villa’s cook
- Easy walking access to the lakeside village near the villa
- Museum tickets for those sites which require advance booking
- Private modern van transportation throughout for day trips in the area/region
- Private transportation to the villa from Milan Malpensa airport (or Centrale Station)
- Four-star hotel accommodations while in Bologna