Palaces by the Water: Venice & the Lakes of Northern Italy

Over the next two days, you’ll have the chance to properly explore Lake Como. First and foremost a stunning natural landscape, the region also plays host to a number of beautiful houses with elaborate gardens. The city of Como is equally charming, with its old centre, where you can enjoy a martini and some people-watching. If you’re particularly interested in the architectural treasures, you can tour one of the palatial villas which overlook the lake. Two of them even appear in the James Bond film Casino Royale: Villa Balbianello in Lenno and Villa La Gaeta in San Siro. Cruising across the lake on the Concordia steamboat, whose paddlewheels have been pushing it across the lake since 1926, is another means of exploring the area. Alternatively you can hike up to the Sacro Monte di Ossuccio, home to fourteen UNESCO World Heritage-listed Baroque chapels. There are also a selection of beaches dotted along the lake, where you can soak up the sunshine and go for a dip.

This morning you’ll set off from Lake Como and drive to another of the Italian Lakes, Lake Garda. The journey takes about three hours and you’ll be treated to some lovely views along the way. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel for the next two nights and enjoy some more classic Lombardy cuisine. If you wish, you can explore Lake Garda by hiking one of the many trails that traverse the area, or opt to relax at your hotel with a dip in the pool.

Today you’ll discover more of Lake Garda’s treasures. Make your way to the renowned spa town of Sirmione, south of Lake Garda. The small town boasts some impressive architecture and you’ll explore it during a private walking tour with a local expert guide. Visit the imposing Scaliger fortress and the church of Saint Maria Maggiore, complete with preserved frescoes from the 15th and 16th centuries. Enjoy dinner this evening back at your hotel, or take a recommendation for our local Concierge, who is incredibly well-versed in Italian food and wine.

Calling all foodies (and it would be difficult not to be one in Italy), this is the activity for you. Hop in your hire car this morning and drive to Verona, located one-and-a-half hours from Lake Garda. Famed for being the setting of Shakepeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the city has an ever-present romantic feel to it and boasts a rich cuisine, influenced by Venetian flavours. Explore the city and its medieval old town during a private gastronomical walking tour, alongside an expert guide. The has always provided a bounty of high-quality agricultural products, such as delicate olive oil from Lake Garda and excellent local wines. During the tour you’ll visit the Melegatti Palace, where Pandoro is made (a sweet pastry served at Christmas); the Rossi pastry shop; the market of Piazza Erbe and Piazza dei Signori. There will, of course, be tasting opportunities at every stage.

Today you’ll depart from Lake Garda and drive to Venice, which takes just over two hours. Return your hire car at the Santa Lucia Station and transfer by boat taxi to your Venetian hotel. Venice is a truly unique destination and there’s so much to discover along its narrow walkways and winding canals. Best explored on foot or by boat, the city is your oyster this evening; sip on a cocktail at the iconic Harry’s Bar, sample cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at a waterside restaurant or glide along the canal in a gondola as the sun sets.

It’s time to delve deeper into Venice’s history and culture during a walking tour of the city with a private guide. Start at the very beginning by heading to the Grand Canal, before visiting St. Mark's Square, the San Marco Basilica, the Doge's (Duke's) Palace and the Basilica dei Frari. Stop along the way for a coffee and zaletti (Italian cornmeal biscuits) to replenish energy levels, before heading to the Gallerie dell'Accademia, which houses works by Veronese, Canaletto, Tintoretto, Tiziano and Bellini. If you’re a seafood lover, take a stroll around the fish market of Rialto and stop off at a traditional bacari (tavern) for some more cicchetti and wine. End the tour with a gondola ride at Punta della Dogana. As this is your last night in Venice (and Italy), indulging in a plate of risotto al nero di seppia (risotto cooked with cuttlefish ink) – the city’s signature dish – is a must.