Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Italy - Lake Como - Lake Garda - Verona - Venice
100% customisable for you
Your Italian adventure begins today. Head to the airport, zip through security and catch your two-hour flight from the UK to Milan. After landing, collect your hire car, drive a speedy hour-and-a-half to Lake Como and settle into your comfortable hotel.
Sometimes referred to as ‘the jewel of the Italian Alps’, Lake Como merges the Mediterranean’s charm with mountain scenery. Unwind after your travel day with a soothing spa treatment at your hotel, then tuck into a delicious dinner featuring traditional Milanese dishes.
Over the next two days, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Lake Como. Explore elegant houses and wander past their verdant gardens, before heading to Como’s charming historic centre. While you’re here, savour a refreshing martini and enjoy a spot of people-watching. For architecture lovers, grand villas await, while 007 fans can admire Villa del Balbianello in Lenno and Villa La Gaeta in San Siro, both iconic locations featured in Casino Royale.
For a change of perspective, cruise across the lake aboard the Concordia steamboat, whose paddlewheels have been powering it since 1926. Or, hike up to the Sacro Monte di Ossuccio, home to 14 UNESCO-listed Baroque chapels. Ready to unwind? Relax on one of the many beaches dotted along the lake and soak up the sun.
After a tasty breakfast this morning, wave goodbye to Lake Como and hop in your hire car for a picturesque three-hour drive to lovely Lake Garda. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel for the next two nights and enjoy some more classic Lombardy cuisine. Keen to stretch your legs? Walk along Lake Garda’s Sentiero del Ponale (Ponale path), or kick back and relax at your hotel, rounding off your day with a well-deserved dip in the pool.
Today, prepare to discover more of Lake Garda’s tucked-away treasures. Head to the renowned spa town of Sirmione on the lake’s southern tip for a private walking tour with a knowledgeable guide. Learn about the town’s past as you pass the ancient ruins of the Grotte di Catullo and admire the centuries-old thermal springs. Wander through cobbled streets and explore the postcard-perfect boutiques and flower-draped balconies.
In the afternoon, visit the imposing Scaliger Castle and the Church of Saint Maria Maggiore, home to preserved frescoes from the 15th and 16th centuries. Feeling peckish? Enjoy a delicious dinner this evening back at your hotel, or take a recommendation from our well-versed Concierge – whether you’re after a cosy trattoria or a lakeside restaurant, they’ll know the best spots.
Calling all foodies (it’s difficult not to be one in Italy), we have just the destination for you. This morning, hop in your hire car and drive to Verona, just an hour and a half from Lake Garda. Known as the setting for Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, every corner of this city oozes romance, but its charm extends far beyond to its rich and flavourful cuisine…
Explore Verona’s medieval old town during a private foodie walking tour with an expert guide. Visit the Melegatti Palace, home to the famous Pandoro (a sweet pastry served at Christmas), the Rossi pastry shop and the lively markets of Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori. And, of course, there’ll be tasting opportunities at every turn.
Bid farewell to Verona, because Venice’s canals are calling. Drive just over two hours to this floating city, return your hire car at Santa Lucia Station and transfer by water taxi to your sophisticated Venetian hotel.
Stroll along the city’s narrow alleys and lose yourself following its winding waterways. Best explored on foot or by boat, the city is your oyster this evening; sip on a refreshing 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 slowly sets.
It’s your second day in Venice, and time to delve deeper into the city’s rich history and culture on a private walking tour. Start at the Grand Canal, then head to St Mark's Square, before visiting the Doge's Palace and the Basilica dei Frari. Stop along the way for a coffee and zaletti (Italian cornmeal biscuits), before heading to the Gallerie dell'Accademia, home to works by Veronese, Canaletto, Tintoretto, Tiziano and Bellini.
For seafood lovers, Venice’s Rialto fish market is a must-visit. Weave between the busy food stalls and pop into a traditional bacari (tavern) for more cicchetti and wine. Round off your tour with a gondola ride past Punta della Dogana.
This evening, toast to your last night in Venice (and Italy) and indulge in a plate of risotto al nero di seppia (risotto cooked with cuttlefish ink) – the city’s signature dish.
Sadly, your Northern Italian tour has come to an end. Enjoy one final hearty breakfast before being privately transferred to the airport in time for your two-hour flight home.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
