Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Italy - The Lakes Region
100% customisable for you
Collect your hire car and drive to the west coast of Lake Maggiore. Enjoy a two-night stay in a palace built in 1870, on the most elegant and private shore of Lake Maggiore, where nobles and aristocrats chose to build their sumptuous villas in the 19th century. The private pier and elegant facade set the tone for this hotel, whose majestic appearance is emphasised by its simplicity and privileged location by the rock face. The gently sloping English gardens lead you to the lakeside. For swimming, there are two options: the beach on sunny days or the indoor pool with Mediterranean decor.
The most famous and definitely one of the most majestic of the Italian lakes. Early 20th century villas are dotted along on its banks, surrounded by lush gardens. The Borromean islands are small, nostalgic paradises with their sumptuous palaces and exotic atmosphere.
Optional - A private boat trip to the Borromean Islands, and a cooking class at the home of an Italian chef followed by a meal.
Drive to Lake Como, first along the south bank of Lake Maggiore and then through beautiful mountain scenery. Enjoy a two-night stay in one of the most decadent Italian palaces - a two-hectare park with century-old trees, finely crafted Art Deco decor, delicious menus, a heavenly spa, not to mention what some call the most beautiful view of the lake.
Included in the itinerary - A private cruise on a vintage Venetian speedboat. An exclusive boat with mahogany hull and slender shape, a unique object constructed in 1961 and owned by your hotel. After being used to transport aristocrats across the Venetian canals, it was restored by local artisans and transported to Lake Como. Sheltered under the peaks of the Prealps, the cruise offers an enchanting spectacle of peaceful and clear water, green shores and tiny colourful villages. From Bellagio to Menaggio through Cadenabbia and Varrena, enjoy the mild climate and local delicacies.
Drive south then east towards Lake Garda via Bergamo (home to Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Accademia Carrarata) and Brescia (home to Duomo Vecchio, Pinacotheque Tosio Martinengo). Enjoy a two-night stay on the western shore of the lake, in a beautifully preserved villa that has retained all its original charm from the days when the international aristocracy would spend their holidays here. The interiors are refined, oozing old-fashioned charm. The terraces sprawl out into the intense azure of the lake, surrounded by hills planted with olive trees, pink laurels, magnolias, cedars and lemon trees.
Not to be missed - Just an hour's drive away, Lake Iseo is dominated by the majestic silhouette of Monte Isola, a small island from where you can enjoy exceptional views of the lake. You can climb to the hermitage of Madonna della Ceriola for the panoramic views, and take a seat at the bar of an osteria to sip a glass of wine.
Also worth seeing - The patinated facades of Salo and the promenade along its shores, the Art Deco villas of Gardone Riviera, the Scaliger fortress in Malcesine, and the vineyards of Bardolino.
Optional - A private visit of the Vittoriale estate, the last home of the poet Gabriele d'Annunzio.
A quick journey to Verona, crossing Lake Garda by boat or bypassing it by road, before venturing to the peaceful and charming small city. With a very different feel from Venice, Verona combines laid-back living and historical heritage. Overnight accommodation in the heart of the city in private apartments, designed with clean lines and contemporary furnishings.
Optional - An opera performance in the arenas as part of the Verona Festival.
Included in the itinerary - Veronese gastronomy. A gastronomical tour with a private guide, discovering cuisine from the generous and original Venetian tradition. The province's diversity has always provided a bounty of agricultural products of extraordinary quality, such as the delicate olive oil of Lake Garda or the excellent wines of the region. Included in the itinerary: the Melegatti Palace which produces Pandoro, the traditional Christmas pastry; the Rossi pastry shop; the market of Piazza Erbe; Piazza dei Signori.
Drive to Milan, return your hire car at the airport and catch your 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
