Day 1: Arrival
Welcome to Milan, the fashion capital of Italy! Upon arrival to Milan you are met by your driver and taken to your downtown hotel.

There are no planned activities for you for today day, so you can relax and recover after the flight. If you would like to do some looking around, we suggest visiting the world famous shopping and fashion avenue, Quadrilatero della Moda.

Day 2: Milan Sightseeing  
Following breakfast and check-out you meet your guide at the hotel lobby and have a 3-hour walking tour of Milan to learn more about the city’s history and reputation as a fashion capital.

You start with visiting to world-known Milan Duomo, the Gothic cathedral and the highest sight in the city which took about six centuries to build. Then you walk through nearby-located Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and reach La Scala Theatre. Prepare to be wowed by the prestigious Milan opera house (no entrance is included).

You continue with picturesque Brera district to feel the historical atmosphere of the city. Explore the public areas, with stories of its 15th-century owners ringing in your ears. After all you make a stop at Castello Sforzesco to see history and style combined with Milanese flair.

*Please note: Milan Cathedral is a sacred religious site thus the dress code for visiting it is applied just as when you visit any church in Italy: no shorts – no uncovered knees and shoulders, no backpacks.

*Note: The unique treasure of Milan - Leonardo da Vinci’s legendary fresco “The Last Supper” located in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is not included in the city tour due to its limited availability. Please, ask your travel specialist about available tickets for your tour date.

Following the tour, meet your private driver who transfers you rail station to catch the train to Garda.

Day 2: Arrival in Sirmione
Upon arrival in Desenzano Del Garda you have a transfer to the hotel in Sirmione. Following check-in you have a day at leisure.

Day 3: Sirmione Sightseeing 
Following breakfast in the hotel, meet your private guide at the lobby and embark on a 3-hour walking tour of Sirmione, the "pearl" of Lake Garda with its history dating back to the Roman times.

The first on your list today is visit to the Scaliger Castle, which is the symbol of Sirmione. The views of the castle completely surrounded by water are breathtaking. You also have a chance to admire churches dating back to the 15th century: the small Sant'Anna della Rocca, and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, as well as a church dating back to the 8th century: Church of St Peter in Mavinas. 

During the tour, you get to walk along the shores of Lake Garda and visit a viewing point that offers the best photo opportunities with amazing scenery of Lake Garda and Monte Baldo. 

As a highlight of the tour you visit the Grottoes of Catullus, an archeological park housing remains of an ancient Roman villa, built between the end of the 1st century B.C. and the beginning of the 1st century A.D. This grand villa belonged to the family of Catullus, the neoteric poet of the late Roman Republic.

You also learn about the local thermal spas, known for its amazing preventive and therapeutic properties, that you have a chance to visit.

After the tour, you return back to the hotel.

Day 4: Departure
Following breakfast in your hotel, you check out and meet your private driver for the transfer.

Day 4: Arrival in Como
Upon arrival you have a check-in at the hotel and the rest of the day at your leisure.
 

Day 5: Tour of Como 
Following breakfast in the hotel, you meet with your local guide in the lobby and start your Como tour. Como town boasts several artistic monuments from different historical periods.

During the city tour you see the medieval walls surrounding the historic center, stroll through the ancient streets in the heart of the town, and admire beautiful Romanesque and Baroque churches. You see the Piazza Volta and Piazza Duomo with its charming old Town Hall building and its characteristic bell tower. You also enjoy public boat tour as well as a Como-Brunate funicular ride.

The highlight of the tour is visit of the superb 600-year old Como Cathedral. Nearby is the Palazzo Terragni, an example of the modern rationalist architecture.

After the tour you are guided back to the hotel and have the rest of the day free.
 

Day 6: Departure to Maggiore Lake
Following breakfast in your hotel, you check out and depart from Como.

Day 6: Arrival in Stresa and Islands Tour
Upon arrival in Stresa, meet your driver who takes you to the hotel for check-in. 

In the afternoon meet your private guide at the hotel lobby to take a ferry and explore two stunning Borromean Islands – Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori.  

The Islands are jaw-droppingly beautiful. Loved by Ernest Hemingway and, in more recent times, by the English Royals, this Archipelago is made up of the monumental Isola Bella, with its 17th-Century Palazzo Borromeo, surrounded by scenic gardens, the picturesque Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island).  Admire the beautiful scenery of the lake and visit the superb sights on the islands.

After the tour you return to the hotel and have the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 7: Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto
Following breakfast at the hotel, meet your private driver and have a short transfer to Villa Taranto. 

The lakeside garden was created in the 1930s with thousands of species of trees and flowers from all over the world. 

Meet your private guide and enjoy a 2-hour walking tour inside gardens. 

From spring to autumn there are always flowers in bloom, with “special events” for certain species which are particularly spectacular in their season: the tulip week is in April, dahlias are at their best between July and October. 

After the tour, you are taken back to the hotel in Stresa and the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 8: Departure from Stresa
Following breakfast at the hotel, meet your private driver for a transfer.

Day 8: Arrival in Alba
Upon arrival to Alba hotel you have a check-in at the hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Day 9: Barolo Wine Tour
Following breakfast in the hotel, meet your private driver-guide and explore one of the most panoramic wine routes in Italy. 

Today you have two different Barolo wine tastings, each focused on four types of Barolo wine selected among prestigious vineyards. During the tour you also have a photo stop over the Langhe hills which are part of the 50th UNESCO World Heritage site of Italy.

After a 4-hour tour, you return to your hotel.

Day 10: Departure
After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, meet your driver for the transfer.

Day 10: Arrival in Milan
Upon arrival in Milan, you have a check-in at the hotel and the rest of the day is at your own leisure. You may choose one of our optional tours or continue the exploration of the city at your own pace.

Day 11: Departure
This is the last day of your amazing Italian lakes and Piedmont Tour!  After breakfast your driver meets you at the hotel lobby and takes you to the airport for your flight back home. We wish you a safe flight and hope to work on your future vacations!