Escorted Northern Italy Holiday: Lakes, Trains & Rivieras
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Exclusive tours & unique experiences
Explore the captivating landscapes and rich culture of Northern Italy on this guided adventure. Begin in Milan, then journey through Lake Maggiore, the Italian and French Rivieras, the Tuscan coast, and Venice, before returning to Milan. Along the way, take the scenic Centovalli Train, and enjoy visits to Lake Como, Nice, Monaco, Portofino, Bologna, and Verona. With city tours, transportation, a tour manager, daily breakfast, 4 dinners, and more, this is the perfect way to experience the magic of Northern Italy!
This is an escorted tour, perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as possible. Extra benefits include:
- Stress-free: Everything is planned – transportation, accommodations, tours, many meals, and more.
- Make friends: Travel with a group of like-minded passengers
- Insider knowledge: Expert tour guides with prime understanding of the area’s culture and safest travel routes.
What's Included
- 9 nights accommodation in Italy, in the following hotels or similar:
- 3 nights in the Lake Maggiore area (Verbania) at Hotel Belvedere San Gottardo
- 2 nights on the Italian Riviera (Alassio) at Grand Hotel Spiaggia
- 1 night in the Versilia area at Zen Hotel Versilia
- 2 nights in the Venice area (Mestre) at Smart Hotel Holiday Venice
- 1 night near Milan at AC Hotel Milan Sesto
- Tours & Tastings
- Full-day excursion to Lake Como with ferry ride, including free time in Bellagio
- Full-day excursion to the Centovalli train (scenic rail trip from Domodossola, Italy to Locarno, Switzerland including panoramic carriage)
- Visit to the Langhe area with Barolo wine tasting (en-route from Lake Maggiore area to Alassio)
- Full-day excursion to the French Riviera including Nice and Monaco with local guide
- Visits to Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure, via boat ride from Rapallo (en-route from Alassio to Versilia)
- Visit to Bologna including 2-hour tour with local guide and lunch at a restaurant (en-route from Versilia to Venice area)
- Lunch includes typical dish of Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, glass of wine and water
- Excursion to Venice by train and return boat ride including 2 hour tour with local guide*
- Visit to Verona including 2-hour tour with local guide (en-route from Mestre to Milan area)
- Transportation, Meals & More
- Transfers to/from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) on arrival and departure
- 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
- Coach transportation as needed throughout the trip**
- Local English-speaking tour manager at the group's disposal throughout the trip
- Headsets throughout the trip to hear the tour guides clearly
- 24-hour emergency telephone support via the local office in Italy
Not Included:
- Venice access fee (€5 per person)*
- Local city taxes (apx. €2-4 per person, per night and must be paid directly to hotels in destination)
- Porterage at hotels
- Entrance fees/meals other than those mentioned above
- On nights that dinner is included, drinks are at additional cost
- Gratuity (Suggestions below but note exceptional circumstances may warrant a higher tip)
- €3 per person for local guides on half-day tours, €5 on full-day tours
- €5 per person per day for drivers
- €5 per person per day for Tour Director
*The city of Venice requires visitors to pay an access fee prior to their visit. Passengers are responsible for completing the online registration individually and must be able to present a QR code if required. Please see this page for further details.
**Passengers are asked to limit themselves to one full-size piece of luggage and one personal item (i.e handbag, small tote bag, camera bag) per person. Vehicle type depends on final group size, Wi-Fi/restrooms on board cannot be guaranteed.
Please Note: This is fully escorted group tour with a maximum of 50 passengers. Departures are guaranteed.
Great Ways to Explore
Visit multiple bucket list Italian cities in one trip.
Enjoy day trips to both Switzerland and France.
Discover Northern Italy's history and culture through guided tours.
Stay in comfortable 4-star hotels.
Taste authentic, regional dishes throughout Italy.
Experience the charm of Northern Italy on this 9-night escorted tour! Begin in Milan, where you'll spend 3 nights immersing yourself in the stunning Lake District while staying at a 4-star hotel. During your stay, enjoy a full-day tour of Lake Como with ample free time in Bellagio, then enjoy the picturesque Centovalli train ride from Italy to Switzerland.
Next, head to the Italian Riviera for a 2-night stay, stopping in the Langhe region for a delightful Barolo wine tasting. Cross the border into France for a day trip to the glamorous French Riviera, where you'll visit Nice and Monaco.
As you travel to the Tuscan coast, pause in Rapallo and set sail to the breathtaking Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure. On your way to Venice, take a break in Bologna before discovering the enchanting canals of Venice and enjoying a glass of wine in Piazza San Marco. Before returning to Milan, make a stop in Verona to conclude your Italian adventure with one final unforgettable evening.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- 9 nights accommodation in Italy, in the following hotels or similar:
- 3 nights in the Lake Maggiore area (Verbania) at Hotel Belvedere San Gottardo
- 2 nights on the Italian Riviera (Alassio) at Grand Hotel Spiaggia
- 1 night in the Versilia area at Zen Hotel Versilia
- 2 nights in the Venice area (Mestre) at Smart Hotel Holiday Venice
- 1 night near Milan at AC Hotel Milan Sesto
- Tours & Tastings
- Full-day excursion to Lake Como with ferry ride, including free time in Bellagio
- Full-day excursion to the Centovalli train (scenic rail trip from Domodossola, Italy to Locarno, Switzerland including panoramic carriage)
- Visit to the Langhe area with Barolo wine tasting (en-route from Lake Maggiore area to Alassio)
- Full-day excursion to the French Riviera including Nice and Monaco with local guide
- Visits to Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure, via boat ride from Rapallo (en-route from Alassio to Versilia)
- Visit to Bologna including 2-hour tour with local guide and lunch at a restaurant (en-route from Versilia to Venice area)
- Lunch includes typical dish of Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, glass of wine and water
- Excursion to Venice by train and return boat ride including 2 hour tour with local guide*
- Visit to Verona including 2-hour tour with local guide (en-route from Mestre to Milan area)
- Transportation, Meals & More
- Transfers to/from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) on arrival and departure
- 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
- Coach transportation as needed throughout the trip**
- Local English-speaking tour manager at the group's disposal throughout the trip
- Headsets throughout the trip to hear the tour guides clearly
- 24-hour emergency telephone support via the local office in Italy
Not Included:
- Venice access fee (€5 per person)*
- Local city taxes (apx. €2-4 per person, per night and must be paid directly to hotels in destination)
- Porterage at hotels
- Entrance fees/meals other than those mentioned above
- On nights that dinner is included, drinks are at additional cost
- Gratuity (Suggestions below but note exceptional circumstances may warrant a higher tip)
- €3 per person for local guides on half-day tours, €5 on full-day tours
- €5 per person per day for drivers
- €5 per person per day for Tour Director
*The city of Venice requires visitors to pay an access fee prior to their visit. Passengers are responsible for completing the online registration individually and must be able to present a QR code if required. Please see this page for further details.
**Passengers are asked to limit themselves to one full-size piece of luggage and one personal item (i.e handbag, small tote bag, camera bag) per person. Vehicle type depends on final group size, Wi-Fi/restrooms on board cannot be guaranteed.
Please Note: This is fully escorted group tour with a maximum of 50 passengers. Departures are guaranteed.
Visit multiple bucket list Italian cities in one trip.
Enjoy day trips to both Switzerland and France.
Discover Northern Italy's history and culture through guided tours.
Stay in comfortable 4-star hotels.
Taste authentic, regional dishes throughout Italy.
Experience the charm of Northern Italy on this 9-night escorted tour! Begin in Milan, where you'll spend 3 nights immersing yourself in the stunning Lake District while staying at a 4-star hotel. During your stay, enjoy a full-day tour of Lake Como with ample free time in Bellagio, then enjoy the picturesque Centovalli train ride from Italy to Switzerland.
Next, head to the Italian Riviera for a 2-night stay, stopping in the Langhe region for a delightful Barolo wine tasting. Cross the border into France for a day trip to the glamorous French Riviera, where you'll visit Nice and Monaco.
As you travel to the Tuscan coast, pause in Rapallo and set sail to the breathtaking Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure. On your way to Venice, take a break in Bologna before discovering the enchanting canals of Venice and enjoying a glass of wine in Piazza San Marco. Before returning to Milan, make a stop in Verona to conclude your Italian adventure with one final unforgettable evening.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Italy!
Upon arriving in Milan, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel in the Lake Maggiore region. In the evening, join your tour guide for a briefing on the exciting experiences that await you during your stay.
Transfer from Milan Airport to Lake Maggiore Hotel
Check-in - Hotel Belvedere San Gottardo
Hotel Belvedere San Gottardo is a 4-star hotel located on the lakefront. The hotel features a bar and restaurant that serves authentic Italian delicacies. Guests have access to the hotel's breakfast buffet and the terrace which features panoramic views of the mountains and Lake Maggiore.
Guest rooms have a private bathroom with a bidet, hair dryer, and complimentary toiletries. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a TV, minibar, desk, phone, safe, and patio. Additionally, limited room service is available.
The hotel is just a short 10-minute walk from the city center of Pallanza. Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto is a 5-minute drive from the hotel and Villa Pallavicino Park is a 36-minute drive from the hotel.
Day 2. Lake Maggiore
In the morning, a private coach will transport you to the breathtaking Lake Como. You'll have time to take in the lake's splendour before boarding a ferry from Tremezzo to Bellagio. There, you'll have ample opportunity to explore Bellagio, enjoy lunch, and see the sights.
Lake Como, also known as Lario, is the deepest lake in Europe, plunging around 414 metres into the earth and resembling an inverted 'Y'. The lake boasts a captivating blend of varied landscapes and cultures. Its beauty and distinctive charm have long captivated visitors, leading to the creation of numerous exquisite villas, parks, and gardens around its shores.
Day 3. Lake Maggiore (with day tour to Switzerland!)
Today, you'll enjoy the stunning scenery as you travel to Domodossola. From there, take a picturesque train to Locarno, Switzerland. The Centovalli Train ride is a delightful experience, offering spectacular views of the Italian and Swiss Alps. You'll have full access to the panoramic carriage (included), so don’t forget to capture plenty of photos of the breathtaking landscapes along the way.
Day 4. Lake Maggiore - Italian Riviera
Your journey continues with a stay on the Italian Riviera, but first, you'll pause in the Langhe region to visit a winery for a tour and a tasting of Barolo wine.
Nestled in Piedmont, the Langhe region is celebrated for its rolling hills, medieval castles, and world-renowned wines, particularly Barolo and Barbaresco. The tour includes a visit to the vineyards, where you'll gain insight into grape cultivation and the distinctive terroir of the Langhe area.
This evening, savour an included dinner at your hotel.
Check-in - Grand Hotel Spiaggia
Grand Hotel Spiaggia is a 4-star hotel with a private beach. Guests can enjoy the hotel's panoramic rooftop complete with a garden, pool, jacuzzi, and a solarium.
Other amenities include a game room, library, and gym. Guests can dine at the hotel's sea-view restaurant which serves regional and national meals (vegetarian options available), and relax with a cocktail at the bar.
Guest room amenities include a private bathroom with a bidet, hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, TV, desk, safe, and room service.
Riviera Airport is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, and Alassio Train Station is a quick 18-minute walk away.
Day 5. Italian Riviera (with day tour to France!)
Today, you'll cross the border into France for a full-day tour of Nice and Monaco. In Nice, you'll marvel at the stunning blue waters of the Côte d'Azur, drive along the harbour, pass the luxurious Hotel Negresco, and have the chance to explore the vibrant flower market.
Next, you'll head to glamorous Monaco, the city-state on the Mediterranean Sea. Monaco is renowned not only for its fascinating history but also for its casino, opulent yachts, and charming old town, complete with a palace and cathedral. This is undoubtedly the place to "see and be seen."
Afterward, return to your hotel and enjoy another included dinner this evening.
Day 6. Italian Riviera - Versilia
Today, you'll journey from the Italian Riviera to the Tuscan coast, with a stop in Rapallo where you'll board a boat to Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure.
A scheduled boat will take you on a short trip to Portofino, one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the Mediterranean. You'll be enchanted by the picturesque scenery of this famous town, where colourful fishing boats bob alongside luxurious yachts, and quaint cafés invite you to pause and soak in the atmosphere. A brief boat ride will then bring you to Santa Margherita, where you can stroll along the elegant promenade and admire the endless views.
Later today, you'll arrive at your hotel near Versilia, where you can unwind and prepare for another day of sightseeing tomorrow. Dinner is included this evening.
Check-in - Zen Hotel Versilia
Zen Hotel Versilia is a 4-star hotel in the center of the city. Guests can enjoy everything from fine seafood dishes to an extensive Italian wine list at the hotel's restaurant.
There is a panoramic rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi pool, and guests have the option to rent a bike from the front desk to explore the city.
Guest rooms have a private bathroom with a bidet, hairdryer, and slippers. Other amenities include air conditioning, a TV, balcony, minibar, safe, phone, desk, and room service.
Pisa International Airport is a 30-minute drive from the hotel and Spiaggia del Tonfano Beach is a short 16-minute walk from the hotel.
Day 7. Versilia - Venice
Today, you'll make your way towards Venice, with a stop in Bologna en route. Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of Bologna, followed by a lunch featuring Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, accompanied by a glass of wine and water.
Bologna is home to one of the most beautiful and well-preserved old towns in Europe, with numerous medieval towers and around 40 km of arcades — covered arched passageways — linking its extensive city centre. Your tour will take you through this historic university town, showcasing the famous "degli Asinelli" and "della Garisenda" towers, the Cathedral of San Petronio, and the Fountain of Neptune.
Later today, you'll arrive in the Venice area.
Check-in - Smart Hotel Holiday
Staying at the Smart Hotel Holiday near Venice is an experience that marries modern technology with the charm of this historic city. The hotel offers stylish, well-appointed rooms featuring smart controls for lighting and temperature, ensuring personalized comfort. Guests can enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi and smart TVs, making it easy to stay connected and entertained.
The hotel's restaurant serves a delicious blend of Venetian and international cuisine, perfect for indulging after a day of exploration.
Located conveniently near public transportation, the hotel provides easy access to Venice's iconic landmarks, including St. Mark's Square and the Grand Canal. With a dedicated concierge service, guests can effortlessly arrange tours and activities tailored to their interests.
Day 8. Venice
Today, you'll be transferred to the heart of Venice by train and boat. Discover the romantic city of canals with a guided tour. Your journey begins at the Doge's Palace, from where you'll venture out to explore the most significant sights between St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge, including a breathtaking view of the Grand Canal.
A Tip For Your Trip: The city of Venice may require visitors to pay an access fee prior to their visit. Passengers are responsible for completing the online registration individually and must be able to present a QR code if required. Refer to Venice City Access Information for details.
Day 9. Venice - Milan
Today marks your final full day in Italy! As you make your way towards Milan, you'll stop in Verona for a 2-hour guided tour of the city. After Venice, Verona is the most important city of art in Veneto and the second-largest Roman settlement in Italy.
Your guide will take you through Piazza Brà, where you'll admire the impressive Roman amphitheatre, stroll along the elegant Via Mazzini shopping street, and explore the charming old town. You'll immerse yourself in the rich history, art, and vibrant life of this world-famous city of love before continuing on to your final destination near Milan.
This evening, join your fellow travellers in a celebratory toast as you enjoy an included dinner, marking the end of your unforgettable Italian adventure.
Check-in - AC Hotel Milan Sesto
The AC Hotel Milan Sesto offers a sleek and modern retreat in the heart of Milan's bustling Sesto San Giovanni district. The hotel features contemporary design elements, creating an ambiance that is both sophisticated and welcoming.
Each room is equipped with luxurious amenities, including plush bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs, ensuring a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy a range of dining options at the hotel's on-site restaurant, which serves delicious Italian cuisine and international dishes.
The fitness center is well-equipped, allowing guests to maintain their workout routine during their stay. Business passengers will appreciate the state-of-the-art meeting facilities, perfect for hosting events and conferences.
With its convenient location near public transportation, the AC Hotel Milan Sesto offers easy access to Milan's top attractions, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure passengers.
Day 10. Depart Italy
Your incredible escorted Italy tour has unfortunately come to an end. Say goodbye to your tour group and take your comfortable transfer to the airport.
Transfer from hotel to Milan Airport
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