The Italian Lakes

Today you will explore upper Lake Garda on a private boat tour. You’ll head to the jetty to meet your private boat and skipper to begin your cruise along the western shore of Lake Garda. Your skipper will explain some of the history of the lake as you head toward Gardonne and Isola del Garda, where you will have a private tour of the villa owned by the Cavazza family.

Positioned in a spectacular location seemingly clinging onto a steep cliff face on Mount Baldo, the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona has drawn pilgrims from the surrounding lands for centuries. Today you can reach the sanctuary via a scenic hike from Brentino Belluno. The hike, which takes around two hours, twists and turns, opening up to spectacular views across the Adige Valley. After your visit, you’ll continue to the town of Spiazzi for a hearty lunch in a local farmhouse before rejoining with your driver.

This morning you will board your train at Desenzano for your first-class journey to Milan before you are transferred over to Lake Maggiore. Relax as you enjoy the rural scenes as you pass through the northern regions of Italy. On arriving, settle into your hotel and enjoy exploring Stresa before dinner at a local restaurant.

Spend the day exploring the beautiful Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore on a private boat tour with your guide. The first stop will be Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands and home to one of the area’s most impressive botanical collections as well as peacocks. Next is Isola Bella complete with a beautiful Baroque palace and grand formal gardens. Your final stop is the island of Isola Superiore, more commonly known as Isola dei Pescatori which literally means fisherman’s island.

Spend the day discovering charming Lake Orta with your guide. Begin your journey at Sacro Monte di Orta, one of the many mountaintop pilgrimage sites scattered across northern Italy, offering stunning views of Lake Orta and the island of San Giulio. From there, descend along a picturesque cobbled path to the medieval, car-free centre of Orta San Giulio by the lake. Enjoy a brief tour through its winding streets to the main square, where you’ll catch a public ferry to the small island of San Giulio. The island is home to a serene community of nuns. After exploring the island, return to the mainland for some free time to wander or grab a gelato.

Your private driver will transfer you to Bellagio on Lake Como. Located at the bottom of a dramatic outcrop of mountains, you will feel immersed in the authentic lakes and mountains of Italy. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets of Bellagio and enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail at one of the lake restaurants and cafés.

There's no better way to explore this magnificent lake than by private boat. Cruise along the glittering shoreline of the lake, studded with picturesque towns and villages. Take in the views of remarkable elegant villas, surrounded by refined gardens. You will stop at Villa del Balbianello, one of the most interesting and unique villas along the shoreline, used by many film directors in films such as James Bond's Casino Royale.

This private bike and food tour will take you through the lakeside village of Bellagio. Renowned for its picturesque houses, steep stone alleyways and grand villas, Bellagio has attracted artists, poets and well-to-do visitors for centuries. You'll explore Bellagio’s history through its streets, such as Limonta, a small hamlet south of Bellagio, and Punta Spartivento, the point on the peninsula of Bellagio, which provides panoramic views of the lake and the alpine background. The last stop is a small café with panoramic views of the lake. There, you’ll be served a tasting of different types of local cheese paired with a glass of wine.

You will be collected from your hotel for your private transfer to Milan Malpensa International Airport, ready for your flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.