6-Day Italian Lakes, Milan With Bernina Express Experience

Imagine gliding through the serene waters of Italy’s iconic lakes, taking in the breathtaking vistas and historic charm that define the region. This 6-day immersive journey promises to transport you to a world of beauty, indulgence, and unforgettable experiences. From the grandeur of Milan’s Duomo to the thrill of riding the Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps, this tour seamlessly blends cultural exploration with natural splendor. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a chance to soak in the essence of Northern Italy, this itinerary is sure to leave you captivated and yearning for more.

Key Points

1. A 6-day tour exploring the Lake District of Northern Italy, including visits to four picturesque lakes: Como, Garda, Maggiore, and Orta.
2. Highlights of the tour include a journey on the Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps, a visit to Bellagio on Lake Como, and a wine tasting in Franciacorta.
3. The tour offers a combination of cultural experiences, such as exploring Milan’s Duomo and Castello Sforzesco, and culinary delights with 5 breakfasts, 3 dinners, and a light lunch with wine tasting.
4. Accommodations are in 4-star hotels, and the tour includes boat rides, a professional guide, and an all-inclusive package with varying city taxes per hotel.
5. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and participants must be physically fit to participate, with a limit of one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

Tour Overview

This 6-day Northern Italian adventure whisks travelers through the captivating Lake District, offering a comprehensive exploration of the region’s serene lakes, charming towns, and rich history.

Guests will visit four stunning lakes – Como, Garda, Maggiore, and Orta – as well as the historic city of Verona.

The tour includes boat rides, 4-star accommodations, a professional guide, and transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.

Meals highlight the local cuisine, with 5 breakfasts, 3 dinners, and a light lunch with wine tasting in Franciacorta.

While city taxes vary by hotel, this all-inclusive package promises an unforgettable immersion in the beauty and culture of Northern Italy.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour kicks off in the stylish city of Milan, allowing guests to explore its famous landmarks like the impressive Duomo di Milano and the historic Castello Sforzesco.

The next day, travelers embark on the stunning Bernina Express journey, winding through the Swiss Alps and reaching the renowned town of St. Moritz.

On day 3, the group discovers the picturesque Lake Como and the charming town of Bellagio before transferring to the medieval city of Bergamo.

The tour continues with visits to the stunning Lake Garda and the historic city of Verona, where guests can explore Juliet’s House and enjoy a wine tasting in the Franciacorta region.

Milan City Tour

Upon arrival in the fashion capital of Milan, guests are whisked off to explore the city’s iconic landmarks. They’ll marvel at the ornate Gothic architecture of the Duomo di Milano, a vast cathedral that took nearly 600 years to complete. Next, they’ll wander the halls of the Castello Sforzesco, a grand Renaissance castle that now houses several museums. After lunch, the group will stroll through the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a stunning 19th-century shopping arcade with a striking glass-domed roof.

Landmark	Description
Duomo di Milano	A Gothic cathedral with ornate architecture
Castello Sforzesco	A Renaissance castle that now houses museums
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II	A 19th-century shopping arcade with a glass-domed roof
Brera District	A charming neighborhood known for its art galleries and cafés

Bernina Express Journey

Leaving the cultural riches of Milan behind, guests embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the Bernina Express.

This engineering marvel climbs through the Alps, offering breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, pristine glaciers, and quaint Swiss villages. The train winds its way up to the summit at Bernina Pass, where travelers can disembark and explore the charming town of Tirano.

After taking in the stunning alpine scenery, the tour continues to the chic resort town of St. Moritz, known for its high-end shopping and sophisticated atmosphere.

This day-long excursion is a highlight of the itinerary, providing a captivating blend of natural beauty and culture.

Lake Como and Bellagio

Departing Bergamo, guests venture forth to explore the enchanting Lake Como, one of Italy’s most renowned natural wonders.

They’ll discover the picturesque town of Bellagio, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Lake." Winding through the charming streets, they’ll admire the quaint shops, boutiques, and historical landmarks.

A leisurely cruise along the lake’s azure waters offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and villas. In Bellagio, they’ll have ample time to savor the local cuisine and perhaps indulge in a lakeside gelato.

This tranquil respite allows travelers to fully enjoy the serene beauty that makes the Italian Lakes region so captivating.

Lake Garda Exploration

Heading to the next stop on their Italian adventure, the group makes their way to the shores of Lake Garda, one of the country’s most captivating natural wonders. Disembarking at the charming town of Sirmione, they explore its medieval castle and Roman ruins. A short drive takes them to Riva Del Garda, where they admire the dramatic mountain backdrop and stroll the promenade. After a scenic boat ride across the lake, they reach the historic city of Desenzano del Garda, marveling at its Venetian architecture and bustling harbor.

Destination	Highlights	Duration
Sirmione	Medieval castle, Roman ruins	1-2 hours
Riva Del Garda	Mountain views, promenade	1-2 hours
Desenzano del Garda	Venetian architecture, harbor	1-2 hours

Verona and Franciacorta

The group now sets their sights on the historic city of Verona, famed for its connections to Shakespeare’s iconic tale of star-crossed lovers.

They’ll explore the charming city, visiting Juliet’s House and its famous balcony.

After, they’ll venture to the Franciacorta wine region for a tasting at one of the local vineyards. Known for its high-quality sparkling wines, Franciacorta offers a delightful respite and the chance to savor the flavors of northern Italy.

From the romance of Verona to the effervescence of Franciacorta, this day promises to be a highlight of the tour, blending culture, history, and the finest regional offerings.

Travel Details and Policies

Travelers on this 6-day Italian Lakes experience begin their journey with a private transfer from Malpensa Airport to their centrally located 4-star hotel in Milan.

The group will travel in a luxury coach, with a maximum size of 50 guests, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Accommodation throughout the tour is in 4-star hotels, subject to availability.

While physical fitness is required, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Guests are allowed one suitcase and one carry-on, with restrictions on oversized luggage.

Confirmation is received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 6 days in advance.

Since You Asked

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Include Venice?

While this tour doesn’t include Venice, travelers could easily extend their trip to visit the iconic city. With some extra planning, they could seamlessly add a few days in Venice to their Northern Italy adventure.

Can Travelers Request a Specific Room Type or Bed Size?

Travelers can request specific room types or bed sizes, though availability may vary. The tour operator will try to accommodate requests, but can’t guarantee certain room configurations. It’s best to inquire about options when booking to ensure your preferences are noted.

What Is the Suggested Attire for the Boat Rides and Wine Tasting?

For the boat rides and wine tasting, the suggested attire is casual and comfortable. Light layers, closed-toe shoes, and sun protection are recommended to enjoy the scenic lakes and vineyards in comfort.

Are There Any Discounts for Seniors or Children on This Tour?

The tour doesn’t seem to offer specific discounts for seniors or children. However, travelers should check with the tour operator as they may have flexible pricing options or deals available. Discounts aren’t highlighted in the overview, but it’s worth inquiring.

Can Travelers Adjust the Itinerary to Spend More Time in a Particular Location?

Travelers can generally adjust the itinerary to spend more time in a particular location, subject to availability and tour guide approval. The tour offers some flexibility, allowing guests to customize their experience to their interests.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the captivating landscapes of Northern Italy on this 6-day journey. From the serene lakes to the majestic Bernina Express, this experience offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, scenic wonders, and culinary delights. Discover the enchanting charm of this region and create lasting memories amidst the breathtaking vistas that will leave you enchanted.