8-Day The Northern Lakes and Milan Experience Tour from Milan: Bellagio, Bergamo, Verona, Franciacorta and Lake Garda

Experience the vibrant and sophisticated city of Milan, and Northern Italy’s charme, with our 8-day tour that will take you through the city's highlights and surrounding areas. With a perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, you'll get to explore the best that Milan and its neighboring towns have to offer.

【Summary】
Day 1: Milan - Arrival
Day 2: Milan
Day 3: Bernina Express
Day 4: Como, Bellagio, and Bergamo
Day 5: Lake Garda
Day 6: Verona and Franciacorta
Day 7: Milan - Navigli District
Day 8: Milan - Departure

【Itinerary】
Day 1: Milan
Welcome to Milan! Upon arrival at Milan Malpensa Airport, our driver will meet you and transfer you to the hotel where you'll spend the night. Enjoy the day at leisure, exploring the city on your own.


Day 2: Aperitivo in Milan
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your professional local guide and embark on a three-hour walking tour through the heart of Milan. Starting from via Spallanzani, you'll make your way to Porta Venezia, one of the historical gates to the city. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories about the city's past and its famous landmarks. You'll visit the modern art museum GAM, the famous La Scala opera house, and the majestic Milan Cathedral, among other highlights. After the tour, head to a refined bakery for a typical aperitivo (happy hour) to relax and taste some local delicacies. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure before returning to the hotel on your own.

Day 3: Bernina Express
On day three, embark on a journey on board the Bernina Express, known for its stunning alpine views and a World Heritage train. After breakfast at the hotel, meet our driver for a transfer to Tirano, where you'll board the Bernina Express. As the train winds its way over the Alps, occasionally passing through mountain tunnels, and puffing its way past a myriad of towns and villages, a number of highlights will catch your attention. The majestic panoramas of the Italian Alps unfold before you from the comfort of your reserved seat onboard the open scenic carriage of the iconic Bernina Train. Look out at the Swiss Alps as you ride along the Bernina pass to St. Moritz, and then enjoy free time to explore it. Meet your driver to return to Milan and spend the night at the hotel.

Day 4: Como, Bellagio, and Bergamo
After breakfast at your hotel, head to Como, a tourist destination renowned for its proximity to Lake Como and the Alps. Enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the alpine valleys before taking a boat ride to Bellagio, a picturesque village at the intersection of the lake's two southern arms. Spend some time exploring the village's charming streets, luxury hotels, villas, and gardens. Back on board, you will make your way to Tremezzo/ Villa Carlotta where you will meet the driver and begin your journey to Bergamo, a truly historic and artistic jewel characterized by its urban structure: the città bassa (or lower town) is modern and dynamic, while the famous città alta (or upper town) houses the city’s medieval heart. Check-in at your hotel and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5: Lake Garda
After breakfast at your hotel, take a panoramic tour of Lake Garda's west coast, taking in the splendid natural landscape, including the Brenta Dolomites and the gentle slopes of the Moraine Hills of Lower Garda. Enjoy the area's rich vegetation, including lemon trees, oleanders, magnolias, bougainvillea, and be sure to taste some locally made olive oil and wines. Next, head to Sirmione, where you'll see the sun reverberating on the lake's blue waters, the tree-lined shores, Sirmione Castle, as well as the ruins of Catullus's villa during a boat tour. Spend some free time having lunch before departing for Riva del Garda, located on the north side of the lake, and see its quaint Venetian-style historical center. Return to Bergamo for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 6: Verona and Franciacorta
After breakfast, reach "fair Verona," where a local professional will take you on a guided tour of the city's historic and cultural landmarks. See Verona's varied and fascinating past, including traces of its splendid Roman origins, medieval structures, magnificent Renaissance palaces, and impressive fortifications. After the Verona tour, head to Franciacorta, known for its ideal soil for the cultivation of grapes and winemaking. Enjoy a light lunch and wine tasting before heading back to Milan for an overnight stay.

Day 7: Navigli District
After breakfast at your hotel, visit Milan's Fashion District, the epicenter of Italian fashion, and explore the Quadrilatero d'Oro (or Golden Rectangle), lined with prestigious haute couture boutiques. In the afternoon, head to Alzaia-Naviglio Grande and explore Milan's Navigli district with a boat tour included. Cruise along the Naviglio Grande while enjoying an excellent cocktail and delicious snacks. See old typical buildings on the canal, whose ground floors have been converted into bars, restaurants, and art galleries. Navigating upstream, you'll reach one of the oldest churches in the city: San Cristoforo sul Naviglio. Overnight in Milan.

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and say arrivederci to Milan, bringing home unforgettable memories of your Italian adventure.