Luxuries of Milan and the Lakes District Tour

What to expect on this itinerary
Luxury will be well within reach throughout your idyllic 9-day luxury Italy tour that will highlight the opulent villas, the lavish gardens, and the beautiful waters of the lakes districts. Wander through the gilded galleries of a palace, and then experience the pleasure of stepping into a storybook. From city streets to lakeshores, you will bask in extravagance as you explore it all.
Customizable Itinerary
Milan – Arrive in Milan for a Grand Walking Tour of the Fashionable City
Milan stands as an icon of fashion and creativity, highlighting the modernity of Italy while gaining endless inspiration from the beauty and culture of the past. Sustainable architecture creates a nearly futuristic skyline set against the elegant domes of the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, the latter of which was constructed in the 19th century. Graceful filigree decorates the boutique windows that frame the lavish displays as the sunlight permeates the glass domes that reach nearly 60 feet above the marble flooring. Before exploring it all, your flight will land at Milan’s Malpensa Airport, and your private transfer will await your arrival.
Venture into the heart of the city and find the decadent aroma of espresso drifting out of the corner bars. Locals embody the chic style for which the city is known, and your luxurious hotel is located at the doorstep of the Piazza del Duomo in the heart of the city. Nearby shops showcase the handmade leather goods along Via della Spiga as locals sip espresso at the outdoor tables and enjoy watching the city pass them by. Your guide will greet you in the lobby eager to introduce to you to the impeccable city that begins with the captivating Gothic architecture of the Cathedral.
The edifice was built in the 14th-century with a flamboyant texture that emanates from the nearly 2,250 marble statues. 52 great pillars add to the illustrious skyline, and the interior will glow with stunning stained-glass windows set amidst the lingering aroma of frankincense. The delicate colors were crafted in the 15th and 16th century, and remain some of the largest in the world. After the tour, you will make your way to a renowned restaurant to experience the chic design and indulgent cuisine that are shaped around the daily inspirations of the chef, including a celebrated risotto with raw prawns.
What's Included:
Milan – Discover the Artistic and Cultural Treasures of Milan with a Guide
Baveno – Venture to Lake Maggiore to Explore Baveno and Como at Leisure
Baveno – Traverse Lake Maggiore to Visit Charming Bergamo and Stresa
Sirmione – Relish Time in Fair Verona before Traveling to Lake Garda
Sirmione – Indulge in Elegance Touring Marostica and Bassano del Grappa
Sirmione – Delight in a Gastronomical and Cultural Excursion to Modena
Sirmione – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Explore the beautiful opulence of the private villa on Isola Bella in Lake Maggiore and enjoy the terraced gardens and grand galleries
- Delight in the unique storybook ambiance of Sirmione on Lake Garda as you enter over a moat and walk through the preserved fortress walls
- Revel in the fashionable style and distinctive atmosphere of Milan accentuated by the Gothic cathedral, chic Navigli district, and da Vinci’s Last Supper
- Wander along the lavish flowers and grazing wildlife in the manicured gardens of Villa Pallavicino
- View the life-sized chessboard in Marostica where a biennial game takes place to commemorate a legendary tournament between two noblemen
- Savor the sweet flavor and velvety texture of balsamic vinegar on a private cellar tour in the marvelous city of Modena
- Indulge in the sensational tastes of the celebrated chefs across Northern Italy as each utilizes the ingredients of their region in unique ways
- Discover the simple pleasures and grand history of Verona, home to Roman ruins and the continuing allure of Shakespeare’s heroine Juliet Capulet
Detailed Description
Chic fashion and rich flavor, quiet villages and serene mountain landscapes are all yours to enjoy as your 8-day private Italy tour will take you from the splendor of Milan to the soaring peaks around Lake Maggiore and the storybook towns around the shores of Lake Garda. Enjoy the immersive privacy of touring Italy upon your arrival at Milan’s Malpensa Airport as your private transfer will escort you to your luxurious hotel in the historical city center. Embark on an exclusive walking tour to explore the Gothic cathedral, the hidden neighborhoods, and the vibrant architectural wonders as you arrive in the city.
Wake the next morning and be immersed in the artwork of Milan with a private guided tour to da Vinci’s Last Supper, the La Scala Opera House, and the Castello Sforza Museum. After a leisurely evening, your private transfer will greet you at your hotel the following day and escort you into the foothills of the Italian Alps at Baveno. Take your time to wander the cobbled streets around town before visiting charming Como and the decadent villa on Isola Bella. Your private driver will allow you time to linger as long as you prefer around the enchanting ambiance of Bergamo and Stresa as you discover the Roman ruins, the medieval architecture, and the unforgettable panoramic view from atop Monte Mottarone.
Travel down the mountainside the following day with your private transfer to reach the magnificent city of Verona. Follow your guide through the preserved Roman arena and beauty of the central square of Piazza delle Erbe. Visit the home of Shakespeare’s Juliet before settling in the grand comfort of a hotel in Sirmione on Lake Garda. The next day, you will have a chance to view the medieval culture of the town of Marostica, home to a life-sized chessboard.
Move next to sample the delicious homemade grappa found around the small town of Bassano del Grappa before venturing to the fabulous city of Modena. Relish the splendor of the architecture and sip the legendary balsamic vinegar in a private cellar to learn about the layers of flavor in each drop. Conclude as your private transfer will greet you at your hotel for your return to the Malpensa Airport for your flight home, or continue to find the wonders of an extended private tour organized by one of our Italy travel agents whom we partner with to continue your exploration of Italy.
Starting Price
$7,800 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Verified Traveler Reviews
Based on 6971 reviews
Our trip was absolutely amazing and the planning done by Zicasso's travel company surpassed my expectations. The attention to detail was amazing: from excellent and punctual drivers to assistants who helped us with the water taxis in Venice to the lounge access for trains. It was truly white-glove service that made my trip seamless and allowed me to enjoy every moment because every detail was handled.
The excursions were fantastic. I especially enjoyed the cooking class at a farm in Tuscany and the Vespa tours in Rome. There was a nice mix of private excursions for the walking tours and boat rides, to a few shared excursions, such as the cooking class.
The hotels the travel company booked were chic, boutiquey Italian hotels and each had its own charm (from the former palace in Venice to the castle in Chianti), and we loved them. We would absolutely recommend to anyone booking a trip to Italy!
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Zicasso's team was excellent with planning and execution of the itinerary to meet our specific needs.
I was able to add an additional city on short notice!
We had knowledgeable local city guides and all drivers were professional.
We had a wonderful family trip!
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We had an excellent experience with Zicasso's travel company. We are a family of four and spent 18 nights going through Italy and France. We worked with the company to make arrangements to see the cities and sites we wanted to visit. They offered great options for hotels and activities. They stayed in close contact with us during the trip and made additional arrangements upon request. The company provided outstanding service making arrangements and during the trip. We were very satisified and have already recommended them to our friends.
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I can confidently say that Zicasso's travel specialist is truly dedicated to providing her clients a luxury experience. From the outset, we had a 20-minute call where she wanted to learn about our dream vacation and get to know us. She was attentive to every request we made and organized our itinerary accordingly. During the trip, she texted us daily to inform us about our drivers and guides for the next day. Additionally, she checked to ensure our trip was progressing smoothly.
Here are some highlights:
Rome: We were greeted at the airport by our agent, who expedited our passage through passport control. The following day, we started our exploration at the Vatican. Our agent had purchased our tickets in advance, allowing us to skip the line. She also planned the remainder of our self-guided tours of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and other ancient sights. We accomplished so much in just two days!
Florence: We took part in a pasta-making class with a chef who was fantastic! Her husband was also quite charming. Our experience there was truly wonderful. Special thanks to our driver, who was incredibly helpful and informative.
Sorrento (Amalfi Coast): We began with a visit to Pompeii, where our guide, also arranged by our agent, was spectacular! His passion and extensive knowledge made the experience enjoyable. Next, we had a fun blind wine tasting. When we arrived at our amazing hotel, we were greeted with a surprise.
While in Rome, we encountered a minor issue, which our agent resolved quickly. She even went above and beyond by ordering us a bottle of prosecco to celebrate. We also took a car tour of Positano and Ravello, guided by a local from Ravello who was informative, knowledgeable, and delightful. We loved her! Our day ended with a lovely sunset cruise off the coast! Both days had excellent drivers.
This trip was a dream come true for my husband and me. Without a doubt, our agent made it the luxurious experience we desired. I highly recommend her and her team!
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The trip went very well! Our Zicasso travel specialist did a thorough job planning our vacation to Italy. We would definitely use her again.
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Our trip was a 10 out of 10! There is no way it could have been any better. Zicasso's travel expert and the tour company's team were incredibly responsive (not that we had any issues) and the itinerary was so impeccably curated.
Every greeter, driver, and tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and professional, and hotels were immaculate. It was such a relief to know that every last detail was taken care of and we didn't have to worry about anything.
We highly recommend our travel company and would definitely use them again.
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