“Italy is the last country where people savor the joy of living.”
This extraordinary tour will take you to some of the most famous Italian locations. All of them gems in themselves and so different one from the other. You will visit places like Como Lake, Venice, and Verona. Sites visited repeatedly and yet, are always found delightful, with the capacity to inspire, amaze, and awe the visitor every single time. Like the famous writer wrote many years ago:
‘Venice is a place that ‘grows upon you every day. There seems to be always something to find out in it. There are the most extraordinary alleys and by-ways to walk about in. You can lose your way (what a comfort that is, when you are idle!) twenty times a day if you like; and turn up again under the most unexpected and surprising difficulties. It abounds in the strangest contrasts; things that are picturesque, ugly, mean, magnificent, delightful, and offensive, break upon the view at every turn.’― Charles Dickens.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Milan – Venice
This tour is ideal for someone who wants to enjoy Italy and the Italian Swiss area without haste. Prepare to enjoy Italy in the way Italians do: savoring the surroundings and stopping often to chat, drink coffee, or taste a gelato. Expect slow walking, and enjoy the Italian “dolce vita”. Because of the slow pace, it is ideal for visitors who will not enjoy a lot of walking or physical strain.
Finally, let us know if you have special needs before booking. Though we can not guarantee we will satisfy every request, we will work hard to exceed your expectations. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions for all the details concerning our trips. By booking with L4travel you are agreeing to adhere to and accept our Terms and Conditions.
Get comfortable and board your overnight flight to Milan! We will meet you there!
Welcome to Milan! Upon arrival, you’ll be taken via private transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, your tour guide will lead you on a walking tour of Milan’s most iconic sites. Milan, like many Italian cities, is rich in history and culture. Our exploration will start at the Duomo, the stunning Gothic cathedral, continue with a visit to the elegant Vittorio Emanuele Gallery, and then take you to the historic Sforza Castle. You’ll have the evening free to enjoy the city at your leisure, allowing you to discover more of Milan’s vibrant atmosphere and perhaps indulge in its culinary delights.
BREAKFAST
Today, departure to visit the Lake of Como. The beauty of Lake Como has been shining for centuries. Its honorary titles include ‘Most Requested Destination of the Aristocratic Gran Tour’ (19th century) and ‘Most Beautiful Lake in the World’ (2014). Across the centuries, numerous celebrities have made the lake their home, and it has been the set of multiple movies.
You will meet our local tour guide here and visit some of the top attractions of Como, including the Cathedral and the medieval city walls and towers. Weather permitting, you can’t miss crossing the lake with a traghetto to Bellagio, the most famous town on the lake. Otherwise, visit other areas of the lake that can be reached by bus, like Villa Carlotta and Menaggio. Bellagio is called the Pearl of Lake Como. It is famous for its villas, and its small yet charming alleys, full of shops, boutiques, and restaurants. We will spend the rest of the day visiting this town at our leisure and finish the day with a dinner in a local trattoria.
BREAKFAST
After breakfast, you will depart for a visit to Bergamo, a charming city located just a short distance from Milan. Known for its stunning medieval architecture, Bergamo is divided into two parts: the Città Alta (Upper City) and the Città Bassa (Lower City).
Your exploration will begin in the Città Alta, perched on a hill and surrounded by Venetian walls. Start at Piazza Vecchia to admire the Palazzo della Ragione and Contarini Fountain, then wander through the narrow cobblestone streets. Don’t miss the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, renowned for its beautiful frescoes, and the nearby Colleoni Chapel, a gem of Renaissance architecture.
After soaking in the rich history, you can take the funicular to the Città Bassa, where a more modern atmosphere awaits with vibrant shops and restaurants. Enjoy lunch at a local trattoria, sampling regional specialties. Before departing Bergamo to return to Milan, take a moment to capture the breathtaking views from the hilltop.
BREAKFAST
After breakfast, visit Verona, made famous by Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and The Taming of the Shrew. It is unknown if Shakespeare ever visited Verona or Italy, but his plays have lured many visitors to Verona and surrounding cities. The city has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its urban structure and architecture. It has one of the nicest medieval centers in Italy. We will visit the historic Verona with a tour guide on foot, where we will find Juliet’s balcony, the Arena (outside), and Piazza Delle Erbe, once the city’s Roman forum.
After our lunch, there will also be time to do the shopping and visit the city at our own pace.
BREAKFAST
After breakfast, we will depart to visit Venice. The next two days will be dedicated to visiting this unique city, ranked as the most beautiful (and romantic) city in the world. There is truly no place on earth like Venice. This city, built on the waters of the Adriatic Sea is dreamlike with its elaborate architecture, art-filled palaces, a palpable history that dates back over 1,000 years, and its network of picturesque canals. Venice consists of a tight cluster of islands around the Grand Canal, an iconic waterway plied by gondolas, water taxis, and canal boats. Since there are no cars in the city, we will walk or take a boat to see its many sites.
We will start by visiting Piazza San Marco and the surrounding areas, including the Duomo and Rialto Bridge. Our tour guide will be sharing with us some of the history and sights of this extraordinary city. Then, we will enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the local restaurants. The rest of the day will be dedicated to enjoying Venice on your own, maybe taking a gondola trip, exploring its many channels, or doing some shopping.
BREAKFAST
After breakfast, take the Vaporetto to visit Murano, an island near Venice famous for its unique glass production. Although very close to Venice, the atmosphere in Murano is totally different. Stepping off the boat brings us to a different world: a quieter, almost melancholic island, complete with its own Grand Canal, fascinating glass shops, and romantic sidewalk cafes. Murano has been occupied since Roman times, and each century brought its own architectural style to the island. We will watch a blowing glass demonstration and visit the island.
Afterward, we will continue to visit Burano, a small island known for its lacework and brightly colored houses. In the evening, we will meet to celebrate a special farewell dinner in Venice.
BREAKFAST
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Airport in Venice (if needed) for your return flight home!
Buon Viaggio ed a presto!
