Highlights
- Learn to make pasta like an Italian in a Milanese cooking class
- Cruise past the luxurious gardens and villas of Lake Como
- Play in the water and theme parks of Lake Garda
- Bike through the Valle del Mincio for a garden picnic
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Milan, Guided Tour of the City | Milan |
| Day 2 | Cooking Class, Drive to Lake Como, Bellagio & Villas Boat Tour | Lake Como |
| Day 3 | Free Day to Explore Lake Como | Lake Como |
| Day 4 | Drive to Lake Garda, Boat Tour to Sirmione | Lake Garda |
| Day 5 | Free Day to Explore Lake Garda | Lake Garda |
| Day 6 | Sigurtà Park Bike Rental & Picnic | Lake Garda |
| Day 7 | Depart Milan |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Milan, Guided Tour of the City
Benvenuti in Milano! Arrive at one of Milan's two international airports, pick up your rental car, and drive to your downtown accommodation. Famous as the epicenter of Italy's sophisticated fashion and the north's industrial and commercial hub, the city is known as the non-official capital of Italy, the place where everything happens. Milan is also a curious mix of old and new; many of the city's old buildings and monuments were destroyed during World War II, and the more recent modern architecture gives Milan a sophisticated vibe.
You'll get to see all this for yourself on this afternoon's private guided walking tour. You'll start at the Piazza del Duomo, where the 14th-century Milan Cathedral is an arresting sight. Built over six centuries, it's Italy's second-biggest cathedral and one of the largest in the world. Other notable sights you'll see include La Scala Opera House, the Pirelli Tower, and the medieval Castello Sforzesco. End the tour with a chance to see Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" at the Santa Maria della Grazie monastery, where you'll need to book your slot well ahead of time.
Day 2: Cooking Class, Drive to Lake Como, Bellagio & Villas Boat Tour
A trip to Italy wouldn't be complete without learning to make at least one homemade pasta dish, and this morning, you'll spend three hours in the company of a talented local chef doing just that. You'll learn how to to transform flour and eggs into different pasta shapes and silky smooth strands before getting to work on your preferred sauce such as fresh pesto, ragù, or burro e salvia (butter and sage). At the end of the workshop, sit down with your fellow chefs and enjoy your creations, accompanied by a selection of drinks, including craft beers and local wines.
After lunch, it's time to hit the road and begin your tour of the Italian Lakes, starting with Lake Como. It's roughly a one-hour drive from Milan, and you'll pass plenty of beautiful towns and villages along the way. If you're not in a rush, interesting stops along the way include the Alfa Romeo Museum and the famous Spina Verde Regional Park. Arrive at your hotel, and after a refresh, it's time to head out and explore some of the area's most scenic spots on a guided boat cruise along the lake.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Free Day to Explore Lake Como
Today, you have a free day to explore Lake Como at your own pace. Stay local and focus your sightseeing in Como town, where you'll find the Gothic 14th-century Cathedral of Como and 12th-century Basilica di San Fedele. The lakeside promenade is a popular spot to take in the sweeping lake views and cool off with a gelato.
Alternatively, catch a ferry and visit Varenna, a delightful, picturesque village just east of Bellagio. There are fewer tourists and a wonderful, laid-back vibe. Follow the promenade that follows the lake and head to Villa Monastero and the botanical gardens, then pop into one of the lakeside bras for an Aperol spritz as the sun starts to dip. If you're keen to explore more of the nearby area, Lecco and Menaggio are both lovely towns worth a visit.
Day 4: Drive to Lake Garda, Boat Tour to Sirmione
Today marks the second leg of your road trip with a 2.5-hour drive east to Lake Garda. The largest of Northern Italy's lakes, Garda is bordered by Alpine mountains and the rolling hills and vineyards of the Veneto and Lombardy. Your destination is Sirmione, one of southern Garda's destination spots. The town is perched on a peninsula jutting out from the southern shores of the lake and has been captivating visitors for centuries thanks to its therapeutic thermal springs and wonderfully preserved medieval castle, Castillo Scaligera.
There'll be plenty of time to explore the town later, but this afternoon is dedicated to a three-hour tour of the western lake, with stops at Salò, Garda Island, and Gardone. Be sure to pack your swimming things as you'll have the option to cool off with a dip in Garda's beautifully crystal clear waters straight off the boat. After a cruise around the Sirmione peninsula, you'll head toward the impressive outcropping of Rocca di Manerba before heading to the magnificent Costa Romantica, where you'll find spectacular villas overlooking the lake, surrounded by lush vegetation.
Day 5: Free Day to Explore Lake Garda
Spend today exploring Sirmione and the surrounding area at your own pace. Now is a great time to take a closer look at the town's vast 14th-century fortress, Castillo Scaligera. Wander the ramparts with views out to the lake and across Sirmione, then make your way to the Grotte di Catullo (Grotto of Catullus). The Grotto is a particularly scenic spot, adorned with acres of olive groves that contain the evocative Roman ruins that were once the stately home of the poet Catullus.
Italy's northern lakes are a treasure trove of idyllic lakeside villages, and Garda is no exception. After a morning spent exploring Sirmione, why not catch a ferry to the small town of Malcesine. Perched along the lake and framed by the towering peaks of the Monte Baldo mountain range, the fortress town is filled with labyrinthine cobbled streets that weave from the lakeshore to the Old Town. For epic views across the lake, villages, and mountains, take the cable car ride to nearby Monte Baldo. You'll find several enchanting spots to enjoy a late lunch before returning to Sirmione.
Day 6: Sigurtà Park Bike Rental & Picnic
Today takes you away from the water's edge and into the picturesque landscapes of Valle del Mincio. Your destination is the Sigurtà Garden Park, one of Europe's most beautiful parks, filled with English-inspired fields and rose gardens. The best way to explore Sigurtà is by bike, and upon arrival, you'll receive a guide to the park, along with your rental bike, so you can determine your own route and points of interest. There'll be an opportunity to break for lunch and enjoy a delicious al fresco picnic and relax with a glass of wine while admiring the scenery.
On your return, stop in Borghetto, a medieval village famous for its watermills and scenic glimpses between colored houses and peaceful stretches of water. Spend your last evening strolling through Sirmione's cobbled alleyways to Piazza Carducci, the town's main square. It's a great spot to relax with a glass of the local vino bianco and dine on freshly caught fish from the lake.
Day 7: Depart Milan
After one last cappuccino and pastry at breakfast, it's time to drive to the airport in Milan, drop off your rental car, and catch your flight. Safe travels!
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