Highlights
- Float along the canals of Venice with a sunset gondola ride for two
- Spend a full day looking at extravagant villas on an intimate Lake Como boat tour
- Ride a Vespa around the Italian lakes region, from Lake Maggiore to Lake Orta
- Explore the magnificent gardens of Borromeo Palace with a private cruise
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Venice, Sunset & Aperitivo Gondola Ride | Venice |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Varenna, Cooking Demo & Dinner at a Local Home | Varenna |
| Day 3 | Scenic Boat Tour of Lake Como | Varenna |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Stresa, Vespa Tour to Lake Orta | Stresa |
| Day 5 | Borromean Islands Boat Tour | Stresa |
| Day 6 | Free Morning in Stresa, Half-Day Culture & Wine Experience | Stresa |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Milan, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Venice, Sunset & Aperitivo Gondola Ride
Buongiorno and welcome to Venice! This romantic Italian city, famous for its network of canals and charming gondolas, is a romantic start for your Italian vacation. On arrival, take a water taxi directly from the airport to your accommodation in the floating city. En route, you'll get your first taste of the beautiful Venetian canals and historic cityscape. Most of the day is yours to settle in, refresh, and explore on foot.
Close to dusk, you'll board a Venetian gondola for a private sunset canal ride. Step on board and crack the bottle of bubbly Prosecco to sip on while you enjoy this quintessential city activity. Watch the skill of your gondolier, whose forcoles allow them to position oars in different ways. This is how they can navigate these long, slender vessels through Venice's narrow waterways. Sit back and enjoy the ride as the sun sinks into the horizon and the city starts to sparkle.
Day 2: Transfer to Varenna, Cooking Demo & Dinner at a Local Home
This morning, after breakfast, a private driver will collect you for the 3.5-hour drive from Venice to Varenna, one of the most beautiful towns on the edge of Lake Como. On arrival, you'll have a little bit of free time to explore the breathtaking lake, colorful buildings, and elegant villas. Find lunch in town, then if you have time, you could take a walk up to Castello di Vezio for panoramic views over Como.
Later this afternoon, you'll taste beloved family recipes when you connect with a cesarina (home cook) and visit their home. Sitting around their kitchen table, you'll gain an intimate look at Varenna's traditions and learn about the city's culture and cuisine. Your host will give you a private cooking demonstration, then you'll sit down to enjoy a starter, pasta dish, main course, and dessert—all served with local wines and Italian espresso. You'll depart feeling like family, and take an apron and shopping bag home as a souvenir.
Day 3: Scenic Boat Tour of Lake Como
Brilliant Lake Como is famous for its turquoise waters and extravagant villas, so the best way to explore is from the water. Today you'll tour the lake with a private guide, learning about some of the magnificent homes and lush gardens that border the lake, including one owned by George Clooney! Between Torno and Blevio, your guide will show you a handful of pretty little villages with tall bell towers that line the shore. Then you'll pass by the island of Comacina, the only island in the lake.
This little island, while largely abandoned now, was one of the first established settlements on Lake Como, and activity here predates the Romans. Next, visit the beautiful town of Bellagio, known as the pearl of the lake. You'll stop to wander its pretty streets and little lanes—grab a gelato while here and explore local boutiques and artisan stores. Look up to see the impressive Villa Serbelloni, an extravagant hotel built in the late 19th century that towers above the town. Wander up here for a late lunch or find a quiet café in the town's center.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Transfer to Stresa, Vespa Tour to Lake Orta
The only way to make exploring the Italian lakes more romantic is with a Vespa—and today you'll be renting one to see Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. This morning, after breakfast, a private driver will transfer you two hours to Stresa, on the edge of Lake Maggiore. Here you'll grab the keys to an Italian Vespa and set off to discover the beauties of the most romantic and picturesque lake in Italy. From Stresa, you'll carve a path along winding roads toward Lake Orta.
With the wind in your hair, admire the lakeside landscapes, mountains, and beautiful villages en route to Pella. Park up and take a walk around town, then sit down for a traditional three-course lunch by the water. After, take a motorboat to Isola San Giulio, also known as the "Island of Silence." From here, take another boat to the medieval village of Orta. Return the same way to Pella, then ignite the engine of your Vespa and drive back to Stresa for the evening.
Day 5: Borromean Islands Boat Tour
You can't visit Lake Maggiore without dedicating at least one day to the Borromean Islands. Stresa is the perfect launch point, so after breakfast, you'll board a boat for a unique island-hopping tour to discover the extravagant palaces and magnificent botanical gardens. A private boat will take you to Isola Bella, a small island dominated by a Baroque palace and its opulent Italian-style garden, both owned by the Prince of Borromeo.
Day 6: Free Morning in Stresa, Half-Day Culture & Wine Experience
Stresa is a true gem set on Lake Maggiore, and this morning is yours to explore the stunning villas, parks, gardens, and the flowery lakeside promenade. After breakfast, take a walk along the waterfront to admire the snowcapped Alps in the distance, the ever-changing vistas of the Borromean Islands, and the reflection of the elegant village in the water. Stop for coffee, eat gelato for morning tea, shop for souvenirs, and find a trattoria for lunch.
This afternoon you'll go off-the-beaten-track on a half-day tour that combines culture, food, and wine. From nearby Baverno, meet your local guide and ride the ferry to Verbania Intra, a quiet yet charming lakeside town on the Borromean Gulf. You'll tour the town, starting in its heart at Piazza Ranzoni, then explore lesser-known sights, such as the Church of San Rocco or the impressive Basilica di San Vittore. After, sit down for a wine tasting at La Casera, accompanied by local cheeses and charcuterie.
Day 7: Transfer to Milan, Depart
It's the final morning of your romantic vacation in Italy. When the time is right, a private driver will collect you for the 50-minute drive to the Milan airport with enough time to check your bags before your departing flight home or onward. Safe travels!
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