Tripology

Commercial Flight

Board your over­night transatlantic flight.

Upon arrival you will be met at Milan''s Malpensa airport and transferred to your hotel.

Sightseeing

Later, take a walking tour of the city center including views of the gothic Duomo, the 19th-century Galleria and La Scala Opera house.

Food and Dining

Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink at the hotel with your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Hotel

Stay at Crowne Plaza (SF).

Sightseeing

Today head to the Italian Lakes District. Your first stop is at the beautiful town of Stresa to see the idyllic Borromean Islands.

Shopping

Stroll through the shops, looking for Swiss choc­olates and watches.

Sightseeing

There is time to relax or take a boat trip before crossing into Switzer­­land briefly on a visit to the pretty lake­side town of Lugano.

Sightseeing

Later, back in Italy, enjoy a scenic drive around Lake Como. At Ber­gamo, join the “Autostrada” heading to Lake Garda for the next six nights. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Villa Maria (F).

Sightseeing

Head out this morning for a visit to the ancient Roman town of Vicenza to see the Piazza dei Signori and the Corso Andrea Palladio. On via Castel­franco Veneto to Bassano del Grappa, famous for its white brandy and the covered bridge over the Brenta River.

Sightseeing

Later, stop in nearby Marostica, a beautifully preserved 14th century town, before travel­ing back to Lake Garda, where the rest of the day is free. (B)

Sightseeing

An early start today as you ride to magical Venice. On arrival, a private motor launch will take you along the canals, past Palladian palazzos and churches, to St. Mark's Square. See St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Then after watch­ing a demonstration of Murano glass­blowing, enjoy time on your own.

Food and Dining

Why not venture out to the lagoon and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch? Later, a gondola ride would be hard to resist! (B,D)

Sightseeing

A full day at leisure to stroll along the lake­side, take an optional excursion to nearby Mantova to visit the magnificent Palazzo Ducale or simply relax. (B,D)

Sightseeing

Experience the beauty of Lake Garda on an excursion along its shores to Sirmione. Admire the imposing Scaligers' castle before con­­­tinuing to romantic Verona, home of Shake­speare's star-crossed lovers. On a walking tour with a local guide, see the Roman arena and Juliet's balcony.

Shopping

Then there is free time to shop or simply sit in one of the side­walk cafés on the Piazza Bra.

Bus

Later, return to Lake Garda. (B)

Sightseeing

Another full day at leisure in this serene area. Perhaps take a boat trip across the lake or join a full-day optional excursion into the Dolomite Mountains and ride a cable car up one of the mountain peaks for spectacular alpine views.

Food and Dining

Dine at the hotel this evening. (B,D)

Sightseeing

Visit the attractive town of Bergamo this morning. Ascend to the upper, traffic-free section by funicular to see the town's finest build­ings. Then walk to the Piazza del Duomo to admire the 15th- and 16th-century buildings, with time for a cappuccino before returning to Milan.

Food and Dining

This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a festive Farewell Dinner in one of the city's excellent restaurants. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Quark (F).

Bid arrivederci to newfound friends as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight, arriving the same day. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in Europe. (B)