Italy Lakes Discovery Self-Drive

Upon arrival at Milan Malpensa or Linate Airport, you will collect your hire car and begin your journey. From here, we travel to the Lake Maggiore region, where you will spend the night. Please note this itinerary is a suggested plan; while you may visit the listed sites independently, entrance fees and guided tours are not included. Your first evening is at leisure in the Lake Maggiore area, allowing you to settle in and prepare for the days ahead.

After breakfast, we spend the day exploring Lake Maggiore. From Stresa’s ferry dock, we cross Borromeo Bay to visit the three Borromean Islands. On Isola Bella, we tour the Borromeo Palace, featuring around thirty rooms across two floors, including the recently opened General Berthier Gallery. The island’s ten-terraced baroque garden is among Italy’s finest. Next, we visit Isola dei Pescatori, a small fishing village dating back to the sixth century, known for its narrow streets, quaint shops and lakeside restaurants specialising in local fish. The island also hosts a charming church dedicated to San Vittore. Finally, on Isola Madre, we explore the English-style botanical gardens filled with thousands of plants and flowers, alongside a palace furnished with period pieces and a puppet theatre. The gardens are home to peacocks, pheasants and parrots, creating a lively atmosphere. We return to the Lake Maggiore area for the night.

After breakfast, we depart for Lake Como, a region renowned for its vibrant Mediterranean gardens filled with camellias, oleanders and elegant palm trees set against the lake’s clear blue waters. In Lenno, we visit Villa Balbianello, followed by Villa d’Este in Cernobbio, both celebrated for their stunning architecture and gardens. Next, in Tremezzo, we explore Villa Carlotta, a fine example of Lombard noble living, housing artworks by Canova, Tadolini and Thorvaldsen. From Cadenabbia, near Villa Carlotta, we take a boat transfer with the car to Bellagio, often called ‘the pearl of the lake’. Here, we walk to La Punta Spartivento to admire the lake’s bifurcation and surrounding mountains. We also visit the magnificent gardens of Villa Melzi, including its botanical garden. Later, we continue to Como for a brief city tour, highlighting contrasting architectural styles such as the Duomo with Filippo Juvara’s cupolas and Casa del Fascio, a notable example of Italian rationalism. You may choose to take the funicular to Brunate for panoramic views over Lake Como. By late afternoon, we set off for Lake Garda, where the night is spent in the region of Lake Maggiore.

After breakfast, we depart for Bergamo and take the funicular up to the upper city. Here, we explore the medieval streets before reaching la Rocca, an ancient fortress offering striking views over the lower city and surrounding valleys. We then arrive at Piazza Vecchia, the historic heart of Bergamo, where you can admire the old palaces and the impressive Campanone bell tower. Next, we visit the unique Piazza del Duomo, home to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a fine example of Romanesque art, alongside the Cathedral, Baptistery, and the Renaissance masterpiece, the Colleoni Chapel. A stroll along la Corsarola, the main street of the upper city, reveals a mix of traditional and contemporary shops, restaurants and cafés. Continuing to Lake Garda, we stop at the charming peninsula of Sirmione. Here, we visit the Scaliger Castle, a medieval fortress surrounded by lake waters, with splendid views from its tower. We also explore the Grotte di Catullo, the extensive ruins of an ancient Roman villa overlooking the lake. You will have time to wander through Sirmione’s picturesque streets and admire notable villas, including that of Maria Callas. We spend the night in the Lake Garda area.

After breakfast, we visit Verona, a city rich in history spanning Roman, medieval and Renaissance periods. We explore the Verona Arena, a remarkable Roman amphitheatre that hosts prestigious concerts and the famous opera festival. We also see Juliet’s House with its iconic balcony, stroll through Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori, and visit the Basilica of San Zeno. In the afternoon, we travel to Borghetto sul Mincio, regarded as one of Italy’s most beautiful small villages. Nearby is Parco Giardino Sigurtà, a stunning English-style garden open to the public. For those interested in history, the battlefield of Solferino and the birthplace of the Red Cross are close by. We spend the night in the Lake Garda region.

After breakfast, we travel to Torri del Benaco on the eastern shore of Lake Garda. From there, we take a ferry across to Toscolano Maderno on the western side. Continuing north, we stop in Gargnano to see the historic orangeries. We then follow a scenic route through Tignale and Tremosine, arriving at Limone sul Garda, a charming harbour town known for its mild climate. In the afternoon, we head further north to Lake Ledro, where you can explore the reconstructed prehistoric village and its museum—an engaging visit, especially for families with children aged 8 to 15. Our day concludes in Riva del Garda, the northernmost town on the lake, popular with windsurfers. During the high season, you may wish to visit Pregasina, just 7 kilometres from Riva, for exceptional views over the lake. We spend the night in the south-eastern Lake Garda region.

After breakfast, we depart for Milan and spend the day exploring the city’s highlights. We begin at Piazza del Duomo to admire Milan’s iconic cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. From there, we stroll through the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, known as Milan’s drawing room, built in the late 19th century. Continuing on foot, we reach Piazza della Scala to see the renowned La Scala opera house, often called the temple of opera. Next, we visit Castello Sforzesco, the historic fortress of the Sforza dukes, followed by a walk to Piazza Sempione to view the Arco della Pace, a striking neoclassical monument from the Napoleonic era. We also include a visit to the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, one of Milan’s oldest churches. If booked in advance, you can see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie, a must-see cultural treasure. The afternoon is yours to enjoy shopping in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele or along Via Montenapoleone, Milan’s premier fashion street. We spend the night in Milan.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will return the vehicle at Milan Malpensa or Linate Airport before continuing to your next destination.