The Jewels of Northern Italy: Venice & the Lakes ...........
Canals, lakes and magnificent natural beauty - this trip is truly a feast for the senses. Visit the evocative city of Venice - called La Serenissima (the most serene) as well as the exquisite towns on Lakes Como and Garda. Once again, this trip is limited to 10 participants so we can make the most of our time in Northern Italy. Experiences include a cooking lesson, a visit to a glass blowers studio, a boat tour of the lakes, wine tastings and more. Beauty, culture and elegance abound in Northern Italy ~ don't miss it!
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1 - depart US
Day 2 -Arrive Venice- a water taxi and driver will meet you at the Marco Polo airport and will bring you to your hotel. Get settled into the hotel and take it easy for the first afternoon. Later in the evening we will take a leisurely stroll to Saint Mark’s Square. Dinner together this evening.
Day 3 - Our guide will meet us at the hotel for a half day guided visit of this spectacular city. Our morning concludes with lunch at the famed Caffe Florian and a gondola ride. Free time and then meet at the hotel at 4:00 and go to the home of Enrica Rocca where we will be treated to a private cooking class. This is truly a memorable experience.
Day 4 -For those who would like to we will take the vaporetto to the island of Murano, famous for the glass blowing craft. In Murano we will have a seafood lunch at a local restaurant and then it is on to Burano known for lace production, vibrant colored houses and traditional buranesi biscotti. For those who prefer to explore other highlights of Venice, I will be available to provide suggestions and advice. Dinner on your own this evening.
Day 5 - Private coach to the maginficent Lake Garda. En route we stop in the elegant city of Verona for a guided visit of the home of Romeo and Juliet and one of the most impressive Roman amphitheaters ever built - now the home to a summer opera season. In the early evening we arrive in Desenzano del Garda where we will stay and explore this the largest lake in Italy. Dinner together in Desenzano.
Day 6- Day trip to on Lake Garda - our private boat and guide will meet us in Desenzano and take us to Sirmione, known as the pearl of the lake. We continue on to the hidden Punta San Viglio for an aperitivo followed by lunch at Gardone Riviera. Our final stop is the lovely town of Salò where we will have time to wander the lovely streets and shop before returning by private van to Desenzano. Dinner on your own.
Day 7 - Visit to the beautiful Franciacorta wine region, Lake Iseo and the unique island Monte Isola. Begin the morning on with a boat ride on this lesser known lake. We will stop on the largest lake island in Europe, Mont'Isola. Return to the mainland and enjoy a wine tasting followed by lunch in Franciacorta before returning to Desenzano.
Day 8 - Private coach from Garda to Como. Settle into the hotel in Como and gather for dinner together.
Day 9 - Day trip on the incomparable Lake Como, playground to celebrities, movie stars and the rich and famous. Visit some of the villages that line the shores of the lake and make a stop at the beautiful town of Bellagio.
Day 10 - Free day - there will be an option to visit Milan and view Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper.
Day 11 - depart for Milan airport by private coach.