Premiere Walking among the Picturesque Landscapes of the Italian Lakes

From the sub-alpine slopes surrounding Lakes Maggiore, Lugano and Como, walk ancient trails, stroll through the gardens of 18th-century villas and discover quaint lakeside villages. Absorb the area's tranquil village lifestyle and breathe in scenic views of lakes, forest covered hills and snow topped mountains. For centuries, the glacial fed Italian lakes have been a preferred leisure destination from Roman historians to aristocratic Europeans to today's entertainment celebrities, all inspired by its mild climate, quiet lakesides, and its regional cuisine, each visitor finding relaxation in this place of peaceful tranquility. Join Club Toscana in the Italian Lakes to cruise its shimmering waters, walk in its alpine environment, tour its stately villas and magnificent gardens, dine on fresh lake inspired specialties and relish in the peacefulness of this magical setting.

Day 1- Stresa & Lake Maggiore - Meet in Milan.Transfer to the lakeside resort village of Stresa on Lake Maggiore.Scenic funicular ride to 4900 foot Monte Mottarone. Walk its meadows and grassy slopes for spectacular views of the surrounding lakes framed by the snow covered Swiss Italian Alps.Lunch on regional mountain fare at an alpine "rifugio".Discover the lakefront at Stresa before dining on local specialties.

Day 2 - Borromean Islands - Private boat to Isola Bella in the Borromean Islands located on Lake Maggiore.Discover this historic island village. Tour its palace full of priceless paintings and exhibits, and walk its magnificent gardens.Exclusive boat ride across Lake Maggiore and private transfer to Swiss Lugano in time to enjoy its lively afternoon markets.Join the town's casual social life during its evening "passeggiata" stroll. Discover a local trattoria where regional flavours are shared in a banquet setting.

Day 3 - Lake Lugano - Ride a cog rail to visit Monte Bre for spectacular views of Lake Lugano.Walk to Gandria, an historic and quaint lakeside fishing village only accessible by foot.Boat across Lake Lugano and visit a smuggler's museum at the Italian frontier.Meander along an ancient lakeside footpath with the cosmopolitan city of Lugano and its hills as a backdrop.Dine on your own this evening to discover your own romantic corner of chic Lugano.

Day 4 - Lake Como - Private boat along Lake Lugano to the lakeside market hamlet of Porlezza.Help your trip leader pick out the perfect picnic lunch at its many small food shops.Walk forested trails and farm laneways to Lake Como and the vllage of Menaggio, with one of Lake Como's most picturesque harbor front boulevards.Boat across the lake to Bellagio, one of Italy's most beautiful lakeside towns.

Day 5 - Varenna - Explore Lake Como's eastern shores from the hamlet of Bellano, with its spectacular river gorge.Walk along quiet hillside trails to ancient castle ruins for panoramic views overlooking Bellagio, the shimmering waters of Lake Como and the snow capped Alps in the distance.Discover the quiet lakeside fishing village of Varenna.Visit Villa Melzi, with its chapels and splendid lakeside gardens.

Day 6 - Como & Milan - Homeward bound.Bid a final farewell to the majestic Italian Lakes with a panoramic boat ride down Lake Como to historic Como.Enjoy a walking tour of the old city center before continuing on to Milan, or its international airport; or perhaps extend your stay in charming Como.As always, we would be more than pleased to help you with any of your post-trip travel planning.
Arrivederci and Buon Viaggio !