OVERVIEW
Your adventure begins at Lake Maggiore, where the Mediterranean-like climate nurtures lush gardens and exotic flora. Discover the picturesque town of Stresa, and take a boat ride to the stunning Borromeo Islands, home to opulent palaces and Italian gardens. Stroll along the charming lakeside in Pallanza and visit the magnificent Villa Taranto with its scenic parkland. Explore Como city, marvel at the Cathedral and the historic architecture, and enjoy breathtaking views from the Brunate Funicular. Continue to Villa Carlotta, renowned for its enchanting botanical gardens and exquisite sculptures. Next, experience the splendor of Lake Garda. Unwind and tour the renowned towns of Desenzano, Sirmione with its medieval castle, and the lemon groves of Limone. Discover the serene lakes of Idro and Iseo, visiting historical sites and the picturesque village of Lovere. Finally, journey through Verona to see the legendary Arena di Verona and Juliet's House, and admire Padova’s Scrovegni Chapel and St. Anthony’s Basilica.
DAY 1 : LAGO MAGGIORE (OVERNIGHT IN BAVENO)
Arrive at Milan/Verona Airport or with train at train station. After picking up the rental car OPTIONAL, drive to Baveno at Hotel Rosa (or similar), room assignment and accommodation in hotel. We suggest, along the way, to visit Stresa.
Overnight stay in hotel.
DAY 2 : LAGO MAGGIORE (OVERNIGHT IN BAVENO) KM 110
Breakfast in hotel. Day dedicated to visiting Lake Maggiore, the westernmost of the three large pre-Alpine lakes. The mild climate, both in summer and winter, has favored the development of Mediterranean-type vegetation although it is easy to find exotic plants in the gardens. From Stresa departure by boat to visit the Borromeo islands (Isola Madre and Isola Bella), where the Borromeo residences are located which contain priceless works of art and rich gardens which are a classic example of an Italian garden of the time. Returning from a visit to the islands, we recommend walking along the lakeside in the direction of Pallanza and Intra where, at the Punta della Castagnola, stands Villa Taranto with its park of impressive beauty, which extends over an area of 20 hectares with avenues, waterfalls, fountains and panoramic terraces.
Overnight stay in the hotel.
DAY 3 : LAGO DI COMO (OVERNIGHT IN COMO AREA) KM 80
After breakfast departure to Como Lake. Stop in Como and visit the city: the Cathedral, the Church of Sant’Abbondio, Palazzo Broletto. If you have time get the Funicolar from Como to Brumate to have a beautiful view on all the panoramic views of Como.
Overnight stay in Como area.
DAY 4 : LAGO DI COMO (OVERNIGHT IN COMO AREA) KM 75
Breakfast in hotel. Full day dedicated to the visit of Como Lake. After breakfast reach by boat Villa Carlotta. Passing through the former hamlet of Tremezzo, you will reach Villa Carlotta. The villa overlooks Lake Como in a particularly privileged position. It is known for its enchanting geographical position, but also for its botanical garden. The building dates back to 1600 and was built by Giorgio Clerici Incredible are some minor sculptures by Canova that are still inside the Italian gardens that surround the house. Within the botanical garden you can see as many as 150 different species of azaleas.
Return to hotel and overnight.
DAY 5 : GARDA LAKE (OVERNIGHT IN GARDA SEA) KM
Breakfast in hotel and drive to Garda lake This day you are free to relax and explore the city on your own. We suggest you to have a Garda lake tour stopping off in the most famous towns around the Lake as Desenzano, Sirmione, Malcesine, Limone and Salo’. Each of them has a different history and traditions dating back to before the Middle Ages.Suggested itinerary: Drive to Sirmione to visit its famous Castle, on to Desenzano with its Castle and its Villa Romana. On to your tour with Salo’ to admire its wonderful lakeside; next stop to Limone famous for its lemon groves and finally Malcesine, another well-known tourist resort on the Veronese shore of upper Garda and famous medieval village.
DAY 6 : IDRO & ISEO LAKES (OVERNIGHT IN GARDA SEA) KM
Breakfast at the hotel. This day is free to relax or explore the beautiful cities of D’Idro & Iseo lakes. Suggested itinerary: Drive to Lago D’idro, beautiful lake rich of monasteries and churches. We recommend you to visit the “Monastero di San Bartolomeo” (Serle) a Benedictine sacred building with a history spanning more than a thousand years, located in a splendid panoramic position on Mount Orsino at 993 mt above sea level: from here it is possible to admire not only Lake Garda, but also all the area of Serle. Continue to Iseo lake and I suggest you visit Lovere, one of the most beautiful old villages in Italy located on the northern point of Lake Iseo.
Return to the hotel and overnight.
DAY 7 : VERONA & PADOVA (OVERNIGHT IN GARDA AREA) KM 360
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Rimini . During the trip you will have the opportunity to visit Verona and Padova.
Suggested itinerary: Drive to Verona parking in Piazza Bra: immediately find the symbol of the city, the Arena di Verona, one of the largest surviving Roman amphitheaters. Continue to Via Mazzini and arrive to Piazza delle Erbe one of the most characteristic squares in Verona: old houses with towers, loggias and fountains including the central one with a Roman statue and Juliet's house. Continue your day driving to Padova and Visit the Scrovegni Chapel with the Eremitani Church and the Picture Gallery. Together with the Sistine Chapel, these are the two masterpieces that everyone should admire in their life. We also suggest to visit the Basilica of St Anthony.
Overnight
DAY 8 : DEPARTURE
Breakfast in the hotel. Check out at 10:00. Drive to the airport/train station, release of the car and end of our services.
Our services include :
- 2 nights BB at Hotel Rosa on Maggiore Lake – or similar
- 2 nights BB at Hotel Cruise/NH Lecco on Como Lake – or similar
- 1 daily ticket Maggiore Lake
- 1 daily ticket Como Lake
- 3 nights in hotel in Garda area
- Category C car and “PLATINUM insurance” Optional with supplement*
Our services do not include :
- City tax to be paid on spot
- Lunches and dinners where not mentioned
- Tips and extras of a personal nature
- Porterage service
- Gasoline
- Motorway tolls
- Parkings
- Tickets for plane, ship, train or bus to reach airport
- Entrance to monuments and archaeological parks
- Optional transfers
- Anything not expressly indicated in "the rate includes"
- Car must be delivery at the same airport or there will be an additional cost to be agreed with the rental company
- Each rental day is a fraction of 24 hours, the vehicle must be returned on time or within the next 59 minutes
- The pick-up and drop-off of the car at the airport will be during the opening hours of the company Noleggiare (everyday from 08:00 to 22:30); after these hours the rental company will charge an extra fee.
- Please inquire before booking your flight
Optional car rental terms and conditions if request:
The rate includes:
- Category C car, unlimited mileage
- 22% VAT • Airport, railway and automotive charges
- Motor TPL policy - auto civil liability
- Platinum Insurance - resets all deductibles for theft and damage. It also covers damage to glass and tyres and attempted theft. Personal Injury Insurance. Road assistance Plus.
- Additional driver
The rate does not include:
- Fuel
- Fines
- Re-notification fees
- Rental to leave in another airport
- Baby Seat
- Satellite Navigator
- Fuel recovery service, an extra charge of €30,00 will be applied if the car is returned with more than 5 litres of fuel missing
- There is a tolerance of 59 minutes, after which a full day will be charged
- At the time of booking, the car group is guaranteed, not the model
Selected hotels or similars:
- • Hotel Rosa 4* in Baveno (Lago Maggiore) or similar (*)
- • Hotel NH/ Cruise 4* (Como area) or similar (*)
- • Hotel Antico Borgo or Antares in Villafranca di Verona in Garda area ) (*)or in case of need we will confirm appartments in Residence Eden In Peschiera del Garda at the Parc Hotel chain with daily cleaning and breakfast
(*) It could happen and i n case of problems the hotels indicated may be replaced with others of the same category located in the same towns or up to 30 km distance where will be possible to realize the program. In case of hotels full booked we reserve to invert the tour and/or confirm the booking in a middle-class hotel with a reduction of 5 euro per person per day.
Italy, renowned for its rich history, art, culture, and culinary delights, offers travelers a captivating journey through iconic landmarks, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cities. Here's a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your trip to Italy :
Rome :
Colosseum: Begin your Italian adventure in Rome, the Eternal City, with a visit to the iconic Colosseum, an ancient amphitheater that once hosted gladiator contests and other spectacles.
Vatican City: Explore Vatican City, home to St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums, which house priceless works of art, including Michelangelo's masterpiece, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Trevi Fountain: Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome and take in the beauty of this Baroque masterpiece.
Florence :
Duomo : Marvel at the breathtaking Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) in Florence, with its iconic dome designed by Brunelleschi, and climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.
Uffizi Gallery: Explore the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world's finest art museums, featuring works by Renaissance masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli.
Ponte Vecchio: Stroll across the historic Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with shops selling jewelry, art, and souvenirs.
Venice :
Grand Canal: Experience the romance of Venice by taking a gondola ride along the Grand Canal, passing by elegant palaces, churches, and historic buildings.
St. Mark's Square: Visit St. Mark's Square and admire the Byzantine splendor of St. Mark's Basilica and the intricate architecture of the Doge's Palace.
Murano and Burano: Take a boat trip to the islands of Murano and Burano to see glassblowing demonstrations and colorful houses along picturesque canals.
Amalfi Coast :
Positano and Ravello: Explore the stunning Amalfi Coast, with its dramatic cliffs, charming seaside towns, and breathtaking views. Visit the picturesque villages of Positano and Ravello, known for their beauty and charm.
Amalfi : Discover the historic town of Amalfi, with its medieval architecture, stunning cathedral, and scenic beaches.
Practical Tips :
Transportation: Italy has an extensive and efficient public transportation network, including trains, buses, and ferries, making it easy to travel between cities and regions.
Language : Italian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Currency : Euro (EUR) is the official currency.
Weather : Italy has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller.
From the ancient ruins of Rome to the Renaissance treasures of Florence and the enchanting canals of Venice, Italy offers a wealth of experiences for travelers to savor and enjoy. Whether indulging in world-class cuisine, admiring priceless works of art, or soaking up the breathtaking scenery, Italy promises an unforgettable journey filled with history, culture, and la dolce vita.
Maggiore, Como & Garda Lakes (Self Drive)
Reference #: WTP0451
- Ttown of Stresa
- Explore Lake Maggiore
- Boat to the Borromeo Islands
- Villa Taranto
- City of Como
- Boat ride to Villa Carlotta
- Botanical gardens
- Tour of Lake Garda
- Desenzano & Limone
- Idro and Iseo Lakes
- Lago d'Idro
- Village of Lovere on Lake Iseo
- Verona and Padova
- Arena and Juliet's House
- Padova's Scrovegni Chapel
- Basilica of St. Anthony
Your adventure begins at Lake Maggiore, where the Mediterranean-like climate nurtures lush gardens and exotic flora. Discover the picturesque town of Stresa, and take a boat ride to the stunning Borromeo Islands, home to opulent palaces and Italian gardens. Stroll along the charming lakeside in Pallanza and visit the magnificent Villa Taranto with its scenic parkland. Explore Como city, marvel at the Cathedral and the historic architecture, and enjoy breathtaking views from the Brunate Funicular. Continue to Villa Carlotta, renowned for its enchanting botanical gardens and exquisite sculptures. Next, experience the splendor of Lake Garda. Unwind and tour the renowned towns of Desenzano, Sirmione with its medieval castle, and the lemon groves of Limone. Discover the serene lakes of Idro and Iseo, visiting historical sites and the picturesque village of Lovere. Finally, journey through Verona to see the legendary Arena di Verona and Juliet's House, and admire Padova’s Scrovegni Chapel and St. Anthony’s Basilica.