The Magic of the Italian Lakes

The Magic of the Italian Lakes

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8 Days From

$1704

$1438

The Magic of the Italian Lakes

8 Days Starting in MILAN and ending in LAKE MAGGIORE

Visiting: Italy, Switzerland

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

6320-2024

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 43

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1704 $1438 Operator discount: -$194 Travel Club discount: -$72 -16%

NB: Prices correct on 09-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover the beauty of the Italian Lakes on this magnificent vacation. With the Alps for a backdrop, you’ll enjoy nature at its finest—with overnights in Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore. Plus, on this affordable Italian Lakes tour, you’ll spend one night in Milan, known as one of the world’s fashion capitals. Additionally, walk around medieval Verona, famous for the Roman Arena, home of the summer Opera Festival. Situated at the foot of the Alps, Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake. With a temperate climate, you can relax and restore harmony to your life, participate in optional excursions, and enjoy the local specialties, such as wine and extra virgin olive oil. With its cobalt-blue waters surrounded by majestic mountains, Lake Como is one of Europe’s deepest lakes, lined with elegant 17th-century villas and lush gardens; it’s the perfect destination. You will enjoy a scenic boat trip to Bellagio and Varenna, both picturesque towns on Lake Como’s shores, where nature and culture come together. Amire the centuries-old buildings, explore the cobbled alleyways, cafes, and shops. Lake Maggiore is a paradise of crystal waters, backed by towering mountains and surrounded by lush countryside. With its prestigious Italian gardens, intriguing palaces, and scenic landscapes, you can choose to relax or enjoy some of the many activities available. On the way to Lake Maggiore, visit Lugano, set on gorgeous Lake Lugano, shared between Italy and Switzerland. Here—with a Mediterranean ambiance—you can stroll along the lakeside promenade or simply unwind as you enjoy a delicious gelato. Over centuries, Italy’s great lakes have been among Europe’s most popular vacation destinations, providing enchanting landscapes and a relaxing ambiance. Now is your time to enjoy them on this affordable Italian Lakes tour. It’s a lovely vacation, perfect for savvy, value-minded travel lovers.

Highlights

  • Orientation tour of Milan, including the famous Gothic-style Duomo

  • Exploration of Sirmione, a spa town known for its thermal waters and ancient charm

  • Visit to Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, offering breathtaking views

  • Guided tour through the cobblestone streets of Verona, the "city of love"

  • Stroll around Lake Como, known for its magnificent mountains, lush gardens, and grand villas

  • Boat trip to Bellagio and Varenna, showcasing some of Italy's most scenic positions

  • Cross into Switzerland to explore the stylish city of Lugano and its lakeside promenade

  • Relaxation and activities around Lake Maggiore, set between Piedmont, Lombardy, and Switzerland

Places You'll See

Holiday Inn Garibaldi Station

Hotel San Marco

Leon D'oro

B&B Como City Center

Simplon

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Milan,Italy

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Garibaldi Station

Check into your hotel in Milan. Start exploring with the help of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.

Day 2: Milan,Sirmione,Lake Garda

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Garibaldi Station

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Start the day with an orientation tour of Milan, stopping to admire the famous Gothic-style Duomo. Travel east through the Po Valley Valley and stop at Lake Garda to discover Sirmione. This is a Spa town rich in thermal waters and ancient charm situated on a long peninsula surrounded by breathtaking views. Among its highlights, a medieval castle, the famous Roman villa and grottoes of Catullo. Spend the evening in Verona, the "city of love".
Today’s Distance: 100 mi/ 160 km

Day 3: Lake Garda

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Garibaldi Station

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, a Local Guide take you through the old cobblestone streets of the old part of Verona telling you the stories behind the old buildings and how this beautiful city inspired Shakespeare. Spend the afternoon shopping, visiting, or taking a stroll along the Adige River banks, or take advantage of the optional excursion.

Day 4: Lake Garda,Verona,Lake Como

Accommodation Name: B&B Como City Center

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, say goodbye to the romantic city of Verona and continue to fascinating Lake Como, where you’ll spend two nights. Stroll around the narrow alleys of the city center and the lungolago and maybe taste some fabulous local gelato.
Today’s Distance: 125 mi/ 200 km

Day 5: Lake Como. Excursion To Bellagio And Varenna

Accommodation Name: B&B Como City Center

Meals Included: Breakfast

Inspiring everyone from Roman senators and great composers to Hollywood actors, Como is the romantic image of the lakes. Its cobalt-blue waters are lined with magnificent mountains, lush gardens, and grand villas. Join the included boat trip to Bellagio, set in one of the most scenic position in all of Italy, and Varenna, an old fishing village.

Day 6: Lake Como,Lugano,Switzerland,Lake Maggiore,Italy

Accommodation Name: Simplon

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depart Lake Como and cross the border into Switzerland. Head towards beautiful Lake Lugano and the stylish city that bears its name. Time to stroll along the lakeside promenade, window shop on refined Via Nassa, or sip an espresso on the Piazza Riforma. Leave Switzerland and cross back into Italy, driving to Lake Maggiore.
Today’s Distance: 96 mi/ 155 km

Day 7: Lake Maggiore

Accommodation Name: Simplon

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Set between Piedmont, Lombardy, and Switzerland, Lake Maggiore is a paradise of crystal waters, backed by towering mountains and surrounded by lush countryside. The day is yours to relax or to enjoy some of the many activities available around the lake. Maybe join an optional boat trip to the Borromean Islands, with time to visit the extravagant Borromeo Palace, built like a ship anchored just off the shoreline.

Day 8: Lake Maggiore

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa.)

What's Included

  • Accommodations

    Stay in comfortable and conveniently located hotels including Holiday Inn Garibaldi Station, Leon D'Oro, Hotel San Marco Fitness & Spa, B&B Como City Center, and Simplon.

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfast daily; 2 dinners with an opportunity to taste local cuisine.

  • Transportation

    Travel by coach through Italy and Switzerland, experiencing the scenic beauty and cultural highlights of each region.

  • Tours and Excursions

    Enjoy a variety of guided tours and excursions including an orientation tour of Milan, exploration of Sirmione, visits to Lake Garda and Lake Como, a boat trip to Bellagio and Varenna, and a day in the stylish city of Lugano, Switzerland.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visit the UNESCO-listed city of Verona, known as the 'city of love'.

What's Not Included

  • Airfare

    International and domestic airfare not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is recommended but not included.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions and personal spending are not included.

  • Meals Not Mentioned

    Any meals not mentioned in the inclusions are not covered.

  • Personal Expenses

    Items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs, laundry, and tips, are not included.

UNESCO Sites

City of Verona

Meals

Buffet breakfast daily; 2 dinners

Accommodation

Holiday Inn Garibaldi Station

The hotel is located 2 minutes from Corso Como and from the fashion district. It is only 5 minutes on foot from the Porta Garibaldi train and underground station (300 m away) where the passerby railway begins.

Leon D'Oro

The 4-Star Hotel Leon d¿Oro is 800 metres from Verona Porta Nuova Train Station and just a 15-minute walk from the historic centre. This impressive building offers large open and bright spaces with high-quality furniture, where the light illuminates the pale marble columns and shines in Murano glass chandeliers. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas and the elegant rooms feature a satellite flat-screen TV, a minibar and air conditioning. A marble bathroom with a hairdryer and a TV with Sky channels are also available. The Leon d'Oro restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and offers typical local cuisine and a rich wine list. Your daily breakfast includes savouries and pastries, tea and coffee, and a lounge bar is also available.

Hotel San Marco

The Hotel San Marco Fitness & Spa features 112 air-conditionated rooms furnished with a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a bathroom equipped with complimentary toiletries and hairdryer. Enjoing a tea in the exclusive Liber-tea Room or a drink at the Nove & Undici cafè, awakening your palate with an international breakfast or enjoying the pleasure of a dinner by the pool. The spa comes at an extra cost and offers a range of relaxing treatments, including Kneipp herbal baths, a sauna, a hot tub and an indoor pool.

B&B Como City Center

"The B&B Como City Center is located in the heart of the city, in a strategic position that allows guests to reach both Lake Como and all major attractions such as the Cathedral and the Basilica of Saint Abbondio, in just a few minutes on foot. Each elegantly refurbished guest room is climatised, has an in-room safe, a 40-inch Smart TV with international channels, and is designed to meet all needs of travelers. Free Wi-Fi- internet access is available throughout the property. A shop is available in the lobby, selling drinks, snacks, ready meals, and a selection of ready-made cocktails. "

Simplon

Nestling in a magnificent ancient park of twenty thousand square meters, with its characteristic pink facade recalling the color of the famous local marble, the Simplon is the ideal solution for guests looking for a relaxing stay.

Check out our Q&As

  • What countries does the tour visit?

    The tour visits Italy and Switzerland.

  • What are the highlights of the tour?

    The highlights of the tour include an orientation tour of Milan, exploration of Sirmione, visits to Lake Garda and Lake Como, a boat trip to Bellagio and Varenna, a guided tour through Verona, and a visit to Lugano in Switzerland.

  • What type of accommodations are included?

    Accommodations include stays at the Holiday Inn Garibaldi Station, Leon D'Oro, Hotel San Marco Fitness & Spa, B&B Como City Center, and Simplon.

  • Are meals included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes buffet breakfast daily and 2 dinners.

  • What type of transportation is used during the tour?

    Travel is by coach through Italy and Switzerland.

  • Is there a boat or cruise excursion included?

    Yes, there is a boat trip to Bellagio and Varenna included.

  • Are there any UNESCO sites visited on this tour?

    Yes, the tour visits the UNESCO-listed city of Verona.

  • What are the exclusions?

    Exclusions include international and domestic airfare, travel insurance, optional excursions, meals not mentioned, and personal expenses.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

Trustpilot
Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

Trustpilot
John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

Trustpilot
Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

Trustpilot

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