Departures from Milan

Day 01 – Milan – Lake Orta - Stresa – Como

Departure at 08.30 am from NH Touring in Milan to the Lake Orta, a small and charming lake situated in the Northeastern side of the region Piedmont. Stop in the beautiful village of Orta San Giulio for a short visit. Then, tour by boat to reach the island of San Giulio, just in front of the village: it is the pearl of the lake, almost entirely occupied by the Monastery Mater Ecclesie, famous for studies on antique books. After a short visit, ferry back to Orta and departure by bus to Stresa, on Lake Maggiore, one of the largest Italian ones. Wedged between the pre-alps, and of clear glacial origin, it is framed in its lower section by the soft hills of the region of Novara, and in the upper section, by high mountain peaks, some of which with perpetual snow. These features make possible an average temperature during all seasons, milder in winter than in the inner areas and cooled down in summer by the breezes that blow on the water's surface changing its colour. Due to its mild climate, many species of flowers and plants typical to the sub-tropical climate could adapt to the lake areas climate. Arrival in Stresa, an international tourist resort situated in a central but also panoramic and picturesque position along the lakeside roadway, stands just in front of the ‘Borromee’ islands. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, tour of the Pescatori island (Fishermen island) by boat. The island, was named after the main activity which over the centuries has characterized this fishermen town. Although only few families still maintain the original activity, the identity of the small community appears intact. Tourists are fascinated by its simple houses, the narrow lanes, the stone portals and the attractive underpasses. We will continue to the Bella Island, where we may visit the Borromeo Palace with its magnificent gardens. Return to Stresa (free time for lunch, not included). At the end of the visit departure to Como. Overnight in the hotel.
 

Day 02 – Como – Bellagio – Varenna – Bergamo – Brescia

Breakfast at the hotel. Short visit of Como. An amazing small province rich of atmospheres, panoramas, and human takeovers. In little kilometres you can admire the high mountain over the lake, the wild alpine valley and the industrialized brianzola area, the city area of Como and the villages of little houses. Lake Como. It has been famous for its setting at the intersection of the three branches of the Y-shaped lake, and it is also known as Lario. Board the boat we reach Bellagio, situated at the tip of the peninsula separating the lake's two southern arms, with the Alps visible across the lake to the north. Divided in three branches, is situated on the most renowned beach on the Italian landscape. It is a picturesque village with small streets, luxury hotels and villas and gardens. Visit. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, departure by boat to Varenna. Panoramic tour and departure to Bergamo. City characterized by a division of the urban structure on two levels, the “Lower town” (Città bassa), modern and dynamic and the famous “ Upper town” (Città alta), a truly historic and artistic jewel. After a short walking tour inside the city centre, departure to Brescia. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 03 – Brescia – Sirmione – Riva Del Garda – Verona

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to the Lake Garda, the largest Italian one. Panoramic tour on the West Coast. Lake Garda offers the visitor a splendid natural scenery, full of colours, surrounded by the Dolomites of Brenta in the north and the gentle slopes of the hills in the south. A rich vegetation flourishes thanks to the Mediterranean climate: lemon trees, oleanders, magnolias and bouganville. The cultivation of vineyards and olive groves produces good wines and olive oil. Arrival in Sirmione where the lake offers its best panorama, really sunny with the blue of its waters and the green of its trees. Boat tour to have a nice view of the Sirmione Cape, the castle and the Catullo’s ruins. Departure to Riva del Garda on the North side of the Lake. Its historic centre shows the signs of the Venetian domain. Free time for lunch and then outgoing to Verona. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 04 – Verona – Bologna

Breakfast at the hotel and visit of this famous city, Verona. This town is known all around the world for its Coliseum called Arena and main symbol as Juliet balcony, that represents the most important love-story of the literature, written by Shakespeare and inspired to real facts of the two enemy Verona families. We’ll visit the old square of the market, Piazza delle Erbe, surrounded by some of the most famous buildings, like Torre lamberti, the City Hall, the tribunal. Free time for lunch. Next, departure to Bologna, the capital of the region, a nice medieval city. Visit of the downtown, the Basilica of St. Petronius, the Torri degli Asinelli, the beautiful streets with shops and arcades. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 05 – Bologna – San Marino – Pesaro - Ancona

Breakfast. Departure to the oldest European independent republic, San Marino. Actually, this is a foreign country in the Italian territory. Visit of the main city with its palaces, the Rocca, symbol of the republic and the Mount Titano. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, departure to Pesaro, beautiful city of the region Marche, on the Adriatic Sea, where you can visit the old town with Palazzo Ducale, Piazza del Popolo and the nice Rocca Costanza. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 06 – Ancona – Urbino - Ravenna

Breakfast. Visit of the city of Ancona, capital of the region Marche, with its nice streets, elegant buildings, the Arch of Traiano, the Piazza del Papa and especially the Fount of the Tredici Cannelle. Departure to Urbino and free time for lunch. This is a UNESCO World heritage city. Visit to the old town: the Palazzo Ducale, the house of the painter Raphael, the Cathedral. Departure to Ravenna and overnight in the hotel.

Day 07 – Ravenna - Milan

Breakfast. In the morning visit of one of the most beautiful and charming Italian art cities: Ravenna, the town of the Byzantine domination, the mosaics, churches and mausoleums. Free time for lunch. Then, last trip to come back to Milan.

End of services.

Important note:
• Due to technical reasons the itineraries of the tours can be changed without notice
 

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