The Magic of the Italian Lakes

The Magic of the Italian Lakes

176 Views
8 Days From

$1705

$1453

The Magic of the Italian Lakes

8 Days Starting in Milan, Italy and ending in Lake Maggiore, Italy

Visiting: Arrive In Milan, Italy, Milan, Sirmione, Verona, Lake Como, Lake Como. Excursion To Bellagio And Varenna, Lugano, Switzerland, Lake Maggiore

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

6320-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1705 $1453 Operator discount: -$253 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 21-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 Verona, 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. Take a guided walking tour 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 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. Admire 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

  • Admire the famous Gothic-style Duomo in Milan.

  • Discover Sirmione, a spa town rich in thermal waters and ancient charm.

  • Explore Verona, the "city of love" that inspired Shakespeare.

  • Stroll around the narrow alleys and lungolago of Lake Como.

  • Enjoy a boat trip to Bellagio and Varenna on Lake Como.

  • Stroll along the lakeside promenade in Lugano, Switzerland.

  • Relax or join activities around the crystal waters of Lake Maggiore.

  • Optional boat trip to the Borromean Islands and visit the Borromeo Palace.

Places You'll See

Holiday Inn Garibaldi Station

Leon D'oro

Hotel San Marco

B&B Como City Center

Simplon

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Milan,Italy

Location: Arrive In Milan, Italy

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

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Location: Milan, Sirmione, Verona

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day with an orientation tour of Milan, stopping to admire the famous Gothic-style Duomo. Travel east through the Po 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 kmMILAN–SIRMIONE–VERONA Start the day with an orientation tour of Milan, stopping to admire the famous Gothic-style Duomo. Travel east through the Po 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 (B)

Day 3: Verona

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Location: Verona

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, a Local Guide takes you through the old cobblestone streets of the old part of Verona telling 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 sip and see with delightful wines and water views on an optional excursion to Valpolicella. Discover delicious local vintages, such as Valpolicella and Amarone, followed by time to relax on the shores of Lake Garda in Lazise.VERONA In the morning, a Local Guide takes you through the old cobblestone streets of the old part of Verona telling 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 sip and see with delightful wines and water views on an optional excursion to Valpolicella. Discover delicious local vintages, such as Valpolicella and Amarone, followed by time to relax on the shores of Lake Garda in Lazise. (B)

Day 4: Verona,Lake Como

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Location: Verona, Lake Como

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" (lake promenade) and maybe taste some fabulous local gelato.Today’s Distance: 125 mi/ 200 kmVERONA–LAKE COMO 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" (lake promenade) and maybe taste some fabulous local gelato.Today’s Distance: 125 mi/ 200 km (B)

Day 5: Lake Como. Excursion To Bellagio And Varenna

Location: Lake Como. Excursion To Bellagio And Varenna

Meals Included: Breakfast

Inspiring everyone from Roman senators and great composers to Hollywood actors, Como is the glamorous 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 locations in all of Italy, and Varenna, an old fishing village.LAKE COMO. EXCURSION TO BELLAGIO AND VARENNA Inspiring everyone from Roman senators and great composers to Hollywood actors, Como is the glamorous 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 locations in all of Italy, and Varenna, an old fishing village. (B)

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

Location: Lake Como, Lugano, Switzerland, Lake Maggiore, Italy

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 kmLAKE COMO–LUGANO, SWITZERLAND–LAKE MAGGIORE, ITALY 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 (B)

Day 7: Lake Maggiore

Location: Lake Maggiore

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. Breathtaking views are a shore thing with 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.LAKE MAGGIORE 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. Breathtaking views are a shore thing with 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. (B,D)

Day 8: Lake Maggiore

Location: Lake Maggiore

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at various hotels including Holiday Inn Garibaldi Station, Leon D'Oro, Hotel San Marco, B&B Como City Center, and Simplon.

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfast daily; 2 dinners.

  • Guided Tours

    Orientation tour of Milan and guided tour of Verona.

  • Boat Excursions

    Included boat trip to Bellagio and Varenna.

  • CosmosGO App

    Access to the CosmosGO app for exploring Milan.

What's Not Included

  • Spa Access

    Spa access at Hotel San Marco comes at an extra cost.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions such as the boat trip to the Borromean Islands and other activities around Lake Maggiore are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as shopping, drinks, and snacks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the destination are not included.

Meals

Buffet breakfast daily, 1 Dinners

UNESCO Sites

City of Verona

Accommodation

Milan:Holiday Inn Garibaldi Station
Verona:Leon D'Oro
Verona:Hotel San Marco
Lake Como:B&B Como City Center
Lake Maggiore:Simplon

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in a variety of accommodations including the Holiday Inn Garibaldi Station in Milan, the 4-Star Hotel Leon d'Oro in Verona, the Hotel San Marco Fitness & Spa, the B&B Como City Center, and the Simplon. These hotels offer amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and some even have spa facilities.

  • What activities are included in the tour of Milan?

    In Milan, you will have an orientation tour that includes a stop to admire the famous Gothic-style Duomo. You will also have time to explore the city with the help of the CosmosGO app.

  • What can I expect to see in Verona?

    In Verona, you will have a guided tour through the old cobblestone streets, learning about the city's history and its inspiration for Shakespeare. You will also have free time to shop, visit local attractions, or stroll along the Adige River banks.

  • What is special about the visit to Lake Garda?

    At Lake Garda, you will visit Sirmione, a spa town known for its thermal waters and ancient charm. Highlights include a medieval castle, the famous Roman villa, and the grottoes of Catullo.

  • What will I do at Lake Como?

    At Lake Como, you will have time to stroll around the narrow alleys of the city center and the lungolago. You will also join an included boat trip to Bellagio and Varenna, where you can enjoy the scenic views and explore these charming locations.

  • What is planned for the day in Lugano, Switzerland?

    In Lugano, you will have time to stroll along the lakeside promenade, window shop on Via Nassa, or sip an espresso on the Piazza Riforma before heading back to Italy.

  • What options are available at Lake Maggiore?

    At Lake Maggiore, you can relax or enjoy various activities around the lake. There is also an optional boat trip to the Borromean Islands, where you can visit the extravagant Borromeo Palace.

  • How does the tour end?

    The tour ends with breakfast on the final morning at Lake Maggiore. The nearest airport for departure is Milan Malpensa.

  • 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

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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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Operator discount: -$253

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.