The Italian Lakes are iconic!  They were glacially formed and are framed by the southern edge of the Alps and the Dolomites, meaning that they represent the beautiful geography of Italy!  And don’t forget that cultural centers of Italy such as Milano, Bergamo, Verona, and Venice, of course, are within easy reach!  The main season falls in the months from May through October, but Fall and Spring are beautiful and the winters are pleasant and mild, so please consider this a year-round itinerary!

It should not be a surprise to you that any of our suggested itineraries is completely customizable, so feel free to call us for any type of clarification or explanation!
Day 10                                                                          Asolo & area
The wonderful area around Asolo has lots to see and do including Asiago for cheese, Bassano for Grappa, Villa Sandi for wines, and so much more!

Day 11                                                           Asolo - Padova - Vicenza - Venezia
Get an early start today to see Giotto’s magnificent frescoes at Padova and the Palladian villas (which inspired Monticello and the White House) around Vicenza.  Venezia will be our destination for car rental returnn and a boat ride to your hotel TBA.


Day 1Depart USA
From your hometown it’ll be an overnight flight to Milan today.

Day 2Milan - San Giulio d’Orta
Malpensa Airport (MXP) is very convenient to Lago d’ Orta, the westernmost of the Italian lakes.  Take possession of a rental car for the drive to San Giulio d’Orta for a leisurely afternoon.  Hotel TBA - a variety of hotel selections grace this charming lakeside town.


Day 3San Giulio d’Orta
Daily breakfasts in each of your hotels.  Relax today, perhaps with time for a boatride to the monastery on the island facing San Giulio.  Pretty spot! 



Days 5-6Bellagio (Lago di Como)
Two days now to completely relax and unwind!  Lago di Como has two branches, Como and Lecco and Bellagio gives you an ideal vantage point to visit both!  Varenna is a lovely town on the eastern side and you can easily visit Lugano and parts of Switzerland, just a few kilometers away!  Como at the southern tip has wonderful silk shopping and the Volta Museum is an interesting exhibit on the dawn electricity experimentation.
Day 7
Bellagio - Bergamo Alta - Gardone Riviera
Continuing eastward, Bergamo Alta’s Renaissance town center could be your first stop!  On to the shore of Lago di Garda for your stay!
Day 9
Gardone Riviera  - Verona - Montecchio - Marostica - Asolo
Circuiting Lago di Garda you will come to Verona, which, due to its strategic location has been a nerve center for commerce between Italy and Germany for 2,500 years!  Verona has a remarkable Roman Arena and is famous for its summertime operatic festival!  Shakespeare set a number of plays in this
Day 4
San Giulio d’Orta - Maggiore -Bellagio
Driving east today you will come to Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands.  See Varese and the islands as you explore this wonderful area.  Reach Varenna and take the ferry across to Bellagio in the very heart of Lake Como!  Bellagio has a number of hotels and your exact hotel will be carefully chosen to reflect the beautiful region and in response to your personal preference based on your preferred location and budget.
Day 8
Gardone Riviera (Lago di Garda)
Spend the day exploring the Lago di Garda, framed by the Alps to the north and the Po River valley to the south.  Riva del Garda is on the northern tip and if you keep going you will come to Trento with its famous castle and Bolzano, where the iceman exhibit is on display.  Ortisei has a funicaular for viewing of the Alpine peaks way off in the distance!  All in all the area is gorgeous
Days 12-13                 Venezia
Enjoy and explore La Serenissima and its canals, islands, shops and museums!  What better way to end up a trip to italy??!!

Day 14    Venezia - USA-bound flights
Transfer to the airport for your home-bound flights (same-day arrival in the US)
region, including Romeo & Juliet, so you may wish to see Juliet’s balcony and perhaps her family’s castello at Montecchio Maggiore!  Interesting Marostica has a town square like a chessboard and your next stop could be the charming hill town of Asolo in the foothills of the Dolomites!

Favorite Itineraries

The Lakes and Venice
Bethesda Travel Center LLC
4422 East West Hwy
Bethesda, MD 20814
1-301-656-1670
1-888-656-1670
ciao@bethesdatravel.com