The Magic of the Italian Lakes

The Magic of the Italian Lakes

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8 Days From

$1771

$1508

The Magic of the Italian Lakes

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

Visiting: Milan, Verona, Lake Como, Lugano, Lake Maggiore

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

6320-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1771 $1508 Barrhead discount: -$263 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 04-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Discover the enchanting beauty of Italy and Switzerland with "The Magic of the Italian Lakes" tour. Begin your journey in Milan, exploring its iconic Gothic-style Duomo, before heading to the romantic city of Verona. Experience the thermal waters and medieval charm of Sirmione on Lake Garda. Continue to the stunning Lake Como, where you can enjoy a boat trip to the picturesque towns of Bellagio and Varenna. Cross into Switzerland to visit the stylish city of Lugano, then return to Italy to relax by the crystal waters of Lake Maggiore. This tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

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

Leon D'oro

Holiday Inn Garibaldi Station

Simplon

B&B Como City Center

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Milan,Italy

Location: Milan

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,Verona

Location: Milan

Accommodation Name: Leon D'Oro

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 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: Verona,Excursion To Sirmione,Lake Garda

Location: Verona

Accommodation Name: Leon D'Oro

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: Verona,Lake Como

Location: 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

Location: Lake Como

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

Location: Lugano

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

Location: 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

Location: Lake Maggiore

Accommodation Name: Simplon

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

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; 2 dinners

UNESCO Sites

City of Verona

Accommodation

Stay at 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, each offering unique amenities such as free Wi-Fi, elegant rooms, and relaxing spa treatments.

Mode of Transport

Travel through Italy and Switzerland by comfortable coach, with stops at key locations including Milan, Verona, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey.

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

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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Barrhead discount: -$263

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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