Milan Explorer, Lakes & Alpine Train - 8 days
Milan Explorer, Lakes & Alpine Train - 8 days
8 Days Starting and ending in Milan, Italy
Visiting: Milan, Lake Como, Lake Garda, Verona
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 25
Age range:
0-
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey with the "Milan Explorer, Lakes & Alpine Train" tour, exploring the best of Italy and Switzerland. Begin in Milan with a guided walking tour and a delightful aperitivo. Experience the breathtaking Bernina Express train ride through the Alps to the exclusive Swiss resort of St Moritz. Cruise the serene waters of Lake Como to the charming village of Bellagio, and enjoy a panoramic tour of Lake Garda, including a boat tour to Sirmione Castle. Discover the medieval charm of Bergamo, the romantic allure of Verona with Juliet's Balcony, and savor local wines in Franciacorta. Conclude your adventure with a boat tour of Milan's vibrant Navigli district. Enjoy 7 nights in 4-star hotels, guided sightseeing, and seamless transfers, making this a perfect blend of culture, nature, and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Milan
Location: Milan
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to Milan! Meet our driver at Milan Malpensa Airport and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Milan
Location: Milan
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning is free to relax in the hotel, or head out and explore Milan at leisure. This afternoon, commencing at approximately 14:30 from the hotel, we embark on a three-hour walking tour of central Milan. We head down Via Spallanzani to reach Porta Venezia, one of the city's historical gates with medieval and possibly Roman origins. This gate also lends its name to the surrounding district. There's a local legend that it’s also known as "Porta Renza" because Renzo Tramaglino, a character from Alessandro Manzoni's novel The Betrothed, entered Milan through this gate.
Next, we continue along Corso Venezia, taking a shortcut through Giardini Indro Montanelli, a public garden. Across from the gardens, we pass by the Galleria d’Arte Moderna (GAM). From there, we walk down Viale Manzoni towards the La Scala opera house, which was inaugurated on August 3, 1778, and underwent major renovations between 2002 and 2004. Then, we see the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), where our guide will explain its main features. The tour concludes at Castello Sforzesco, a 15th-century fortress built by Duke Francesco Sforza. Nearby, we'll relax at a bakery with a typical aperitivo (happy hour). After the aperitivo, there's more free time to explore or return to the hotel on your own.
Day 3: Milan
Location: Milan
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Milan - St Moritz (Switzerland) - Milan. Today we ride the famous UNESCO-listed Bernina Express, a heritage 100-year old railway that travels through the Italian and Swiss Alps, boasting some of the most incredible alpine scenery in Europe.
After breakfast at the hotel we transfer to Tirano near the border with Switzerland, and it is here that we board the train. We will be guaranteed seats in the panoramic carriage, the best place to admire the sweeping alpine views! During our two hour train ride we pass through impressive mountain tunnels and chug through quaint alpine towns and villages. See the peaks of the Swiss Alps as we cross the border, before arriving in the exclusive ski resort town of St Moritz. There's free time to explore the Swiss town before we meet our driver and travel by coach back to Milan, where the evening is at leisure.
Day 4: Lake Como
Location: Lake Como
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Milan - Lake Como - Bergamo. Departing Milan, we drive first to stunning Lake Como, the most famous of the Italian Lakes. Boasting shimmering waters and dramatic alpine scenery, it is little surprise that celebrities flock here from all over the world - George Clooney, Donatella Versace and Madonna are just some of the stars known to own houses around Lake Como.
Lake Como is famous for it's Y-shape, and we'll enjoy a boat ride to Bellagio, a small town that sits idyllically where the two southern arms of the lake fork away. There is free time to explore this small town and enjoy the surrounding views before we head back across the lake and journey to Bergamo, a city split between the modern citta bassa (lower town) and the medieval citta alta (upper town). The evening is at leisure.
Day 5: Lake Garda
Location: Lake Garda
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Bergamo - Lake Garda - Sirmione - Riva del Garda - Bergamo. Today we take in another of the Italian Lakes - Lake Garda. We enjoy a panoramic tour of the lake's west coast, admiring the scenery of the UNESCO-listed Brenta Dolomites and the Moraine Hills. There will be time for you to try some of the local olive oil or wine.
Our next stop is Sirmione, on the shores of the lake. We'll enjoy a short boat tour, during which we'll see the lakeside Sirmione Castle and the ruins of Catullus's Villa. Back on land, there is free time to find a quaint local restaurant for lunch. We then return to Bergamo, making a stop in Riva del Garda en route, in order to admire its beautiful Venetian-style historical centre.
Day 6: Verona
Location: Verona
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Bergamo - Verona - Milan. This morning we drive to Verona, where an expert local guide will lead us on a guided tour. Walking down the city's narrow streets you can embrace the fascinating history of Verona, from its Roman origins to its Renaissance palaces.
Two of legendary playwright William Shakespeare's plays were set in Verona: Two Gentlemen of Verona and of course, Romeo and Juliet. We pay a visit to "Juliet's Home" and see the legendary balcony which is said to have inspired the famous "O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?" scene.
Making our way back to Milan, we stop in the winemaking region of Franciacorta for an included lunch and a glass or two of wine. Arriving back in Milan, the evening is free to relax at the hotel or head out and explore.
Day 7: Milan
Location: Milan
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a free morning to perhaps visit Milan’s Fashion District, the heart of Italian fashion. Explore the Quadrilatero d'Oro (Golden Rectangle), where you'll find prestigious haute couture boutiques like Versace, Prada, and Armani.
In the afternoon, we meet in Alzaia-Naviglio Grande for a boat tour of Milan's beautiful Navigli district, known for its canals and vibrant nightlife. On the boat, we cruise along the Naviglio Grande, enjoying a cocktail and delicious snacks. We pass by old buildings along the canal, with ground floors now housing bars, restaurants, and art galleries. As we continue upstream, we can see San Cristoforo sul Naviglio, one of Milan's oldest churches, the historic Canottieri Olona sports club, and the famous Vicolo dei Lavandai, an open-air wash house used from the 18th century to the 1950s. You can listen to the audio guide for some history or simply enjoy the ride and chat with your travel companions. Our final night in Milan is at leisure.
Day 8: Milan
Location: Milan
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today our tour comes to an end after breakfast at the hotel. There is an included transfer to the airport. Ciao!
What's Included
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7 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinners
Enjoy 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners during your tour.
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7 nights 4 star hotels
Stay in 4-star hotels for 7 nights.
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Escorted by an English-speaking Italian tour leader with specialist guides for some sightseeing
An English-speaking Italian tour leader will escort you, with specialist guides for some sightseeing.
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Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 8
Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour.
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Transportation by deluxe coach with Wi-Fi, audio headsets and onboard toilet
Travel in a deluxe coach equipped with Wi-Fi, audio headsets, and an onboard toilet.
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Happy hour experience in Milan
Enjoy a happy hour experience in Milan.
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Guided sightseeing in Milan & Verona
Take part in guided sightseeing tours in Milan and Verona.
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Tickets for the Bernina Express Railway from Tirano to St Moritz in the Panoramic Carriage
Ride the Bernina Express Railway from Tirano to St Moritz in the Panoramic Carriage.
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Boat transfers on Lake Como & Lake Garda
Boat transfers are included on Lake Como and Lake Garda.
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Milan boat tour
Enjoy a boat tour in Milan.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Additional meals and drinks unless specified
Additional meals and drinks are not included unless specified.
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Entrance fees not mentioned in Inclusions
Entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions are not covered.
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
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City tax of €1 - 6 per person per night (tax varies by city), to be paid directly to the hotel at check-in/out. See Trip Notes for details. Please note we recommend paying your city tax when checking in or in the evening during your stay to save time on c
City tax of €1 - 6 per person per night, to be paid directly to the hotel at check-in/out.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with deluxe coach transportation featuring Wi-Fi, audio headsets, and an onboard toilet, along with boat transfers on Lake Como and Lake Garda, and a scenic ride on the Bernina Express.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in 4-star hotels, providing comfort and luxury throughout your stay in Milan, Bergamo, and other stunning locations.
Age Policy
No minimum age. Children under 6 travel free
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in 4-star hotels.
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Is there a tour guide provided throughout the trip?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking Italian tour leader with specialist guides for some sightseeing.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 8 are included.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation is provided by a deluxe coach with Wi-Fi, audio headsets, and an onboard toilet.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners.
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Is there any free time during the tour to explore on my own?
Yes, there are several opportunities for free time to explore on your own, such as in Milan, St Moritz, Bellagio, and Bergamo.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size on this tour is 25 persons.
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Will I be traveling with other tourist groups during the tour?
Yes, the touring is operated in conjunction with other tourist groups, not solely On The Go. You will join travelers who booked through other operators for sightseeing each day, some staying in different hotels, and spend your evenings at leisure.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, additional costs not included are international flights and visas, additional meals and drinks unless specified, entrance fees not mentioned in inclusions, tipping, and city tax of €1 - 6 per person per night, to be paid directly to the hotel at check-in/out.
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What activities are included in Milan?
In Milan, activities include a guided walking tour of the city, a happy hour aperitivo, free time to explore, and a boat tour of the Navigli district.
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What can I expect during the Bernina Express train ride?
During the Bernina Express train ride, you will travel through the Italian and Swiss Alps, passing through impressive mountain tunnels and quaint alpine towns and villages. You will have guaranteed seats in the panoramic carriage to admire the sweeping alpine views.
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What will I see during the boat tour on Lake Como?
During the boat tour on Lake Como, you will cruise to Bellagio, a small town that sits where the two southern arms of the lake fork away. There is free time to explore Bellagio and enjoy the surrounding views.
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What is included in the visit to Lake Garda?
The visit to Lake Garda includes a panoramic tour of the lake's west coast, a short boat tour to see Sirmione Castle and the ruins of Catullus's Villa, and free time to explore Sirmione and Riva del Garda.
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What will I see during the guided tour in Verona?
During the guided tour in Verona, you will see the city's narrow streets, Roman origins, Renaissance palaces, and Juliet's Home with the legendary balcony said to have inspired Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
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Is there a minimum age requirement for this tour?
There is no minimum age requirement for this tour. Children under 6 travel free.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.