From Turin to Bolzano: Alpine Lakes Grand Tour, 13 notti.

Alpine Lakes Grand Tour

From Turin to Bolzano or Venice – A Journey Through Northern Italy’s Natural and Cultural Treasures
Available all year round – for individuals and small groups
An extraordinary itinerary across Northern Italy, from Turin to Bolzano or Venice, where natural beauty, architectural gems, and culinary pleasures blend harmoniously. Be inspired by the charm of the great Alpine lakes, framed by majestic mountains and vibrant valleys — from hidden gems like Lake Orta to the world-famous Como, Maggiore, and Garda.

Day 1 – Arrival in Turin
Meet your guide at the airport or at Milan/Turin railway stations. Private transfer and hotel check-in. Overnight in Turin.

Day 2 – Turin, the Historic Center
After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel for a walking tour through the elegant heart of Turin. Begin at Piazza San Carlo, the city’s “living room,” surrounded by its historic cafés such as the famous Caffè Torino and the twin baroque churches of San Carlo Borromeo and Santa Cristina. Continue toward the Egyptian Museum passing Piazza Carignano, a baroque masterpiece home to the National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento and the historic Pepino gelateria.
Nearby lies Piazza Castello, the very core of the city, surrounded by architectural icons such as the Royal Palace, Palazzo Madama, Teatro Regio and the Royal Church of San Lorenzo. Stroll down Via Po to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the largest square in Turin, overlooking the River Po and facing the majestic Church of the Gran Madre di Dio across the bridge.
In the afternoon, visit the Egyptian Museum — the world’s second largest collection of Egyptian antiquities — followed by a sweet stop at Gobino Chocolaterie or a tasting of the city’s signature drink, the Bicerin, at the historic café of the same name. Overnight in Turin.

Day 3 – From Turin to Stresa and Lake Maggiore
After breakfast, departure toward the great lakes. A short drive north brings you to Lake Orta, a romantic and serene gem nestled among the mountains, separated from Lake Maggiore by Mount Mottarone. Continue along its scenic shores before reaching Stresa, an elegant lakeside town facing the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore — the largest of the pre-Alpine lakes, with waters extending through Piedmont, Lombardy and Switzerland. Hotel check-in and overnight in Stresa.

Day 4 – The Borromean Islands
Enjoy a full-day boat excursion among Lake Maggiore’s enchanting islands: Isola Madre, Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori. Admire also the Cannero Castles, the tiny Isolino di San Giovanni near Verbania — once home to maestro Arturo Toscanini — and other small scenic islets. Return to the hotel in the evening.

Day 5 – Castles, Villas and Gardens
Today is dedicated to exploring the many historical and natural treasures surrounding Lake Maggiore. Visit the Visconti Castle in Locarno, the Borromean Fortress in Angera (home to the Doll and Toy Museum), and elegant villas such as Villa Ponti in Arona, Villa Treves in Belgirate, Villa Ducale and Villa Pallavicino with its zoological park in Stresa, and Villa Taranto and Villa San Remigio in Verbania.
Nature lovers will be enchanted by the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto, the Alpinia Garden, and the Camellia Park in Locarno — true masterpieces of biodiversity. Overnight in Stresa.

Day 6 – From Stresa to Como
Depart Stresa and travel south to Lake Como. Upon arrival, hotel check-in and a guided tour of the historic center — renowned for its silk production since medieval times. Admire the Gothic Broletto Palace, the Civic Tower, and the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Walk along the lakeside promenade to Villa Olmo, a splendid neoclassical residence once visited by Napoleon and Garibaldi.
Optionally, take the funicular to Brunate for a panoramic view over the lake. Overnight in Como.

Day 7 – Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna
A full-day cruise on Lake Como, one of Italy’s most romantic destinations. Discover elegant Cernobbio with Villa Erba, the only island of the lake — Isola Comacina — and the UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte of Ossuccio.
Arrive at Bellagio, “the pearl of the lake,” and visit the splendid gardens of Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi. Optional lunch in Bellagio or at one of the charming lakeside towns of Menaggio or Varenna. Return to Como (or Milan) in the afternoon. Overnight in Como.

Day 8 – Milan
A day dedicated to Italy’s vibrant fashion and cultural capital. Begin in Piazza del Duomo, the heart of the city, and stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to Piazza della Scala, home to the world-famous opera house.
After lunch at the Darsena near the Navigli canals, visit Sforza Castle and the vast Parco Sempione. With advance booking, you can admire Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie. End the day in the charming Brera district, known for its art galleries, cafés, and bohemian atmosphere. Overnight in Como.

Day 9 – From Como to Lake Iseo, Franciacorta and Verona
Depart for Lake Iseo, the smallest yet most intimate of the great Alpine lakes. Visit Monte Isola — a car-free island ranked among Europe’s most beautiful destinations — and enjoy lunch at a local lakeside restaurant. Continue through the Franciacorta wine region, famous for its fine sparkling wines, and visit select wineries for tastings. Arrive in Verona and overnight.

Day 10 – Verona and Lake Garda
Discover Lake Garda, a true inland sea surrounded by olive trees, cypresses and vineyards, touching Lombardy, Trentino and Veneto. Visit picturesque towns such as Peschiera del Garda, Lazise, Bardolino and Garda before reaching Malcesine.
Take the rotating cable car up to Monte Baldo for stunning panoramic views, then continue north to Riva del Garda. On your return, stop in Limone sul Garda, famous for its lemon groves, and drive along the spectacular Strada della Forra, one of the most scenic roads in the world. Visit Toscolano Maderno, Salò, Desenzano and Sirmione with its medieval castle. Overnight in Verona.

Day 11 – Mantua, the Pearl of the Gonzaga Dynasty
A UNESCO World Heritage city, Mantua is one of Italy’s most charming Renaissance jewels. Visit Piazza Sordello with the Ducal Palace, the Cathedral, and Palazzo del Capitano. Continue to Piazza delle Erbe to see the medieval Palazzo della Ragione, the Clock Tower, and the Basilica of Sant’Andrea by Leon Battista Alberti.
In the afternoon, travel to nearby Sabbioneta — another UNESCO site — a perfect example of an “ideal Renaissance city” built by Vespasiano Gonzaga. Return to Verona for the night.

Day 12 – From Verona to Trento and Bolzano
Drive through the scenic Val Lagarina, following the River Adige and the vineyards of Valpolicella and Bardolino. Stop in Ala and Rovereto, where Mozart once performed, and visit the Italian War History Museum housed in Rovereto Castle.
Continue to Trento for a city tour including Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of San Vigilio, the Neptune Fountain and the Buonconsiglio Castle — former residence of the Prince-Bishops. Proceed to Bolzano for overnight.

Day 13 – The Valleys and Peaks of the Dolomites
A full day dedicated to the Dolomites, UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most spectacular mountain ranges. Travel through the valleys of South Tyrol, visiting picturesque alpine villages such as Pozza di Fassa, Canazei and Arabba.
See the emerald waters of Lake Carezza, reach Cortina d’Ampezzo — “Queen of the Dolomites” — and ascend by cable car to the Tofane peaks for breathtaking views. Continue via Lake Misurina and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Park, passing Dobbiaco and Brunico before returning to Bolzano. Overnight in Bolzano.

Day 14 – Departure
At the scheduled time, transfer to Venice or Milan airport or railway station for your onward journey.

Included Services
13 nights in selected hotels with breakfast
All private and/or public transfers
City taxes
Guided visits as per itinerary
Tour escort for the entire trip
Travel insurance
One free double room for every 18 paying guests

Not Included
Personal expenses
Meals, tastings and entrance fees not specifically mentioned
Anything not expressly listed under “Included Services”