Kensington
10 Day Northern Italy's Iconic Lakes & Cities
10 Day Northern Italy’s Iconic Lakes & Cities
Style, splendid food and drink, elegant architecture, and picturesque scenery abound on this alluring journey that connects sophisticated Milan with the splendors of the Italian Lakes. Witness the lands that inspired some of the world’s great art, sample the wines that make oenophiles swoon, and savor Italy’s finest things on a breezy itinerary that never feels rushed. The tour begins in Milan where, after getting settled, you’ll meet Italy’s style capital on a privately guided tour of its must-see highlights – including the magnificent Piazza del Duomo and its Gothic cathedral, the neo-classical La Scala opera house, and Santa Maria delle Grazie, home of da Vinci’s “Last Supper” – before stepping out to explore the world-famous boutiques on your own. An hour’s drive north transports you from the buzzing city to the bucolic splendor of Como, gateway to the idyllic Italian lakes. First, discover the history of this scenic mountain town on a private tour, then experience the grandeur of Lake Como itself as you triangulate the south shore to see Tremezzo and Belaggio, visiting stunning botanical and English-style gardens of 17th and 19th century villas before continuing on to your next stop: Verona. A must-visit spot for centuries, you’ll see Verona’s architectural charms up close on a private walking tour through its cozy streets and alleys, spotting Renaissance palaces, Gothic castles, and Roman ruins along the way. Later, travel in the company of a private guide to the village of Bardolino on the shores of Lake Garda, where you’ll stroll the streets and work up a thirst for a wine-tasting session. A short train ride brings you to your last stop: Venice. Here, you’ll discover this peaceful city on the Adriatic through an enlightening private walking tour of its signature sights (Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, and Rialto Bridge, to name but a few) before embarking on a relaxing private gondola ride through the city’s famed canals. The journey ends on an artistic note with a fascinating boat-assisted tour of the islands of Murano and Burano, where artisans have produced world-renown glasswork and lace for centuries. Kensington Tours creates private trips from the world’s finest ingredients. Tailor-made with care by your personal Destination Expert, your personalized trip is always a one-of-a-kind experience made just for you. Expert local guidance and 24/7 service come standard.
Booking Dates
04/09/2025 through 12/18/2026
Travel Dates
06/01/2018 through 12/31/2026
| Day 1 |
Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, offers an exquisite blend of historical grandeur and contemporary chic. As you wander through this vibrant city, you’re greeted by architectural masterpieces like the Milan Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic design and the largest church in Italy. Its intricate façade and the panoramic views from the rooftop provide a breathtaking experience. Nearby, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II invites you to explore luxury boutiques and elegant cafes within its historic arcade, making it a must-visit for both shopping enthusiasts and architecture aficionados. Delve into Milan’s artistic heritage with a visit to the Pinacoteca di Brera, which houses an impressive collection of Renaissance art, including works by Caravaggio and Raphael. For a dose of historical intrigue, the Sforza Castle offers a glimpse into Milan’s medieval past with its fortified walls, museums, and beautiful surrounding parks. Don’t miss the chance to see Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic masterpiece, The Last Supper, housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie – a true highlight for art lovers. Milan is also renowned for its culinary scene. The Navigli District, with its picturesque canals and lively atmosphere, is perfect for sampling local delicacies and enjoying an aperitivo. The area buzzes with bars, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal spot for evening relaxation. Fun Fact: Milan is home to the world’s first shopping mall, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which opened in 1867 and continues to impress with its blend of history and modern luxury. |
| Day 2 |
Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, offers an exquisite blend of historical grandeur and contemporary chic. As you wander through this vibrant city, you’re greeted by architectural masterpieces like the Milan Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic design and the largest church in Italy. Its intricate façade and the panoramic views from the rooftop provide a breathtaking experience. Nearby, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II invites you to explore luxury boutiques and elegant cafes within its historic arcade, making it a must-visit for both shopping enthusiasts and architecture aficionados. Delve into Milan’s artistic heritage with a visit to the Pinacoteca di Brera, which houses an impressive collection of Renaissance art, including works by Caravaggio and Raphael. For a dose of historical intrigue, the Sforza Castle offers a glimpse into Milan’s medieval past with its fortified walls, museums, and beautiful surrounding parks. Don’t miss the chance to see Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic masterpiece, The Last Supper, housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie – a true highlight for art lovers. Milan is also renowned for its culinary scene. The Navigli District, with its picturesque canals and lively atmosphere, is perfect for sampling local delicacies and enjoying an aperitivo. The area buzzes with bars, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal spot for evening relaxation. Fun Fact: Milan is home to the world’s first shopping mall, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which opened in 1867 and continues to impress with its blend of history and modern luxury. |
| Day 3 |
A visit to Como is like looking through a manual on the history of architecture. Its ancient walls, the Duomo with its rich Gothic-Renaissance façade, the Broletto, the Castel Baradello, the Romanesque basilicas of Sant'Abbondio and S. Fedele, the myriad of monuments created by the "Comacini Masters", and the modern "rationalist" architectural lines, all represent foundations of the urban and tourist fabric, interwoven with unforgettable splendour. View the neo-classic past of Villa Olmo and the Tempio Voltiano, or to head out in the lake aboard the Concordia, the historic paddle steamer furrowing the waters overlooked by the aristocratic villas including Villa d'Este, now transformed into a luxury hotel, and Villa Erba, now seat of an important exhibition and congress centre, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Then there are the museums and the silks, universally renowned for their delicacy and originality: the result of a creativity that is part of a century-old tradition of the people living by this lake, known all over the world by businessmen and those who seek peace in the limpid air transported by the winds of the Tivano and the Breva. |
| Day 4 |
A visit to Como is like looking through a manual on the history of architecture. Its ancient walls, the Duomo with its rich Gothic-Renaissance façade, the Broletto, the Castel Baradello, the Romanesque basilicas of Sant'Abbondio and S. Fedele, the myriad of monuments created by the "Comacini Masters", and the modern "rationalist" architectural lines, all represent foundations of the urban and tourist fabric, interwoven with unforgettable splendour. View the neo-classic past of Villa Olmo and the Tempio Voltiano, or to head out in the lake aboard the Concordia, the historic paddle steamer furrowing the waters overlooked by the aristocratic villas including Villa d'Este, now transformed into a luxury hotel, and Villa Erba, now seat of an important exhibition and congress centre, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Then there are the museums and the silks, universally renowned for their delicacy and originality: the result of a creativity that is part of a century-old tradition of the people living by this lake, known all over the world by businessmen and those who seek peace in the limpid air transported by the winds of the Tivano and the Breva. |
| Day 5 |
A visit to Como is like looking through a manual on the history of architecture. Its ancient walls, the Duomo with its rich Gothic-Renaissance façade, the Broletto, the Castel Baradello, the Romanesque basilicas of Sant'Abbondio and S. Fedele, the myriad of monuments created by the "Comacini Masters", and the modern "rationalist" architectural lines, all represent foundations of the urban and tourist fabric, interwoven with unforgettable splendour. View the neo-classic past of Villa Olmo and the Tempio Voltiano, or to head out in the lake aboard the Concordia, the historic paddle steamer furrowing the waters overlooked by the aristocratic villas including Villa d'Este, now transformed into a luxury hotel, and Villa Erba, now seat of an important exhibition and congress centre, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Then there are the museums and the silks, universally renowned for their delicacy and originality: the result of a creativity that is part of a century-old tradition of the people living by this lake, known all over the world by businessmen and those who seek peace in the limpid air transported by the winds of the Tivano and the Breva. |
| Day 6 |
Verona is situated at a bend of the Adige River in northern Italy. It is hard to imagine that antique arts, monuments that date back to Roman times, and the shadows of the world's most famous tragic lovers can add up to a smiling, buzzing city. Yet they do, thanks perhaps to Verona's talent for melding her past and her present, her ancient and new so gracefully that everything blends in easy harmony. It may be that the pleasing openness of Piazza Bra or the liveliness of the Piazza Erbe market set the buoyant tone. Or the city's character may reside in the Veronese themselves. Whatever the answer, the city reminds one of a fairground, with people out enjoying themselves.
The soft pink pitted stone of the Roman arena draws your attention, the structure's arches now as delicate in color as pieces of seashell. Though diminished from its original size, the ancient arena still holds more than 20,000 spectators for open-air performances each summer. Its once larger dimensions are betrayed by a wing of stone arches standing proudly alone. From any angle Piazza Bra is irresistible, a good place for an afternoon rest. Italy has other generous and beautiful spaces, dignified or dazzling, but Piazza Bra's mood is more informal, more welcoming, with an inner quiet beneath the liveliness. A natural extension of Piazza Bra is Via Mazzini, a shopping street where the pace is more hectic, the crowd more dense. Baby carriages roll by, while mechanical toys hawked on corners skitter around one's feet. Even when the shops are closed, couples take their affectionate passeggiata along Via Mazzini, strolling and meeting friends. The street serves as an outdoor parlor, where one inevitably bumps into Aunt Marta and picks up the latest family gossip. After a long look at the surrounding houses, some quite old and almost all with flowered balconies, there are pleasant decisions to be made, depending on the time one has and the slant of one's interest. Let us assume that the visitor has come to the market at the proper time, about ten in the morning, and has the day ahead and that we would not, under any circumstances, miss Piazza dei Signori. However, instead of marching resolutely to this noble plaza of the ancient lords, let us make a short, seemingly eccentric, turn in another direction. Via Cappello (Capulet) starts at the chapel end of the market. A short distance down the street one finds what is said to be the house and courtyard of the prosperous citizen whose daughter was Juliet. Lovers often come to Verona in homage to Romeo and Juliet, although their brief courtship and marriage and violent end would hardly seem to augur well for long wedded bliss and a house filled with bambini. Yet the story was Italian a long time before Shakespeare borrowed it,and it maintains its hold on the Italians. From here the road to Romeo's house need not be long, but it offers a rich journey with many stops and detours. The first stop is a trip up the Lamberti Tower. For a small fee one can take a lift to the top for spectacular views of the market below, out to distant steeples and hills, and down to the nearby tangle of urban spaces. Leaving the square of Piazza dei Signon, one sees small, fantastic Gothic structures protected by a lovely wrought-iron fence. These are the tombs of the Scala family, or della Scala or Scaligeri, as they are variously referred to -- overlords of Verona from 1260 to 1387. With detours out of the way but with Shakespeare's lovers still in mind, it is time to look for Romeo's house. Immediately behind the tombs, on the street called Via Arche Scaligere, is a simple dweling. No gaudy kiosks here. The liveliest object in sight is the sign of a wineshop, Vini del Duca. Obviously Romeo has not caught the city's imagination as Juliet has, but Verona at least did him honor by engraving several of his most moving lines on a plaque. |
| Day 7 |
Verona is situated at a bend of the Adige River in northern Italy. It is hard to imagine that antique arts, monuments that date back to Roman times, and the shadows of the world's most famous tragic lovers can add up to a smiling, buzzing city. Yet they do, thanks perhaps to Verona's talent for melding her past and her present, her ancient and new so gracefully that everything blends in easy harmony. It may be that the pleasing openness of Piazza Bra or the liveliness of the Piazza Erbe market set the buoyant tone. Or the city's character may reside in the Veronese themselves. Whatever the answer, the city reminds one of a fairground, with people out enjoying themselves.
The soft pink pitted stone of the Roman arena draws your attention, the structure's arches now as delicate in color as pieces of seashell. Though diminished from its original size, the ancient arena still holds more than 20,000 spectators for open-air performances each summer. Its once larger dimensions are betrayed by a wing of stone arches standing proudly alone. From any angle Piazza Bra is irresistible, a good place for an afternoon rest. Italy has other generous and beautiful spaces, dignified or dazzling, but Piazza Bra's mood is more informal, more welcoming, with an inner quiet beneath the liveliness. A natural extension of Piazza Bra is Via Mazzini, a shopping street where the pace is more hectic, the crowd more dense. Baby carriages roll by, while mechanical toys hawked on corners skitter around one's feet. Even when the shops are closed, couples take their affectionate passeggiata along Via Mazzini, strolling and meeting friends. The street serves as an outdoor parlor, where one inevitably bumps into Aunt Marta and picks up the latest family gossip. After a long look at the surrounding houses, some quite old and almost all with flowered balconies, there are pleasant decisions to be made, depending on the time one has and the slant of one's interest. Let us assume that the visitor has come to the market at the proper time, about ten in the morning, and has the day ahead and that we would not, under any circumstances, miss Piazza dei Signori. However, instead of marching resolutely to this noble plaza of the ancient lords, let us make a short, seemingly eccentric, turn in another direction. Via Cappello (Capulet) starts at the chapel end of the market. A short distance down the street one finds what is said to be the house and courtyard of the prosperous citizen whose daughter was Juliet. Lovers often come to Verona in homage to Romeo and Juliet, although their brief courtship and marriage and violent end would hardly seem to augur well for long wedded bliss and a house filled with bambini. Yet the story was Italian a long time before Shakespeare borrowed it,and it maintains its hold on the Italians. From here the road to Romeo's house need not be long, but it offers a rich journey with many stops and detours. The first stop is a trip up the Lamberti Tower. For a small fee one can take a lift to the top for spectacular views of the market below, out to distant steeples and hills, and down to the nearby tangle of urban spaces. Leaving the square of Piazza dei Signon, one sees small, fantastic Gothic structures protected by a lovely wrought-iron fence. These are the tombs of the Scala family, or della Scala or Scaligeri, as they are variously referred to -- overlords of Verona from 1260 to 1387. With detours out of the way but with Shakespeare's lovers still in mind, it is time to look for Romeo's house. Immediately behind the tombs, on the street called Via Arche Scaligere, is a simple dweling. No gaudy kiosks here. The liveliest object in sight is the sign of a wineshop, Vini del Duca. Obviously Romeo has not caught the city's imagination as Juliet has, but Verona at least did him honor by engraving several of his most moving lines on a plaque. |
| Day 8 |
Roads? Where you're going you don't need roads... but don't rule out a romantic gondola ride or a water taxi. Welcome to Venice, with its network of canals, rich history and composition of over 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea.
One of the most popular features of this Northern Italy capital is the Grand Canal, once a major center of the Renaissance. Be sure to see the central square Piazza San Marco, where all can marvel at Byzantine mosaics, the Campanile bell and St. Mark’s Basilica. Fine art, stunning architecture, white limestone bridges, moving about via watercraft... Venice is a singular experience and an astonishing masterpiece of civilization. Summer is the busiest time to visit, so plan accordingly. If you're looking for an unforgettable costume party, visit during Venice Carnival from the end of February to the beginning of March. |
| Day 9 |
Roads? Where you're going you don't need roads... but don't rule out a romantic gondola ride or a water taxi. Welcome to Venice, with its network of canals, rich history and composition of over 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea.
One of the most popular features of this Northern Italy capital is the Grand Canal, once a major center of the Renaissance. Be sure to see the central square Piazza San Marco, where all can marvel at Byzantine mosaics, the Campanile bell and St. Mark’s Basilica. Fine art, stunning architecture, white limestone bridges, moving about via watercraft... Venice is a singular experience and an astonishing masterpiece of civilization. Summer is the busiest time to visit, so plan accordingly. If you're looking for an unforgettable costume party, visit during Venice Carnival from the end of February to the beginning of March. |
| Day 10 |
Roads? Where you're going you don't need roads... but don't rule out a romantic gondola ride or a water taxi. Welcome to Venice, with its network of canals, rich history and composition of over 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea.
One of the most popular features of this Northern Italy capital is the Grand Canal, once a major center of the Renaissance. Be sure to see the central square Piazza San Marco, where all can marvel at Byzantine mosaics, the Campanile bell and St. Mark’s Basilica. Fine art, stunning architecture, white limestone bridges, moving about via watercraft... Venice is a singular experience and an astonishing masterpiece of civilization. Summer is the busiest time to visit, so plan accordingly. If you're looking for an unforgettable costume party, visit during Venice Carnival from the end of February to the beginning of March. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
06/01/18 - 12/31/26 |
Starting At $10,868 |
Get A Quote |
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Offer is subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
