Cosmos
The Magic Of The Italian Lakes
Discover the beauty of the Italian Lakes on this magnificent vacation. With the Alps for a backdrop, you’ll enjoy nature at its finest—with overnights in Verona, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore. Plus, on this affordable Italian Lakes tour, you’ll spend one night in Milan, known as one of the world’s fashion capitals. Take a guided walking tour around medieval Verona, famous for the Roman Arena, home of the summer Opera Festival. Situated at the foot of the Alps, Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake. With its cobalt-blue waters surrounded by majestic mountains, Lake Como is one of Europe’s deepest lakes, lined with elegant 17th-century villas and lush gardens; it’s the perfect destination. You will enjoy a scenic boat trip to Bellagio and Varenna, both picturesque towns on Lake Como’s shores, where nature and culture come together. Admire the centuries-old buildings, explore the cobbled alleyways, cafes, and shops. Lake Maggiore is a paradise of crystal waters, backed by towering mountains and surrounded by lush countryside. With its prestigious Italian gardens, intriguing palaces, and scenic landscapes, you can choose to relax or enjoy some of the many activities available. On the way to Lake Maggiore, visit Lugano, set on gorgeous Lake Lugano, shared between Italy and Switzerland. Here—with a Mediterranean ambiance—you can stroll along the lakeside promenade or simply unwind as you enjoy a delicious gelato. Over centuries, Italy’s great lakes have been among Europe’s most popular vacation destinations, providing enchanting landscapes and a relaxing ambiance. Now is your time to enjoy them on this affordable Italian Lakes tour. It’s a lovely vacation, perfect for savvy, value-minded travel lovers.
| 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 |
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 4 |
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 5 |
Lake Como, nestled in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, offers a sublime retreat with its stunning landscapes and elegant charm. Renowned for its crescent shape and crystal-clear waters, Lake Como is framed by lush hills and dramatic mountain scenery. The lake's picturesque towns, such as Bellagio and Varenna, showcase charming cobblestone streets, historic villas, and lush gardens. Visitors can explore the beautiful Villa Carlotta and its renowned botanical gardens, or take a leisurely boat ride to soak in the tranquil beauty of the lake. The allure of Lake Como extends beyond its natural beauty. The region is steeped in history and culture, evident in its grand villas and ancient churches. Villa del Balbianello, perched on the lake's western shore, is a prime example of the area's opulent architecture and has been a backdrop for numerous films, including "Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones" (Villa del Balbianello). The town of Como itself features the stunning Como Cathedral, a Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece that stands as a testament to the region's rich architectural heritage. Lake Como is also renowned for its luxurious accommodations and dining experiences. High-end hotels and elegant restaurants offer breathtaking views and world-class cuisine, making it a favorite destination for celebrities and discerning travelers. The area's cuisine highlights local specialties such as freshwater fish and truffles, which are best enjoyed in a lakeside restaurant. A fun fact about Lake Como is that it is one of the deepest lakes in Europe, reaching depths of over 400 meters (1,300 feet). This depth contributes to its distinctive blue color and has helped shape the region's unique microclimate, which is ideal for growing lush vegetation and beautiful gardens. For a truly memorable visit, consider traveling to Lake Como between April and October when the weather is most pleasant and the lake is bustling with cultural events and festivals. This period offers the best conditions for exploring the lake’s scenic beauty and indulging in its luxurious offerings. |
| Day 6 |
Lake Como, nestled in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, offers a sublime retreat with its stunning landscapes and elegant charm. Renowned for its crescent shape and crystal-clear waters, Lake Como is framed by lush hills and dramatic mountain scenery. The lake's picturesque towns, such as Bellagio and Varenna, showcase charming cobblestone streets, historic villas, and lush gardens. Visitors can explore the beautiful Villa Carlotta and its renowned botanical gardens, or take a leisurely boat ride to soak in the tranquil beauty of the lake. The allure of Lake Como extends beyond its natural beauty. The region is steeped in history and culture, evident in its grand villas and ancient churches. Villa del Balbianello, perched on the lake's western shore, is a prime example of the area's opulent architecture and has been a backdrop for numerous films, including "Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones" (Villa del Balbianello). The town of Como itself features the stunning Como Cathedral, a Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece that stands as a testament to the region's rich architectural heritage. Lake Como is also renowned for its luxurious accommodations and dining experiences. High-end hotels and elegant restaurants offer breathtaking views and world-class cuisine, making it a favorite destination for celebrities and discerning travelers. The area's cuisine highlights local specialties such as freshwater fish and truffles, which are best enjoyed in a lakeside restaurant. A fun fact about Lake Como is that it is one of the deepest lakes in Europe, reaching depths of over 400 meters (1,300 feet). This depth contributes to its distinctive blue color and has helped shape the region's unique microclimate, which is ideal for growing lush vegetation and beautiful gardens. For a truly memorable visit, consider traveling to Lake Como between April and October when the weather is most pleasant and the lake is bustling with cultural events and festivals. This period offers the best conditions for exploring the lake’s scenic beauty and indulging in its luxurious offerings. |
| Day 7 |
On the borders of Piedmont, Lombardy and Switzerland, the Maggiore Lake (or Verbano), is the second largest Italian lake, after Garda. It is situated close to the Alps, stretching for 65 km prevalently NNE-SSW from Magadino to Sesto Calende. Most of the lake lies in Italian territory, marking the boundary between the provinces of Novara and the VCO (Verbania-Cusio-Ossola), in Piedmont, and Varese, in Lombardy; only the most northerly end (42 sq km) belongs to Switzerland. A mild climate with an lush vegetation, excellent hotels of longstanding tradition, and many campsites, make the Maggiore Lake a favourite tourist centre. Well-known towns of international fame line its shore: Castelletto Ticino, Dormelletto, Arona, Meina, Lesa, Belgirate, Stresa, Baveno, Verbania, Ghiffa, Oggebbio, Cannero Riviera and Cannobio on the Piedmont side; Maccagno, Luino, Laveno and Angera on the Lombardy shores; Locarno, Ascona and Brissago on Swiss soil. From the lake time seems to have stood still. The Monastery of Santa Caterina clinging to the rocky cliff, the Borromeo Islands, small in size but rich in history, and the Castles of Cannero, island outpost of the Mazzarditi Brothers, infamous pirates of the Verbano, are just a few of the timeless examples awaiting the visitor. |
| Day 8 |
On the borders of Piedmont, Lombardy and Switzerland, the Maggiore Lake (or Verbano), is the second largest Italian lake, after Garda. It is situated close to the Alps, stretching for 65 km prevalently NNE-SSW from Magadino to Sesto Calende. Most of the lake lies in Italian territory, marking the boundary between the provinces of Novara and the VCO (Verbania-Cusio-Ossola), in Piedmont, and Varese, in Lombardy; only the most northerly end (42 sq km) belongs to Switzerland. A mild climate with an lush vegetation, excellent hotels of longstanding tradition, and many campsites, make the Maggiore Lake a favourite tourist centre. Well-known towns of international fame line its shore: Castelletto Ticino, Dormelletto, Arona, Meina, Lesa, Belgirate, Stresa, Baveno, Verbania, Ghiffa, Oggebbio, Cannero Riviera and Cannobio on the Piedmont side; Maccagno, Luino, Laveno and Angera on the Lombardy shores; Locarno, Ascona and Brissago on Swiss soil. From the lake time seems to have stood still. The Monastery of Santa Caterina clinging to the rocky cliff, the Borromeo Islands, small in size but rich in history, and the Castles of Cannero, island outpost of the Mazzarditi Brothers, infamous pirates of the Verbano, are just a few of the timeless examples awaiting the visitor. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
04/26/26 - 05/24/26 |
Starting At $1,999 |
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|
05/31/26 - 06/28/26 |
Starting At $2,029 |
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|
07/12/26 - 07/19/26 |
Starting At $1,899 |
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|
07/26/26 - 08/02/26 |
Starting At $1,799 |
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|
08/09/26 - 08/16/26 |
Starting At $1,899 |
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|
08/23/26 - 08/30/26 |
Starting At $1,979 |
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|
08/30/26 - 09/06/26 |
Starting At $1,999 |
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|
09/06/26 - 09/20/26 |
Starting At $2,029 |
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|
09/27/26 - 10/04/26 |
Starting At $1,999 |
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|
10/04/26 - 10/11/26 |
Starting At $1,899 |
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The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include international airfare. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos) in which case intra-vacation air and taxes are included in the price shown.
