Flavours of the Northern Lakes of Italy

This exceptional tour covers many of the North Italian Lakes district from Milan to Switzerland in the North to the Cinque Terre and the Tuscany region of Italy heading towards the central Italy.

We will be visiting ancient cities, castles where you can learn to cook amazing foods, wineries throughout the regions for wine tasting, olive pressing and cheese. Cruising the lakes of the North, visiting hidden islands and sampling some amazing traditional cuisines.

Leather factories, shopping in far away markets with views to die for, see were the leather shoe had its origins in Varese, Florence with its many wonders such as the Statue of David, the Ponte Vecchio and Art in abundance.

Recount to friends and family of your experience of visiting the famous La Scala and having watched an opera there after having dined and strolled through the amazing Galleria of Milano.

Authentic Flavours strive to make luxury travel affordable to everyone, and has a number of payment options available for your convenience.

Daily itinerary

Day 1 (MIlano) Welcome to your tour.

The Tour begins in Milano, you will find your way to our Luxurious 4-5 star hotel in the heart of the city amidst the wonders that Milano has to offer. Get settled and refreshed, prepare for a wonderful welcome cocktail party to tempt your palate with fine beverages and horderves, followed by a traditional Milanese dinner accompanied by wines from the region.

Day 2 (MIlano) Centrale Milano sightseeing

Today we begin our day with a walking tour starting at the amazing Duomo Cathedral followed by a stroll through the spectacular Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the most luxurious shopping Malls of Europe, Via Montenapoleone (for the Fashionistas of the group, and Il Rinascente. Here we will give you time to shop and sightsee at your own leisure.

We will reconvene at the hotel where we will prepare for a wonderful evening at the Opera, La Scala .

Day 3 (Milano) Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper and the Castello Sforzesco

A morning tour to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s fascinating Last Supper. Following on with a visit to the 15th Century Castello Sforzesco. Aperitifs and lunch to follow.

Day 4 (MILANO)

Today we will be making our way to the spectacular Lake District of Northern Italy.

Day 5 (Stresa) Tour of Le Isole Borromee

Today we will visit a group of three small islands and two islets located in Lago Maggiore. They date back to the 16th Century, Isola Madre, Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and Isolino di San Giovanni. Lunch will be at Isola Pescatori as they are renowned for their fishing markets. On returning from the tour you will be at your own leisure until meeting later for Dinner in the Lakeside city of Laveno.

Day 6 (Stresa) Intra, Luino and surrounds.

Today we will embark on a tour of the surroundings region of the lakes, visiting markets and sightseeing all the beauty the area has to offer. Lunch will be Lakeside for an authentic Pizza and wine experience. Late afternoon we will be visiting Varese with its many markets and beautiful stores, the birthplace of Italian Leather goods. You will have some free time to wander around after the tour. Returning to the hotel and continuing on to Local Bars for some leisure time and entertainment, music and dancing.

Day 7 (Stresa) Orta San Giulio, Isola San Giulio

We visit the beautiful Isola San Giulio, an Island within Lake Orta in Piedmonte, northwest Italy. We will visit the Basilica of San Giulio on the Island and a Benedictine Monastery. This is the Italian Lake that tourists haven’t discovered. Lunch will be at one of the many Michelin Star restaurants in the region.

Day 8 (Stresa) Bellagio, lago di Como

Today we visit the famous Lago di Como, a glacial lake one of the deepest lakes in Europe. A popular retreat for celebrities and aristocrats since Roman Times, we will visit the many villas and palaces. Lunching at one of the most iconic Hotels of Como.

DAY 9 (STRESA)

Today will be our last day in The beautiful Northern Lakes district of Italy.

Day 10 (Tuscany) Pisa, Florence, San Gimignano

Our tour takes us to the Chianti region of Italy, Tuscany and surrounds. Today we arrive in Florence (Firenze). We begin with a walking tour of the city, sightseeing through the Piazzale Michelangelo across from the Arno River, Basilica di San Lorenzo and Boboli Gardens, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della signoria, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Santa Maria Del Fiore Cathedral and of course the statue of David. Dinner by the Arno.

Day 11 (Tuscany)

This morning will be at your own leisure. We meet again later in the day to visit an amazing traditional winery where you will have a cooking class and finally eat your own cooking accompanied by fine wines of the region.

Day 12 (Tuscany)

Today we travel to Pisa, where we will Lunch at a traditional Trattoria sampling all the magnificent foods from the tuscan region. We will visit the Leaning tower of Pisa, Piazza dei miracoli, Pisa Baptistry just to name a few. Later in the day returning to our hotel for some respite. Evening will be spent enjoying the Florentine nightlife of Bars, poetry readings live music and Dinner.

Day 13 (San Gimignano)

Today we visit San Gimignano, a medieval hill town. Famous for its medieval architecture also a Unesco heritage site. This town is very well known for its white wines. We will visit another winery here, lunch will be served. Late afternoon, back to Florence. At your own leisure.

Day 14 ( Milano) Expo 2015

We travel back to Milano today. Upon arrival feel free to accompany us to the Expo Milano 2015. This is only the second time that Milan has hosted this grand world event. A showcase of technology, innovation, and culture. Or you may spend the day at your own leisure. Dinner will be back at our Hotel.

Day 15 (Milano) Farewell Dinner

The day will be filled with optional day trips of the region, or you may sightsee at your own leisure and pick up those last minute gifts. we will host farewell cocktails and hor d’oeuvres followed by a beautiful Dinner (la grande bufata) one you will not forget in a hurry. From here we say Goodbye till next time.