Serene Days of Milan and Lake Como Tour

The Italian Lakes District is an outstanding setting for your first day on this tour of Northern Italy. From craggy mountain peaks to the brilliant blues of the region’s many lakes, there is an abundance of natural beauty and culture that keeps people returning year after year. After arriving at Milan's primary airport, a convenient transfer will carry you into the alpine foothills to your comfortable accommodations on the shores of Lake Como. You will celebrate your arrival on an afternoon boat tour of the lake that will allow you to survey the rugged mountain panoramas and quaint villages.

Originally a humble fishing village, today, Como enjoys a vibrant city center and acts as the launchpad for those arriving at the lake hoping to explore its sunny shores. Today, the colorful culture of Northern Italy will reveal itself on an in-depth food tour that includes some of the main attractions of the town, such as savory palates of cheeses, wines, and fresh olive oil. As you stroll from market to restaurant to tavern, a knowledgeable guide will be there to answer any questions you have and walk you through the proud traditions of each vinegar and vintage you sample.

The region around Lake Como offers plenty of opportunities to actively explore the many hiking trails and rustic villages that appear throughout the Alps. One such spot that you will be able to explore today is the mountaintop village of Brunate, where you will find some of the best views of the lake. After enjoying a leisurely morning where you can explore your neighborhood at your own pace, you can board the reliable funicular for a ride up the steep slope that separates the lakeside town of Como and the hilltop village of Brunate. Once here, you can explore the town at your leisure.

Your final morning in the charming district of Como will give you one last chance to walk down to the pier and enjoy the panoramic views. Today, you will make your way from the rugged foothills of the Alps to the flat plains that extend to the exciting city of Milan. As the capital of the Lombardy region, Milan boasts an impressive array of artistic treasures and award-winning restaurants. As you enjoy a comfortable train transfer, you will be able to survey the landscape from the comfort of your seat as crumbling villas, picturesque villages, and agricultural beauty of this fertile region flicker past.

As the second-most populous city in Italy after Rome, Milan presents visitors with a cosmopolitan spirit that is fueled by the impressive automotive, fashion, and artistic industries. Milan's history dates back to before the Romans, and over the centuries, it has seen its fair share of empires and kingdoms. This impressive history will come alive on a walking tour today, during which an experienced guide will lead you to the city's major sites and attractions. By the end of the day, you will be well-versed in the proud legacy of Milan and its contemporary beauty.

With the sites and attractions of the city center still fresh in your mind, you will awake to your final full day of this tour, impressed that so much beauty can be contained in one city. From the Roman ruins at Mediolanum to the ornate facade of the city's cathedral, visitors to Milan cannot help but be charmed. Today, you will depart your comfortable accommodations and make your way to a more conveniently located hotel next to the airport. After arriving at your new accommodations, you will have the remainder of the day to enjoy at leisure.

With no mountains in the immediate vicinity of Milan, there is nothing to interrupt the morning light from sweeping across the city. Whether you rise with the sun or hit the snooze button, your last morning on this tour will find you reluctant to depart. From the charming alpine communities of Como and Brunate to the exciting bustle of Milan's city center, this exploration of Northern Italy will have left you well-acquainted with the impressive history and warm hospitality that has attracted visitors for centuries. A transfer will ensure your timely arrival at the main airport.