This Best of Northern Italy suggested travel itinerary, with departure and arrival in Milan, has a duration of 15 days.
This itinerary highlights northern Italy, with escorted excursions in Venice, Milan, Parma, and Stresa. You will be able to admire Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper", and to travel around the scenic lakes of northern Italy. Your A La Carte Italy Tours guide will organize wine tasting and a gondola ride on the incredible canals of Venice. You will travel throughout Piedmont, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige / Sudtirol, Veneto, and Emilia Romagna Italian regions.
As all our tours, this itinerary in Italy can be custom-made to suit your own interests, needs or timeframe. Unless you wish otherwise, your guide will take you to:
Milan - Lake Orta - Stresa - Como - Isole Borromee - Lake Maggiore - Bergamo - Verona - Lake Garda - Pomposa Abbey - Padova - Venice - Ravenna - Maranello - Bologna - Parma - Modena - Milan
Our suggested itinerary begins and finishes in Milan
1
Milan:
Your personal A La Carte Italy Tours chauffeur guide picks you up from Milan international airport. Milan is home to 1.3 million people. Fashion, fine automobiles, famous music and book publishers come from here. For many centuries, it has been one of the wealthiest cities on earth. A view of the interior and rooftops of the Duomo (cathedral) is not to be missed. Your private guide will explain the nave, flying buttresses, portals, belfries and other historic, architectural and artistic features. The cathedral can hold 40,000 people. Next door is the Gallery Vittorio Emanuele II. This is a 150-year old luxury shopping center. Its glass top was one of the first of its kind and size. The "La Scala" Opera-House is on the other side of the gallery. This is where operas by Puccini, Verdi, Ponchielli, Donizzetti, Bellini and Rossini premiered. Overnight in Milan.
2
Stresa:
Before leaving Milan, we have a look at Brera Art Gallery. with its invaluable collection of Italian paintings. Works by Raphael or Tintoretto can be admired here. A walk at the Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle) and the viewing of "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci at the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie concludes our Milanese stay. Travel by your A La Carte Italy Tours airconditioned minivan to Stresa. That little town lies by the Lago Maggiore lake, near the Swiss border. It is an aristocrats' retreat. Your personal guide will point out the panoramic views, and take you to the Piazza Marconi, by the lake. There, you will learn about the features of the Church of San Ambrogio, built at the end of the 18th century. Also, see the Villa Ducale dedicated to philosopher Antonio Rosmini. 3 nights in Stresa area.
3
Lake Orta:
Travel to Lake Orta, and the village of Orta San Giulio. The village is so beautiful that many young couples come here for their wedding. On the San Giulio island, the Benedictine monastery Mater Ecclesiae is still the home to monks who pray from before dawn to sunset. After we leave the boat, your A La Carte Italy Tours driver takes you for a Scenic drive around the lakes. Lake Maggiore has a tectonic origin (resulting from ancient earthquakes), and its shape has been eroded by glaciers 15,000 years ago. 2nd night in Stresa area.
4
Isole Borromee:
A gentle day spent on a boat on Lake Maggiore. See Isola Madre island, with its lush gardens. The Borromeo palace dates back to the 16th century. Isola Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island) offers the San Vittore church, parts of which had been built in the 9th century. Napoleon, the Princess of Wales, Caroline of Brunswick stayed on Isola Bella ("Beautiful Island"), where your A La Carte™ Italy Tour guide will point you the Palazzo Borromeo. It is the Borromeo family that gave their name to the three Borromean Islands. 3rd night in Stresa.
5
Lake Maggiore:
Travel along the shores of Lago Maggiore. Your A La Carte™ Italy Tour will include Angera, a small town dating back to Roman times. Discover Angera's Rocca castle, and its wines. Stop at Laveno Mombello lake port town. At Sacro Monte di Ghiffa, one of the nine Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy, on the UNESCO World Heritage list, see the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary Crowned, built in 1647. The breathtaking panorama, and the 19th century frescoes, render the place magic. After having traveled to Como, your A La Carte Italy Tours guide will lead you through that town. The cathedral was started in 14th century. The church of San Fedele is even older, as it was built in 1120. And the basilica of Sant'Abbondio, the patron of the town, dates back to 1095; it is in Romanesque style, and houses 11th century paintings. 2 nights in Como.
6
Lake Como:
In your A La Carte™ Italy Tour minivan, travel along picturesque Lake Como. In Bellaggio, enjoy a historic walking tour going through Piazza Mazzini, the promontory, a bell tower, and the Villa Melzi gardens. From Bellaggio, catch the ferry to Menaggio - an opportunity for a short lake cruise. Menaggio is a summer resort area. See historic Menaggio: Piazza Garibaldi, San Marta church, Castello views. Explore Tremezzo and the Villa Carlotta - built in 1690, with an Italian garden (rhododendrons and azaleas) and statues of Mars and Venus. Cernobbio town with its tree-lined and flowery waterfront: its 19th century villas are a delight; spot the Villa d'Este, Villa Erba and Villa Pizzo. 2nd night in Como.
7
Bergamo:
Visit Bergamo's upper medieval town with the guidance of your A La Carte Italy Tours guide. Bergamo's past can be traced back to 49 BC and before. The Piazza Vecchia ("old square" and Piazza del Duomo ("Cathedral Square") are on our route. Travel in comfort to Verona, the city of Antonio Salieri, and also Romeo and Juliet. Your guided tour includes: Piazza delle Erbe (next to the Roman forum), Juliet's house and balcony , Piazza dei Signori (Scaligeri Tombs - Gothic funerary monuments), Arche Scaligere (14th century sculpted arches), and the Piazza Bra (Roman Arena). 2 nights in Verona area.
8
Lake Garda:
Start the day with a scenic drive around Lake Garda with a visit to Sirmione, located on a delightful peninsula. Travel to Punta di San Vigilio : view over the lake. Picturesque lakeside road to Malcesine (Castello Scaligeri, with its 14th century fortifications), and cable car to Monte Baldo, made of limestone and dolomite. Your A La Carte™ Italy Tour chauffeur leads you then to Limone sul Garda (splendid setting: beaches, olive groves, valleys and mountains) and Gardone Riviera (home to Gabriele D'Annunzio; possible walk through botanical garden). Wine tasting in the evening. 2nd night in Verona area.
9
Padova:
Today, we leave Verona. A walking tour in Padua leads to the Scrovegni chapel (frescoes by Giotto). Padova is the city of St Anthony. It is delightful, with arcaded streets, historic squares and bridges over the Bacchiglione river. Later, as we have traveled to Venice, we start with a short city walk, custom made for A La Carte Italy Tours, to get acquainted with the city known as the most serene. St Mark's Basilica has five domes, a balustrade decorated by a group of bronze horses, impressive portals. The Doges Palace and its arcades and the famous Bridge of Sighs. It is said that the bridge gained its name from the prisoners that were taken through it to their cells, and sighed at their last view of beautiful Venice. 2 nights in Venice.
10
Venice:
This morning, your private guide will organize a private water taxi for a canal tour. The water taxis are sleek polished wooden boats with open air and undercover seating. These crafts are built by a Venetian family, which also manufactures water ambulances, fire boats, police boats and other specific vessels. Although the canals of Venice are beautiful and full of history, they are not only a tourist attraction: Venice is a city of 300,000 inhabitants, and they all rely on water-based transportation and services, since there are no cars on the island city. A fascinating tour, run at your own pace, with possible stops for photographs. Only A La Carte™ Italy Tour offers such a personalized tour. After the boat ride, it's time for a leisurely stroll. Admire the Rialto Bridge. It is a stone bridge, with shops on both sides, built in 1591; in fact, a replica of a previous wooden bridge. Later along our walk, see the Santa Maria dei Frari church, and the Palazzo Querini Stampalia with a fantastic gallery. Experience a vaporetto ride to Murano Island and see how a glass blowing factory operates. To conclude the day, a private gondola ride with music and songs is maybe an idea? 2nd night in Venice.
11
Ravenna:
This is the end of our 2-night stay in Venice. We are back into our A La Carte™ Italy Tour minivan. Relax and see the passing landscapes as we travel to Ravenna. Visit Romanesque Pomposa Abbey: started in the 9th century, it was home to Guido d’Arezzo, who invented the modern musical notation. Your A La Carte™ Italy Tour guide will lead you through Ravenna on a city tour: Basilica of St Vitus (547 AD, Byzantine frescoes), Galla Placidia Tomb (450 AD), Baptistery of Neoni (6th century mosaics) and Tomb of Dante (although he died in 1391, his monument was built in the 18th century). Overnight in Ravenna area.
12
Bologna:
Discover Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Pier Paolo Pasolini, Ottorino Respighi, Umberto Eco and Gioachino Rossini were born or lived in Bologna. With your A La Carte™ Italy Tour guide, see the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana and its Renaissance House of cloth manufacturers. There are also leaning towers in Bologna; the tallest one was built for the Asinelli family, dates from 1109 and is almost 300 feet high. Enjoy Italian life at the Piazza Maggiore, the basilica of San Petronio (one of the world's largest), the curiously eclectic Fontana di Nettuno (Neptune's Fountain) made in 1567 by Giambologna (in order for that fountain to be erected, an entire building had to be demolished!). Main Square and Neptune Square (Saint Petrone Cathedral, Fountain of Neptune) in Bologna. 3 nights in Parma area.
13
Parma:
Discover Parma, starting with a Parmesan cheese factory. In the city center, enjoy the historic knowledge of A La Carte Italy Tours' guides as you walk to the Romanesque cathedral. The Battistero is an interesting step from Romanesque to Gothic architecture, made in pink marble. Admire the 16th century Church of St John the Evangelist with its baroque facade and frescoes by Parmigianino. Then travel to the Palazzo della Pilotta (possible visit to the National Archaeological Museum or the Academy of Fine Arts). 2nd night in Parma area.
14
Modena:
Traveling from Parma to Modena, we make a detour through Maranello. This is home to the Ferrari factory and Ferrari Gallery. Learn more about these prestigious cars under the expert guidance of a local specialist exclusive to A La Carte™ Italy Tours. Then head to Modena. Some illustrious people from Modena are Luciano Pavarotti and Mirella Freni. Enjoy the Piazza Grande (yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site). Learn about the Cathedral (started in 1099) with its Gothic campanile (Torre della Ghirlandina), and the Cathedral Museum. Stroll to the majestic Palazzo Ducale, started in 1634. 3rd night in Parma.
15
Milan:
This last day has some free time for you to shop, relax or enjoy more sightseeing. Your A La Carte™ Italy Tour driver will make sure you enjoy traveling across Italy to the last minute. If desired, a fascinating visit is that of the National Museum of Science and Technology in Milan (Leonardo da Vinci’s machine models, beautiful setting in a 16th century Olivetan monastery). Drop-off at Milan international airport. This is the end of your "Best of Northern Italy tour".
Tour departures: on request - please book at least 3-6 months ahead
Best of Northern Italy tour in 15 days - prices
Type of Accommodation
If your party has 2-3 passengers price per person is
If your party has 4-6 passengers price per person is
Boutique
US$ 17,800
US$ 15,150
Luxury
(best available)
US$ 27,900
US$ 23,700
All
prices are per person in a twin / double room, and the currency is US dollars
private driver-guide all along during your travel in Italy
minivan (limousine) with A/C
luggage handling
domestic flights in Italy (if mentioned in the itinerary)
train rides 1st class (if mentioned in the itinerary)
all entrance fees
accommodation (2 categories to choose from: Boutique or Luxury)
if you select Luxury accommodation, you will also have the best available "room" in that establishment ("suites" or "apartments" upon request)
continental breakfasts
light lunches (lunch is usually kept light and short so we can sightsee more)
dinners in gourmet restaurants (for a Boutique tour); or in best overall restaurants (for a Luxury tour); in all cases, dinner is a la carte (you choose any three items)
1/2 bottle per person of best local wine at dinner
all taxes and tolls
or, if you prefer, please fill out the enquiry form
once you are satisfied with the suggested custom tour that we will design for you, we will ask you to pay a 20% deposit (usually between 3-12 months in advance)
the balance of the tour price is payable 60 days before the start of the tour
A La Carte Italy Tours accepts and MasterCard
Please do not send us your credit card details by email. In our correspondence, we will point you to a secure form.
Cancellations:
the 20% booking deposit is non-refundable
cancellations until 30 days before departure: 50% refund
cancellations until 3 days before departure: 20% refund
cancellations after 3 days before the tour: no refund
We will be happy to answer all your questions. There is no particular charge for a custom tour; if you wish a travel itinerary to suit a particular need, timeframe or interest, just ask us, and we will suggest a tour priced similarly to our advertised tours. Send us an email to private.tours@alcitalytours.com .
A La Carte Italy Tours offers exclusively private driver-guide tours. All our tours are custom-made to suit your needs, tastes and dates. On our tours, we never mix passengers who do not know each other. All our tours are run on an exclusive basis.
This Best of Northern Italy suggested travel itinerary, with departure and arrival in Milan, has a duration of 15 days.
This itinerary highlights northern Italy, with escorted excursions in Venice, Milan, Parma, and Stresa. You will be able to admire Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper", and to travel around the scenic lakes of northern Italy. Your A La Carte Italy Tours guide will organize wine tasting and a gondola ride on the incredible canals of Venice. You will travel throughout Piedmont, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige / Sudtirol, Veneto, and Emilia Romagna Italian regions.
and MasterCard 
