Duration: 5 or 7 nights

Best for: Cultural immersion

Pace: Relaxed

Welcome to Italy:

Embark on a scenic 5-7 night road trip through northern Italy, where tranquil lakes, charming towns, and alpine vistas create a perfect setting for an ultimate adventure. Begin on the shores of Lake Maggiore, exploring lakeside promenades, hidden gardens, and the Borromean Islands. Continue to Lake Como, wandering its historic centre, enjoying panoramic viewpoints, and immersing yourself in the serene landscapes of Valsassina. Opt for a 7 night road trip and extend your journey with additional nights to savour local traditions and the beauty of Lake Garda.  

Choose the length of your stay:

5 night road trip:

Day 1: Arrive in Milan → Lake Maggiore

Day 2: Lake Maggiore ⇄ Borromean Islands

Day 3: Lake Maggiore ⇄ Lake Orta & Villa Taranto

Day 4: Lake Maggiore → Lake Como

Day 5: Lake Como

Day 6: Lake Como → Departure from Milan

7 night road trip:

Day 1: Arrive in Milan → Lake Maggiore

Day 2: Lake Maggiore ⇄ Borromean Islands

Day 3: Lake Maggiore ⇄ Lake Orta & Villa Taranto

Day 4: Lake Maggiore → Lake Como

Day 5: Lake Como 

Day 6: Lake Como → Lake Garda

Day 7: Lake Garda ⇄ Verona

Day 8: Lake Garda → Departure from Milan

The freedom to explore:

Discover our expertly curated self-guided tours, designed to offer the perfect balance of structure and flexibility. While our travel experts suggest itineraries to help you explore each destination in depth, you have the freedom to tailor activities and pace to suit your personal preferences. Rest assured, the carefully selected hotels will remain as listed, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience throughout your journey.

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN MILAN → LAKE MAGGIORE

Arrive in Italy, collect your hire car and drive north towards Lake Maggiore. The road runs close to the water, where wooded slopes give way to turreted castles and pale stone villas set among formal gardens. Pause along the shoreline to take in the scale of the lake, its surface shifting between steel-grey and deep blue. 

Included:

• Arrive at Milano Malpensa Airport (MIL)
• Pick up your car hire
• Night at a 4* or 5* hotel (depending on the offer you choose)

Suggestions:

• Drive along the western shore of Lake Maggiore, pausing at roadside viewpoints
• Settle into your hotel and take an early evening walk along the waterfront promenade

DAY 2: LAKE MAGGIORE ⇄ BORROMEAN ISLANDS

Consider travelling to Stresa, an elegant resort town facing the celebrated Borromean Islands. Boats cross to islands crowned with baroque palaces and terraced gardens where citrus trees grow in clipped rows. Back on shore, stroll the lakeside promenade lined with Liberty-style hotels and discreet villas set behind wrought-iron gates. The mountains rise sharply behind the town, sometimes clear, sometimes veiled in haze. 

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Night at a 4* or 5* hotel (depending on the offer you choose)

Suggestions:

• Wander the promenade in Stresa, noting the grand Liberty-style hotels facing the lake
• Take a boat to the Borromean Islands to explore ornate palaces and terraced gardens

DAY 3: LAKE MAGGIORE ⇄ LAKE ORTA & VILLA TARANTO

Drive west to Lake Orta, smaller and quieter than its neighbour, its deep blue waters edged by wooded hills. Village streets lead to small piazzas where cafés sit beneath arcades and shutters are half-closed against the sun. The atmosphere feels intimate, almost secluded, with a softness to the light across the lake. In the afternoon, return to Lake Maggiore to visit Villa Taranto in Verbania.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Night at a 4* or 5* hotel (depending on the offer you choose)

Suggestions:

• Drive to Lake Orta and explore the village of Orta San Giulio on foot
• Browse small artisan shops and quiet piazzas set behind arcaded streets
• In the afternoon, visit the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto in Verbania

DAY 4: LAKE MAGGIORE → LAKE COMO

Continue south-east to Lake Como, long and narrow, its shoreline punctuated by grand villas and steep wooded slopes. In Como’s historic centre, consider visiting the Basilica of Sant'Abbondio, the marble façade of Como Cathedral, the medieval Broletto and the defensive tower of Porta Torre. Walk beside the water along the Lino Gelpi promenade, then explore the neoclassical rooms of Villa Olmo. Take the short funicular up to Brunate for a high, open view across the lake and mountains.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Drive to Lake Como
• Night at a 4* or 5* hotel (depending on the offer you choose)

Suggestions:

• Explore Como’s historic centre, including Como Cathedral and the nearby medieval streets.
• Visit the Basilica of Sant'Abbondio for its Romanesque architecture and quieter setting.
• Take the funicular up to Brunate for wide views over Lake Como

DAY 5: LAKE COMO

Follow the lake road to Bellagio, set where the lake divides into three branches. Narrow cobbled lanes climb between stone houses, and restaurants serve perch risotto made with fish from the lake. From the harbour, take to the water for a broader perspective of shoreline villages and wooded headlands. Pass the landscaped gardens of Villa Melzi, the art collections and flower terraces of Villa Carlotta, and the formal grounds of Villa d'Este. Return in the late afternoon as the light softens on the water.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Night at a 4* or 5* hotel (depending on the offer you choose)

Suggestions:

• Spend the morning exploring the cobbled lanes of Bellagio
• Visit the gardens of Villa Melzi for lakeside walks beneath mature trees
• Stop at Villa Carlotta to see its art collections and terraced gardens

DAY 6: LAKE COMO → DEPARTURE FROM MILAN

After breakfast, drive to the airport and return your vehicle. The lakes recede behind you, edged by cypress and stone villages.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Drive to Milan
• Drop off your car hire
• Depart from Milano Malpensa Airport (MIL)

Suggestions:

• Allow time for a short morning stroll before driving to the car hire office

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN MILAN → LAKE MAGGIORE

Arrive in Italy, collect your hire car and drive north towards Lake Maggiore. The road runs close to the water, where wooded slopes give way to turreted castles and pale stone villas set among formal gardens. Pause along the shoreline to take in the scale of the lake, its surface shifting between steel-grey and deep blue. 

Included:

• Arrive at Milano Malpensa Airport (MIL)
• Pick up your car hire
• Night at a 4* or 5* hotel (depending on the offer you choose)

Suggestions:

• Drive along the western shore of Lake Maggiore, pausing at roadside viewpoints
• Settle into your hotel and take an early evening walk along the waterfront promenade

DAY 2: LAKE MAGGIORE ⇄ BORROMEAN ISLANDS

Consider travelling to Stresa, an elegant resort town facing the celebrated Borromean Islands. Boats cross to islands crowned with baroque palaces and terraced gardens where citrus trees grow in clipped rows. Back on shore, stroll the lakeside promenade lined with Liberty-style hotels and discreet villas set behind wrought-iron gates. The mountains rise sharply behind the town, sometimes clear, sometimes veiled in haze. 

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Night at a 4* or 5* hotel (depending on the offer you choose)

Suggestions:

• Wander the promenade in Stresa, noting the grand Liberty-style hotels facing the lake
• Take a boat to the Borromean Islands to explore ornate palaces and terraced gardens

DAY 3: LAKE MAGGIORE ⇄ LAKE ORTA & VILLA TARANTO

Drive west to Lake Orta, smaller and quieter than its neighbour, its deep blue waters edged by wooded hills. Village streets lead to small piazzas where cafés sit beneath arcades and shutters are half-closed against the sun. The atmosphere feels intimate, almost secluded, with a softness to the light across the lake. In the afternoon, return to Lake Maggiore to visit Villa Taranto in Verbania.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Night at a 4* or 5* hotel (depending on the offer you choose)

Suggestions:

• Drive to Lake Orta and explore the village of Orta San Giulio on foot
• Browse small artisan shops and quiet piazzas set behind arcaded streets
• In the afternoon, visit the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto in Verbania

DAY 4: LAKE MAGGIORE → LAKE COMO

Continue south-east to Lake Como, long and narrow, its shoreline punctuated by grand villas and steep wooded slopes. In Como’s historic centre, consider visiting the Basilica of Sant'Abbondio, the marble façade of Como Cathedral, the medieval Broletto and the defensive tower of Porta Torre. Walk beside the water along the Lino Gelpi promenade, then explore the neoclassical rooms of Villa Olmo. Take the short funicular up to Brunate for a high, open view across the lake and mountains.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Drive to Lake Como
• Night at a 4* or 5* hotel (depending on the offer you choose)

Suggestions:

• Explore Como’s historic centre, including Como Cathedral and the nearby medieval streets.
• Visit the Basilica of Sant'Abbondio for its Romanesque architecture and quieter setting.
• Take the funicular up to Brunate for wide views over Lake Como

DAY 5: LAKE COMO

Follow the lake road to Bellagio, set where the lake divides into three branches. Narrow cobbled lanes climb between stone houses, and restaurants serve perch risotto made with fish from the lake. From the harbour, take to the water for a broader perspective of shoreline villages and wooded headlands. Pass the landscaped gardens of Villa Melzi, the art collections and flower terraces of Villa Carlotta, and the formal grounds of Villa d'Este. Return in the late afternoon as the light softens on the water.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Night at a 4* or 5* hotel (depending on the offer you choose)

Suggestions:

• Spend the morning exploring the cobbled lanes of Bellagio
• Visit the gardens of Villa Melzi for lakeside walks beneath mature trees
• Stop at Villa Carlotta to see its art collections and terraced gardens

DAY 6: LAKE COMO → LAKE GARDA

Continue east to Lake Garda, broader and brighter in character. Enjoy the freedom to explore and consider beginning in Bardolino, known for its light red wines, with a harbour edged by pastel houses and fishing boats. Pause at Punta San Vigilio, where cypress trees and a small stone harbour create one of the lake’s most composed views. In Torri del Benaco, taste olive oil pressed from groves that climb the surrounding hills.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Drive to Lake Garda
• Night at a 4* or 5* hotel (depending on the offer you choose)

Suggestions:

• Begin in Bardolino with a walk around the harbour and a tasting of local red wine
• Pause at Punta San Vigilio for a quiet lakeside view framed by cypress trees
• Visit an olive oil producer near Torri del Benaco for a guided tasting

DAY 7: LAKE GARDA ⇄ VERONA

Drive inland to Verona, a compact city of terracotta roofs and Roman remains. The vast stone ellipse of the Verona Arena still hosts summer opera beneath the open sky. In a quiet courtyard stands Juliet's House, its balcony a literary emblem rather than a historical fact. Explore the cathedral complex of Verona Cathedral, where Romanesque and Gothic details sit side by side.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Drive to Lake Garda
• Night at a 4* or 5* hotel (depending on the offer you choose)

Suggestions:

• Visit the Roman Verona Arena and walk through Piazza Bra
• Explore the historic centre to see Juliet's House and its courtyard
• Discover the layered architecture of Verona Cathedral

DAY 8: LAKE GARDA → DEPARTURE FROM MILAN

After breakfast, drive to the airport and return your vehicle. The lakes recede behind you, their surfaces shifting with wind and light.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Drive to Milan
• Drop off your car hire
• Depart from Milano Malpensa Airport (MIL)

Suggestions:

• Allow time for a short morning stroll before driving to the car hire office

At each of your stops, you will be staying in Standard Rooms in thoughtfully selected 4* or 5* hotels (depending on the offer you choose).

4* hotels (or similar):

Lake Maggiore: Hotel Pallanza 4*

Lake Como: Albergo le Due Corti 4*

Lake Garda (7 night road trip only): Palace Hotel Desenzano 4*

5* hotels (or similar):

Lake Maggiore: Hotel Villa e Palazzo Aminta 5*

Lake Como: Grand Hotel Tremezzo 5*

Lake Garda (7 night road trip only): Grand Hotel Fasano 5*

If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply

Enjoy an included destination assistance service provided by our local partners trained to Voyage Privé standards. A dedicated contact person, available 24 hours a day (by phone or WhatsApp), will assist you throughout your stay with advice, reservations, or help in case of unforeseen circumstances. Travel with peace of mind.

Nestled between majestic alpine peaks and serene waters, Lake Maggiore has long been a haven for writers and artists seeking tranquillity and inspiration. With its elegant villas, lush gardens, and charming lakeside villages, this storied destination offers a refined retreat steeped in history and natural beauty.

Must-sees:

• Isola Bella – A masterpiece of Baroque landscaping, the island’s grand palazzo and terraced gardens provide a glimpse into aristocratic splendour.
• Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso – Perched on a sheer cliff, this 14th-century monastery offers breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Angera’s Rocca Borromeo – A medieval fortress housing a fascinating museum of dolls and childhood memorabilia, with panoramic vistas over the lake.

Culinary culture:

Lake Maggiore’s cuisine is a blend of Piedmontese and Lombard traditions, enriched by fresh lake fish and Alpine produce. Local specialities include perch risotto, marinated whitefish, and mortadella di fegato, a rich, spiced liver sausage. Pair these with a glass of Ghemme or Boca, elegant red wines from the northern shores.

Dive deeper:

Beyond its famous sights, Lake Maggiore rewards the curious with hidden gems. Explore the ancient Sacri Monti, UNESCO-listed devotional complexes with frescoed chapels and scenic walking trails. In the Val Grande National Park, the largest wilderness area in Italy, remote paths lead through forests and abandoned hamlets, revealing a forgotten rural past.

Good to know:

The ideal time to visit is spring and early autumn, when the lake’s atmosphere is at its most tranquil. While ferries connect major towns and islands, hiring a private boat allows for a more intimate discovery of secluded bays and elegant lakeside villas.

Lombardy, a district of world-famous lakes, is a diverse region blending cosmopolitan sophistication with serene natural beauty. Nestled in northern Italy along the Swiss border, this area captivates with its stylish cities, majestic mountains, and pristine lakes. While Milan, the region's bustling capital, entices with its glamour and culture, the treasures of Lombardy extend far beyond its city limits to the tranquil landscapes of its northern reaches.

Must-sees:

• Lake Como: Admire the sumptuous lakeside villas and their verdant cascading gardens set against the backdrop of the Rhaetian Alps, which extend along the Italian-Swiss border.
• Lake Maggiore: Visit the tranquil Borromean Islands, offering postcard-perfect scenery and rich history.
• Lake Garda: Explore the laid-back charm of Gardone Riviera, with its scenic promenade and leisurely pleasure cruises across the lake.

Culinary culture:

Lombardy's culinary heritage is a reflection of its varied landscape. Relish local classics such as risotto alla milanese, flavoured with saffron, or hearty pizzoccheri, buckwheat pasta typical of the mountain regions. Around the lakes, fresh fish like lavarello is a highlight, while the region’s famed Taleggio and Gorgonzola cheeses add a decadent touch to any meal. Pair these dishes with Franciacorta, a sparkling wine from the region.

Dive deeper:

Step beyond the main attractions to uncover hidden gems like Varenna, a picturesque village on Lake Como, with its botanical gardens at Villa Monastero. For art lovers, the shores of Lake Garda host Il Vittoriale degli Italiani, the eccentric home of poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. Nature enthusiasts will find adventure in the Orobie Alps, which reach northwards towards Bergamo, offering hiking trails with breathtaking views.

Good to know:

Lombardy’s idea; travel seasons are spring and autumn, offering mild weather and fewer crowds. Milan is a central hub with excellent transport links, but exploring the lakes is easiest by car or ferry. The local currency is the euro, and English is widely understood in tourist areas. Comfortable shoes are essential for cobblestone streets and hillside villages.