“What about Lake Como, if not pity people who aren't crazy about it?
This is the question posed by Stendhal (1783-1842), in Promenades dans Rome, in 1829… no doubt this observation can be extended to the entire region of the Italian lakes.
Lake Maggiore, Ernest Hemingway's lost paradise, Lake Como whose shores were an inexhaustible source of inspiration for Bellini, Liszt, and so many others... It's hard to believe that this admiration is the result of chance!
Along this itinerary, discover the most beautiful sites of this true Italian jewel.
From the Alpine lakes to the Dolomites, via Bergamo and Trento, explore a region whose splendor has been praised for centuries, without ever getting tired of it!
Picturesque villages, centuries-old buildings with pastel facades and wrought iron balconies, lush gardens of
on one side, snow-capped summits and rocky peaks on the other: the contrasts of northern Italy reveal their excess with audacity and sumptuousness.
Andiamo!
price of the stay
• Standard rate: €5,250
• Price for 1st registrants: €4,990 (until 02/28/2023)
• Single room supplement: €1,015
• Balance payment: Friday, April 21, 2023
• Deposit: €1,700
Program
Day 1 l Thursday 22 June 2023 • PARIS • MILAN • LAKE MAJEUR (BORROMEAN ISLANDS)
Meeting with your guide at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport.
8:15 a.m.: Take off for Milan on a scheduled Air France flight.
9:45 a.m.: Arrival in Milan.
Upon your arrival in Milan, you will be welcomed by your English-speaking guide.
You will then take the road towards Lake Maggiore.
On the edge of the Swiss Alps, the shores of Lake Maggiore are often considered to be among the most beautiful in Italy.
On the horizon, the sumptuous snow-dusted peaks merge with the sky.
A daydream.
You will discover the Borromeo Palace, nestled on the shores of Isola Bella.
Combining both lush gardens and the extravagance of Baroque architecture, this monumental building was built in the 17th century by order of Charles III.
When you arrive, you will be struck by the beauty of the surrounding gardens: sculptures elegantly arranged on verdant terraces, lemon trees in full bloom, rose bushes, French-trimmed boxwood... Inside the palace, you will visit the ceremonial rooms, including the imposing rotunda salon which opens onto Lake Maggiore and the gallery with its walls covered with paintings.
Everything is luxury and refinement.
A little historical anecdote: in one of the bedrooms is the bed where General Bonaparte invited Josephine to spend the night during his
Lunch at the restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will continue with a visit to Isola dei Pescatori, the only one of the Borromean Islands permanently inhabited.
Let yourself be charmed by its narrow streets lined with small fishermen's houses with wooden balconies, its colorful boats that bathe their hulls in the crystal clear water of the lake... a true embodiment of the Italian dolce vita.
You will finish by exploring Isola Madre, whose beauty is matched only by the exoticism of the plants that grow in its botanical garden.
In 1845, when he discovered its lush gardens, Gustave Flaubert immediately fell under its spell:
“
Isola Madre, earthly paradise.
Trees with golden leaves gilded by the sun.
Rare species flourish there in abundance.
Among
the hundreds of species, one in particular arouses the curiosity of visitors: the magnificent Kashmir cypress, planted more than 150 years ago.
Dinner and night at the Grand Hotel Bristol****.
From mythical Italian lakes to the majestic Dolomites Adobestock
Day 2 l Friday 23 June 2023 • LAKE ORTA
In the morning, you will take the road towards Lake Orta.
Stroll through the sublime eponymous village, also known as the “painted country”… and for good reason.
With its narrow streets that wind between elegant colorful buildings, the green of the surrounding hills and the bright blue of the lake, Orta has plenty to inspire artists.
Do not miss to admire the sublime villas Perone and Crespi, as well as the Palazzo della Comunità, which once hosted the Consiglio della Riviera.
You will embark on a crossing of the lake to the island of San Giulio, dominated by its Romanesque basilica, the bishop's palace and the Benedictine abbey.
According to legend, the island was once a bare rock inhabited by snakes and terrible monsters, until San Giulio founded a church there.
From the forecourt of the latter, you can admire the "way of silence and meditation", a walk around the island.
The other buildings on the island were once dwellings for priests.
These are now private properties, like the Villa Tallone, where classical music concerts are organized every year.
Lunch at the restaurant.
Visit of Villa Taranto and its magnificent gardens.
Azaleas, heather, rhododendrons and camellias will dazzle you with the splendor of their flowering.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner and night at the Grand Hotel Bristol****.
Day 3 l Saturday 24 June 2023 • LAKE COMO (COMO - TREMEZZO - BELLAGIO)
Go on a day trip to discover the sumptuous Lake Como.
You will start with a walk in the city.
A vacation spot for the Italian aristocracy from the 18th century, the shores of the lake are lined with magnificent buildings.
In the historic center you can admire charming 19th century palaces, medieval churches, as well as buildings of Romanesque and Gothic inspiration.
Lunch in Tremezzo.
Discovery of Tremezzo.
In the streets of this village blows a wind of sweetness and unique charm in the country.
A walk on the shores of the lake will allow you to enjoy it, while observing the elegant houses with pastel facades and wrought iron balconies.
You will then embark on a crossing of Lake Como towards Bellagio.
Nicknamed the "pearl of the lake", the small town of Bellagio is concentrated around a handful of narrow streets and houses with ocher and pastel facades.
This postcard landscape inspired many artists and authors, including Franz Liszt: “I do
n't know of a land more obviously blessed by heaven;
I have never seen one where the enchantments of a life of love would seem more natural.
»
Return to the hotel.
Dinner and night at the Grand Hotel Bristol****.
From mythical Italian lakes to the majestic Dolomites Adobestock
Day 4 l Sunday 25 June 2023 • LAKE MAGGIORE • BERGAMO • MONTE ISOLA • LAKE GARDA
In the morning, change of scenery and drive towards Bergamo.
Discovery of Bergamo, the beautiful Lombardy.
You will explore "Bergamo di sopra" and "Bergamo di sotto", the upper town and the lower town, two faces and two styles that rub shoulders without ever really mixing.
In particular, you will be able to soak up the unique soul of this thousand-year-old city.
By turns Ligurian, Gallic, Roman, Lombard, Venetian and Austrian before becoming Italian, Bergamo is a unique and fascinating city.
Lunch at the restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will visit Sulzano, a small fishing village on the shores of Lake Iseo.
Immerse yourself in this dreamlike atmosphere: green hills, snow-capped mountains on the horizon, the sparkling water of the lake at your feet, the pure and invigorating air of the altitude...
You will take the boat to go to Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe.
A wild paradise, it is a resort popular with celebrities and crowned heads.
In this fishing village, time seems to stand still.
Life is led there in slow motion, to the gentle rhythm of the boats undulating on the emerald surface of the lake.
Road towards Lake Garda.
Dinner and night at the Cæsius Thermae & Spa Resort****.
Image: Sulzano - Lake Iseo
From mythical Italian lakes to the majestic Dolomites Adobestock
Day 5 l Monday 26 June 2023 • LAKE GARDA
This day will be dedicated to discovering the splendid shores of Lake Garda.
You will begin by exploring the charming seaside resort Riva del Garda.
Colorful houses and cobbled streets, framed by snow-capped peaks, will be part of this visit.
You will continue with the discovery of Malcesine, accessible after a short boat trip.
Renowned for its water sports offer, the city attracts lovers of wide open spaces and sailing.
From the heights of the Scaligero di Malcesine castle, you will have a breathtaking view of the lake, the city below and Mount Baldo in the background.
Also known as the "Botanical Garden of Europe", the slopes of Mount Baldo are covered with alpine plants, olive trees and beeches.
At the top is the troglodyte sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona.
In Bardolino, get your fill of history and learn more about the invasions of the Lombards, the Goths and then the Franks, all of which left their indelible mark on the identity and on the buildings of the city.
The latter is renowned for its production of wine, the bardolino, but also for its church, the San Severo church, erected in the 12th century, and whose frescoes are remarkably well preserved.
Lunch at the restaurant during the visits.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner and night at the Caesius Thermae & Spa Resort****.
From mythical Italian lakes to the majestic Dolomites Adobestock
Day 6 l Tuesday 27 June 2023 • LAKE GARDA • TRENTO • BOLZANO
In the morning, you will take the road towards Trento, a dynamic city located at the foot of the Alps of northern Italy.
A visit will allow you to learn more about its Roman past and the different influences that today shape the face of a city very popular with students and hikers.
From Piazza Duomo to the Fountain of Neptune, passing through the Pretorio Palace, the Rella House and the Duomo, you will discover the main buildings.
You will end your visit with the Château du Bon-Conseil, a sumptuous building which houses the Provincial Museum of Art.
Inside, more than seven hundred years of history are traced there, from the reign of Frederick II to the First World War.
The medieval part of the museum, in particular, is one of the most fascinating.
You can admire the Aquila tower with the precious cycle of the months, frescoes dating from the 15th century, or marvelous Renaissance frescoes.
At the end of the morning, change of scenery and heading to Bolzano, in South Tyrol.
Lunch at the restaurant in the historic heart of Bolzano.
Discovery of the city via its main attractions: Walther square with the statue of the eponymous poet (Walther von der Vogelweide), the cathedral – a jewel of Romanesque and Gothic architecture – Domenicani square, San Giovanni chapel and San Giovanni street Giovanni, a dynamic shopping street.
You will then take the road towards Canazei, in the heart of the Dolomites.
Dinner and night at the Ciampedie Luxury Alpine Spa Hotel*****.
Day 7 l Wednesday 28 June 2023 • THE DOLOMITES
Embark on a day to discover the unspoiled paradise of the Dolomites.
You will start by climbing the Sella pass.
At this altitude, the snowy peaks are revealed one by one in the sky.
The mountain opens up and from this chasm are born new salient, gray, rocky peaks, the gateway to the Dolomites.
You will continue with the discovery of the Gardena pass, which crosses the largest mountain pastures in Europe.
You will descend towards Brunico via Val Badia.
Before your eyes, landscapes, each more sumptuous than the next, will pass.
It is to them that the Dolomites owe their classification as a World Heritage Site since 2009.
To whet your appetite, you can enjoy a few hours of free time in the center of Brunico.
The opportunity to delve into the story of Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu, French geologist to whom we owe the discovery of the particularity of the limestone rock of the Dolomites: 200 million years ago, during the geological period of Trias, the Dolomites were a coral massif.
Lunch at the restaurant.
You will continue your route along the Val Pusteria.
Considered the gateway to the Eastern Dolomites, this verdant valley stretches from the medieval town of Bressanone in the west to the border of Veneto and the Linz Dolomites in Austria.
You will enjoy a stop at Bressanone, a major episcopal seat, to visit its main religious buildings.
Return to the hotel going up Val Gardena with a stop at Ortisei, famous for its richly detailed wooden sculptures.
Dinner and night at the Ciampedie Luxury Alpine Spa Hotel*****.
Day 8
l
Thursday 29 June 2023 • THE DOLOMITES • PASSO FALZAREGO • CORTINA • LAGO DI MISURINA • VENICE REGION
In the morning, you will climb the Pordoi pass by the western slope.
A most spectacular route with its 28 bends winding through dense pine forests and alpine meadows.
You can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Sella group, a mountain range.
Once at the top, you will begin your descent towards Arabba, the heart of the Dolomites and the gateway to the imposing Stella mountain, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here, skiing is king.
The road will take you directly to the Falzarego pass from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Tofane alpine massif.
You will then take the funicular to the Lagazuoi refuge.
Located at more than 2,700 meters above sea level, this refuge offers a magical panorama of the entire Dolomites, from the Tofana di Rozes massif to the Marmolada glacier.
You will continue towards Cortina d'Ampezzo, an emblematic winter sports resort, host of the 1956 Olympic Games. Its many restaurants make it one of the major destinations for lovers of Italian food and wine.
Lunch at the restaurant in the heart of the resort.
After lunch, you will take the road towards the plain of Venice.
Dinner and night at the Hotel President Terme*****.
Day 9 l Friday 30 June 2023 • ABANO TERME • VENICE • PARIS
Enjoy a morning of free time to relax in the thermal baths of your hotel.
Lunch at the hotel.
In the early afternoon, you will take the road towards Venice airport.
5:55 p.m.: Take-off for Paris on a scheduled Air France flight.
7:45 p.m.: Arrival in Paris.
Accommodation
From the mythical Italian lakes to the majestic Dolomites Grand Hotel Bristol
GRAND HOTEL BRISTOL****
Ideally located on the shores of Lake Maggiore, the Grand Hotel Bristol offers breathtaking views of Isola Bella and the Borromean Gulf.
Hospitality and refinement make this establishment a privileged place to relax while discovering the beauty of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding countryside.
All of the hotel's rooms have been tastefully decorated, reminiscent of the building's past, which for many decades was the leisure residence of a noble family.
From the mythical Italian lakes to the majestic Dolomites Ciapeide Luxury Alpine
CIAMPEDIE LUXURY ALPINE SPA HOTEL*****
Brand new, the Ciampedie Luxury Alpine Spa Hotel is the first 5-star hotel in Val di Fassa.
It is the perfect haven for lovers of the mountains and altitude sports.
Inside, a warm atmosphere envelops visitors.
Furnished in old wood or Nordic larch, the rooms contribute to this cocooning atmosphere.
You can also enjoy the magnificent swimming pool area with a view of the Dolomites!
CAESIUS THERMAE & SPA RESORT****
Completely immersed in the nature of Bardolino, the Cæsius Thermae & Spa Resort is a true little corner of paradise.
Peace, hospitality and serenity reign supreme here.
The three restaurants offer delicious Italian cuisine, served in different environments, but all as pleasant as each other.
From the mythical Italian lakes to the majestic Dolomites President Terme
TERM PRESIDENT*****
This establishment combines luxury and hospitality and offers its visitors a simple but refined decoration.
The hotel restaurant offers a wide choice of gourmet dishes highlighting the richness of traditional Venetian cuisine.
The wellness area is also equipped with a bistro which allows its visitors to recharge their batteries while delighting their taste buds.
The price includes
Air transport Paris/Milan and Venice/Paris on direct Air France flights in economy class
Airport taxes 65 € to date
Local taxes and services
Transportation and coach transfers
Accommodation in a double room in the mentioned hotels
Full board from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 9
Drinks at lunches and dinners
Tips: guides/drivers/hotels
Conferences/visits/excursions/entries, according to the program
Audiophones
French-speaking local guides
Carrying luggage
A travel diary
Mutuaide Assistance health-accident-repatriation-baggage insurance
A
Figaro side dish
