Italy. The main cities, the fabulous Alps and the island of Sicily

Days

Tour description

Summer should be spent in Italy! Join our guided tour to Italy to see all the iconic places of the north and south - from the bustling Milan, Lake Como and Venice - to the volcanoes of picturesque Sicily.

Climb to the top of Mount Etna and watch Stromboli volcano erupt
Ride boats along the canals of Venice and the cleanest mountain lakes Maggiore and Como
Walk in medieval Bergamo, the old districts of Milan and the cradle of Italy - the famous Florence
Explore the island of Elba, where Napoleon Bonaparte spent 10 months in exile
Find out why the leaning tower of Pisa falls and see this unusual sight with your own eyes.

Tour departures

The price of the tour includes

Accommodation in hotels and guesthouses throughout the journey. All domestic flights. All transportation, including buses, rented and public transport and ferries. Professional guiding services.

What is NOT included

Flight to Milan and back home. (Let us know if you need help finding the best deals) Tourist Insurance (mandatory) Entrance fees to parks, museums, cathedrals and other attractions along the route Meals (25-45 euros per person per day)

Tour map

Tour itinerary

Day 1

Milan, Milan Cathedral, Sforza Castle, La Scala opera house

We arrive in Milan and check in a hotel near the center. We begin our group trip to Italy by walking along the historical part of the city and, of course, begin with the symbol of the city - the snow-white marble Milan Cathedral. They started to build this wonder back in the 14th century, but finished almost five centuries later. The grand cathedral boasts 3400 statues! The main treasure of the city is inside - it is the golden statue of the patroness of Milan. Christians believe that the cathedral also boasts the very nail, which was used to crucify Jesus Christ.

We will also walk in the Sforza Castle, built in the 15th century. Previously, it was one of the main fortresses of Europe, and now this area boasts some unique museums. We will also go to the world-famous La Scala opera house. In the 18th century there was no heating here, and the interior was lit by candles. The opera house was also used for gambling, balls and even bullfights!

In the evening we enjoy dinner in a traditional restaurant next to the Milan Cathedral.

Day 2

Varese town, Three islands on the Maggiore lake

In the morning we leave to the old traditional Lombardian town of Varese (approximately 1 hour on the way). It is also called the garden city. We will understand why, visiting the former residence of the distinguished Este family and walking to the sacred mountain with the medieval monastery of Sacro Monte. After a walk in the center and lunch in an authentic restaurant, we will go to the shores of the mountain lake Maggiore. This is the second largest lake in Italy. The views here are incredible! Clear blue water merges with the colors of the summer sky, and the banks are framed by alpine peaks covered with snow.

We head to Laveno, where we will board the ship to see three islands on the lake. We will walk through the beautiful gardens and parks of the islands and explore the castles where the Italian nobility rested from the heat in the summer. We get to the opposite shore of the lake in the Piedmont region and check into a cozy guesthouse. In the evening we walk around the town of Verbania.

Day 3-4

Hike in the Val Grande National Park, Lugano, Lake Como

In the morning we go to the alpine village of Chigonya in the heart of the Val Grande National Park (approximately 1 hour on the way). In translation, the name of this area means "Great Valley". We continue our small group trip to Italy with a simple trekking along the ridges to enjoy the view of Lake Maggiore below and visit the impressive canyon and waterfall. This trek will take us approximately 5 hours. In the evening we relax in a comfortable hotel near the lake.

The next morning we will visit Switzerland for a while - stop for coffee in the picturesque city of Lugano. Those who wish can swim in the lake of the same name. Heading towards another pearl of Lombardy - Lake Como. We check into a hotel, and then go for a walk or ride bikes along the beautiful promenade, where the ancient villas of the rich and famous are located. Noble Italians spent summers here since the time of the Roman Empire! Now on the shores of the lake are houses of modern nobility - stars, celebrities and other rich people. We will also take a ride on the funicular to see the beauty of the lake from the height of the mountain village of Brunate.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is of medium difficulty travel. It includes short day trips by convenient buses and ferries. We will take many walks (up to 5 hours) in national parks with change of altitudes up to 500 meters, as well as a few simple cycling trips. We will also make one short domestic flight. We will be staying in double/twin rooms of tourist class hotels and good guesthouses. All will have hot water and wi fi internet.