DAY TRIP FROM MILAN TO THE ITALIAN & SWISS LAKES

Meet your English-speaking driver in central Milan, where your luxury air-conditioned van awaits. A short ride later, step out of the car and aboard a ferryboat at Como, the base of the famous Lake which bears its name. Enjoy a two-hour ride along the lake, from which you are able to see the lush villas of Hollywood personalities such as George Clooney.

At Bellaggio, you get off the ferry and have some free time to explore the magical lakeside town that has become a playground for the rich and famous. Stroll around the shops or enjoy a bite to eat at one of the waterfront cafes and simply relish the splendor of Italy’s most stunning lake.

Just a one-hour ride from Como, suddenly you have crossed the border into Switzerland. Sprawled out along the shores of Lake Lugano, Lugano is sure to astonish you with its beauty. There is something for everyone here, be it a walk through the lakefront botanical gardens, a wander through the luxury boutiques, a viewing of frescoes by a Da Vinci disciple, chocolate tasting, or an Aperol spritz on the promenade. If you’re staying for day two, spend the night in a three-star Lugano hotel.

You Can Extend Your Trip by One Day

Depart from your Lugano hotel. Head north from Lugano and enjoy the fairytale Swiss backdrop of typical Ticino country homes and villages as you navigate along the crystal-clear Verzasca River. As you pass the Verzasca dam, your driver points out the famous bungee jump location where scenes from the James Bond film Goldeneye were shot.

When we arrive at Lavertezzo, home to the postcard-perfect Romanesque stone bridge, you can see locals and tourists alike jumping off this bridge into the stunning emerald colored water of the Verzasca river. Relax in the crystal clear waters and take advantage of a truly splendid backdrop for a picnic.

After lunch, your driver accompanies you to one of the most enchanting towns along Lake Maggiore, Ascona. At just 196 meters above sea level, Ascona is the lowest-lying town in Switzerland, enjoying mild weather, yet it is often surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It embodies the marriage of picture-perfect Switzerland with the Italian Dolce Vita.

Board the ferry and ride along lake Maggiore, taking in the lovely villages and islands until you cross the border back into Italy once again. As you get off the ferry in the lakeside resort of Stresa, have a walk around this magical lakeside town before you meet your driver for the return trip to Milan. Return to Milan at approximately 6:00 p.m.

INCLUDED

• Luxury van and driver
• Maximum group size 15
• Two lake cruises
• Overnight stay in Lugano (two-day tour option only)
• Breakfast on day two (two-day tour option only)

EXCLUDED

• Food and drink other than that outlined above (available for purchase)
• Gratuities