Italy: The Lakes

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Overview
Highlights
- Wander the majestic grounds of 18th-century Villa del Balbianello, a mixture of luxurious palms, classical statues, and dramatic arches covered in ivy.
- On Lake Maggiore—the setting for Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms—stop by a local shop on Isola dei Pescatori (“Fishermen’s Island”) to chat about the catch of the day.
- Sample the delicate and robust vintages of the region during a wine tasting in a 16th-century wine bar located in Orta San Giulio.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Min Group Size
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- Two expert, local guides (for groups of 8 or more), with you 24/7
- All meals except for two lunches and one dinner; local wine included
- All accommodations while on tour
- Transportation from the meeting point to the departure point
- Entrance fees and special events as noted in the itinerary
- Destination information (weather, visa requirements, etc.) and other travel assistance available 24/7 provided by One Call International
- The unbeatable and cumulative experience of the Country Walkers staff
Itinerary
Accommodation: Hotel San Rocco, Orta San Giulio
Upon meeting in Milan, you transfer by private coach to the idyllic medieval village of Orta San Giulio, nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Orta. At only eight miles long and two miles wide, Lake Orta—known for ...
Accommodation: Hotel San Rocco, Orta San Giulio
Orta to Pella to Isola San Giulio; 5 miles, moderate, with an elevation gain of 800 ft., and an initial 25-minute steep ascent
The day begins with a boat ride to the picturesque town of Pella, situated dire...
Accommodation: Hotel Verbano, Isola dei Pescatori
Orta to Armeno to Coiromonte to Gignese; 5.5-mile or 10-mile options, moderate to challenging, elevation gains range from 1,000-2,000 ft.
Departing from Orta San Giulio on foot and then by bus, your guide...
Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio
Lake Maggiore and Isola Bella exploration; 1 mile, easy. Transfer to Bellagio. Villa Melzi to Hotel Belvedere; 1-mile, easy
After breakfast, the morning is spent exploring the Borromean Isles— specifically the tin...
Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio
Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello; 4.5 miles, moderate with a 30-minute ascent. Additional option: Madonna del Soccorso; 2 miles, moderate with a 25-minute steep ascent, elevation gains range from 300-800 ft.
...Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio
Varenna to Vezio; 3 miles, moderate with a 30-minute steep ascent
Following an enticing breakfast of homemade baked goods and preserves, eggs, cured meats and cheeses, you board a local ferry to Varenna, an attrac...
After enjoying a final group breakfast, a private coach brings you to the train station in Milan for connections to your next destination.
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Dates & Availability
Departures price:
May 8-14, 2016
May 22-28, 2016
August 28-September 3, 2016
September 11-17, 2016
September 25-October 1, 2016
SCHEDULED GROUP PRICE
$4,698 (Single+$1,048)
If you are interested in reserving the optional Flight + Tour Combo and pre- or post-tour extensions for our scheduled group departures, please refer to the attached itinerary for tour length, dates, pricing, and inclusions.
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Country Walkers.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics
What's excluded
- International Flights
- Passport and Visa Charges
- Personal Expenses
Accommodation
Cancellations received 91 days or more prior to the tour start date will incur a loss of $150; cancellations received between 90 and 61 days prior to the tour start date incur a loss of 25 percent of the tour price; there are no refunds within 60 days of the tour start date. Up to 91 days prior to departure, you may transfer your reservation, depending on availability, from one departure to another in the same calendar year at no cost*. Please notify us in writing.
*One transfer per year; afterwards a modest per person transfer fee will apply. Please note that tours with seasonal prices may involve a higher price.
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