Available all year
Hotel Included
Phone Assistance 24/7
All transportation included
Trip Overview
YOUR JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
STARTING IN VENICE LAKE COMO AREA
Bellagio
Lake Maggiore
Lake Orta
Varese Lake
Lake Iseo
Lake Garda
Sirmione
DAY 1 · LAKE COMO
A Refined Welcome to the Italian Lakes
Private Arrival · Milan Airport · Luxury Hotel
Your journey through Northern Italy begins at Milan Airport, where your private English-speaking driver will welcome you upon arrival and accompany you to Como. Settle into your carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotel for a four-night stay, with the remainder of the day at your leisure to relax and enjoy your first glimpse of the lake.
DAY 2 · COMO & BELLAGIO
Timeless Elegance on Lake Como
Como Highlights · Bellagio Old Town · Private Guided Experience
Begin your day discovering the elegant city of Como, including its magnificent cathedral, the Volta Temple and Terragni’s celebrated architecture. Continue along the lake towards Bellagio, one of its most enchanting villages, where you will have time for lunch before enjoying a guided walk through the picturesque old town. Admire charming lanes, elegant villas and sweeping views across Lake Como’s distinctive inverted-Y shoreline.
DAY 3 · LAKE MAGGIORE & THE BORROMEAN ISLANDS
Baroque Splendor and Enchanting Islands
Private Guide · Island Boat Tour · Historic Palaces & Gardens
Set out for a full-day guided journey across Lake Maggiore and its celebrated Borromean Islands. Travel by boat to Isola Bella and explore the magnificent Palazzo Borromeo and its theatrical Baroque gardens. Continue to the picturesque Isola dei Pescatori before visiting Isola Madre, renowned for its lush botanical garden and historic palace. Boat transportation and entrance tickets to the included attractions are provided.
DAY 4 · LAKE ORTA & VARESE
Hidden Corners of the Italian Lakes
Buccione · Varese · Lake Varese
Discover some of Northern Italy’s quieter and lesser-known landscapes with your private English-speaking driver. Pause in Buccione to admire Lake Orta from its southern shore before continuing to Varese, where you will have time to explore the elegant city center. Complete the day in Schiranna, enjoying peaceful views across Lake Varese before returning to your hotel in Como.
DAY 5 · LAKE ISEO & LAKE GARDA
An Island Journey Across Tranquil Waters
Private Cruise · Monte Isola · Luxury Hotel
After checking out of your Como hotel, travel to Lake Iseo for a private guided cruise across its serene waters. Discover the islands of San Paolo and Loreto before reaching Monte Isola, the largest inhabited lake island in Europe. Afterwards, continue to Lake Garda and settle into your carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotel for a three-night stay.
DAY 6 · THE FLAVORS OF LAKE GARDA
From Vineyards to a Sunset on the Lake
Wine Experience · Guided Tasting · Private Sunset Cruise
Discover the winemaking heritage of the Lake Garda region during a private visit to a local winery, where you will explore the vineyards and enjoy a guided tasting of regional wines. In the evening, step aboard a private boat for an enchanting sunset cruise across Lake Garda. Raise a glass of prosecco as the fading light illuminates the lake and surrounding mountains—a memorable conclusion to a day devoted to the flavors and beauty of the region.
DAY 7 · SIRMIONE & DESENZANO DEL GARDA
Ancient History and Authentic Garda Cuisine
Grottoes of Catullus · Local Market · Private Cooking Class
Begin your day in Sirmione with a private guided visit to the archaeological area of the Grottoes of Catullus, home to the remarkable remains of a grand Roman villa overlooking Lake Garda. Continue to Desenzano del Garda, where a specialized local host will accompany you through its market and traditional food shops. Complete the experience with a private cooking class, learning to prepare some of the region’s most celebrated dishes before savoring your creations.
DAY 8 · DEPARTURE
Arrivederci, Italy
Private Departure · Luxury Transfer · Airport
After breakfast, meet your private English-speaking driver at your hotel and enjoy a smooth and comfortable transfer to the airport. As your journey comes to an end, take with you unforgettable memories of elegant lakeside towns, enchanting islands, peaceful cruises and the authentic flavors of Northern Italy.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Private eight-day journey through Northern Italy’s most captivating lakes
- Discover Como, Bellagio, the Borromean Islands, Lake Orta, Varese, Lake Iseo, Monte Isola, Lake Garda, Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda
- Private guided experiences in Bellagio, the Borromean Islands, Lake Iseo and Sirmione
- Boat journey among the celebrated Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore
- Private cruise across Lake Iseo with visits to San Paolo, Loreto and Monte Isola
- Regional winery experience and guided tasting near Lake Garda
- Private sunset cruise on Lake Garda with prosecco
- Private cooking class celebrating the traditional cuisine of Lake Garda
- Hand-picked 4- or 5-star hotels with breakfast included
- Private luxury transportation throughout the journey
What's included
- Private English-speaking driver and luxury vehicle
- Seven nights in carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotels: four nights in Como and three nights in the Lake Garda area, in standard double-occupancy rooms
- Seven breakfasts included
- Private guided experiences and entrance tickets as detailed in the itinerary
- Boat experiences on Lakes Maggiore, Iseo and Garda
- Lake Garda winery visit and guided wine tasting
- Private cooking class featuring traditional Garda cuisine
- Private airport arrival and departure transfers
- 24/7 phone assistance throughout your journey
What's not included
- Gratuities
- Flights
- City taxes, payable directly to the hotels
- Meals and drinks not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
The average price for this journey is 8.200€ per person, based on a private party of four guests sharing standard double-occupancy rooms in carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotels. As this is a fully private journey, the price per person may vary depending on the number of guests and your preferred accommodations. Request your personalized proposal to receive the best available offer for your journey through Italy. 🇮🇹
FAQs
Why choose us?
Discover Italy through a fully private journey designed around you. From hand-picked accommodations and private transportation to carefully selected local experiences, every detail is thoughtfully arranged to make your trip seamless and memorable.
Travel in comfort with professional English-speaking drivers, enjoy the expertise of licensed local guides during selected visits, and rely on our Italy-based team for assistance throughout your journey.
With a private itinerary, greater flexibility and personalized service, you can experience Italy at your own pace while we take care of the details.
How do you greet people in Italy?
In Italy, a friendly “Buongiorno” (good morning/good day) or “Buonasera” (good evening) is always appreciated when greeting someone. In more informal situations, “Ciao” is commonly used.
When meeting someone for the first time, especially in hotels, restaurants or other professional settings, a polite greeting is generally preferred. Italians are warm and welcoming, so a smile and a simple greeting will go a long way.
Are Credit Cards widely accepted in Italy?
Major credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted throughout Italy in hotels, restaurants, shops and most tourist attractions. However, carrying a small amount of cash is recommended for smaller purchases, local markets or establishments that may not accept cards.
Contactless payments are also commonly available. Before travelling, we recommend checking with your bank regarding international transaction fees and travel notifications.
What is the appropriate attire when visiting churches?
When visiting churches and religious sites in Italy, respectful attire is required. Both men and women should ensure that shoulders and knees are covered, particularly when visiting major sites such as the Vatican and important basilicas.
We recommend avoiding sleeveless or revealing clothing and very short skirts or shorts. During the warmer months, carrying a light scarf or shawl is a convenient option for covering your shoulders when required.
What are the opening hours for shops and businesses?
Opening hours in Italy vary depending on the city, season and type of business. Most shops generally open between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM and remain open until approximately 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM.
Smaller, independently owned shops may close for a few hours in the afternoon, particularly outside major tourist areas. Opening hours may also vary on Sundays and public holidays, so we recommend checking individual businesses in advance.
What is the currency used in Italy, and where can I exchange money?
The official currency in Italy is the Euro (€). ATMs are widely available in cities, towns and major tourist destinations, and cash can also be exchanged at banks and authorized currency exchange offices.
When withdrawing or exchanging money, we recommend checking any applicable fees and exchange rates in advance. Carrying a small amount of cash can be useful for minor purchases, local markets and other situations where card payments may not be available.
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
Visa requirements for Italy depend on your nationality, the length of your stay and the purpose of your visit. Travellers should always verify the latest entry requirements applicable to their passport before departure.
ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is expected to apply to visa-exempt travellers once it becomes operational. We recommend checking the official European Union website for the most up-to-date information before travelling.
What are the hotels taxes in Italy, how do I pay them and how much are they?
In Italy, many cities charge a local tourist tax (“tassa di soggiorno”), which is generally calculated per person, per night. The amount varies depending on the destination, accommodation category and local regulations.
Tourist taxes are usually not included in the package price and are paid directly to the hotel, either during your stay or at check-out. Payment methods and exemptions may vary by destination, so the applicable amount will be confirmed by your accommodation.
How do gratuites work in Italy?
Gratuities in Italy are not mandatory and are generally not included in the cost of your journey. They are entirely at your discretion and are a personal way to show appreciation for exceptional service.
Should you wish to leave a gratuity for your driver, guide, skipper, hotel staff or other service professionals, the amount may be based on the quality and level of service received. There is no fixed percentage required, and gratuities may be given directly to the individual at the end of the service.
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Available all year
Level: Easy
hotel included
Phone Assistance 24/7
All transportation included
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Client Reviews
REAL STORIES FROM OUR GUESTS
Memories shared by those who experienced Italy with us.
Our custom three-week tour through Italy with Joe Banana was the trip of a lifetime!
— Lisa B.
★★★★★
My wife and I had a personal driver tour of Italy for a once in a lifetime adventure.
— Mike M.
★★★★★
I highly recommend Joe Banana and his crew for any of your vacation needs in Italy!
— Daniel F.
★★★★★
