Come along with us as we visit the glorious Italian Lakes warm in the embrace of spring!

This stunning area is wonderful all year but particularly when the blossoms of spring clad almost every inch and reflect in the beautiful lakes that have drawn travellers for literally centuries.

We have a nicely paced itinerary with so much to show you but with time to stop and smell those blossoms along the way …..

• 3 Nights in Stresa
• 3 Nights in Sirmione
• 3 Nights in Mantova
• 3 Nights in Venice

ITINERARY:

Apr 28 - fly to Milan
Apr 29 - arrive - transfer to Stresa

April 29, 30, May 01 -- 3 nights in the town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore.

Lake Maggiore, the second largest of the “Italian Lakes”, after Lake Garda wi majestically for 65kms. Between Piedmont and Lombardy, its northern corner lost in the snow-capped Swiss Alps. TheRomans called it Lacus Verbanus, for the verbena that still grows luxuriantly on its shores: like Como and Garda, Maggiore is large enough to create its own warm,Mediterranean microclimate.The three jewell-like Borromean islands in its centralGolfo Borromeo are what really set the lake apart form the others. They still belong to the Morromei of Milan as they have since the 1500s.

Stresa - Beautifully positioned on the lake overlooking the Borromeo islands, under the majestic peak of Mottarone, Stresa is Maggiore's most beautiful town, bursting with flowers and sprinkled with fine old villas built in Liberty Style making it elegant and unique. You can also hop on a boat to visit the incredible botanical garden on Isola Madre, or we always make a point to go to one of the lovely restaurants for lunch on Isola dei Pescatori, which was made popular by the first English tourists in the 1850's.

May 02 - transfer to Sirmione - overnight Sirmione

May 02, 03, 04 - 3 nights in Sirmione on Lake Garda

The town of Sirmione at the end of a four kilometre peninsula that pierces this favourite of Italian lakes. We enter the town along a medieval stone bridge of the 13th century fairytale Castle - the Rocca Scaligera Sirmione has never lost its magic. Be they Romans or Cimbrians, Goths or Avars, Scaligers or Venetians - all were touched by its fabulous charms. On the sheltered shores of the lake are lush groves of olives, vines and Citrus trees - fruits used for Garda's main products: olive oil, citrus syrups and Bardolino, Soave and Valpolicella wines. Scenically the shores of the lake are varied; the rich vegetation of its middle reaches gives way to the rugged north, where the lake narrows and is tightly enclosed by craggy mountains. It's great fun to spend a day on the passenger ferry that goes from town to town around its shoreline. Each town has its own character and charm.

May 05 - transfer to Mantova

May 05, 06, 07 - 3 nights in Mantova

Mantova -Aldous Huxley called it the most romantic city in the world; and with an Arabian nights skyline rising above its three encircling lakes, Mantova is undeniably evocative. A striking town of 4 interlinking, fine squares and aristocratic architecture retaining its medieval aspect. The crown is the impressive Palazzo Ducale built and inhabited by the Gonzagas, one of Renaissance Italy's richest and most powerful families, who ruled the town for three centuries. Mantova beautifully displays its cultural history; it was the birthplace of the poet Virgil, the setting for Verdi's opera 'Rigoletto' and the refuge where Shakespeare sent Romeo into exile from Verona. The arcaded walkways are surrounded by stunning Renaissance architecture from the 15th to the 18th centuries

May 08 - transfer to Venice via Padua (to see the Giotto Frescoes)

May 08, 09, 10 - 3 nights in Venice

Venice is the one place in the world that even when you go back it does not disappoint. It is still as fascinating as the last time you were there. It still shines in all its glory when the sun shines and becomes even more provocative in cloud or rain. It has the attitude of a grand dame who insists on wearing all her finery every day and although fragile consistently evokes tremendous pride of place. Whether making your way around by the vaporetti or following all the little alleyways and countless bridges on foot you find yourself going from one end to the other - just to be a part of a day in the life of Venice. It's very helpful to read up on the characters of Venice's history from the great Doges and artists like Titian and Petrarch to scoundrels like Casanova and socialites like Peggy Guggenheim but even if you don't this city will introduce you to all of them and many more. A visit to Venice is truly a feast !

COST for Escorted program
(escorted by Debbie Lloyd of The Travel Broker from Montreal)
Based on twin accommodation throughout the tour with a minimum of 8 participants
$2689.00 Canadian funds per person

Includes:

• 12 nights accommodation with private facilities
• breakfast daily
• 2 dinners
• private transportation throughout itinerary
• guided orientation tour in each location, Stresa, Sirmione, Mantova, Venice