Day 2 Bergamo
After breakfast, you have plenty of free time to head out and explore your surroundings. The town of Lovere nestles between mountains and the lake and you could take a stroll along the picturesque lakeside promenade, visit a renowned art gallery, or enjoy a light lunch in one of the many pavement cafés.
Later, we are going on an afternoon excursion to Bergamo in the Lombardy region. This majestic city is divided into two parts, and we’ll take the funicular up to the medieval Old Town, passing through the impressive Venetian walls that separate it from the modern-day city below. Together we’ll explore narrow streets and piazzas before making a stop at an ice-cream parlour, famous for creating the stracciatella flavour. This milk-based ice cream has chocolate shavings running through it, and you can try a scoop if you wish.
This evening, we’re heading to the Al Rocol farmhouse for a three-course meal of local specialities. Using family recipes passed down through the generations, the chef will prepare dishes typical of the region, such as risotto with sausage and scamorza cheese, and homemade pasta with cherry tomatoes and basil. Located in the heart of Franciacorta, one of Italy's most famous wine regions, the farm also produces its very own wine and we will enjoy a glass or two with our meal.
Meals included: B,DDay 3 Lake Iseo
Today, we're going to discover the beauty of Lake Iseo on an included scenic cruise around its islands. We'll journey across the shimmering waters, past privately owned Loreto and San Paolo, before stepping ashore on Monte Isola. The unspoiled 'island mountain' towers to 600 metres above sea level and is home to many pretty villages and hamlets. Enjoy some free time to do your own thing, perhaps take a stroll and admire the view or have lunch in an inviting café or bar.
Meals included: BDay 4 Lake Idro & Lake Ledro
We'll take to the road today and head to our new base, the spa town of Levico Terme, which is renowned for its therapeutic springs. Along the way, we’ll visit two more 'secret' lakes, the first being beautiful Lake Idro, tucked away in the valley of Sabbia between Lakes Garda and Iseo. We'll stretch our legs along its shores and have time to take in the spectacular views from a lakeside café. Next, we'll stop at Lake Ledro, whose deep-blue waters are surrounded by alpine scenery. This makes the perfect setting for our included lunch of local specialities at a trattoria in the resort of Pieve di Ledro.
Your hotel for the remainder of your holiday is located close to the shores of Lake Levico, a picturesque mountain lake surrounded by lush forests. You have a free evening to settle into your room and get to know your new surroundings.
Meals included: B,LDay 5 Levico Terme - at Leisure
Today has been left free for you to spend just as you wish. You might choose to laze in the sun and enjoy the hotel’s terrace, or perhaps you'll stroll into Levico Terme. The town’s hot springs centre is just a short distance from our hotel and offers a huge choice of pampering treatments, so maybe today's the day to treat yourself.
Alternatively, if you want to carry on exploring, you may decide to join our optional excursion to Verona. Once an important Roman city, Verona plays host to a rich collection of archaeological sites, with perhaps the most impressive being the 15,000-seat Roman Arena. We'll discover the city’s highlights including Juliet’s balcony, the supposed romantic setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet on a guided walking tour.
Back in Levico Terme, you have a free evening, so why not head out and see what’s on offer in the town's lovely selection of restaurants
Meals included: BDay 6 Lake Molveno & Lake Caldaro
Today you're heading off to discover picturesque mountain lakes and take in exceptional views of the Italian Alps and Dolomites.
Your first stop is Lake Molveno, which is located in a hidden valley at the base of the Dolomite Mountains and is noted for its clear waters. You’ll have some free time to explore the surroundings of the lake and the pretty town with its traditional restaurants and artisan shops. You might also choose to ride the cable car to Pradel for breathtaking views of the lake and mountain scenery. We'll then move on to Lake Caldaro. This is the warmest bathing lake in the Alps and is surrounded by green meadows and towering mountains. You’ll have more free time here to explore by yourselves. The area boasts a long tradition of wine-making, so after taking in views of the lake, why not treat yourself to a glass of the local South Tyrolean wine.
Meals included: BDay 7 Levico Terme - at Leisure
You have another full day to make your own discoveries in Levico Terme. Maybe you'll immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings by taking a walk along a lakeside path. Another option is to take a leisurely stroll into the Old Town to see the impressive church of Santissimo Redentore and browse the array of shops.
If you want to discover more, why not join our optional excursion to Trento. This lovely town boasts a dramatic mountain setting and is surrounded by the southern part of the Alps and the Dolomites. Highlights include the Piazza del Duomo, lined by an array of grand buildings, the impressive Castello del Buonconsiglio, the churches Santa Maria Maggiore, San Apollinare or San Lorenzo, Palazzo Pretorio and the fountain of Neptune. We’ll learn more about the town and explore together on a guided walking tour.
This evening, we'll enjoy dinner in the hotel's restaurant, where more local products and traditional specialities will be on the menu.
Meals included: B,DDay 8 Verona - UK
At the end of a very special holiday, we will drive you back to the airport for your flight to the UK.
Meals included: B