| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
1-2
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Depart Home / Milan, Italy
When you arrive in Milan after your included international flight, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located, Superior First-Class hotel, where you’ll enjoy a Welcome Reception and an informative trip briefing, followed by a Welcome Dinner.
Marriott Hotel Milan  (D) |
3
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Milan
After breakfast, you’re off on a driving and walking tour of Milano.
You’ll see the Castello Sforzesco, a Visconti fortress redesigned by
Leonardo da Vinci and now a remarkable art museum. You’ll also visit
the Duomo, and the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. You’re then free to explore on your own.
Marriott Hotel Milan (B) |
4
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Milan / Riva del Garda (Lake Garda), Italy
Departing Milan this morning, you’ll head for the lovely lake district
along the Italian-Swiss border. En route, you’ll visit the walled
hill-top village of Bergamo. After a sightseeing tour of this medieval
charmer, you’ll continue to beautiful Lake Garda, the retreat of many
writers and poets. Cultural Connection: Enjoy a fun “Italian For
Travellers” language lesson during your coach ride. You’ll stay for
three nights in Riva del Garda, where your hotel is situated directly
on the lakeshore in a large private park and botanical garden. As a
Vantage guest, you’ll enjoy a room overlooking the exquisite park —
guaranteed! Later, enjoy a dinner at the hotel.
Hotel Du Lac et Du Parc (B,D) |
5
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Lake Garda
Today you’re off for a scenic tour of Lake Garda and the surrounding
villages. You’ll begin with a panoramic drive from Riva to Malcesine, a
village of cobbled streets, then enjoy sightseeing and free time on
your own in Riva del Garda. In the afternoon you’ll visit the Lapis
Gold Factory in Marco with the opportunity to shop for sparkling
jewelry. From Marco, you’ll depart for the town of Arco for an evening sightseeing tour, with a visit to the cathedral. Cultural Connection: Your evening culminates with cooking
demonstration and included dinner in a traditional, family-run
restaurant.
Hotel Du Lac et Du Parc (B,D) |
6
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Lake Garda
Today is yours to explore at leisure. Or, you can join a full-day
optional excursion into the Dolomites, the spiky range at the eastern
end of the Italian Alps, with lunch included in Lake Carezza. Your
evening is at leisure.
Hotel Du Lac et Du Parc (B) |
7
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Lake Garda / Lugano (Lake Lugano), Switzerland
End your visit to Lake Garda with a sightseeing stop in the peninsular
town of Sirmione, Italy, which features cafes, elegant shops, villas,
and churches. You’ll then visit Como, Italy, on the gorgeous blue-green
lake of the same name. From here, continue across the Swiss border to
Lugano, where you’ll stay in a room facing Lake Lugano, guaranteed!
Dinner is included at your hotel’s restaurant.
Eden Grand Hotel (B,D) |
8
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Lugano
The next morning, enjoy a different perspective as we set out from the
hotel pier for a scenic boat tour. At the end of the tour, we’ll
disembark at the Lugano town pier for a sightseeing stroll. You’ll see
the ornate Palazzo Civico (Town Hall), and the main shopping street,
Via Nassa. You’ll have the afternoon free to explore on your own.
Eden Grand Hotel (B) |
9
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Lugano / Zermatt, Switzerland
Departing for Zermatt, you’ll visit the castles of Bellinzona, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Then, in Tasch, you’ll board the mountain train
for the short ride to Zermatt. You’ll stay at a centrally located hotel
with a guaranteed mountain-view room with a balcony! Dinner is included
at your hotel tonight.
Seiler Hotel Schweizerhof  (B,D) |
10
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Zermatt
You’ll explore Zermatt on a walking tour, and admire the incredible
views of the Matterhorn. Your afternoon is at leisure. This evening,
enjoy more free time or join an optional evening tour featuring a
traditional Swiss fondue dinner and entertainment.
Seiler Hotel Schweizerhof (B) |
11
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Zermatt / Stresa (Lake Maggiore), Italy
Spend your morning at leisure, then board your coach to enjoy fantastic
views of the Italian and Swiss Alps from the famed Simplon Pass.
Continue to Stresa, where you’ll check in to your hotel with a
guaranteed lake-view room. Cultural Connection: Later, you’ll hear a
fascinating lecture on “Past and Present in the Lakes Region.” Enjoy
dinner at your hotel tonight.
La Palma Hotel (B,D) |
12
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Stresa
Explore Lake Maggiore’s jewel-like Borromean Islands by private boat
today. First stop is Isola Madre, where you can stroll among lush
terraced gardens that tumble to the lakeshore. Next, enjoy lunch in the
tiny fishing village on Isola dei Pescatori, followed by a visit to
Isola de Bella, home of the grand 17th-century Palazzo Borromeo. Your
evening is capped off with a Farewell Dinner at the hotel.
La Palma Hotel (B,L,D) |
13
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Stresa
You will have the day at leisure or travel off the beaten path for an
optional tour to tiny Lake Orta, with a boat ride to Orta Island.
You’ll enjoy a visit to the church and free time on this delightful
optional tour.
La Palma Hotel (B) |
14
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Stresa / Return Home
Transfer to Milan airport for flight home. Or begin optional 3-night Tuscan Countryside extension.
(B) |
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IMPORTANT NOTICE:
The above day-by-day itinerary is preliminary and therefore subject to
change. If any major changes occur in advance of your departure, you
will be notified in writing by Vantage Deluxe World Travel. If changes
occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Vantage Program
Manager.
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