Discovery Italy

Day 1: OLD MILAN, SFORZESCO CASTLE, BRERA DISTRICT, NAVIGLIO GRANDE
Traditional ice cream tasting
Arrival to Milan, welcome by the Discover Italy Now Tour Leader and transfer to 3* - 4* Hotel or B & B in air-conditioned buses. Refreshing welcome drink and free time to begin to immerse yourself in the fascinating atmosphere of Milan.Late afternoon: Together with your Tour Leader you start exploring the historical Milan: a guided tour of Piazza del Duomo, the magnificent Gothic-Lombard Cathedral with visit of the Cathedral’s terraces, Baptistery of San Giovanni alla Fonti and visit of the Archaeological site of the Dome Cathedral. You are going to be told the history of the visited monuments.You continue then towards Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery built in an eclectic style typical of Milan’s second half of nineteenth century, a dear place to all Milaneses and where can be found designer shops, bars and restaurants. A typical macchiato coffee, a delicious cappuccino and a typical milanese cake must definitely be tasted during a stop in the Gallery.
You continue then towards the charming old Piazza Mercanti, the symbol of the city, created in medieval times, recalling the past.
You also visit Sforzesco Castle and the old Brera district, populated by artists and celebrities. You also join an ice cream tasting in a famous old gelateria in Milan.

Evening: Dinner at one of the oldest and charming trattoria in suggestive atmosphere of the ancient vicolo dei Lavandai sul Naviglio Grande. You immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of old canals and a wide variety of ancient Lombard cuisine: you can choose among many delicious dishes such as “risotto alla Milanese”, cottoletta, mozzarella, tomato and basil with a glass of Barbera, Garda Cabernet or Franciacorta.

Day 2: MILANO – SESTO CALENDE 57 km by train
Your morning begins with a journey by train to Sesto Calende, a charming village located in the southern area of Lake Maggiore.You visit the beautiful old Oratorio San Vincenzo, a wonderful place of worship since prehistoric times to the present and the Abbey of San DonatoLunch at La Biscia o Tre Re, charming lakeside restaurant where you can immerse yourself in culinary delights
SESTO CALENDE – ARONA 9 km by train
Tasting of local wines and local cheeses
You proceed along the western shore of Lake Maggiore with its beautiful scenery and picturesque landscapes on a level path.You pass through beautiful scenery, castles, colorful flora and a culture rich in culinary history.Once in Arona you are going to visit the beautiful old town, the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Nascente, the ancient church dei Martiri and the Colosso di San Carlo Borromeo, the statue overlooking Lake Maggiore.
Later, you are also going to visit the largest family of Italian cheese refiners, the company Luigi Guffanti, for an afternoon of delicious cheese tasting at the renowned cellar ... seasoning cheeses, flavors and delicious aromas accompanied by delicious local wines will be in store for you

Evening: Stroll and relax by the lake and dinner in a local restaurant
Accommodation in 3* Hotel, B & B or a Factory farm

Day 3: ARONA – STRESA 18 km by train or bus
Leaving Arona, a town surrounded by beautiful green hills, you continue by train or bus to Lesa, a village nestled in a small creek and then in the direction of Stresa, the famous tourist resort of Lake Maggiore with its magnificent Borromeo Gulf Islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola Pescatori.in a lakeside trattoria tasting culinary delicacies of the lake and then walk along the lakeside’s promenade lined with trees and full of liberty style hotels and prestigious villas that distinguish StresaYou are going then to embarked for a trip to the islands, visiting the pearl of Lake Maggiore, Isola Bella, located a few hundred meters from the shore, reachable in only a few minutes by boat.
On the Isola Bella island you visit the great Baroque Palace from the seventeenth century, rich in history and situated alongside a lush Italian garden, laid out on terraces, rich in flowers and rare exotic plants.
Later you are going to reach Isola Madre, covered with a very interesting botanical garden and with beautiful boulevards that run along the riverbank.
You also visit Isola Pescatori with its picturesque village inhabited by fishermen and the spectacular tangle of picturesque lanes

Evening: Return from the tour and the itinerary continues by bus to the village of Vedasco of Stresa, where from a quiet and panoramic position the lake can be seen from above.Dinner at Osteria Vecchio Tram that offers Mediterranean cuisine.Accommodation in 3* Hotel, B & B or Factory Farm/ Agriturismo

Day 4 : STRESA - MOTTARONE 20 km by cableway
After a rich breakfast you take the cable car leading from Stresa Lido to Mottarone.
You are going to cross the scenic Botanical Garden and enjoy a breathtaking view, the gulf will be beneath you and once climbed to the top you are going to enjoy a beautiful scenic view, considering that the view is at 360 degrees.lunch with sandwiches
MOTARONE - BAVENO 28 km by train or bus
BAVENO - VERBANIA by boat
Next destination is Baveno travelling through forests, soft hills and breathtaking viewsIn Baveno you are going to stop for a while for refreshments and a quick visit in the old town and then by ferry you travel to Verbania

Evening: Accommodation in 3* Hotel , B & B or Farm factory

Day 5: VERBANIA
The morning starts with a guided tour to discover the charm of the nineteenth-century villas: Villa S. Remigio, Villa Giulia and Villa Taranto, the beautiful scenery of flowers and the beautiful lakeside, Piazza Castello and Piazza San Vittore.
Lunch in a local trattoria

Evening:
Verbania - Intra 3.5 kilometers by bus or train
continue your journey towards Intra and from there you catch the boat and reach the opposite shore of Lake Maggiore, Laveno.
INTRA - LAVENO by boat
Dinner in Trattoria tasting the best lake dishes

Day 6: Morning: LAVENO - ISPRA 15 km of trekking or by bus
Wine and local products tasting
The day begins with a lakeside walk among stunning sceneries and hills towards Ispra, making a quick stop to visit the monastic complex of the L’Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso on the cliff drops which is almost a balcony over the Borromee islands.in Ispra you are going to have lunch and visit the historical center.
A wine tasting is also going to be done at Enoteca Forni located in Via Piave.
ISPRA - ANGERA 5.5 km of trekking or by bus
The afternoon is going to be dedicated to a trekking or bus route, enjoying wonderful smells of the area, you reach Angera and visit the Rock of Angera that with its tower and its laces is a witness of old battles and old times.
The Doll Museum with its fine collection from the old Borromeo family is also on our itinerary schedule

Evening: Dinner in a restaurant that offers typical dishes of the lake
Accommodation in 3* Hotel , B & B or Farm factory

Day 7: ANGERA – SESTO CALENDE 9 km by train or bus
Gourmet products and wine tasting
You are going to cover the last part of your journey along the beautiful shores of Lake Maggiore.spend the day at the farm factory La Fattoria, surrounded by green and among the animals. Lunch with typical products of the farm.

Evening: lakeside walk, accommodation in 3* Hotel, B & B or Farm factory
End of itinerary and travel programme