Day 1 – Milan → Lake Maggiore | The Journey Begins by the Lake

Upon arrival at Milan Airport, collect your rental car with full insurance and begin your journey north toward the shores of Lake Maggiore.

Your destination is Stresa, an elegant lakeside town surrounded by mountains and water, but your stay is designed to feel intimate rather than resort-like. Check into a charming 4-star boutique hotel with beautiful lake views, where you can settle in and begin enjoying the slower rhythm of life by the lake.

The rest of the day is free to relax, stroll along the waterfront or simply enjoy the view from your hotel.

Overnight in Stresa. Accomodation in Hotel La Palma 4★ – Stresa, Lake Maggiore

Located on the shores of Lake Maggiore, this elegant 4-star hotel offers a comfortable base for discovering Stresa and the beautiful landscapes of the lake. Its welcoming atmosphere and lakeside setting provide the perfect balance between relaxation and exploration. Accommodation in a Classic Double Room, with breakfast included.

 

Day 2 – Borromean Islands | Lake Life & Hidden Corners

Today, discover the famous Borromean Islands, but at a relaxed pace that leaves room for a more local perspective on Lake Maggiore.

Take the included boat service to Isola Bella, where a guided visit will introduce you to its extraordinary palace and gardens. Continue to Isola Madre, known for its lush botanical gardens and peaceful atmosphere.

You can also make your way to Isola dei Pescatori, the smallest and most atmospheric of the three islands. With its narrow lanes, traditional houses and lakeside restaurants, it offers a glimpse of a much more intimate side of the lake and is an ideal place to wander without a strict schedule.

Return to Stresa by boat and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Stresa.

 

Day 3 – Lake Maggiore | Gardens, Local Villages & Artisan Flavors

This morning, visit Parco Pallavicino, a beautiful historic park overlooking Lake Maggiore, where gardens, woodland paths and peaceful lake views create a pleasant start to the day.

Continue to Arona, a lively lakeside town with a more everyday atmosphere than Stresa. Take time to explore its waterfront and historic center before discovering one of the region’s local culinary traditions.

Visit a small local cheese producer, learning about the production of regional cheeses and the traditions behind them. The experience concludes with a tasting pairing local cheeses and wines, offering an authentic introduction to the flavors of the surrounding countryside.

Return to Stresa and enjoy a relaxed evening by the lake.

Overnight in Stresa.

 

Day 4 – Lake Maggiore → Lake Garda | A Scenic Road Through Northern Italy

Today, leave Lake Maggiore behind and continue by car toward Lake Garda, turning the journey itself into part of the experience.

Upon arrival, settle into your 4-star hotel in Lazise, a pleasant town with a lively local atmosphere and a beautiful waterfront.

Later, discover Sirmione, one of Lake Garda’s most recognizable villages, set dramatically on a narrow peninsula extending into the lake.

You will then experience the lake from the water during a private boat excursion toward Gardone Riviera and the western shore. Cruise past landmarks and islands including the Rocca di Manerba and Isola dei Conigli, with time to spend approximately 30 minutes independently in Gardone before returning by boat.

Overnight in Lazise. Accomodation in Leonardo Hotel Lago di Garda – Wellness and Spa 4★ – Lazise, Lake Garda

Set in the scenic surroundings of Lake Garda, this comfortable 4-star hotel is an ideal retreat after days spent exploring the lake and its charming villages. The property features a Wellness & Spa area, offering a relaxing setting to unwind and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the region. Accommodation in a Comfort Double Room, with breakfast included.

 

Day 5 – Valeggio sul Mincio | Gardens, Countryside & Small-Town Italy

Begin the morning at Parco Giardino Sigurtà, one of the most beautiful landscaped gardens in Northern Italy. With its expansive lawns, flower gardens, wooded paths and countryside setting, it offers a peaceful way to experience the landscape without the feeling of a formal museum visit.

In the afternoon, continue to Valeggio sul Mincio, a small village surrounded by the green countryside of the Mincio River. Wander through its historic streets, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and discover a corner of Italy where local life continues at a gentler pace.

This is a day designed around landscape, small-town character and simply being outdoors, rather than checking off major attractions.

Overnight in Desenzano del Garda.

 

Day 6 – Peschiera & Lake Garda | From Local Cellars to the Lakeshore

This morning, visit Peschiera del Garda, exploring its picturesque historic center and distinctive fortified setting where the Mincio River meets the lake.

Later, enjoy one of the journey’s most local experiences: a gastronomic itinerary combining vineyards, cellar traditions and lakeside cuisine. After a guided visit of the winery, taste three local wines before continuing to lunch by the lake. Each course will be paired with a carefully selected wine, creating a relaxed experience centered on the relationship between the landscape, local ingredients and regional winemaking traditions.

In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle walk around the Rocca di Manerba, where the ruins and natural surroundings offer exceptional views across Lake Garda.

Return to Desenzano for your final evening on the lake.

Overnight in Desenzano del Garda.

 

Day 7 – Milan → Malta | Arrival on the Island

Fly independently from Milan to Malta (flight not included).

Upon arrival, make your way to your 4-star hotel and settle in. The remainder of the day is free to relax and begin discovering the island at your own pace.

Overnight in Malta. Accomodation in Hotel Juliani 4★ – Malta

Ideally located along the waterfront in St. Julian’s, this elegant 4-star hotel offers a pleasant base for discovering Malta, combining a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere with modern comforts. Its sea-facing setting makes it particularly enjoyable for a stay surrounded by the island’s coastal scenery. Accommodation in a Double Junior Suite with Sea View, with breakfast included.

 

Day 8 – Mdina & Rabat | The Silent City & Malta’s Ancient Heritage

Today, step back in time during a private walking tour of Mdina and Rabat, two of Malta’s most historically fascinating towns.

Enter Mdina through its imposing gate and wander through a maze of quiet streets, elegant palaces and centuries-old architecture. Once the medieval capital of Malta, the city is known as the “Silent City”, a fitting name for its peaceful atmosphere within the ancient walls. With your local guide, discover its most important landmarks, including St. Paul’s Cathedral, while uncovering some of the stories and hidden corners often missed by visitors.

Continue on foot to nearby Rabat, where Malta’s everyday life meets its ancient past. Explore the island’s Roman heritage, early Christian traditions and historic catacombs, gaining a deeper understanding of the cultures that have shaped Malta over the centuries.

Overnight in Malta.

 

Day 9 – Comino & Gozo | Malta’s Turquoise Waters by Private Boat

Today, set out on a private boat excursion to Comino and Gozo, discovering some of the most beautiful waters of the Maltese archipelago.

Your first stop is the famous Blue Lagoon, where incredibly clear turquoise waters create a natural swimming pool surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery. Take time to swim, snorkel or simply enjoy the landscape from the boat.

Continue to the Crystal Lagoon, a quieter and more secluded corner of Comino, where impressive cliffs, hidden caves and intensely blue waters create a spectacular setting.

The cruise then continues along the coast of Gozo, offering views of rugged cliffs, secluded beaches and the island’s unspoiled coastline. If desired, you may also include a stop on Gozo before returning to Malta.

Overnight in Malta.

 

Day 10 – Malta → Milan | Arrivederci Malta

After breakfast, enjoy some final free time before your departure.

Return your rental car at Malta Airport before boarding your flight back to Milan.

Your Maltese escape comes to an end, leaving you with memories of ancient walled cities, local stories and the extraordinary turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.