Lisa Engel
Northern Italy Grand Journey
Luxury Trips - Zicasso
8 Days / 7 Nights
Timeless Elegance Between Milan, Lake Como & the Borromean Islands
Ideal for: Senior Travelers | Active Travelers | Scenic & Slow Travelers | Nature Lovers | Food & Wine Enthusiasts | Luxury Explorers | Hiking Lovers
Overview
This journey has been thoughtfully designed for travelers who appreciate elegant accommodations, authentic encounters, and active exploration without sacrificing comfort.
Begin in cosmopolitan Milan, where private cultural experiences, world-class architecture, and refined gastronomy introduce the sophistication of Northern Italy. Continue to the timeless shores of Lake Como, where luxurious lakeside hospitality becomes the perfect base for discovering hidden valleys, panoramic hiking trails, historic villas, charming villages, and centuries-old culinary traditions.
Private boat cruises, scenic walks with expert hiking guides, local producers, cooking experiences, and breathtaking lake landscapes create an itinerary that goes beyond the classic highlights, revealing a more authentic side of Lombardy.
Balancing gentle outdoor adventures with exceptional comfort, this is a journey where every day offers something memorable—whether on the water, along ancient mountain paths, or around a beautifully set Italian table.
Why travellers love this trip?
- Stay in carefully selected 5★ boutique and lakeside hotels
- Combine culture, gastronomy, hiking, and breathtaking scenery
- Discover Milan with private expert guides
- Experience the Duomo’s spectacular rooftop terraces by elevator
- Enjoy an exclusive wine tasting dinner in the vibrant Navigli district
- Cruise Lake Como aboard a private boat while visiting one of its most iconic villas
- Learn to prepare fresh Italian pasta during an authentic cooking experience
- Hike through hidden valleys and picturesque villages with a local hiking guide
- Meet local producers and enjoy farm-to-table tastings
- Discover the magnificent Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore
- Explore panoramic mountain trails above Lake Como before returning by boat
- Travel exclusively with private transfers for maximum comfort throughout the journey
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Milan | Arrival in Italy’s Capital of Elegance
Upon arrival at Milan Airport, meet your private driver for a comfortable transfer to your elegant 5★ boutique hotel in the historic center.
The remainder of the day is yours to settle in and begin discovering Milan at your own pace. Elegant shopping streets, refined cafés, impressive architecture, and lively piazzas offer a graceful introduction to one of Italy’s most sophisticated cities.
Overnight in Milan.
Day 2 – Milan | Art, Architecture & Milanese Lifestyle
Meet your private guide at the hotel for an engaging walking tour through Milan’s historic center.
In the afternoon, enjoy included access to the magnificent Duomo, reaching its spectacular rooftop terraces comfortably by panoramic elevator for unforgettable views across the city.
Later, your private driver will accompany you to the charming Navigli district, where canals, independent boutiques, and vibrant local life create one of Milan’s most atmospheric neighborhoods.
The day concludes with a refined wine tasting dinner, celebrating regional wines and Northern Italian cuisine before your private transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in Milan.
Day 3 – Milan | Hidden Stories & Artistic Treasures
Begin the morning with a private guided visit to the renowned Pinacoteca di Brera, home to one of Italy’s finest collections of Renaissance masterpieces.
During the afternoon, discover another side of Milan with a private walking experience through the city’s historic Jewish Quarter. Your guide will reveal centuries of history, resilience, architecture, and local stories that remain largely unknown to most visitors.
A fascinating day blending art, culture, and hidden heritage.
Overnight in Milan.
Day 4 – Lake Como | Villas, Waters & Italian Traditions
After breakfast, your private driver accompanies you to your elegant 5★ lakeside hotel overlooking Lake Como.
Soon after arrival, embark on a private boat cruise across the lake, admiring elegant villas, charming villages, and spectacular alpine scenery before enjoying a guided visit to the magnificent Villa del Balbianello, one of Lake Como’s most celebrated historic residences.
Later, immerse yourself in Italian culinary traditions during a fresh pasta cooking class, where you’ll prepare handmade pasta before enjoying the meal you’ve created in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
A perfect introduction to life on Lake Como.
Overnight in Menaggio.
Day 5 – Val Senagra | Hidden Valleys & Local Flavors
Today offers one of the journey’s most authentic experiences.
Accompanied by an expert hiking guide, follow scenic trails through the peaceful Val Senagra, where ancient stone villages, forest paths, historic mills, and suspension bridges reveal an entirely different side of Lake Como.
Your walk concludes at a small family-run fish farm nestled in the valley, where you’ll meet the producer and enjoy a tasting of freshly prepared local fish paired with regional wines.
The combination of gentle hiking, local encounters, and pristine nature creates an unforgettable day away from the crowds.
Overnight in Menaggio.
Day 6 – Lake Maggiore | Aristocratic Islands & Botanical Wonders
Today, enjoy a full-day private excursion to Lake Maggiore.
Visit the celebrated Borromean Islands, including the magnificent Isola Bella, elegant Isola Madre, and the picturesque Isola dei Pescatori.
Included tickets provide access to the islands’ extraordinary palaces and gardens, while the public island boat service allows you to move easily between each island throughout the day. Boats operate frequently, offering a convenient and scenic way to discover the archipelago while enjoying beautiful lake views.
Return to Menaggio in the evening.
Overnight in Menaggio.
Day 7 – Brunate | Panoramic Trails Above Lake Como
Meet your private driver for another day of exploration.
Travel to Como, where the historic funicular climbs toward Brunate, revealing increasingly spectacular views over the lake and surrounding mountains.
Together with your hiking guide, enjoy a scenic walk through forests, ancient hamlets, and glacial landscapes before stopping at a traditional crotto, where a homemade lunch showcases the authentic flavors of the region.
Your experience concludes with a relaxing return to Como by public boat, offering yet another unforgettable perspective of Lake Como before your private transfer back to Menaggio.
A perfect finale blending nature, local traditions, and extraordinary scenery.
Overnight in Menaggio.
Day 8 – Arrivederci Italia
After breakfast, your private driver will accompany you comfortably to Milan Airport.
Depart with memories of elegant cities, hidden hiking trails, historic villas, crystal-clear lakes, exceptional cuisine, and authentic encounters that reveal Northern Italy far beyond its most famous postcards.
A journey where luxury is measured not only by comfort, but by the richness of every experience.
What is included
Day 1 – Milan
- Private transfer from Milan Airport to your hotel in Milan
Day 2 – Milan
- Private guided walking tour of Milan (2 hours)
- Entrance ticket to Milan Cathedral
- Elevator access to the Duomo Rooftop Terraces
- Private driver service to and from the Navigli district
- Premium wine tasting dinner
Day 3 – Milan
- Private guided tour of the Pinacoteca di Brera
- Entrance ticket to the Pinacoteca di Brera
- Private guided walking tour of Milan’s historic Jewish Quarter
Day 4 – Lake Como
- Private transfer from your hotel in Milan to your hotel in Menaggio
- Private boat tour on Lake Como (2 hours)
- Private guided visit to Villa del Balbianello
- Entrance tickets to Villa del Balbianello and its gardens
- Fresh pasta cooking class with lunch
Day 5 – Val Senagra
- Guided hiking excursion through the Val Senagra
- Local fish tasting paired with regional wines
Day 6 – Lake Maggiore
- Full-day private excursion to Lake Maggiore with private driver
- Entrance ticket to Isola Bella Palace and Gardens
- Entrance ticket to Isola Madre
- Entrance ticket to Isola dei Pescatori
- Public Borromean Islands boat pass for unlimited crossings between the islands
Day 7 – Brunate & Lake Como
- Full-day private driver service
- Funicular ticket from Como to Brunate
- Guided hiking excursion around Brunate
- Traditional homemade lunch at a local crotto
- Public boat ticket from Brunate/Como area across Lake Como
Day 8 – Departure
- Private transfer from your hotel in Menaggio to Milan Airport
Throughout the Journey
- Agency planning and booking services
- Local assistance before and during your trip
What is not included
- International flights
- City taxes payable locally at the hotels
- Meals and beverages not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
- Optional activities and excursions
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Additional transportation not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Any services not expressly listed under Included in the Price
DEPOSIT
must be paid by
7.200
BALANCE
must be paid by
16.800
TOTAL PRICE
Policies & Terms
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations are subject to the following penalties calculated on the total trip price:
- Deposit (30%) is non-refundable under any circumstances.
If the trip has been fully paid, the following penalties apply:
- Up to 60 days before departure: 50% penalty
- From 59 to 45 days before departure: 75% penalty
- From 44 days prior to departure to the departure date: 100% penalty
Package Modifications
Once the package has been confirmed, modifications can be made up to 45 days before departure.
- Upgrades: free of charge, except for the cost of the new services
- Downgrades: subject to an agency fee of €200 per modified service
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your trip in case of unexpected cancellations, changes, or emergencies.
Payment Options & TERMS
Payment currency: € EURO
Accepted Payment Methods:
– Credit card
– Debit card
– Revolut Direct
Payment Terms
Deposit: 30% non-refundable, due at the time of booking confirmation.
Balance Payment: due between 60 and 80 days prior to the departure date.
All payments are to be made in € EURO.