Secret Lakes of Italy

Discover picturesque mountain lakes and take in exceptional views of the Italian Alps and Dolomites on our Secret Lakes of Italy tour. Northern Italy boasts stunning scenery and we’ll cover six of the areas best-kept ‘beauty-spot’ secrets, from Lake Idro, tucked away in the valley of Sabbia to Lake Caldaro – the warmest lake in the Alps. Visit Lovere, with its picturesque promenade and the elegant town of Levico Terme, renowned for its therapeutic springs. Along the way we'll sample stracciatella ice cream, and the area is also renowned for its wine production, including Franciacorta – Italy’s answer to Champagne.

What's Included:

​- Return flights from Bristol - 7 nights in 4 star hotels - 11 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners - Travelsphere Tour Manager and Local Guide - Overseas transfers and other transportation - Porterage - Audio Guide

Day 1: UK - Verona

Travelsphere’s Private Chauffeur Service collects you from home for your flight to Verona, and on arrival we'll transfer you to the pretty resort of Lovere on the northern coast of Lake Iseo. Your hotel is located in a great position right beside the lake and offers fantastic views.

Meals included: D

Day 2: Bergamo

You have plenty of free time this morning to explore your base, which is nestled between mountains and the lake. Amongst the attractions you'll find in Lovere are a picturesque promenade, a medieval Old Town and a renowned art gallery. You might choose to take lunch in one of the many pavement cafés before we head off to the Lombardy region for an afternoon excursion to Bergamo. We'll take the funicular to its medieval centre, passing through the impressive Venetian walls that separate the upper and lower sections of town. Our visit ends at a historic ice-cream parlour, famous for creating the stracciatella flavour. This milk-based ice cream has chocolate shavings running through it, and of course, we'll sample a scoop or two.

This evening, our dinner is a three-course meal of local produce, which we'll enjoy at the Al Rocol farmhouse. 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 fresh pasta with cherry tomatoes. Located in the heart of Franciacorta, one of Italy's most famous wine regions, the farm also grows grapes and produces its very own Franciacorta wine. Widely regarded as the country's finest sparkling wine and Italy's answer to Champagne, we will of course enjoy a glass or two with our meal.

Meals included: B,D

Day 3: Lake Iseo

After breakfast 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 unspoilt 'island mountain' towers to 600 metres above sea level and is home to many pretty villages and hamlets. It is also famous for the feast of the Holy Cross – a magnificent celebration held every five years when the villages are decorated with thousands of paper flowers.​

Meals included: B

Day 4: Lake Idro & Lake Ledro - Lovere

We're on the road today heading to our new base, the pretty resort of Levico Terme, squeezing in two more 'secret' lakes as we go. Renowned for its beauty, Lake Idro is 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​. Later we'll make a 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 pituresque mountain lake surrounded by lush forests.

Meals included: B,L

Day 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 swimming pool, or perhaps you'll stroll into Levico Terme. The public spa in town 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, we'll discover its highlights on a guided walking tour.

Meals included: B

Day 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. The first stop on your included tour 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 plenty of time to explore the surroundings of the lake, which hide an entire prehistoric forest. 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.

Meals included: B

Day 7: Levico Terme - at Leisure

Levico Terme is an elegant town renowned for its therapeutic springs. A day at leisure gives you the chance to make your own discoveries. You could simply enjoy some 'me' time as you relax by the hotel's swimming pool. Alternatively, maybe you'll embark on a hill walk among the town's castles, or perhaps take a more leisurely stroll into the Old Town to discover local crafts. 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. This evening, we'll get together for dinner in the hotel's restaurant, when more local specialities will be on the menu.

Meals included: B,D

Day 8: Verona - UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Travelsphere Private Chauffeur Service will be waiting for the journey home.

Meals included: B