8-Day Northern Italy Escape: Milan, Turin & Lake Como

The city of Milan welcomes you to its position as Lombardy's capital and one of Europe's leading metropolitan areas. The city has maintained its position as a political and commercial center since the Western Roman Empire and Duchy of Milan periods.

The city of Milan operates as a worldwide business center which supports fashion, design, financial services, educational institutions and artistic activities. The city maintains its position as one of the world's four major fashion capitals because it hosts Milan Fashion Week and Salone del Mobile furniture fair which attract worldwide visitors and industry professionals.

The city features world-class universities, cultural facilities and museums which display outstanding collections. The city presents visitors with the opportunity to see Leonardo da Vinci's masterpieces alongside modern art and innovative design exhibits. The city offers both international flair, authentic Italian charm through its fashionable districts, lively entertainment scene, historic religious buildings and spacious public squares.

The walking tour today guides you directly into Milan's core fashion district for those who love fashion and shopping. Your expert guide will lead you through the city's upscale district while you experience the city as if you were walking on a fashion runway.

The Quadrilatero della Moda area functions as a global hub for luxury and design where you can explore Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga streets. The area features Gucci and Armani flagship stores which share space with upscale multi-brand stores and ancient palaces. Your guide will explain how Milan developed into a worldwide fashion destination while sharing information about the historical development of local fashion and the background of these prestigious fashion brands.

Your walking tour begins at Via Croce Rossa before moving through Piazza San Fedele and continuing along Via Manzoni to see the elegant Milanese residences. The tour ends at Piazza San Babila where you can visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II which showcases Milan's luxurious atmosphere through its glass-roofed walkways and decorative floors and upscale shopping areas. The tour provides an excellent starting point for fashion enthusiasts who want to experience the stylish atmosphere of this city.

*Inclusions: 1.5-hour semi-private experience (maximum 8 participants) with an English-speaking guide, Pick-up from a designated meeting point*

**Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop-off**

Your exploration of Milan today focuses on its musical aspects. Your private tour starts at 9:30 a.m. in front of the world-renowned Teatro alla Scala which ranks as one of the world's premier opera houses. The opera house environment welcomes you to experience its beautiful decorations and musical history while you witness the performances of legendary artists who have performed at this venue.

The historic tram will transport you through the city center after you depart from La Scala. Your guide will explain how Milan functions as a classical music and opera center while showing you the development of its cultural scene throughout history.

The music school in Navigli welcomes you for a private music experience after your tram journey. The Music Workshop at this welcoming music school provides instruction to students of every skill level from beginners to experienced musicians. The workshop allows you to learn about Italian musical traditions while you practice singing or playing instruments and understand how music expresses local cultural elements.

The musical experience will create a stronger artistic connection between you and Milan which you will preserve through the memories you create during the event.

*Inclusions: 4-hour private experience with a licensed English-speaking guide*

**Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop-off**

Welcome to Turin, a city defined by its characteristic grace by the Alps and globally noted for its refined architecture, deep history and particularly lively café culture. As the original capital city of unified Italy, Turin retains an ambiance, evidenced by its wide boulevards, elegant squares and imposing palaces lining the main avenues.

As you settle into your accommodation, be sure to take some time to explore the city’s historic arcades, browse the local shops or pause for a required bicerin, the traditional chocolate and coffee beverage, at one of its heritage cafés. Whether your academic interest lies in the city’s royal residences, its museums or the distinctive atmosphere of its various neighborhoods, Turin encourages you to calm down and fully appreciate its unique synthesis of tradition and urban life. We genuinely anticipate your time here will be rich with valuable encounters and fascinating discoveries.

Your private full-day tour of Turin will explore royal landmarks and green areas through a guided experience with your own transportation. Your first stop takes you to the Reggia di Venaria Reale which stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and functions as a royal palace. Your expert guide will lead you through the palace's opulently decorated rooms while you see the Hall of Diana and experience the Galleria Grande which showcases stunning marble work and stucco and fresco art.

The palace gardens present a serene atmosphere which contrasts with the opulent interior spaces of the building. The palace gardens present a perfect balance between their designed layout and their natural surroundings which showcase the royal hunting lodge origins of the estate. Your tour will proceed to Parco del Valentino which stands as a popular park located on the Po River banks. The park features walking trails, historical landmarks and a medieval village called Borgo Medievale which you can explore. Your guide will explain the historical development of the park which transformed into a green oasis for Turin residents and visitors.

This six-to-seven-hour tour provides a complete understanding of Turin's historical sites and daily life through its carefully selected attractions.

*Inclusions: Approx. 7-hour private experience with a licensed guide, Entrance tickets to Reggia di Venaria Reale*

Today marks your arrival at Lake Como, which is undoubtedly one of Italy’s most scenic and classically romantic destinations. Situated among the imposing peaks of the Lombardy Alps, this deep, formed lake is bordered by vividly colored historic villages, elegant villas and abundant gardens that appear to show directly toward the water's edge.

Holding the designation of Italy’s third-largest lake, Como provides extensive opportunities for exploration along its entire shoreline. You will find beautifully preserved historic town centers featuring narrow lanes and medieval stone churches, long lakeside promenades ideal for long walks. Beyond the waterfront, hiking paths are placed into the surrounding hills, rewarding visitors with spectacular views.

Whether your preference is more toward boat excursions, active watersports, challenging scenic hikes or simply relaxing with a beverage right by the water, Lake Como invites you to embrace a slower pace and fully appreciate its tranquil, sophisticated atmosphere.

Experience the complete beauty of Lake Como through this semi-private tour which combines both land and water exploration. Your day starts in Como where you will follow a guided tour through the historic center, its beautiful squares and lakefront promenade. Your guide will show you the essential sites of Como while sharing interesting facts about the town's historical development and current lifestyle.

You will have time to eat lunch or browse shops before taking a shared boat tour across the lake. The boat ride provides you with breathtaking views of the mountains, villages and villas which line the lake's shoreline. The boat ride takes you to Torno which presents itself as a charming village through its narrow streets, stone buildings and peaceful environment. You will have time to explore the area while taking photos and enjoying the views before your boat journey back to Como.

You will receive more time to unwind at a café or explore Como independently after your boat tour.

*Inclusions: Approx. 6.5-hour semi-private experience (maximum 8 participants) with a professional guide, Pick-up from a designated meeting point, Boat tickets for 1-hour shared cruise*

**Exclusions: Lunch,  Hotel pick-up and drop-off**

Your journey through Milan, Turin and Lake Como concludes today. We believe the impressions of the major cities you explored, the regional flavors you experienced and the distinctive landscapes you observed will stay with you for a long time..

As you review your collection of photographs, you will find yourself recalling specific treasured moments, between the Milanese avenues and the royal architecture in Turin to the peaceful views over Lake Como. Italy, as always, excels at creating a deeply lasting cultural impact.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the check-in process for your international flight and start your travel home. While this particular itinerary is drawing to a close, the essential spirit of la dolce vita and the pleasure of intellectual travel remain ready to inspire your next adventure, whether within Italy or a new global context.