Relaxation on the Northern Waters

Lakes District, Italian Riviera, and Venice

If you have traveled to Italy before and are interested in a new experience, then the northern regions of Italy could be the place for you. The following itinerary will take you through three different regions, each offering something different - the Lakes District for serenity, Italian Riviera for a more social experience and Venice for romance and history.

Fly into Milan, the gateway to northern Italy. As you drive north on a scenic stretch of road to the serene Lakes District, you will be treated to a landscape of olive groves, fruit trees and vineyards. On Lake Como, you will feel as if you own a little section of paradise consisting of palatial villas, picturesque gardens and lovely blue water.

You'll be welcomed...

at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, an attractive resort in Bellagio, located where the two arms of Lake Como meet. This grand property with its brightly colored exterior is nestled among green hills and surrounding gardens. The glimmering blue waters and valleys running through the mountainside will stimulate your senses. Step out onto the lake terrace, listen to live music and enjoy the remarkable views with the Alps as a backdrop. There is much to do in this placid setting of the north - boating, shopping for world famous Como silk, or taking a ferry to visit the ruins of a medieval castle in Varenna.

After enjoying Lake Como, your next adventure begins on the Italian Riviera, an extension of resorts and charming towns along the northwestern Mediterranean coast of Italy. Enjoy several nights in the vibrant town of Rapallo, overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio. The town is well known for the many international jetsetters that frequented its villas and it still holds claim to an elite following.

Unwind at Excelsior Palace Hotel, a luxury property overlooking the bays of Rapallo and Portofino. The hotel has been recently restored to its early 20th century elegance. The service is excellent here - don't forget to meet Angelo, their amazing concierge who will go out of his way to make your stay memorable. The illuminated room of the Lord Byron restaurant provides a nice setting for a romantic Mediterranean dinner.

There is much to do here such as relaxing at outdoor cafes and enjoying historic buildings, castles, olive groves, museums and restaurants with a wide array of seafood and local cuisine. Day trips down the coast will allow you to explore some of the other towns such as elegant Santa Margherita Ligure, ritzy Portofino or the dramatically situated Cinque Terre.

Next, you'll be bound for romantic Venice...

As you step out of the railway station in Venice, you will realize that there is no other place quite like it. Its maze of waterways and narrow streets gives you access to delightful attractions, such as plazas and quaint shops. The palette of colors that are reflected in the canal-side churches and palaces also add to the allure of Venice.

Enjoy the views of the canals and Venetian sights from your junior suite at Palace Bonvecchiati. It is time to explore! Major attractions such as St. Mark's Square and the Accademia museum are a short distance away. You can also head to some other islands such as Murano, Torcello and Burano. In addition to the great sights of Venice, don't miss an opportunity to shop in the numerous boutiques for fine writing papers, gift items, Italian silk and hand-blown glass. Finally, you can't leave Venice without taking a romantic gondola ride through the canals.

As you fly out of Venice and complete your grand tour of northern Italy's coasts and lakes, you will leave with new experiences and deeper knowledge of this multifaceted country.

Who will enjoy this trip:

Those who enjoy traveling at a relaxing pace. Those who have been to Italy before and are looking for something different.

Who should avoid this trip:

Those who are primarily interested in true beach destinations. Those who want to stay put in a single place. Couples who may not have been to Italy before and are reticent to miss some of the major sights in Florence and Rome.