Date

September 1 – 10, 2023
Extend to Cinque Terre
September 10 – 14

About This Tour

One of Italy’s most beautiful regions is Lombardy on Italy’s northern border with Switzerland. The region has long been a target for invaders. Its position, with travel through the Alps limited to a few narrow passes, made it both strategically important and an economic goldmine, with the majority of those passing to or from Italy having to cross through the region. With medieval pilgrimages to Rome (and that would mean thousands of foot travelers each year) there was a ready supply of money to pay for bed, board, food and drink. Based on this foundation, and with absolutely stunning scenery, Lombardy became, and remains to this day, the country’s preferred vacation spot.

Writers, artists and composers have flocked to the Lake District for millennia. American novelist Henry James wrote that “One can’t describe the beauty of the Italian lakes, nor would one try if one could.” John Keats was one of many romantic writers who came here to for inspiration. And Italians were equally besotted, with Bellini, Rossini and Verdi among the composers who took lakeside homes, the better to inspire their art. This tour allows you to drink deep of the same inspiration. Each of the five lakes we visit has its own unique character. The lakes make this a perfect tour already, but Toto Tours adds an optional extension to the nearby Liguria region and its postcard-ready five seaside towns on the cliffs known as Cinque Terre.


COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY:

All plans for this tour are made considering the COVID procedures in effect at the time of publication. Entry requirements and vaccination requirements are subject to change at any time without notice. Please be sure you comply with the latest Italian entry requirements at the time of departure. For the safety of our groups, we only accept tour participants who are fully vaccinated, and current with their covid boosters as of 4 weeks prior to departure. Proof of vaccination will be required no later than 4 weeks prior to departure.

Tour Highlights

  • City of Verona *
  • Lake Maggiore’s historical past
  • Lake Orta’s picture-perfect setting
  • Sirmione
  • Lake Garda’s many lovely resorts
  • Como
  • Lake Como’s magnificent villas
  • Lake Lugano’s mountains
  • * UNESCO World Heritage Sites

OPTIONAL CINQUE TERRE EXTENSION

In northwestern Italy, the Liguria coast is a stunning treasure with a dramatic chain of hills cradling a series of five small villages known as the Cinque Terre. They are awash in colorful houses spilling down the hillsides to the sea. It is a perfect place for an active walking/sightseeing holiday. A scenic pathway, the Via dell'Amore, connects the towns, winding along terraced hillsides through olive groves and vineyards. Best of all, these picturesque villages are all off limits to automobiles!

Tour Highlights

  • Cinque Terre National Park *
  • Riomaggiore
  • Manarola
  • Corniglia
  • Vernazza
  • Monterosso al Mare
  • Santa Margherita
  • Portofino
  • * UNESCO World Heritage Site
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