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Tour Bellagio Europe Italy Lake Como Lake Maggiore Switzerland Sirmione Varenna Venice Area + 2 More Cosmos 15 days from Rome to Lake Maggiore

Make your dream of exploring Italy come true—without breaking the bank! Start in Rome, where ancient wonders like the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Square await. Then journey through Tuscany’s rolling hills to Pisa, home of the Leaning Tower, and Florence, the Renaissance gem. Enjoy a guided tour of Florence’s iconic squares, the Duomo, and the famous “Gate of Paradise.”

Next, fall in love with Venice, where you’ll cruise to St. Mark’s Square, explore charming alleyways, and visit a traditional glassblowing workshop. Discover the serene beauty of the Italian Lakes with stays in Verona, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore. In Verona, stroll through the medieval streets and see the Roman Arena. On Lake Como, enjoy a scenic boat ride to Bellagio and Varenna, surrounded by elegant villas and lush gardens. Relax by the crystal waters of Lake Maggiore, or explore its palaces and gardens. On the way, stop in Lugano, a lakeside town with Swiss charm and Italian flair—perfect for a lakeside stroll and gelato. End your journey in Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, for a final taste of culture and style.

This affordable tour blends Italy’s iconic cities with its natural beauty—perfect for savvy travelers seeking unforgettable experiences.

Day 1: ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital with the help of the CosmosGO app. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.

Day 2: ROME

Steeped in history, the “Eternal City” is vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome’s landmarks from St. Peter’s Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. Complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire.* (B)* For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.

Day 3: ROME–PISA–FLORENCE

Vistas of rolling hills, cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and charming villages form the backdrop as you journey into the heart of Tuscany. Stop in Pisa to enjoy a mini-train ride to the Square of Miracles and see the legendary Leaning Tower. Then, head east to magnificent Florence, “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Everything tastes better in Tuscany! See for yourself with an optional culinary experience in the Tuscan countryside to indulge in authentic traditional dishes—with wine, of course!Today’s Distance: 284mi/ 457 km (B)

Day 4: FLORENCE

Today, discover the wonders of Florence, starting with a guided walking tour, featuring some of the city’s greatest attractions. See Piazza Santa Croce; world-famous Signoria Square; 13th-century Palazzo Vecchio; Loggia dei Lanzi; the unique Duomo with Giotto’s Gothic Bell Tower and the Baptistry’s ornate bronze door known as the “Gate of Paradise.” (B)

Day 5: FLORENCE–VERONA–VENICE AREA

Travel north and cross the Po River to Verona, setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Marvel at the ancient Roman Arena, built for gladiator fights but now still used as a popular venue for festivals and concerts; shop in Via Mazzini, or just wander the cobblestone streets of the city center. Continue to the Venice area. Do you believe in magic? An optional evening boat ride on Giudecca Canal, dinner in a local restaurant, and St. Mark’s square at night will remove all doubt!Today’s Distance: 245mi/ 395 km (B)

Day 6: VENICE AREA

Venice is a place of unmatched beauty and a feast of fantastic sights. View the delightful crisscrossing canals, the gondolas, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas. Your included orientation features a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and a visit to a Venetian glassblowing workshop. You’ll have time to explore at leisure on your own or join one of our wonderful optional excursions. Otherwise, just relax, sipping a cappuccino or the typical Venetian drink called “spritz” at one of the many bars or cafés. (B,D)

Day 7: VENICE AREA–MILAN

Check into your hotel in Milan, the vibrant city of fashion and design (B)

Day 8: MILAN, ITALY

Free day to explore Milan on your own.* (B)* Tour Director and travel companions will change for the second part of the itinerary.

Day 9: MILAN–SIRMIONE–VERONA

Start the day with an orientation tour of Milan, stopping to admire the famous Gothic-style Duomo. Travel east through the Po Valley and stop at Lake Garda to discover Sirmione. This is a Spa town rich in thermal waters and ancient charm situated on a long peninsula surrounded by breathtaking views. Among its highlights, a medieval castle, the famous Roman villa and grottoes of Catullo. Spend the evening in Verona, the 'city of love'.Today’s Distance: 112 mi/ 180 km (B)

Day 10: VERONA

In the morning, a Local Guide takes you through the old cobblestone streets of the old part of Verona telling the stories behind the old buildings and how this beautiful city inspired Shakespeare. Spend the afternoon shopping, visiting, or taking a stroll along the Adige River banks, or sip and see with delightful wines and water views on an optional excursion to Valpolicella. Discover delicious local vintages, such as Valpolicella and Amarone, followed by time to relax on the shores of Lake Garda in Lazise. (B)

Day 11: VERONA–LAKE COMO

This morning, say goodbye to the romantic city of Verona and continue to fascinating Lake Como, where you’ll spend two nights. Stroll around the narrow alleys of the city center and the “lungolago” (lake promenade) and maybe taste some fabulous local gelato.Today’s Distance: 158 mi/ 255 km (B)

Day 12: LAKE COMO. EXCURSION TO BELLAGIO AND VARENNA

Inspiring everyone from Roman senators and great composers to Hollywood actors, Como is the glamorous image of the lakes. Its cobalt-blue waters are lined with magnificent mountains, lush gardens, and grand villas. Join the included boat trip to Bellagio, set in one of the most scenic locations in all of Italy, and Varenna, an old fishing village. (B)

Day 13: LAKE COMO–LUGANO, SWITZERLAND–LAKE MAGGIORE, ITALY

Depart Lake Como and cross the border into Switzerland. Head towards beautiful Lake Lugano and the stylish city that bears its name. Time to stroll along the lakeside promenade, window shop on refined Via Nassa, or sip an espresso on the Piazza Riforma. Leave Switzerland and cross back into Italy, driving to Lake Maggiore. Today’s Distance: 50 mi/ 80 km (B)

Day 14: LAKE MAGGIORE

Set between Piedmont, Lombardy, and Switzerland, Lake Maggiore is a paradise of crystal waters, backed by towering mountains and surrounded by lush countryside. The day is yours to relax or to enjoy some of the many activities available around the lake. Breathtaking views are a shore thing with an optional boat trip to the Borromean Islands, with time to visit the extravagant Borromeo Palace, built like a ship anchored just off the shoreline. (B,D)

Day 15: LAKE MAGGIORE

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa.) (B)

Details

Tour Operator: Cosmos
Duration (Days): 15

Itinerary ▼

Day 1: ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital with the help of the CosmosGO app. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Day 2: ROME
Steeped in history, the “Eternal City” is vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome’s landmarks from St. Peter’s Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. Complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire.* (B)* For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Day 3: ROME–PISA–FLORENCE
Vistas of rolling hills, cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and charming villages form the backdrop as you journey into the heart of Tuscany. Stop in Pisa to enjoy a mini-train ride to the Square of Miracles and see the legendary Leaning Tower. Then, head east to magnificent Florence, “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Everything tastes better in Tuscany! See for yourself with an optional culinary experience in the Tuscan countryside to indulge in authentic traditional dishes—with wine, of course!Today’s Distance: 284mi/ 457 km (B)
Day 4: FLORENCE
Today, discover the wonders of Florence, starting with a guided walking tour, featuring some of the city’s greatest attractions. See Piazza Santa Croce; world-famous Signoria Square; 13th-century Palazzo Vecchio; Loggia dei Lanzi; the unique Duomo with Giotto’s Gothic Bell Tower and the Baptistry’s ornate bronze door known as the “Gate of Paradise.” (B)
Day 5: FLORENCE–VERONA–VENICE AREA
Travel north and cross the Po River to Verona, setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Marvel at the ancient Roman Arena, built for gladiator fights but now still used as a popular venue for festivals and concerts; shop in Via Mazzini, or just wander the cobblestone streets of the city center. Continue to the Venice area. Do you believe in magic? An optional evening boat ride on Giudecca Canal, dinner in a local restaurant, and St. Mark’s square at night will remove all doubt!Today’s Distance: 245mi/ 395 km (B)
Day 6: VENICE AREA
Venice is a place of unmatched beauty and a feast of fantastic sights. View the delightful crisscrossing canals, the gondolas, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas. Your included orientation features a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and a visit to a Venetian glassblowing workshop. You’ll have time to explore at leisure on your own or join one of our wonderful optional excursions. Otherwise, just relax, sipping a cappuccino or the typical Venetian drink called “spritz” at one of the many bars or cafés. (B,D)
Day 7: VENICE AREA–MILAN
Check into your hotel in Milan, the vibrant city of fashion and design (B)
Day 8: MILAN, ITALY
Free day to explore Milan on your own.* (B)* Tour Director and travel companions will change for the second part of the itinerary.
Day 9: MILAN–SIRMIONE–VERONA
Start the day with an orientation tour of Milan, stopping to admire the famous Gothic-style Duomo. Travel east through the Po Valley and stop at Lake Garda to discover Sirmione. This is a Spa town rich in thermal waters and ancient charm situated on a long peninsula surrounded by breathtaking views. Among its highlights, a medieval castle, the famous Roman villa and grottoes of Catullo. Spend the evening in Verona, the 'city of love'.Today’s Distance: 112 mi/ 180 km (B)
Day 10: VERONA
In the morning, a Local Guide takes you through the old cobblestone streets of the old part of Verona telling the stories behind the old buildings and how this beautiful city inspired Shakespeare. Spend the afternoon shopping, visiting, or taking a stroll along the Adige River banks, or sip and see with delightful wines and water views on an optional excursion to Valpolicella. Discover delicious local vintages, such as Valpolicella and Amarone, followed by time to relax on the shores of Lake Garda in Lazise. (B)
Day 11: VERONA–LAKE COMO
This morning, say goodbye to the romantic city of Verona and continue to fascinating Lake Como, where you’ll spend two nights. Stroll around the narrow alleys of the city center and the “lungolago” (lake promenade) and maybe taste some fabulous local gelato.Today’s Distance: 158 mi/ 255 km (B)
Day 12: LAKE COMO. EXCURSION TO BELLAGIO AND VARENNA
Inspiring everyone from Roman senators and great composers to Hollywood actors, Como is the glamorous image of the lakes. Its cobalt-blue waters are lined with magnificent mountains, lush gardens, and grand villas. Join the included boat trip to Bellagio, set in one of the most scenic locations in all of Italy, and Varenna, an old fishing village. (B)
Day 13: LAKE COMO–LUGANO, SWITZERLAND–LAKE MAGGIORE, ITALY
Depart Lake Como and cross the border into Switzerland. Head towards beautiful Lake Lugano and the stylish city that bears its name. Time to stroll along the lakeside promenade, window shop on refined Via Nassa, or sip an espresso on the Piazza Riforma. Leave Switzerland and cross back into Italy, driving to Lake Maggiore. Today’s Distance: 50 mi/ 80 km (B)
Day 14: LAKE MAGGIORE
Set between Piedmont, Lombardy, and Switzerland, Lake Maggiore is a paradise of crystal waters, backed by towering mountains and surrounded by lush countryside. The day is yours to relax or to enjoy some of the many activities available around the lake. Breathtaking views are a shore thing with an optional boat trip to the Borromean Islands, with time to visit the extravagant Borromeo Palace, built like a ship anchored just off the shoreline. (B,D)
Day 15: LAKE MAGGIORE
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa.) (B)

Italy's Iconic Cities and Lakes