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Explore the two lakeside cities of Como and Lugano
Discover two of the area’s most famous cities. Bursting with grand architecture, artwork and gardens, even a stroll along the streets of Como is an attraction in itself. For the second part of your day, visit the Swiss lakeside town of Lugano. Amble down the promenade, decorated with flowers, sculptures and fountains, or wander through markets and shops-lined streets. You’ll end the day with a leisurely cruise across Lake Lugano back into Italy.Bergamo is less well known than many of Italy's other historical cities, but is actually one the country's oldest and most beautiful. Widen your horizons with a day of exploring the city, which is also known as the Florence of the North - the upper city, conveniently placed atop a hill, is home to an array of enchanting churches and charming piazzas, which are all linked to a grand cathedral by a maze of cobbled alleyways, and are surrounded by age-old Venetian walls.
Read MoreJump on a boat over to Varenna and board a train to Milan, otherwise known as the cosmopolitan capital of the north and the fashion capital of the world. However, fashion isn't its only fancy - football and fabulous city sights are also on the cards. Take a tour of the La Scala opera house for some stunning interiors, or wander around Castle Sforzesco and the world's largest Gothic cathedral, which has 3,400 hand-carved statues within its walls. Swing by a pavement café for some Italian food and a spritz or two, and do some window shopping on the Via Montenapoleone.
Read MoreSpend a morning perusing the grand rooms of some of Lake Como's most beautiful villas. The Villa Balbianello is a particularly famous one, having featured in the James Bond film Casino Royale and in Star Wars: Episode II. You can also visit a number of others, including Villa Cassinella and Villa Margherita, which is owned by Hollywood heart-throb George Clooney. And if you really want to cram as much as you can into the day, float over to the historical Isola Comacina, the only island on Lake Como.
Read MoreA short drive will take you over the Swiss border, where you can explore the pretty waterfront village of Morcote - known as the Pearl of Ceresio, and characterised by its rows of old Patrician houses and its beautiful views. From here, hop on a boat across the water to Lugano. This part of the lake is known as the Monte Carlo of Switzerland due to its wealthy and well-known patrons, its vast array of beautiful green spaces, and its main piazza edged with stunning palaces. Make sure you snap as many photos as you can, and settle down for a coffee and cake on the lakefront before heading back over to Italy.
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