Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
A view from a window with green shutters overlooks a sunny Italian lakeside village with colorful buildings, a bright blue lake, and large mountains.
Italy

La Dolce Vita: The Italian Lakes of Como, Garda and Maggiore

Program No. 16740RJ
See More Photos
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
14 days
13 nights
What's Included
27 meals ( 12B, 8L, 7D )
5 expert-led lectures
19 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. Transfer from Verona airport to the hotel is 50 miles (1.15-hour ride). The Orientation Walk in Riva is about 1 mile.
Lunch:
Participants arriving around lunchtime are welcome to join us for a snack, drink, or gelato at a nearby bar close to the hotel.
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, refresh and relax before our first group activity. We will meet in the hotel lobby at 4:00 p.m. to embark on a short introductory walk of Riva with a local expert. This walk will familiarize us with our program hotel's surrounding area, including key locations such as banks, pharmacies, and grocery stores. We'll then return to the hotel for a "Welcome to the Lakes" reception, where you will meet our Group Leader and fellow Road Scholars.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day and standing during field trip; generally flat terrain, uneven cobblestoned streets. Elective climb to fortress tower 165 steps.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Breakfasts will be buffets. Other included meals will be plated and served from a set menu unless indicated otherwise; water is included, other beverages will be available for purchase.
Morning:
Following breakfast, we gather in the meeting room for an Orientation session. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as "Free time" and "At leisure" offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times might change due to local circumstances/conditions. We will alert you as quickly as possible in the event of changes. Thank you for being so understanding. Following our Orientation session, we will embark on a walking field trip led by a local expert to explore the historical center of the town. Our journey will take us to the Museo Civico, nestled within La Rocca di Riva, a medieval fortress on the lakefront surrounded by a picturesque canal and a drawbridge. Inside, the museum's permanent exhibition will provide a glimpse into the rich history of Lake Garda, from its Roman origins to the influence of Verona, the Republic of Venice, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. We will also discover how this small town's strategic location played a role in World Wars I and II.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will gather in the hotel meeting room for an informative presentation by a local expert, focusing on Trentino-Alto Adige (Trentino-Sudtirol), a region of northern Italy with borders with Austria and Switzerland. Renowned for its majestic mountain ranges, including the Alps and Dolomites, and lakes, the region has a long and storied past, dating back to ancient times when various tribes inhabited it. Over the centuries, it became a coveted territory, witnessing the rise and fall of different ruling powers, including the Roman Empire, the Lombards, and the Holy Roman Empire. The strategic location of Trentino-Alto Adige along the trade routes between Italy and northern Europe played a significant role in its history. In more recent times, the region experienced shifts in borders and cultural identity, reflecting the complex dynamics of its multi-ethnic composition. After a short break, the lecture topic will shift to a presentation delving into the culinary traditions and exquisite wines of Trentino-Alto Adige, providing us with a deeper understanding of the region's gastronomic heritage. Trentino-Alto Adige boasts a rich culinary heritage that is as diverse as its cultural tapestry. Influenced by Italian and Austrian traditions, the region's cuisine offers a delightful fusion of flavors and techniques. Local specialties include hearty alpine dishes such as canederli (bread dumplings), speck (smoked ham), and Schlutzkrapfen (stuffed pasta). The region is also renowned for its exceptional wines, thanks to its favorable climate and unique terroir. From crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio and Gewürztraminer to elegant reds like Lagrein and Teroldego, Trentino-Alto Adige's vineyards produce a remarkable range of high-quality wines that perfectly complement the region's culinary delights.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. You can also consult your list of suggested restaurants in your program materials.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 60 miles throughout the day, approximately 2 hours of riding time. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; stone paved streets and sidewalks. At Castel del Buon Consiglio, multiple flights of stairs; elective climb to top of tower 50 steps.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our journey will begin with a short walk from the hotel to the bus station, which will transport us to Trento. A local expert will guide us in exploring this city's history. Trento holds significant historical importance as the site of the Council of Trent (1545–1563), a significant ecumenical assembly that shaped Roman Catholic doctrine and dogma in response to the Protestant Reformation. We will visit the Duomo di San Vigilio, the cathedral where the Council convened and issued its decrees. Here, we will be treated to a presentation delving into the history of this influential event. Continuing our journey, we will take a leisurely walk to the Castello del Buon Consiglio, an impressive complex that served as the residence of local Prince-Bishops for centuries. A true treasure lies within the Torre Aquila, located at the southern end of the complex: the frescoes known as the Cycle of the Months. Painted by an artist believed to be from Bohemia, these vivid frescoes depict life across various social classes in the 14th century. Through colorful representations of different seasons and activities, the artist offers insights into the lives of nobles and peasants, capturing the essence of each season.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
On the return bus ride to Riva del Garda, we stop at a local winery for a tasting. We sample a flight of regional wines while the host explains the winemaking process, the character of local grape varieties, and what defines each vintage. The tasting includes a small pairing of local cheeses and a slice of freshly baked strudel.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 170 miles throughout the day, approximately 4 hours of riding time, including rest stops. Walking up to 2 miles in Bolzano; uneven terrain, cobblestones. Distances and duration of activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will walk from the hotel to the bus and begin our ride to Bolzano. As we embark on this picturesque journey, we will be treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the Dolomite Mountain range, an esteemed UNESCO World Heritage Site. These majestic peaks, encompassing 18 summits that soar above 9,850 feet and spanning 350,000 acres, offer some of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes found anywhere in the world. During our journey, we will make a short rest stop before reaching the Sella Pass, allowing us to rejuvenate and take in the surrounding scenery. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to pause at the highest point along the road, presenting a perfect occasion for a memorable photo opportunity and a chance to enjoy a well-deserved break. As we descend towards Bolzano, those who wish to immerse themselves further in the natural splendor may opt to explore a path along the mountainside, reveling in the serenity and grandeur of the surroundings. Alternatively, one can unwind and relax in the comfort of a nearby café, soaking in the tranquil ambiance while savoring a refreshing beverage.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like. Feel free to satisfy your hunger with a snack at one of the rest stops in the morning or opt for a leisurely late lunch in Bolzano at your convenience, starting from approximately 1:30-2:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
We will visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, home to Ötzi the Iceman. Descriptive signage and audio installations in multiple languages will facilitate our self-directed exploration. The preserved mummy of this Copper Age hunter was discovered in a melting glacier in 1991. Scientists have determined that he lived more than 5,300 years ago and died from an arrow in his back. As the museum explains, the Iceman has provided new data from prehistoric times for countless research disciplines worldwide in the natural sciences and humanities. Ötzi is preserved in a special cold room in the museum where we can see him through a small window. The permanent exhibition includes the mummy’s painstakingly restored clothing and equipment as well as an examination of life in the Copper Age. Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. Take this opportunity to explore the traffic-free city center with its historic streets and squares that were once the heart of a medieval village. South Tyrol is now one of Italy’s wealthiest provinces, but its long history has belonged to several rulers. Just a century ago, it was part of Austria and still exhibits a mix of cultural traits melded into something uniquely Tyrolean. The architecture of different eras seems to blend seamlessly in colorful public buildings, shops, and cafés. We will re-group at an announced time and place for our ride back to Riva del Garda, where we expect to arrive late afternoon.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of a public boat; seating on open decks and inside; restrooms on board. The boat ride is a little over an hour each way. Walking about 1 mile on cobblestoned streets, 30 steps to enter the castle and upper levels. Distances and duration of activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We walk from the hotel to the dock and board a public boat across Lake Garda to Malcesine on the eastern shore. A local expert leads an expert-led visit of Malcesine. The town’s origins are uncertain, but its medieval street plan and structures remain visible. We focus on the Castello Scaligero, controlled by the della Scala family in the 13th–14th centuries and now a national monument. The castle houses a Museum of Natural History with exhibits on the town, the lake, and the alpine environment. An ascent to the upper terraces provides clear views of the lake and surrounding slopes.
Lunch:
On your own to sample the local fare. Saturday is market day in town.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. Additionally, the Group Leader will provide a boat ticket back to Riva del Garda, granting you the freedom to extend your free time and continue your exploration. Back at the hotel, we meet in the conference room for an expert presentation on World War I, the Fascist period, World War II, and the Italian Social Republic (Republic of Salò, 1943–45), headquartered in Salò on Lake Garda. The session covers the final months of the war and the capture of Mussolini by partisans on Lake Como. After the talk, we review the plan for our transfer to Stresa—timing, luggage procedures, meeting points, and contingency details—so everyone is prepared for the next stage of the program.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 200 miles throughout the day, approximately 4 hours riding time. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; stone paved and cobblestoned streets, inclined walk in Iseo.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After check-out, we board the bus and travel east along Lake Garda, then continue north toward Stresa on Lake Maggiore. We stop in Lazise on Lake Garda’s eastern shore. Our Group Leader leads a walk through the medieval lanes to the 14th-century Customs House near the harbor. We then have free time for a short break before returning to the bus. Next, we reach Sulzano on Lake Iseo, a glacial lake set between green slopes, with Monte Isola at its center. We discuss the site of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s 2016 floating walkway, which temporarily connected the shoreline to the island. We then explore the nearby lakeside town of Iseo on foot with our Group Leader. We walk along the promenade and through the historic center, with time to take in the setting before continuing the drive to Stresa.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
We arrive in Stresa, check into our hotel, and take some time to settle in and refresh. Before dinner, we meet in the lobby for a short classroom session that orients us to the next two days in Stresa. We review the area’s highlights, the town’s layout, and our hotel’s location on Lake Maggiore in the Gulf of Borromeo, with clear views across the water toward the Borromean Islands, the region’s main attraction.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a public boat; riding about 1/2 hour. Walking up to 3 miles; uneven terrain, inclines, steps. Elective climb with graded path and 400 steps to top of hill.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We board a public boat for a field trip to Villa Taranto in Verbania Pallanza. On arrival, we explore the botanical gardens independently. The grounds developed into a major garden beginning in 1931, when Scottish Captain Neil Boyd Watson McEacharn purchased the estate and built out its plant collections. Today, the gardens feature a wide range of species, with seasonal highlights that often include tulips, azaleas, and dahlias. If you would like a bit more activity, our Group Leader offers an elective walk on a graded path with about 400 steps, with viewpoints over Lake Maggiore. Before lunch, we regroup and return to Stresa by public boat.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We have free time for independent exploration or to relax at the hotel. In the late afternoon, we meet in the hotel conference room for a presentation by a local expert on the villas and gardens of Lakes Maggiore and Como. The talk introduces the history and purpose of these estates, how architecture and landscape design work together, and why the lakes became a destination for aristocratic and later international visitors. We also discuss common garden features—terraces, formal paths, exotic plant collections, and water elements—and how the local climate shaped what owners could grow.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking 1/2 mile to boat dock; getting on/off a small craft. The boat ride to/from Isole Bella, Pescatori, and Madre is approximately 1/2 hour each way. Walking and standing during villa field trip; multiple steps to higher levels.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
As we approach the harbor, our Group Leader will provide context on the 20th-century hotels along the lake promenade. From the harbor, we will board a private boat with a local expert and visit the Borromean Islands, named for the Borromeo family, who owned them for centuries. We will begin on Isola Madre (Mother Island), the largest of the islands. We will walk through its 19th-century English botanical garden and learn how it developed a collection of rare plant species from around the world. Next, we will visit Palazzo Borromeo and examine its interiors, including tapestries, period furnishings, and artworks connected to the Borromeo family’s history in Lombardy. At a time and meeting point announced by our Group Leader, we will regroup and return by boat to Isola dei Pescatori (Fisherman’s Island). We will explore its narrow lanes and small piazzas and see how the island’s everyday layout differs from the larger, more formal islands.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
With a local expert, we will continue to Isola Bella, often considered the most elaborate of the Borromean Islands. We will visit the Baroque palace and learn about its decorated rooms, including the tapestry hall and the grottos. We will also explore the Italian-style Baroque garden and discuss its formal design elements, including terraces and parterres that step down toward Lago Maggiore. We may see white peacocks in the gardens, and those who want a higher viewpoint can climb the garden steps for broader views. Later in the afternoon, we will return to Stresa by boat and take in the lake scenery along the way. Before dinner, we will walk through Stresa’s historic center and learn how the town developed from its fishing-village roots. We will stop at an enoteca for a tasting of regional wines and snacks, and we will learn about local food and wine traditions.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 70 miles throughout the day, approximately 2.5 hours of riding time. Getting on/off a boat; ride to/from San Giulio Island approximately 1/2 hour. Walking up to 2 miles; streets with large stone pavers, cobblestones; fairly flat and inclined streets; 50 steps at Orta San Giulio.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After we check out of the hotel, we will board our bus and travel to Orta, a village on the shores of Lake Orta. With a local expert, we will learn about the area’s history and examine the frescoes in the Palazzo della Comunità, the town hall built in 1582. Next, we will take a boat to Orta San Giulio. With our local expert, we will walk through the pedestrian-only village, visit the church, and follow Via del Silenzio (the Road of Silence). Along the route, we will take in views of the lake. We will then return by boat to Orta.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will take a boat from the dock in Orta to San Filiberto. From there, we will reboard our bus and travel to Como, where we will check into our hotel. Before dinner, we will meet with our Group Leader in the classroom for an orientation to Lake Como. We will review the plan for the next few days and key details to help us make the most of our time in the region.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 3 miles; uneven stone pavement in historical center.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
With a local expert, we will learn about Como’s history and its location near the Italian-Swiss border. We will then take a walking field trip through the historic, pedestrian center and discuss how the medieval city developed, including its walls and key gateways. We will continue along streets lined with clothing and silk shops and learn about Como’s long connection to silk production. We will end at the Duomo and examine its mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance elements, with major work completed during the 15th century.
Lunch:
At the hotel restaurant.
Afternoon:
With a local expert, we will walk along Como’s west lakeside promenade and learn about the villas and historic residences that line the waterfront. We will stop at Villa Olmo, an 18th-century villa, and discuss its architecture and the role these estates played in local social life. In the late afternoon, we will meet in the classroom at our hotel for a lecture on the Grand Tour. We will learn why travelers came to the Italian Lakes and how writers documented the region in their work.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Short walk to boat dock. Getting on/off a boat; open deck and inside seating; boat ride to Villa Carlotta approximately 1.5 hours, boat ride to Bellagio approximately 30 minutes, boat ride to Como 1.15 hours. Walking 1.5 to 2 miles; paved, uneven, graded walk to gardens that begin at dock, steps/ramps up to high point above villa; elevator available to first two garden tiers. Distances and duration of activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will walk to the dock and take a scenic boat ride with a local expert along Lake Como’s western shore. From the water, we will view lakeside villas and gardens and learn how people have built homes here from Roman times to the present. We will also discuss Pliny the Younger and his villas in this region, and we will note how some later estates became hotels (such as Villa d’Este) or private residences. Our first stop will be Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, completed in 1745. Today, it serves as a museum with sculptures, paintings, and Neoclassical furnishings. We will also visit its botanical gardens, known for rhododendrons and azaleas, and we will walk through the terraced Italian-style garden with lake views. After our visit, we will reboard the boat and continue to Bellagio. Along the way, we will view Villa Melzi d’Eril and discuss its place in the landscape. We will then arrive in Bellagio, a village set between the two branches of Lake Como and Lake Lecco. We will explore its narrow streets and learn how the town developed as a center for commerce and hospitality, including landmarks such as the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni. After we disembark, we will take a lakeside passeggiata with our local expert.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Our time in Bellagio will continue with free time to explore the village independently. Later in the afternoon, we will board the boat and travel along the eastern shore of the lake as we return to Como.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking from hotel to funicular about 1/2 mile. Getting in/out of funicular. Riding to the top at an elevation of 1,600 feet takes approximately 15 minutes. Walking 1/2 to 2 miles; packed dirt trails that follow the ridge of Brunate. Distances and duration of activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
With our Group Leader, we will take a lakeside walk to the funicular station and ride up to Brunate, often called the “Balcony of the Alps.” From the viewpoints, we will take in wide views over the Po Valley and the Italian and Swiss Alps. We will also walk through neighborhoods of Liberty-style villas and discuss this architectural style. If you would like a longer walk, you may choose an independent route of about two miles to the lighthouse or along nearby nature trails. After our time in Brunate, you may return to Como on the funicular using your single return ticket and boarding any available car.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant. Recap your adventures and share your favorite memories with your fellow participants over our plated farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel or breakfast boxes depending on departure times. This concludes the program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.