Italy
La Dolce Vita: The Italian Lakes of Como, Garda and Maggiore
Program No. 16740RJ
Learn the story of the Italian Lakes region as you voyage to iconic islands, savor renowned cuisine, visit the museum home of "Ötzi the Iceman," and explore unique villas and gardens.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
14 days
Program Begins
Riva del Garda
Program Concludes
Como
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
27 (
12B, 8L, 7D
)
Activity Level
Since the days of Pliny the Elder (23-79 CE), the stunning Lakes Region of Italy has attracted the world’s rich and famous, who built glorious villas along its shores against a backdrop of rugged Alps. Venture to three of the region’s lakes — Como, Garda, and Maggiore —and uncover a wealth of human achievement and natural beauty, from aristocratic villas and castles to serene waters, snow-capped mountains, and breathtaking waterfalls.
Best of all, you'll...
- Explore the remarkable villas and gardens that grace the shores of the Italian lakes region with a local expert.
- View the Bronze Age "Ötzi the Iceman."
- Savor delectable dishes and wines of the Trentino-Alto Adige, Piemonte and Lombardia as you explore the lake region of Northern Italy.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Patrizia Spini
Patrizia Spini graduated from the University of Milan with a degree in Political Science. As a local expert, she has led explorations throughout all European countries, but now prefers to showcase the Lakes of Lombardy where she was born and resides today with her husband and two children.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Patrizia Spini
Patrizia Spini graduated from the University of Milan with a degree in Political Science. As a local expert, she has led explorations throughout all European countries, but now prefers to showcase the Lakes of Lombardy where she was born and resides today with her husband and two children.
Lorenza Scorti
Lorenza Scorti earned her degree in literature and art history from the Università degli Studi di Milano, and uses her expertise to work as a licensed group leader in the city of Milan and the region of Lombardy for the past twenty years. Currently a resident of Milan, Lorenza is especially proud to showcase her hometown of Como, where she especially likes showing visitors the villages around Lake Como where she was born and raised.
Mara Mori
Mara Mori was born and raised in the Reggio Emilia region of Italy. She currently lives in Lombardy with her family who own a restaurant in the area. Mara earned a doctorate in modern history from the University of Bologna and wrote her thesis on ancient maps and drawings of the Po River. She has published numerous essays and articles on gastronomy, wine and winemaking, and travel. She also taught history and geography at an Italian high school.
Alessio Rosoldi
Alessio Rosoldi is a native of Rome and a true lifelong learner. He graduated from the Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza" with a degree in foreign languages and literature and an MA in intercultural communication. Alessio went on to work for the World Food Program, a United Nations entity based out of Rome. Recently, he earned a second MA, this time in Italian studies from the University of Washington.
Laura Gregis
Born and raised in Genoa in the north-western part of Italy, Laura Gregis studied English, German, and Geography at the local university. Since the age of 21, she has worked in the travel industry leading groups in Italy and around the world. She has also worked summers as a leader in Scandinavia and Ireland since 1996. A great fan of soccer, Laura often works for the Italian national soccer team as well as other Italian and foreign soccer teams.
Daniela Marini
Daniela Marini is a licensed professional guide in the city and province of Trento. She holds a degree in English Language and Literature from the Università degli Studi di Padova. For more than 15 years, Daniela taught both English and German in a secondary school in Trento, and has now shifted her career focus to working exclusively as an exploration leader. She speaks Italian, English, and German.
Paolo Ortelli
Paolo Ortelli is a seasoned expert in Como with a deep passion for art, history, and culture. He holds a degree in art history from the University of Milan and has studied in Switzerland and France, gaining fluency in five languages. He resides on the shores of Lake Como, where he brings the region’s rich heritage to life for visitors. In his free time, Paolo enjoys hiking scenic trails, skiing in the Alps, immersing himself in classical music, and exploring new destinations worldwide.
Maria Chiara Betta
Maria Chiara Betta is a dedicated educator with a strong history, philosophy, and international education background. She holds a degree in pedagogy with a philosophical focus from the University of Verona, graduating cum laude, and has earned multiple certifications, including Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) training and an English qualification from Trinity College London. She is fluent in Italian and English, and also mentors students for the Model UN.
Gertraud Wisthaler
Gertraud Wisthaler is a licensed guide and experienced English teacher in Trentino–South Tyrol. She holds degrees in foreign languages and tourism from the University of Verona and has completed additional hiking and theatrical guiding certifications. Gertraud is fluent in German, Italian, English, and French, and leads cultural and historical trips focusing on education and storytelling. She also coordinates theatrical trips in Brixen.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three miles a day. Sheltered waiting areas may not be available at docks. Extended standing during site visits with limited or no public seating. Uneven terrain, limited public handrails, unavoidable stairs, marble and terracotta flooring, cobblestones, steep inclines, loose gravel, dirt paths. Program-related travel and transfers will be via bus, boat, and funicular.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(10 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan
Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
- Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
- Assurance Plan
Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
- Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
- Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.