6-Day Italian Lakes, Milan with Bernina Express Train Experience

Discover Italy’s Lakes and Verona in Style: A 6-Day Tour Review

If you’re craving a vibrant mix of lakeside tranquility, historic charm, and spectacular mountain scenery, this 6-day Italian Lakes and Milan tour might just be your ideal escape. Offering visits to four of Lombardy’s most beautiful lakes, a trip on the legendary Bernina Express, and a guided stroll through Verona, it covers a lot of ground—both literally and culturally. With well-reviewed guides, boat rides, and four-star accommodations, it promises a good blend of guided exploration and free time to soak in the sights at your pace.

What truly appeals is the opportunity to see both Italy’s famous lakes and a quaint Swiss mountain town all in one trip. The inclusion of the Bernina Express, with its panoramic train carriage, adds a special touch—traveling through the Alps with views that are impossible to match from a car or bus. However, it’s not all smooth sailing; the tour involves quite long days, and some might find the hotel choices a bit basic compared to the luxurious scenery.

This tour suits travelers who love scenic landscapes, historical towns, and small-group experiences. It’s perfect if you’re after a rundown of Northern Italy’s lakes with some Swiss mountain magic, without the hassle of planning each detail yourself. Just keep in mind that the price, while justified by the inclusions like boat rides and premium transport, is on the higher side—so it’s best for those valuing convenience and expert guidance over budget.

Key Points

• Scenic Lakes and Towns: Visit four stunning lakes—Como, Garda, Maggiore, and Orta—each with its unique charm and beauty.
• Train and Boat Experiences: Enjoy a scenic ride on the Bernina Express and multiple boat trips on the lakes, offering memorable views and photo opportunities.
• Historic Vernacular: Explore Verona’s UNESCO-listed city center, Juliet’s House, and impressive medieval castles.
• Comfort and Convenience: Stay in four-star hotels in Como, Verona, and Bergamo, with organized transfers and guided tours.
• Taste of Local Flavors: Includes a wine tasting on the Franciacorta wine route and a boat tour of Grottoes of Catullus.
• Authentic Small-Group Vibe: With a group size capped at 50 travelers, you’ll benefit from more personalized attention and fewer crowds.

A Comprehensive Look at the 6-Day Italian Lakes & Milan Tour

This tour offers a compelling package for anyone eager to see Italy’s famed lakes, charming towns, and the dramatic Swiss Alps—all in a manageable 6 days. Let’s break down what you can expect each day, and why it might appeal to you.

Day 1: From Milan to the Lake District

Starting in Milan, the tour kicks off with a quick exploration of the city’s highlights like Porta Venezia, the Public Gardens, and La Scala. These are nice warm-up stops that give you a taste of Milan’s cultural richness. Many reviews mention that the included guided city tour is a good way to see the essentials without the stress of navigating Milan alone.

After the city highlights, the real journey begins: heading out of Milan to the lush Lombardy Lakes. The stop at Porta Venezia is brief but atmospheric, and the Modern Art Gallery and Duomo di Milano give a sense of Milan’s artistic flair. The main event is the transfer to the lakes, with a promise of cooler, peaceful scenery ahead.

Some travelers, like Donna H, appreciated the blend of guided touring with free time, though she noted the hotels were a bit basic despite being clean and convenient. So, if you’re expecting ultra-luxury, be prepared for decent but not opulent accommodations.

Day 2: The Bernina Express and Swiss Alps

A highlight of the trip is the Bernina Express train ride, often praised for its panoramic views of the Alps. Andrea, the guide, and Alfredo, the driver, are frequently mentioned as making the experience seamless and enjoyable. The train itself is over 100 years old and is a World Heritage site, which adds an element of historical charm.

The journey from Tirano, through the Bernina District, offers breathtaking vistas of mountains, glaciers, and alpine villages. Many reviewers loved how well-organized and scenic this part of the tour was—one describing it as like “sitting in a theater,” with views so good you’ll want to take photos at every turn.

The stop in St. Moritz allows for some free exploration—its Swiss elegance stands out amid the rugged scenery. The return trip to Milan wraps up an active, visually spectacular day appreciated by travelers like Caitlin Z, who raved about the organized, professional experience.

Day 3: Lake Como, Bellagio, and Bergamo

Today is about lakeside charm and historic towns. First stop is Como, where panoramic views over the lake and Alps make for perfect photo ops. It’s a quick visit but enough to get a sense of why this area is so popular.

Next is Bellagio, often called the “Pearl of Lake Como,” with its charming streets and stunning lakeside views. Reviewers mention that Bellagio’s natural beauty and quaint atmosphere really make it worth the visit.

Then the journey continues to Bergamo, a city split into a lively lower town (Città Bassa) and a medieval upper town (Città Alta). This layered cityscape is a hit with travelers who enjoy exploring history and architecture. Many appreciated the hotel stay here, as it serves as a comfortable base for the next day’s adventures.

Day 4: Lake Garda and Sirmione

Today’s highlight is Lake Garda, Italy’s largest inland water body, offering a wide array of natural beauty. The tour takes a panoramic drive along the western shore, with views of the Brenta Dolomites—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and the rolling hills of the Moraine Hills.

The visit to Sirmione is a standout moment, especially with its castle and the Grottoes of Catullus. Multiple reviews mention the boat tour around the villa ruins, providing a relaxed yet immersive way to experience the lake. Sirmione’s blend of natural beauty and history makes it a favorite for many.

In the afternoon, Riva del Garda offers a stroll through its Venetian-style streets, which many reviewers found picturesque and charming. The day concludes with a return to Bergamo for dinner and overnight stay, with some noting the hotel’s location and comfort as a plus.

Day 5: Verona and the Franciacorta Wine Route

A full day exploring Verona is a real treat. The walking tour showcases historic sites like Castelvecchio, the medieval tower, and of course, the setting of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Many reviews highlight the tour guide’s expertise and enthusiasm, making the city’s layered history come alive.

Post-verona, the tour heads to the Franciacorta wine region, where tasting local wines and enjoying a light lunch is included. This segment is appreciated for giving a taste of Italy’s renowned wine culture. Reviewers who love wine especially enjoyed this part, noting the quality of the local produce and the scenic drive through rolling vineyards.

The day ends back in Milan, wrapping up the sightseeing with a good dose of Italy’s classic charm.

Day 6: Departure

On the final day, a straightforward transfer takes you to Milan’s airport. While this is a simple end, many travelers mention how much they appreciated the organized logistics that allowed them to enjoy the trip without last-minute stress.

What Our Reviews Say

While most travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery, some mention the accommodations as being fairly basic—suitable for a comfortable sleep but not five-star luxury. Many highlight the well-organized itinerary and the quality of the boat rides and train journeys as major plus points.

A recurring theme in reviews is appreciation for the small-group size—with some groups as intimate as 6 people—making the experience more personal. Enthusiastic guides like Andrea and Alessio are frequently credited with making the trip engaging and informative.

However, a few reviews point out inconsistencies in guide performance, noting that some guides spoke multi-lingual or mixed languages, sometimes making communication less smooth. Still, the overall sentiment is positive, especially when the scenery and activities exceeded expectations.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the cost of $2,194.97 per person, the value lies in the inclusions: boat rides, train experiences, guided tours, and hotel stays in prime locations. For travelers craving a structured, hassle-free way to see Italy’s lakes and mountains with the added bonus of Swiss scenery, it’s a solid investment.

The tour’s mix of guided exploration and free time offers flexibility. If you’re someone who enjoys scenic photo ops, cultural strolls, and trying local wines, you’ll find plenty to love here. The long days and basic hotels might not suit everyone—those seeking luxury might feel the accommodations are a step below expectations.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience will resonate best with nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those eager to participate in scenic train rides and boat trips. It’s also a good fit for small groups or couples who prefer guided tours to large, impersonal bus excursions. Budget-conscious travelers might want to compare the value against other options, but for the included activities, most find the price justifiable.

If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive taste of Northern Italy’s lakes, this tour delivers a well-rounded experience with plenty of visual WOW moments.

FAQ

What is included in the tour cost?
The price covers guided tours, boat trips, the Bernina Express train, accommodations, breakfast, and one dinner. Lunches and drinks are not included, and city taxes are payable on-site.

How many lakes will I visit?
You’ll explore four lakes: Como, Garda, Maggiore, and Orta, each with its own unique scenery and towns.

What kind of transport is used?
An air-conditioned coach is used for transfers and excursions, with a seat in the panoramic Bernina Express carriage for the train ride.

Are the hotels comfortable?
Yes, they are four-star hotels in Como, Verona, and Bergamo, though some guests find them basic rather than luxurious.

Can I expect guided tours at every stop?
Most key sites—Verona’s city center, castles, and villages—are guided. Free time is allotted for independent exploration in towns like Bellagio, Sirmione, and Riva del Garda.

What age range is suitable?
Travelers should have moderate physical fitness; long walking tours and boat rides are part of the experience.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The group size caps at 50, and many reviews highlight the small-group atmosphere as a plus.

What happens in case of bad weather?
Boat rides are weather-dependent; in poor conditions, similar land activities are substituted to ensure the experience continues smoothly.

Final Thoughts

This 6-day tour of Italy’s lakes, Verona, and the Swiss Alps strikes a fine balance between guided sightseeing and independent exploration. Expect to see some of Italy’s most iconic scenery—lakes, castles, historic streets—without the hassle of planning every detail. The inclusion of scenic train rides and boat trips makes it especially appealing for those looking to add a touch of adventure to their trip.

While the hotels and long days might not suit everyone, most travelers find the experience delivers excellent value for the sights, comfort, and expert guides included. It’s ideal for those who love landscape photography, historical towns, and easy access to Italy’s natural wonders.

If you’re after a well-organized adventure with plenty of picture-perfect moments and insider insights from passionate guides, this tour offers a memorable way to experience Northern Italy. Just pack your camera, a good pair of walking shoes, and an appetite for Italy’s stunning scenery and delicious wines.