PRIVATE ESCAPE 6 NIGHTS / 7 DAYS
Itinerary from Milan to Verona
The secret
Italian Lakes
On this journey between Milan and Verona, Chef Simone Zanoni offers a captivating glimpse of Northern Italy, presenting a unique way to explore the majestic Italian lakes of Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino. This picturesque region, with its enchanting lakes and islands, holds a special place in the heart of the Michelin-starred chef, who spent his childhood holidays on his grandfather’s small family estate near Lake Garda in Salò.
While Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Orta are renowned for our adventure, we've selected two hidden gems: Lake Iseo and Lake Garda. The turquoise waters of Lake Iseo gained fame through Christo's Floating Piers art installation but remain pleasantly secluded, much to our delight. The atmosphere is serene, and the charming towns of Sarnico and Iseo add to the allure of this tranquil destination.
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, known for its mild climate and its banks lined with laurels, citrus and olive trees. All around the lake are small beaches, quite enjoyable on summer days, and stunning Belle Epoque villas that have become luxury hotels.
Visitors will relish in the colorful, picturesque villages of Pescheria del Garda in Lazise, Salò in Simone sul Garda or Desenzano del Garda; all former fishing towns turned beach havens, with charming streets lined with shops and lively terraces, that come alive in the summer months.
The region of the Italian lakes is a haven for vineyards. Near Bergamo, the renowned Franciacorta produces some of Italy's finest sparkling wines, gracing the tables of prestigious restaurants worldwide.
"My love for the Antiquity led me to Italy, my love for opera led me to Italian and my love for women led me to Verona. It is, for me, the most beautiful town in the peninsula… I surprise myself with how much romantic exaltation I can feel." - Roland Dumas
Surrounding Lake Garda, dry and floral white wines thrive in Lugana, alongside the well-known Bardolino red, known for its fruity notes. In Veneto, Valpolicella shines as one of Italy's top red wines, boasting a wide range of aromas from light to full-bodied, making it the perfect pairing for a plate of pasta.
Lake Garda and Verona are teeming with charming eateries, where inventive chefs masterfully craft delicious pasta dishes. Don't miss out on the local extra virgin olive oil or the lemons cultivated in the "lemon greenhouses" near Limone sul Garda.
From Bergamo to Verona, through the lakes of Iseo and Garda, Simone Zanoni, the Chef of the Four Seasons Hôtel George V invites you on a delightful gastronomic journey filled with architectural wonders in the region of his birth, where he often retreats with his family to relax.
The lakes and Simone
Zanoni’s Verona
The Michelin-starred Chef invites you to visit his very own Lake Garda, the place of his grandad’s farm and where his grandma taught him to cook! Because he loves his land and knows every village, vineyard and producer, he selected for you his favorite hotels, best restaurants and secret spots, that he comes to relax every year with his family.
DAY 1 - Italian lakes itinerary
. Drive from Milan to Bergamo (about 35 miles). With your private guide, enjoy a walking tour of Bergamo, iconic city of Northern Italy: its fortress, followed by the Città Alta with a funicular ride
. Private tour of Palazzo Moroni, with its beautifully decorated interiors and Italian gardens.
DAY 2 - Italian lakes itinerary
. Embark on a journey to Lake Iseo and its enchanting islands, where you'll indulge in a private cruise aboard the luxurious Riva Aquarama runabout. Explore the three main islands of Iseo in style, followed by an exclusive tour of the renowned Riva workshops and museum dedicated to these legendary motorboats
. In Franciacorta, treat yourself to a private tasting of Italy's finest sparkling wine at an extraordinary estate adorned with modern art masterpieces
. Settle into your hotel nestled amidst picturesque vineyards
DAY 3 - Italian lakes itinerary
. Visit at leisure of Brescia, the second largest town in Lombardy. Do not miss Piazza della Loggia, a stunning example of Renaissance-style plazas, with its nice terraces and restaurants
. Journey to Lake Garda and have a private tasting in a wine estate picked by the Chef, with by a gastronomic picnic in the vineyard
. Later in the day, cooking class to learn how to make Italian pasta and try out local olive oils of Lake Garda, followed by dinner.
DAY 4 - Italian lakes itinerary
. Private visit of Borghese Cavazza Palace, located on the island of Isola del Garda, with a perfect view of the Sermione peninsula
. Take a stroll off the beaten path, in less touristic areas like Peschiera del Garda, Lasize, Desenzano del Garda or even Riva di Garda, north of the lake.
. For lunch, we recommend a restaurant serving the best tortellini in Italy, choice of the Pope (to be paid on site)
. In the afternoon, private tasting of valpolicella in a futuristic wine cellar
. Dinner at Lido 84, Chef Riccardo Camanini’s restaurant, with a Michelin star and a 12th position in the World’s 50 Best Restaurant’s List, and a longtime friend of Simone Zanoni (upon availability, drinks to be paid on site).
DAY 5 - Italian lakes itinerary
. Free time. If the weather allows, enjoy one of Lake Garda’s numerous beaches, like Giamaica in Sirmione – the most popular riva, hence most crowded sadly –, or your hotel’s swimming pool
. We offer an optional e-bike ride between Bardolino and Punta San Vigilio with a local expert guide (with supplement)
. Private tasting session of valpolicella in a futuristic wine cellar, and journey to Verona (about 12 miles)
DAY 6 - Italian lakes itinerary
. Discover Verona with your private tour guide: from well-known sights like Juliet’s house, the spectacular Roman Empire arenas and amphitheaters, the gothic archways of the Scaligeri family
. Exclusive visit of two lesser-known gems of the city: Borgo Trento district, with its beautiful Art Nouveau houses and the brand-new Palazzo Maffei, a house and museum hosting the eclectic art collection of Verona industrial Luigi Carlon
DAY 7 - Italian lakes itinerary
. Enjoy a free day in Verona. Hiddenist would be delighted to arrange a guided tour program tailored to your interests: museums, shopping, ancient history... anything is possible (additional fees apply). We also recommend extending your journey to Venice, which is about an hour’s drive from Verona, and exploring our curated experience with Chiara Pavan
Please drink responsibly