June 2026 Northern Italy Cultural & Lake Adventure – 10 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Turin

Morning: Arrive at Turin Airport and take a private shuttle to Hotel Carlina. The check‑in is smooth and you can relax with a welcome drink while enjoying the hotel’s garden terrace.

Afternoon: Stroll gently along Via Roma to the historic Palazzo Madama, where the guided audio tour offers insight without extensive walking.

Evening: Dine at a nearby trattoria sampling Piedmontese specialties such as agnolotti, then return to the hotel for a restful night.

Day 2: Turin Museums & Royal Residences

Morning: Visit the Museo Egizio, one of the world’s finest Egyptian museums, with wheel‑chair‑friendly exhibits and seating areas.

Afternoon: Explore the lavish Royal Palace of Turin (Palazzo Reale) and its adjoining Royal Gardens, using the on‑site lift to avoid stairs.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed aperitivo at Piazza San Carlo, watching the sunset over the city’s baroque facades.

Day 3: Turin to Bergamo

Morning: After a leisurely breakfast, board a high‑speed train to Bergamo (≈2 h). Private assistance is available for boarding.

Afternoon: Check‑in at your chosen Bergamo hotel and take a short taxi ride to the historic Città Alta. Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Colleoni Chapel with minimal walking.

Evening: Savor a dinner of local risotto and polenta at a restaurant overlooking the medieval walls.

Day 4: Bergamo Cultural Day

Morning: Explore the Accademia Carrara art gallery, where benches are placed throughout the exhibition halls.

Afternoon: Visit the Albergo diurno “La Torre” for a gentle guided tour of the ancient Roman ruins, followed by a leisurely coffee at a nearby café.

Evening: Attend a short classical concert in the historic Teatro Donizetti (seated, easy access).

Day 5: Bergamo to Como

Morning: Take a comfortable regional train to Como (≈1.5 h). Private luggage assistance is arranged.

Afternoon: Check‑in at your Como accommodation and enjoy a gentle walk to the lakeside Piazza Cavour and the Como Cathedral (Duomo), both wheelchair accessible.

Evening: Dine at a lakeside restaurant, tasting the regional fish dish “missultin” while watching the lights on Lake Como.

Day 6: Gardens of Lake Como

Morning: Board a short boat ride to Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, where the botanical gardens are arranged on gentle paths with plenty of seating.

Afternoon: Continue by boat to Villa del Balbianello in Lenno; the guided tour includes a tram to the main terrace, limiting uphill walking.

Evening: Return to Como for a relaxed evening at the hotel, perhaps enjoying a glass of local wine on the terrace.

Day 7: Bellagio Excursion

Morning: Take a scenic ferry to Bellagio. A private shuttle will bring you to the town centre where you can explore the charming streets at your own pace.

Afternoon: Visit the Villa Melzi Gardens, which feature flat, well‑maintained walkways and plenty of benches overlooking the lake.

Evening: Return to Como and enjoy a light dinner at a pizzeria, reflecting on the day’s picturesque views.

Day 8: Day Trip to Lugano (Switzerland)

Morning: Board a cross‑border train to Lugano (≈1 h). The journey is comfortable and wheelchair‑friendly.

Afternoon: Explore the Swiss‑Italian blend of cultures with a visit to the Lugano Arte e Cultura (LAC) museum and a gentle stroll through Parco Ciani, both offering easy access.

Evening: Return to Como; enjoy a quiet evening walk along the lake promenade before retiring.

Day 9: Leisure Day in Como

Morning: Take a leisurely ride on the funicular to Brunate for panoramic views; the station is fully accessible.

Afternoon: Relax at the hotel spa or enjoy a gentle cruise on the lake with a commentary guide.

Evening: Celebrate your final night with a special dinner at a Michelin‑starred restaurant overlooking the water.

Day 10: Departure

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel followed by a private transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport (≈1 h) for your flight home.

Afternoon: Flight departure; enjoy the memories of art, history, and lakeside serenity.

Evening: Arrival back home.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Hotel Carlina (Turin) – 2 nights: 2 × €150 = €300 (≈3 h per day)
• Palazzo Madama: 2 h, €12 entrance
• Museo Egizio: 2 h, €15 entrance
• Royal Palace of Turin & Gardens: 3 h, €12 entrance
• Train Turin → Bergamo: 2 h, €45 per person
• Hotel in Bergamo – 2 nights: 2 × €130 = €260
• Accademia Carrara: 2 h, €10 entrance
• Teatro Donizetti concert: 1.5 h, €25 ticket
• Train Bergamo → Como: 1.5 h, €35 per person
• Hotel in Como – 4 nights: 4 × €180 = €720
• Villa Carlotta: 2 h, €12 entrance + €8 boat ticket
• Villa del Balbianello: 2 h, €15 entrance + €8 boat ticket
• Ferry to Bellagio: 30 min each way, €10 round‑trip
• Villa Melzi Gardens: 1.5 h, €8 entrance
• Day trip Lugano (train + LAC): 5 h, €40 train + €12 museum
• Funicular to Brunate: 30 min round‑trip, €5 ticket
• Milan Airport Transfer: 1 h, €70 private shuttle
• Meals (average €45 per day for two): 10 days × €45 = €450
• Miscellaneous (tips, souvenirs): €200
• Total Estimated Cost: €2,976

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, consider adding an extra night in Turin to explore the National Museum of Cinema or a day in the Langhe wine region for a relaxed tasting tour. To shorten the itinerary, you could combine the Bergamo stay with a day trip from Milan, reducing travel time, or skip the Lugano excursion and spend that day enjoying more of Como’s lakeside villages at a leisurely pace.