Trip Summary
Discover northern Italy’s lake district, where reflections of emerald hills appear in the sparkling lakes. From your base in Stresa by Lake Maggiore, spend indulgent days exploring beautiful islands and elegant shores dusted with sunlight. Stroll through charming Bellagio, a inspiration to poets and writers from around the world. Witness a Romanesque basilica at the heart of Isola San Giulio, an islet in the middle of Lake Orta. Cruise aboard a private boat to the Borromean Islands, home to a lavish island estate. Glide across Lake Como, passing fairy-tale villas and colorful villages, and learn the secrets of northern Italian cuisine during a cooking lesson and an indulgent lunch. In Milan, feast your eyes on the “Codex Atlanticus,” an extraordinary collection of drawings and writings by Leonardo da Vinci. Step inside the awe-inspiring Duomo and visit the museum of the legendary La Scala, Italy’s opulent opera house. Handcrafted for your enjoyment, this small group journey features a first-class hotel, an extensive meal plan and a series of lectures to enhance your understanding of the region.
Event Itinerary
Day 1: Depart gateway city
Day 2: Arrive Zürich, Switzerland | St. Moritz
- Transfer to the famed Alpine resort town of St. Moritz
- Meet fellow travelers during a welcome reception
Day 3: St. Moritz
- Discover elegant St. Moritz on a guided walking tour
- Enjoy views of the surrounding Alps and pristine mountain lake
- Learn about Swiss culture and traditions
Day 4: St. Moritz
- Enjoy a full day in the heart of the Swiss Alps
- Meet local residents and gain insight into life and traditions in the Alpine region
Day 5: Bernina Express | Tirano, Italy | Zuoz, Switzerland | St. Moritz
- Ride the legendary Bernina Express, one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys
- Travel along the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway through the Swiss Alps into Italy
- Explore the charming village of Zuoz, known for its historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and traditional Engadine architecture
Day 6: Lake Como | Bellagio | Stresa
- Travel the spectacular Maloja Pass through the Alps
- Cruise across beautiful Lake Como
- Explore the lakeside village of Bellagio, renowned for its scenic beauty and elegant atmosphere
- Continue to the resort town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore
Day 7: Milan
- Visit the Biblioteca Ambrosiana to view Codex Atlanticus
- Explore the world-famous La Scala Museum
- Admire the magnificent Milan Cathedral (Duomo)
- Enjoy free time to explore Milan’s historic center and shopping arcades
Day 8: Borromean Islands
- Cruise across Lake Maggiore to the Borromean Islands
- Visit Isola Madre and its renowned botanical gardens
- Explore the fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori
- Tour Isola Bella’s baroque palace, art collections, and terraced gardens
- Learn about the artistic achievements of the Renaissance and the legacies of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci
Day 9: Stresa
- Participate in a hands-on Piedmontese cooking experience
- Learn to prepare traditional regional specialties using local ingredients
- Enjoy free time in Italy’s picturesque Lakes District
Day 10: Depart for gateway city
Meet Your Faculty Expert
Anna Minardi GR ’10
Anna Minardi is a senior lecturer in the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) program at Dartmouth. She holds a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Università degli Studi di Parma, Italy, and a MALS degree from Dartmouth focused on cultural studies and creative writing. She has taught at Dartmouth since 2001, starting in the French and Italian department, where she served as language course coordinator while teaching Italian at all levels for 14 years. In 2014 she joined the MALS program to teach a course on methodology as it pertains to the writing process, and in 2020 she started teaching an interdisciplinary creative writing course entitled “Writing Nature”.