ITALY 2027
DEPARTURE:
DESTINATION:
MILAN MALPENSA (MXP)
MALAGA (AGP)
DATE:
12 - 18 APRIL 2027
DURATION:
6 NIGHTS, 7 DAYS
SINGLE ROOM:
DUAL OCCUPANCY:
£ 2290.00 pp
£ 2150.00 pp
TICKETS: (GBP)
£ 250.00 pp
DEPOSIT:
UNAHOTELS, Varese. More info here…
HOTEL 1 (3 nights):
DoubleTree by Hilton, Brescia More info here…
HOTEL 2 (3 nights):
Introducing Northern Italy
We are delighted to invite our members to join us on a captivating journey to northern Italy in April 2027. Over the course of seven unforgettable days, we will discover the spectacular Italian Lakes in their springtime glory, explore elegant villas and gardens, learn to make pasta from the experts in Verona, and enjoy a vineyard experience among beautiful Italian landscape.
With wonderful scenery, great food, culture and plenty of Italian charm, this is a trip you won’t want to miss!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Please be advised, places are limited and therefore this event is open for members of the Gibraltar Horticultural Society only.
Places are strictly limited to 30 guests. Reservations will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
While we aim to follow the itinerary as planned, please be aware that times and dates may change slightly.
Interested in coming along, but not yet a member of the Horticultural Society?
Click below to find out how to join us!
DAY 1 - Monday, 12th April
MALAGA TO MILAN
Coach departs from Spanish side of the border for Malaga airport.
Malaga to Milan Malpensa (2 hr 35 mins).
Approx arrival into Milan Malpensa airport 19:00pm.
35 min transfer time to Hotel 1: UNAHOTELS, Varese.
THE BORROMEAN ISLANDS: Isola Bella & Isola Pescatori
DAY 2 - Tues 13th April
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the enchanting Borromean Islands, one of the highlights of Lake Maggiore. Travel by private coach to Stresa, where you will board a private boat for a scenic journey across the lake.
Your first stop is Isola Bella, home to the magnificent Borromean Palace and its spectacular terraced Italian-style gardens. Accompanied by your English-speaking guide, explore the palace and gardens while learning about the history of the Borromeo family and the island’s transformation into an elegant lakeside retreat.
After the guided tour, enjoy a three-course lunch at a local restaurant on Isola Bella, featuring local cuisine in a beautiful island setting. (Drinks not included).
In the afternoon, continue by private boat to Isola Pescatori, the only permanently inhabited island of the Borromean archipelago. Take some time to explore its charming narrow lanes, traditional fishermen’s houses, small shops, and picturesque lakeside views at your own pace.
After enjoying the island atmosphere, return by private boat to Stresa and the return journey back to the hotel.
INCLUDED IN DAY TWO:
Private coach transfers between hotel & Stressa.
Private boat for journeys between Borromean Islands.
Entrance tickets and guide headsets.
English speaking tour guide.
Three course lunch on Isola Bella. (Drinks are not included with the meal).
DAY 3 - Weds 14th April
BELLAGIO TOWN & VILLA MELZI
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Bellagio, one of the most picturesque villages on Lake Como, beautifully situated where the lake’s three branches meet. We will travel by private minivan, taking in spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains along the way.
On arrival, we will meet our English-speaking guide for a walking tour of Bellagio. We will explore its charming cobblestone lanes, elegant squares, colourful buildings and beautiful waterfront, while discovering the history and character of this celebrated lakeside village.
Then we continue on to Villa Melzi, one of Bellagio’s most beautiful historic villas, and explore its magnificent gardens, renowned for their landscaped pathways, exotic plants, neoclassical sculptures and stunning views across Lake Como. Our guide will share the history of the villa and introduce us to the highlights of its gardens.
After the tour, enjoy some free time to explore Bellagio at your own pace, perhaps browsing the local boutiques, relaxing at a lakeside café, or simply taking in the spectacular scenery.
INCLUDED IN DAY THREE:
Private minivan transfers between hotel & Bellagio.
English speaking guided tour of Bellagio and Villa Melzi.
Entrance tickets and guide headsets- Villa Melzi.
Guided tour of Bellagio and Villa Melzi duration is approx. 3 hours.
DAY 4 - Thur 15th April
VINEYARD EXPERIENCE & BRESCIA
Leaving Varese behind, we travel east to Brescia, our base for the next three nights. Along the way, enjoying the scenic countryside and landscapes of northern Italy.
En route, we’ll travel to a local winery for an authentic introduction to the region’s winemaking traditions.
With a local host, we will take in the wine cellar and production areas, and learn about the estate’s history, local grape varieties, and traditional winemaking techniques. The visit is followed by a wine tasting experience, featuring a selection of locally produced wines and an opportunity to discover the distinctive character of the region’s wines.
We will then continue our journey to Brescia, and check into our final hotel the DoubleTree by Hilton Brescia. The remainder of the day will be yours to relax, unwind or begin exploring the city at your own pace.
INCLUDED IN DAY FOUR:
Private coach transfers between Varese & Brescia.
Guided tour of local winery.
Wine tasting experience.
DAY 5 - Fri 16th April
VERONA CITY & PASTA MAKING EXPERIENCE
Today we head to the romantic city of Verona, where the morning begins with a hands-on Italian pasta-making experience.
Under the guidance of a local chef, we’ll learn the secrets of preparing traditional Italian pasta and the much-loved Italian dessert, Tiramisù. We’ll discover authentic Italian techniques and learn more about the country’s rich culinary traditions.
We’ll then sit down to enjoy a delicious lunch featuring the pasta we’ve just made, with the added satisfaction of having prepared an authentic Italian meal ourselves.
In the afternoon, we’ll meet our English-speaking local guide for a two-hour walking tour of Verona. We’ll explore the historic centre and admire the city’s beautiful landmarks, including its charming piazzas, historic streets and impressive Roman heritage.
INCLUDED IN DAY FIVE:
Private coach transfers between Brescia & Verona.
Pasta making experience.
2 hour guided tour of Verona.
DAY 6 - Sat 17th April
SALO, ISOLA DEL GARDA, LAKE GARDA & FAREWELL DINNER
Today, we’ll enjoy a memorable full-day excursion exploring the beautiful western shore of Lake Garda.
We’ll travel by private coach to Salò, an elegant lakeside town known for its picturesque promenade, charming historic centre and beautiful views across the lake.
From Salò, we’ll board a round-trip ferry to Isola del Garda, one of the most enchanting islands on Lake Garda. We’ll enjoy the scenic journey across the lake, taking in spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and shoreline. The boat excursion will last approximately 2.5 hours.
On our return to Salò, we’ll have some free time to stroll along the lakeside promenade, explore the historic streets or relax at a local café.
In the evening, we’ll celebrate our journey with a special four-course farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Salò. We’ll savour a selection of regional Italian dishes in a welcoming atmosphere as we enjoy our final evening together.
We will return to Brescia after dinner.
INCLUDED IN DAY SIX:
Private coach transfers between Brescia & Lake Garda.
Round-trip ferry to Isola del Garda.
4 Course farewell dinner. (Drinks are not included with the meal).
DAY 7 - Sunday, 18th April
MILAN TO GIBRALTAR.
Collection from hotel to Milan Malpensa airport.
Milan to Malaga. (2 hr 35 mins).
Coach from Malaga airport to Gibraltar.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please be advised, places are limited and therefore this event is open for members of the Gibraltar Horticultural Society only.
Places are strictly limited to 30 guests. Reservations will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
While we aim to follow the itinerary as planned, please be aware that times and dates may change slightly.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR TRIP
Return coach transfer between Malaga airport and Gibraltar.
Return fights from Malaga to Milan.
One piece of, 23 kg checked hold luggage.
Full luggage allowance will be confirmed on completion of flight booking.
6 nights accommodation. (Breakfast Included).
Guided tours & entrance tickets to all listed events.
End of Trip Dinner, Lake Garda - Saturday 17th April.
All day trip transportation.
Any other meals mentioned in the above itinerary.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR TRIP
Travel insurance is not included in your trip. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate coverage to protect yourself during travel.
Any meals not previously listed in itinerary.
Any other excursions not previously mentioned in the itinerary.
