Northern Lakes to the Adriatic & Tuscany

Personally Yours®

FROM THE CHIC BOULEVARDS

of Milan to the palaces of the

Renaissance, this tour offers the

best of northern Italy. You’ll

go through the northern lakes

district, where Lake Garda,

Lake Como and Lake Maggiore

are magical names that conjure

up a manicured mountain paradise

for 19th-century elite. Magnificent

villas and waterfront gardens abound

in this surprisingly mild climate. From

here, you go on to tour the architectural

masterpieces of Palladio in Vicenza and

Verona, the city of Romeo & Juliet. Then there’s

Venice, arguably the most beautiful city

in Europe. You can decide that for yourself as you

cross the Grand Canal in a water taxi heading for

Harry’s Bar. There’s more than enough time to explore

the cuisine of Emilia-Romagna in Bologna and to visit

the buzzing seaside bazaar of Rimini. At journey’s end,

you’ll wind up in Tuscany with the Renaissance splendor

of Florence spread before you. For serious gastronomes, for

those who love Renaissance art and architecture, and for

lovers of nature, this is a perfect journey.

NORTHERN LAKES TO THE

ADRIATIC & TUSCANY

©MICHELIN from Map No. 735 Italy.

Permission No. 03-US-001

PADUA

RAVENNA

BOLOGNA

ASOLO

VENICE

VERONA

RIVA DEL GARDA

FLORENCE

RIMINI

VICENZA

BERGAMOGARDONE

RIVIERA

BELLAGIOSTRESA

MILAN

AVIS PERSONALLY YOURS®

Personally Yours is a collection of free, uniquepre-printed itineraries covering popular drivingtours in Europe. Each itinerary providesmileage in between the towns mentioned(essential for pre-planning) plus historic, cultural and scenic highlights based on recentdrives. The route is traced on a large-scalenumbered Michelin map which Avis recom-mends renters purchase before departure.

Personally Yours Itineraries

BRITAIN Bath & the Cotswolds The Scottish Highlands Great Gothic Cathedrals

& Southern Coast

FRANCE Côte d’AzurNormandy & BrittanyRhône-Alpes RegionLoire Valley Châteaux

& BurgundyNice to ParisCathedrals, Châteaux &

Champagne

GERMANY Munich, Prague and BerlinRomantic Route–Munich

to Frankfurt

ITALY TuscanyNorthern Lakes to the

Adriatic & Tuscany

MEXICO Yucatán Peninsula

PORTUGAL Lisbon to the Algarve

SPAIN Madrid to BarcelonaMadrid South to Andalucía

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N

FROM THE CHIC BOULEVARDS of Milan to the palaces of theRenaissance, this tour offers thebest of northern Italy. You’ll go through the northern lakesdistrict, where Lake Garda,Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are magical names that conjureup a manicured mountain paradisefor 19th-century elite. Magnificentvillas and waterfront gardens abound in this surprisingly mild climate. Fromhere, you go on to tour the architecturalmasterpieces of Palladio in Vicenza andVerona, the city of Romeo & Juliet. Then there’sVenice, arguably the most beautiful city in Europe. You can decide that for yourself as youcross the Grand Canal in a water taxi heading for Harry’s Bar. There’s more than enough time to explore the cuisine of Emilia-Romagna in Bologna and to visit the buzzing seaside bazaar of Rimini. At journey’s end, you’ll wind up in Tuscany with the Renaissance splendor of Florence spread before you. For serious gastronomes, forthose who love Renaissance art and architecture, and forlovers of nature, this is a perfect journey.

NORTHERN LAKES TO THE

ADRIATIC & TUSCANY

©MICHELIN from Map No. 735 Italy.Permission No. 03-US-001

BELLAGIOSTRESA

MILAN

PADUA

RAVENNA

BOLOGNA

ASOLO

VENICE

VERONA

RIVA DEL GARDA

FLORENCE

RIMINI

VICENZA

BERGAMO GARDONE RIVIERA

N

centuries. Stendahl, Dickens and Byron allspent time on its shores. To get a taste ofthe 19th century, tour Villa Ducale, oncethe home of philosopher Antonio Rosmini.Then stroll in the Parco di Villa Pallavicino,an English garden with pelicans and llamas,as well as tropical plants. From Stresa, it’seasy to access Isole Borromee, three islandsthat were transformed by the Borromeefamily in the 17th century. On Isola Bella, you’ll find a Baroque palazzo andmagnificent gardens. Isola Madre has an18th-century villa, while little Isola deiPescatori is quiet, with delightful localarchitecture.

71 milesBELLAGIO– Lake Como is Italy’s third-largest lake, and Bellagio, with its centrallocation at the junction of the lake’s twoarms, is a fine place to stay awhile. It hasspectacular views across Lake Como, and its medieval layout is a delight forpedestrians. Along its shores are 19th-century villas, including the VillaSerbelloni, which is now a grand hotel.One of the most delightful ways toexplore Lake Como is via boat, and there are several ferry routes that departfrom Bellagio. The boats can take you to the villas at Tremezzo and Lenno aswell as the medieval towns of Varennaand Bellano.

35 milesBERGAMO– One of the highlights of this small city is the Accademia Carrara,especially the Pinacoteca d’Arte Antica,with its collection of paintings by Bellini,Mantegna and Pisanello. You can thentake a funicular up to Bergamo Alta, oncea fortified village. The Piazza Vecchia is the main square here, but carry on to thePiazza del Duomo, where you can visitSanta Maria Maggiore and the ColleoniChapel. And if you’re a fan of Lucia DiLammermoor, L’Elisir d’Amore or La Zingara,

plan to visit the Museo Donizettiano.It’s devoted to the Bergamo-born

composer of nearly 70 operas,Gaetano Donizetti.

53 milesGARDONE RIVIERA– LakeGarda is Italy’s largest lake,ringed by soft hills in thesouth and rugged cliffs in the north. Bestowed witha benign Mediterranean micro-climate, spectacular mountainscenery and clear waters, LakeGarda was a favorite resort in Romantimes. A fashionable resort since the late19th century, Gardone Riviera has a finelocation on the western shore of the lake. Itis reputedly the warmest place in northernItaly in winter, which is why it’s home tothe Giardino Botanico Hruska, a botanicalgarden with more than 2,000 species ofplants. And its pleasant situation is whywriters such as poet Gabriele D’Annunziocame to the area. A writer whose workbecame synonymous with decadence,D’Annunzio was a brilliant self-promoter.He lived in nearby Vittoriale degli Italianifrom 1921 to 1938, and his residence contains thousands of books and artworks,his motor boat and even his airplane.

25 milesRIVA DEL GARDA– Located at thenorthern tip of Lake Garda, Riva is in theTrentino region and was actually ruled by Austria until 1918. There’s a fine collection of paintings in Riva’s MuseoCivico, located in a 12th-century structurecalled the Rocca. Do visit the Inviolata, a17th-century building with extraordinaryfrescoes. Then peruse the small farmer’s market on Piazza del Erbe, where you canfind Trentino’s famed olives.

51 milesVERONA– Verona is a city made for

strolling, for taking in the opera at the 1st-century Roman arena, and forvisiting the market in the Piazza del Erbe.This umbrella-filled square is lined withsuperb buildings, including Casa Mazzanti.Verona is where Shakespeare set Romeo and Juliet and there’s always a small crowd gathered at Casa di Giulietta, on ViaCappello, with its balcony and bronze statue of Juliet in the courtyard. Carry onto the stately Piazza dei Signori, whereyou’ll find a statue of Dante and the Loggiadel Consiglio, Verona’s finest Renaissancebuilding. Move on to the Basilica di SanZeno, one of the best Romanesque struc-tures in the world. Days could be spenthere, in one of Italy’s most civilized cities.

32 milesVICENZA– Andrea di Pietro, betterknown as Palladio, is the best reason tovisit Vicenza. The most accomplishedarchitect of the Renaissance, Palladio had Vicenza as his canvas. His master-works here include the Basilica Palladianaand the ornate Loggia del Capitanio. On Corso Palladio, you can see Casa delPalladio, a house the master designed forone of Vicenza’s merchants. The PalazzoChiericati, on the same street, houses thePinacoteca, a major art collection thatincludes works by Montagna, Tintorettoand Van Dyck. And don’t miss the Teatro Olimpico. Designed by Palladioand Scamozzi, a disciple of Palladio, this16th-century theater has a permanent stage set of a piazza and streets.

33 milesASOLO– Asolo’s lovely position attractedsuch visitors as the poets Robert andElizabeth Barrett Browning and composerIgor Stravinsky. But it was Palladio whoreally left his mark here, with Villa Barbaro,in the adjacent village of Maser. Begun in1549 and completed in 1558, it boastsionic columns, symmetrical wings and adistinctive profile. It’s a profile, in fact, that can be seen in such Palladio-inspiredarchitecture as the United States Capitolbuilding. Inside are wonderful frescoes, primarily by Paolo Veronese.

38 milesPADUA– A university town, Padua waswhere both Dante and Galileo lectured.And it is where pilgrims congregate everyJune to revere St. Anthony of Padua at the Basilica di Sant’ Antonio, a church thatcombines Byzantine and Gothic influences.You’ll see the famed equestrian statue called“Gattamelata,” by Donatello in Padua,which is considered to be the first bronzecast of the Renaissance. And the city’sMuseo Civico has paintings by Titian,Giorgione and Bellini. The Piazza del Erbeis the center of Padua, and nearby, you’llfind Caffe Pedrocchi, one of the famouscafés in Italy. At Piazza della Frutta, wander through one of Italy’s greatest foodmarkets, open every day but Sunday.

25 milesVENICE– The most theatrical city in theworld, Venice enchants with its canals, narrow passageways and palaces. Take agondola, water taxi or one of the waterbuses known as “vaporetti” along theGrand Canal. When you arrive in PiazzaSan Marco, you may agree with countlessothers that it really is Europe’s finest drawingroom, a marvelous square that fronts SanMarco’s Basilica. By all meansvisit the PalazzoDucale, theDoge’s Palace,and explore thePeggyGuggenheimCollection with itswork by Bacon, Braque,and Brancusi, to name just afew of the “B’s”. But best of all,wander into churches and tinysquares, pause for refreshment in wine bars and trattorias, and absorb Venice slowly.At night, returnPiazza SanMarco, splurgeon an alfrescodrink at CaffeFlorian, and listen tothe resident string ensemble

play in the most romantic spot in the world.

94 milesBOLOGNA– The capital of Emilia-Romagna allegedly has the best food in all of Italy. Stroll around the historic centerand put that theory to the test at any numberof trattorias. The oldest university town inItaly, Bologna’s old city is centered aroundtwo squares–the Piazza Maggiore, whereyou can explore San Petronio church, and the Piazza Nettuno. The latter iswhere you’ll find the Palazzo Comunale, a Renaissance masterpiece. There are manymore churches and Renaissance buildingsto be seen in Bologna. But the city is about“la dolce vita,” the sweet life, and you cansample it in food shops like Tamburini, theessence of an Italian food emporium.

48 milesRAVENNA– The most beautiful mosaicsin Italy are in Ravenna, which is not sur-prising, given the city’s former role as thewestern capital of the Byzantine Empire.You can see these mosaics in San Vitale, a 6th-century octagonal basilica, at the5th-century Mausoleo di Galla Placidia andat the Museo Nazionale. And in late June,come for the Ravenna Festival. Founded byRiccardo Muti in 1990, it has become one

of the best musical festivals in Italy.

32 milesRIMINI– A city

with a dualpersonality,Rimini is

both amedieval town

and a modern,beach-side resort. In

the old town, the attractionsinclude the Tempio Malatestiano,a Renaissance building that

stands in tribute to one of thewives of Sigismondo

Malatesta, a patron of such artists as

Pierro della Francesca.On the modern beach-

front Rimini, it’s Romeoson Vespas and northern

European Juliets on parade.

115 milesFLORENCE– There’s enough tokeep a curious visitor to Florencebusy for a lifetime. Start in the UffiziGallery, with its Piero della Francesco,Ucello and Botticelli masterworks.Wander through the Duomo, the cathedralwith its enormous dome by Brunelleschithat lies in the heart of Florence. Visit theBargello, which has a marvelous collectionof Renaissance sculpture, and take time toexamine the Vasari frescoes at the PalazzoVecchio. Consider buying shoes, glovesand fine paper goods. You can unwind witha simple pasta and Chianti at a trattoria. And then buy a little hazelnut gelato andwander across the medieval bridge known as the Ponte Vecchio on the Arno River,content that you’ve sampled the best thatItaly has to offer.

FLORENCE PERETOLA AIRPORTFlorence’s compact airport is convenient for connections to Milan, Rome or otherEuropean cities for the flight back home.

HOTELS

Grand Hotel de Milan. Located in thefashion district and near La Scala, this 95-roomhotel has retained its Art Nouveau style.The Don Carlos restaurant is perfect beforeor after the opera. Via Manzoni 29, Milan. Tel: 39-027-23141 Fax: 39-028-6460861 For reservations in the USA 800-888-4747

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni. This 80-room neoclassical mansion is on the shoresof Lake Como. It’s known for delightfullyold-fashioned guest rooms, decor that runsto frescoes and oriental carpets, and a finelakeside restaurant. Via Roma 1, Bellagio. Tel: 39-031-950216 Fax: 39-031-951529

Villa Fiordaliso. There are just seven roomsin this neoclassical hotel on Lake Garda.The seasonal Italian cuisine is of a highstandard, and the surrounding cypresses,pine trees and olive trees ensure privacy.Via Zanardelli 150, Gardone Riviera. Tel: 39-036-520158Fax: 39-036-5290011 For reservations in the USA: 800-735-2478

Gabbia d’Oro.Beamed ceilings, stone walls and frescoesare the hallmarks of this hideaway nearPiazza delle Erbe. The 27 guest rooms aredecorated with antiques, oriental carpetsand 16th-century prints. Corso PortaBorsari 4A, Verona. Tel: 39-045-8003060Fax: 39-045-590293

Hotel Gritti Palace. Situated on the GrandCanal, with an incomparable view of thewater, the Hotel Gritti Palace was built in1525 as the residence of the Doge ofVenice. The 90-room hotel is filled withantiques and fine paintings and boasts themost beautiful waterside restaurant inVenice. Campo Santa Maria del Giglio,Venice. Tel: 39-041-794611Fax: 39-041-5200942For reservations in the USA 888-625-5144

Westin Excelsior. This recently refurbished165-room grand dame occupies two housesthat overlook the Arno River. The marblefloors, 19th-century staircases and stained-glass windows are complemented byantiques, damask and brocade. Piazzad’Ognissanti 3, Florence 50123.Tel: 39-055-264201Fax: 39-055-210278 For reservations in the USA: 888-625-5144

RESTAURANT

Restaurant Enoteca Pinchiorri. Set in aRenaissance palace, Giorgio Pinchiorri hasmore than 150,000 wines in his celebratedcellar. The cuisine is French with a Tuscanaccent, thanks to chef Annie Féolde. ViaGhibellina 87, Florence. Tel: 39-055-242777Fax: 39-055-244983For reservations in the USA: 800-735-2478

(Mileage is estimated from each preceding cityor site. Before you begin your trip, please note:For space reasons, we could not provide themost detailed map with this brochure. We recommend the use of Michelin Map #735Italy in conjunction with this guide.) To orderMichelin maps, call 1-800-223-0987.

MILAN AIRPORT– Begin your trip atMilan’s Malpensa Airport, where nonstopflights from the United States usually land.If you’ve got a connecting flight throughEurope, you’ll likely come through Milan’sLinate Airport. Either one is convenient forstarting your trip.

31 milesMILAN– Milan is Italy’s fashion capital, and you can spend hours window-shoppingalong Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Strollthrough the Piazza del Duomo and thenperuse the paintings and sculpture in thePinacoteca Ambrosiana, where great worksby Titian, Da Vinci and Botticelli can befound. Locate a nice trattoria where you can sample risotto alla Milanese, the saffron-infused dish most closely associated withthis stylish town. With a bit of luck, youmight get the last pair of tickets to a Pucciniopera at Teatro alla Scala.

51 milesSTRESA– The 82 square miles of LakeMaggiore make it the second largest lake in Italy, and its northern shores embrace theTicino canton in Switzerland. The town ofStresa makes a delightful base for exploringthe lake. It’s a former fishing villagethat grew to become a havenfor the wealthy in the19th and early20th

NORTHERN LAKES TO THE ADRIATIC & TUSCANY

centuries. Stendahl, Dickens and Byron allspent time on its shores. To get a taste ofthe 19th century, tour Villa Ducale, oncethe home of philosopher Antonio Rosmini.Then stroll in the Parco di Villa Pallavicino,an English garden with pelicans and llamas,as well as tropical plants. From Stresa, it’seasy to access Isole Borromee, three islandsthat were transformed by the Borromeefamily in the 17th century. On Isola Bella, you’ll find a Baroque palazzo andmagnificent gardens. Isola Madre has an18th-century villa, while little Isola deiPescatori is quiet, with delightful localarchitecture.

71 milesBELLAGIO– Lake Como is Italy’s third-largest lake, and Bellagio, with its centrallocation at the junction of the lake’s twoarms, is a fine place to stay awhile. It hasspectacular views across Lake Como, and its medieval layout is a delight forpedestrians. Along its shores are 19th-century villas, including the VillaSerbelloni, which is now a grand hotel.One of the most delightful ways toexplore Lake Como is via boat, and there are several ferry routes that departfrom Bellagio. The boats can take you to the villas at Tremezzo and Lenno aswell as the medieval towns of Varennaand Bellano.

35 milesBERGAMO– One of the highlights of this small city is the Accademia Carrara,especially the Pinacoteca d’Arte Antica,with its collection of paintings by Bellini,Mantegna and Pisanello. You can thentake a funicular up to Bergamo Alta, oncea fortified village. The Piazza Vecchia is the main square here, but carry on to thePiazza del Duomo, where you can visitSanta Maria Maggiore and the ColleoniChapel. And if you’re a fan of Lucia DiLammermoor, L’Elisir d’Amore or La Zingara,

plan to visit the Museo Donizettiano.It’s devoted to the Bergamo-born

composer of nearly 70 operas,Gaetano Donizetti.

53 milesGARDONE RIVIERA– LakeGarda is Italy’s largest lake,ringed by soft hills in thesouth and rugged cliffs in the north. Bestowed witha benign Mediterranean micro-climate, spectacular mountainscenery and clear waters, LakeGarda was a favorite resort in Romantimes. A fashionable resort since the late19th century, Gardone Riviera has a finelocation on the western shore of the lake. Itis reputedly the warmest place in northernItaly in winter, which is why it’s home tothe Giardino Botanico Hruska, a botanicalgarden with more than 2,000 species ofplants. And its pleasant situation is whywriters such as poet Gabriele D’Annunziocame to the area. A writer whose workbecame synonymous with decadence,D’Annunzio was a brilliant self-promoter.He lived in nearby Vittoriale degli Italianifrom 1921 to 1938, and his residence contains thousands of books and artworks,his motor boat and even his airplane.

25 milesRIVA DEL GARDA– Located at thenorthern tip of Lake Garda, Riva is in theTrentino region and was actually ruled by Austria until 1918. There’s a fine collection of paintings in Riva’s MuseoCivico, located in a 12th-century structurecalled the Rocca. Do visit the Inviolata, a17th-century building with extraordinaryfrescoes. Then peruse the small farmer’s market on Piazza del Erbe, where you canfind Trentino’s famed olives.

51 milesVERONA– Verona is a city made for

strolling, for taking in the opera at the 1st-century Roman arena, and forvisiting the market in the Piazza del Erbe.This umbrella-filled square is lined withsuperb buildings, including Casa Mazzanti.Verona is where Shakespeare set Romeo and Juliet and there’s always a small crowd gathered at Casa di Giulietta, on ViaCappello, with its balcony and bronze statue of Juliet in the courtyard. Carry onto the stately Piazza dei Signori, whereyou’ll find a statue of Dante and the Loggiadel Consiglio, Verona’s finest Renaissancebuilding. Move on to the Basilica di SanZeno, one of the best Romanesque struc-tures in the world. Days could be spenthere, in one of Italy’s most civilized cities.

32 milesVICENZA– Andrea di Pietro, betterknown as Palladio, is the best reason tovisit Vicenza. The most accomplishedarchitect of the Renaissance, Palladio had Vicenza as his canvas. His master-works here include the Basilica Palladianaand the ornate Loggia del Capitanio. On Corso Palladio, you can see Casa delPalladio, a house the master designed forone of Vicenza’s merchants. The PalazzoChiericati, on the same street, houses thePinacoteca, a major art collection thatincludes works by Montagna, Tintorettoand Van Dyck. And don’t miss the Teatro Olimpico. Designed by Palladioand Scamozzi, a disciple of Palladio, this16th-century theater has a permanent stage set of a piazza and streets.

33 milesASOLO– Asolo’s lovely position attractedsuch visitors as the poets Robert andElizabeth Barrett Browning and composerIgor Stravinsky. But it was Palladio whoreally left his mark here, with Villa Barbaro,in the adjacent village of Maser. Begun in1549 and completed in 1558, it boastsionic columns, symmetrical wings and adistinctive profile. It’s a profile, in fact, that can be seen in such Palladio-inspiredarchitecture as the United States Capitolbuilding. Inside are wonderful frescoes, primarily by Paolo Veronese.

38 milesPADUA– A university town, Padua waswhere both Dante and Galileo lectured.And it is where pilgrims congregate everyJune to revere St. Anthony of Padua at the Basilica di Sant’ Antonio, a church thatcombines Byzantine and Gothic influences.You’ll see the famed equestrian statue called“Gattamelata,” by Donatello in Padua,which is considered to be the first bronzecast of the Renaissance. And the city’sMuseo Civico has paintings by Titian,Giorgione and Bellini. The Piazza del Erbeis the center of Padua, and nearby, you’llfind Caffe Pedrocchi, one of the famouscafés in Italy. At Piazza della Frutta, wander through one of Italy’s greatest foodmarkets, open every day but Sunday.

25 milesVENICE– The most theatrical city in theworld, Venice enchants with its canals, narrow passageways and palaces. Take agondola, water taxi or one of the waterbuses known as “vaporetti” along theGrand Canal. When you arrive in PiazzaSan Marco, you may agree with countlessothers that it really is Europe’s finest drawingroom, a marvelous square that fronts SanMarco’s Basilica. By all meansvisit the PalazzoDucale, theDoge’s Palace,and explore thePeggyGuggenheimCollection with itswork by Bacon, Braque,and Brancusi, to name just afew of the “B’s”. But best of all,wander into churches and tinysquares, pause for refreshment in wine bars and trattorias, and absorb Venice slowly.At night, returnPiazza SanMarco, splurgeon an alfrescodrink at CaffeFlorian, and listen tothe resident string ensemble

play in the most romantic spot in the world.

94 milesBOLOGNA– The capital of Emilia-Romagna allegedly has the best food in all of Italy. Stroll around the historic centerand put that theory to the test at any numberof trattorias. The oldest university town inItaly, Bologna’s old city is centered aroundtwo squares–the Piazza Maggiore, whereyou can explore San Petronio church, and the Piazza Nettuno. The latter iswhere you’ll find the Palazzo Comunale, a Renaissance masterpiece. There are manymore churches and Renaissance buildingsto be seen in Bologna. But the city is about“la dolce vita,” the sweet life, and you cansample it in food shops like Tamburini, theessence of an Italian food emporium.

48 milesRAVENNA– The most beautiful mosaicsin Italy are in Ravenna, which is not sur-prising, given the city’s former role as thewestern capital of the Byzantine Empire.You can see these mosaics in San Vitale, a 6th-century octagonal basilica, at the5th-century Mausoleo di Galla Placidia andat the Museo Nazionale. And in late June,come for the Ravenna Festival. Founded byRiccardo Muti in 1990, it has become one

of the best musical festivals in Italy.

32 milesRIMINI– A city

with a dualpersonality,Rimini is

both amedieval town

and a modern,beach-side resort. In

the old town, the attractionsinclude the Tempio Malatestiano,a Renaissance building that

stands in tribute to one of thewives of Sigismondo

Malatesta, a patron of such artists as

Pierro della Francesca.On the modern beach-

front Rimini, it’s Romeoson Vespas and northern

European Juliets on parade.

115 milesFLORENCE– There’s enough tokeep a curious visitor to Florencebusy for a lifetime. Start in the UffiziGallery, with its Piero della Francesco,Ucello and Botticelli masterworks.Wander through the Duomo, the cathedralwith its enormous dome by Brunelleschithat lies in the heart of Florence. Visit theBargello, which has a marvelous collectionof Renaissance sculpture, and take time toexamine the Vasari frescoes at the PalazzoVecchio. Consider buying shoes, glovesand fine paper goods. You can unwind witha simple pasta and Chianti at a trattoria. And then buy a little hazelnut gelato andwander across the medieval bridge known as the Ponte Vecchio on the Arno River,content that you’ve sampled the best thatItaly has to offer.

FLORENCE PERETOLA AIRPORTFlorence’s compact airport is convenient for connections to Milan, Rome or otherEuropean cities for the flight back home.

HOTELS

Grand Hotel de Milan. Located in thefashion district and near La Scala, this 95-roomhotel has retained its Art Nouveau style.The Don Carlos restaurant is perfect beforeor after the opera. Via Manzoni 29, Milan. Tel: 39-027-23141 Fax: 39-028-6460861 For reservations in the USA 800-888-4747

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni. This 80-room neoclassical mansion is on the shoresof Lake Como. It’s known for delightfullyold-fashioned guest rooms, decor that runsto frescoes and oriental carpets, and a finelakeside restaurant. Via Roma 1, Bellagio. Tel: 39-031-950216 Fax: 39-031-951529

Villa Fiordaliso. There are just seven roomsin this neoclassical hotel on Lake Garda.The seasonal Italian cuisine is of a highstandard, and the surrounding cypresses,pine trees and olive trees ensure privacy.Via Zanardelli 150, Gardone Riviera. Tel: 39-036-520158Fax: 39-036-5290011 For reservations in the USA: 800-735-2478

Gabbia d’Oro.Beamed ceilings, stone walls and frescoesare the hallmarks of this hideaway nearPiazza delle Erbe. The 27 guest rooms aredecorated with antiques, oriental carpetsand 16th-century prints. Corso PortaBorsari 4A, Verona. Tel: 39-045-8003060Fax: 39-045-590293

Hotel Gritti Palace. Situated on the GrandCanal, with an incomparable view of thewater, the Hotel Gritti Palace was built in1525 as the residence of the Doge ofVenice. The 90-room hotel is filled withantiques and fine paintings and boasts themost beautiful waterside restaurant inVenice. Campo Santa Maria del Giglio,Venice. Tel: 39-041-794611Fax: 39-041-5200942For reservations in the USA 888-625-5144

Westin Excelsior. This recently refurbished165-room grand dame occupies two housesthat overlook the Arno River. The marblefloors, 19th-century staircases and stained-glass windows are complemented byantiques, damask and brocade. Piazzad’Ognissanti 3, Florence 50123.Tel: 39-055-264201Fax: 39-055-210278 For reservations in the USA: 888-625-5144

RESTAURANT

Restaurant Enoteca Pinchiorri. Set in aRenaissance palace, Giorgio Pinchiorri hasmore than 150,000 wines in his celebratedcellar. The cuisine is French with a Tuscanaccent, thanks to chef Annie Féolde. ViaGhibellina 87, Florence. Tel: 39-055-242777Fax: 39-055-244983For reservations in the USA: 800-735-2478

(Mileage is estimated from each preceding cityor site. Before you begin your trip, please note:For space reasons, we could not provide themost detailed map with this brochure. We recommend the use of Michelin Map #735Italy in conjunction with this guide.) To orderMichelin maps, call 1-800-223-0987.

MILAN AIRPORT– Begin your trip atMilan’s Malpensa Airport, where nonstopflights from the United States usually land.If you’ve got a connecting flight throughEurope, you’ll likely come through Milan’sLinate Airport. Either one is convenient forstarting your trip.

31 milesMILAN– Milan is Italy’s fashion capital, and you can spend hours window-shoppingalong Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Strollthrough the Piazza del Duomo and thenperuse the paintings and sculpture in thePinacoteca Ambrosiana, where great worksby Titian, Da Vinci and Botticelli can befound. Locate a nice trattoria where you can sample risotto alla Milanese, the saffron-infused dish most closely associated withthis stylish town. With a bit of luck, youmight get the last pair of tickets to a Pucciniopera at Teatro alla Scala.

51 milesSTRESA– The 82 square miles of LakeMaggiore make it the second largest lake in Italy, and its northern shores embrace theTicino canton in Switzerland. The town ofStresa makes a delightful base for exploringthe lake. It’s a former fishing villagethat grew to become a havenfor the wealthy in the19th and early20th

NORTHERN LAKES TO THE ADRIATIC & TUSCANY

Northern Lakes to the Adriatic & Tuscany

Personally Yours®

FROM THE CHIC BOULEVARDS

of Milan to the palaces of the

Renaissance, this tour offers the

best of northern Italy. You’ll

go through the northern lakes

district, where Lake Garda,

Lake Como and Lake Maggiore

are magical names that conjure

up a manicured mountain paradise

for 19th-century elite. Magnificent

villas and waterfront gardens abound

in this surprisingly mild climate. From

here, you go on to tour the architectural

masterpieces of Palladio in Vicenza and

Verona, the city of Romeo & Juliet. Then there’s

Venice, arguably the most beautiful city

in Europe. You can decide that for yourself as you

cross the Grand Canal in a water taxi heading for

Harry’s Bar. There’s more than enough time to explore

the cuisine of Emilia-Romagna in Bologna and to visit

the buzzing seaside bazaar of Rimini. At journey’s end,

you’ll wind up in Tuscany with the Renaissance splendor

of Florence spread before you. For serious gastronomes, for

those who love Renaissance art and architecture, and for

lovers of nature, this is a perfect journey.

NORTHERN LAKES TO THE

ADRIATIC & TUSCANY

©MICHELIN from Map No. 735 Italy.

Permission No. 03-US-001

PADUA

RAVENNA

BOLOGNA

ASOLO

VENICE

VERONA

RIVA DEL GARDA

FLORENCE

RIMINI

VICENZA

BERGAMOGARDONE

RIVIERA

BELLAGIOSTRESA

MILAN

AVIS PERSONALLY YOURS®

Personally Yours is a collection of free, uniquepre-printed itineraries covering popular drivingtours in Europe. Each itinerary providesmileage in between the towns mentioned(essential for pre-planning) plus historic, cultural and scenic highlights based on recentdrives. The route is traced on a large-scalenumbered Michelin map which Avis recom-mends renters purchase before departure.

Personally Yours Itineraries

BRITAIN Bath & the Cotswolds The Scottish Highlands Great Gothic Cathedrals

& Southern Coast

FRANCE Côte d’AzurNormandy & BrittanyRhône-Alpes RegionLoire Valley Châteaux

& BurgundyNice to ParisCathedrals, Châteaux &

Champagne

GERMANY Munich, Prague and BerlinRomantic Route–Munich

to Frankfurt

ITALY TuscanyNorthern Lakes to the

Adriatic & Tuscany

MEXICO Yucatán Peninsula

PORTUGAL Lisbon to the Algarve

SPAIN Madrid to BarcelonaMadrid South to Andalucía

AVIS PROVIDES RENTERS WITH AFREE GLOBAL CELL PHONEAvis’ Stay in Touch provides renters with 7 daysof free, global roaming cell phones. The cellphone is delivered to the renter’s home/officewith personal business cards prior to departure.Renters pay airtime charges and $25 forovernight delivery and collection.

AVIS ON CALLAvis’ exclusive telephone assistance service,offered only to Avis renters while on the road in 33 countries (23 in Europe) via toll-free telephone numbers that are answeredby Avis representatives in the USA 24hours/day, 7 days/week.

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AVIS KNOW BEFORE YOU GOAvis’ exclusive telephone travel informationservice for 43 countries worldwide (32 inEurope), offered at no charge to Avis renters via a toll-free number in the USA 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

Major European Country Information• National holidays by country • Metric equivalents• Local European Time vs.

Eastern Standard Time • Average weather conditions • European vs. American car capacity

Global Information• $ Price of gallon of gas• Currency exchange rates• Banking hours• Customs information• NYC contact for tourist offices• Driving license requirements• U.S. State Dept. Advisory number• Local/national speed limits• Tipping customs• U.S. Embassies & Consulates

AVIS• English-speaking agents

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For reservations, call 1-800-698-5674 or your travel agent.Visit us online at www.avis.com

Avis, Europe’s leading car rental company, proudly presents an array of exclusiveservices helping American renters before and during their overseas travels:

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