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The grandeur of Italy’s most prized landscape

Italian Lakes Literary Seminar

The latest in our popular literary series explores landscapes that have shaped the imaginations of some of the greatest writers in both the English and Italian languages.

Overview

Life and literature in iconic Italian locales

Many of Italy’s great cities boast the superb backdrop of the majestic Dolomites towering over sparkling lakes. It’s no wonder so many iconic writers have drawn inspiration from these breathtaking areas. Our discussions focus on great literary figures of Italian, American, and British heritage and include visits to the fascinating cities of Verona, Mantua, and Bergamo.

A favorite among Stanford travelers, medievalist and early British literature expert Elaine Treharne leads our explorations with passion and unique insight. Highlights of our journey include a private boat trip to Sirmione to see the Grottoes of Catullus and a day exploring the magnificent palaces and gardens of the Borromean Islands in the heart of Lake Maggiore.

Dates

April 4–11, 2026

Duration

8 days

Price

From $10,795 per person

Trip size

24 participants

Minimum age

18 years
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Faculty leader

A different kind of classroom

With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

Elaine Treharne

English

A member of the Stanford faculty since 2012, Professor Treharne specializes in manuscript studies, archives, information technologies, and early British literature and history.

Learn more about Elaine

In-Depth Learning

Each day, we’ll spend the morning diving into the literary world of the Italian Lakes during discussions lead by Professor Treharne. Here’s a look at some of the authors and works we’ll examine, in addition to poetry selections and memoirs, from Catullus to D. H. Lawrence. A syllabus with discussion topics and a selection of books will be sent to confirmed travelers.

  • Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, The Leopard

  • Alessandro Manzoni, The Betrothed

  • E. M. Forster, A Room with a View

  • Edith Wharton, Italian Backgrounds

  • Sarah Winman, Still Life

“Elaine was enthusiastic in sharing with us the history and culture of our destinations. She speaks with emotion and humor, enticing us to appreciate and value the places and people.”

—Margaret Maddock

Itinerary

Chart your course of discovery

Begin our journey in a 17th-century country mansion located above Lake Garda. From there, explore Sirmione’s Scaliger Castle, the extensive Ducal Palace complex in Mantua, and the bustling streets of Verona. Then, transfer to the shores of Lake Maggiore, stopping in Bergamo and venturing to the Borromean Islands. All the while, delve into the literary traditions of the region.

  • Cavaion Veronese, Italy

    Arrive at Milan or Verona Airport and transfer to our country house hotel located in the town of Cavaion Veronese to the east side of Lake Garda. Join fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner in our hotel this evening.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Villa Cordevigo

    Included meal: Dinner

  • Verona

    After a delicious breakfast at our hotel, join Professor Treharne and fellow travelers for our first literary discussion. After lunch, we venture to the fabled city of Verona to walk the streets inhabited by the most famous lovers of all time.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Villa Cordevigo

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Lake Garda and Sirmione

    A second morning of literary discussions is followed by lunch at our hotel. In the afternoon, travel to the port of Lazise for a private boat ride across the lake to Sirmione. Here, we view the Scaliger Castle and the archaeological site of Grotte di Catullo, which contains the remains of a Roman villa situated in a vast olive grove. Return to our hotel, where we enjoy dinner this evening in its renowned Michelin-starred restaurant.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Villa Cordevigo

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Mantua

    After this morning’s literary discussion, have lunch in our hotel before traveling to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mantua. Explore the Ducal Palace, Italy’s largest architectural museum complex, taking in exquisite frescoes by Pisanello, paintings by Rubens, and Giorgio Romano's architectural masterpiece, the Palazzo Te.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Villa Cordevigo

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Cavaion Veronese / Bergamo / Stresa

    Depart Lake Garda this morning for Lake Maggiore, stopping in Bergamo to marvel at its wealth of art and architecture. Visit the Colleoni Chapel and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore before continuing to our lakeside hotel in Stresa.

    Accommodations:

    Grand Hotel et des Iles Borromées

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Stresa

    Embark on another morning of literary discussions. Then, enjoy free time to wander the streets of this charming town or to relax at the hotel with its spa and two pools.

    Accommodations:

    Grand Hotel et des Iles Borromées

    Included meal: Breakfast

  • Borromean Islands

    Our final morning of discussions is followed by a boat trip to the Borromean Islands. Here, the extraordinary Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella is a monument to one of Lombardy's most important families, close associates of the Dukes of Milan and hugely important figures in the Vatican. Return by boat to our hotel and toast our journey at this evening’s farewell dinner.

    Accommodations:

    Grand Hotel et des Iles Borromées

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Stresa / Milan / Home

    Travel to Milan's Malpensa Airport for flights returning home.

    Included meal: Breakfast

Trip details

Start preparing for the trip of a lifetime

From top to bottom, we’ve taken care of all the details, so you can enjoy a no-stress, worry-free travel experience.

A learning journey

This program is designed for those who are looking for a provocative and memorable intellectual travel experience. Throughout our week in northern Italy, we enjoy daily group discussions—approximately three to four hours in the morning, as well as ample time for reflection on the Italian, American, and British authors who flourished in this region. Travelers receive a syllabus and selection of books ahead of our trip, together with a list of topics to help prepare for our discussions.

“Learning about great literature in the geographical context in which it was created was a profound experience.”

—Candace Osborn

Activity level

When we are not “in class,” we will head out to the islands and cities that dot the Italian Lakes region, exploring the palaces, gardens, and scenery that inspired so many writers. We consider this program to be moderately active. On average, daily excursions involve one to two miles of walking, sometimes on uneven cobblestone streets and sidewalks. Stairs and steps without handrails may be a necessary part of some tours.

Pricing

Secure your spot today

The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours, and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

Price

Double occupancy:
$10,795 per person

Single occupancy:
$12,995 per person

Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $450 per person.

What’s included?

  • Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including a reading syllabus, complimentary books, and travel information

  • Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program

  • All meals, tours, and excursions as described in the itinerary

  • Gratuities to guides and drivers for all group activities

  • 7 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations

  • Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days

  • Minimal medical, accident, and evacuation coverage 

You are responsible for your personal travel expenses, including flights to and from the program.

Deposits, payments, and cancellations

A $2,500-per-person deposit is required to reserve space on this program. Final payment is due 150 days prior to program start. Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee, until 150 days prior to program start. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and we resell your place(s), in which case a $2,500-per-person cancellation fee will apply.

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