ITINERARY

A leisurely breakfast is followed by a short ferry ride across Lake Como to the lakeside town of Bellagio. We visit the famous Villa Serbelloni, located on the promontory of the same name, to admire panoramic views down the three arms of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.

Continue on to the nearby ‘Gardens of Villa Melzi d’Eril’, and walk along a grand avenue of plane trees leading to a breathtaking Japanese water garden. From the garden, enjoy a wonderful view of the Moorish Temple across the lake. As a special treat, enjoy a brief performance by a local string quartet in front of the tiny gazebo overlooking the shores of Lake Como.

In the late afternoon, return to Bellagio for free time prior to this evening’s dinner on your own at any of the lakeside restaurants.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel prior to today’s full day excursion to nearby Lake Maggiore so that we may explore the enchanting sights of the Borromean Islands.

Upon arrival in Stresa, board a private motor launch and cross over to Isola Bella. Here, an immense Baroque Palace has been carved out of the island’s base and enhanced by some of Europe’s most beautiful gardens. Admire multiple layers of terracing with rare and tropical plants, formal parterres and, most of all, a splendid view of the lake.

From Isola Bella, reboard our private launch and relax as we head up the lake to Locarno, located on the Swiss side of the lake. Here, we board a special gauge train, commonly known as the Centovalli Railway.

Enjoy a charming panoramic train ride through some of the most picturesque landscapes of northern Italy and southern Switzerland. At one point, we will get off the train and enjoy a late luncheon at one of the tiny restaurants located along the rail route. Upon arrival in Domodossola, our motorcoach will take us back to Lake Como for a late evening arrival at hotel for dinner on your own.

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, take some time to enjoy your surrounding as the motorcoach will take you to downtown Como where you can wander about exploring this colorful town.

Late afternoon, board a private motorlaunch and head out to Lenno, located on the shores of Lake Como. We have arranged a private visit to the exquisite Villa Balbianello to enjoy a viewing of the Count Monzino’s precious art collection and stroll through the enchanted gardens. This evening, enjoy dinner on your own; whether it be a family-run trattoria or a romantic restaurant overlooking the lake.

Following breakfast, board our awaiting motorcoach and journey a short distance across the boarder in to Switzerland for a visit to Lugano, on the shores of Lake Lugano. Enjoy an escorted walk through this city prior to a visit to a local chocolate producer. We will see how this famous Swiss chocolate is made, and savor a special tasting.

The remainder of day will be at leisure. This evening have dinner on your own at any one of Lugano’s most fashionable restaurants prior to returning to Lake Como for overnight.

After breakfast journey back to Como where you will enjoy a guided visit to the Museo della Seta.  Here, a member of the staff will offer an informative mini-lecture on the history of silk making as Como produces approximately 80% of Europe’s quality silks. On to one of the area’s most important silk producers to see how these delicate silks are produced and of course, have the chance to make a few purchases.

In the late afternoon, we visit Villa Cicogna Mozzoni, one of the area’s most exquisite villas. Special arrangements have been made for a private visit through the villa and spectacular gardens, replete with grottoes and fountains. The villa was originally built as a hunting lodge in the 15th century and belonged to the Mozzoni Family. Later in the mid 16th century the villa was transformed into a Renaissance villa of Tuscan style.
Our visit will culminate with a delightful afternoon tea hosted by a member of the family where we will have a chance to learn more about the history of this enchanting site. Enjoy a festive dinner on the tiny island of Comacina, the only island on Lake Como.

Today you will have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel prior to traveling to Milan. The guided tour, includes a visit to the immense Gothic Cathedral which dominates Piazza del Duomo, and a stroll through the famous Victor Emmanuel Gallery. The tour concludes with a special private after-hours visit to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie to admire Leonardo da Vinci’s recently restored ‘Last Supper’.

In the afternoon, you will visit to the Museo Poldi-Pezzoli to admire its unique collection of northern Italian art, all of which was once in a private collection.

This evening, partake in a gala farewell dinner at one of Milan’s trendy gourmet restaurants.

Early morning transfer by private deluxe motorcoach to Milan’s Malpensa Airport for return flight to USA, or extend your stay in Italy.