The journey
Overview
Follow in the footsteps of Flaubert and Tennyson as you discover Lake Como, where flower-filled gardens and pastelpainted villages line the shore against the stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps.
Shaped like an inverted ‘Y’, Lake Como is long (50km), narrow, and up to 400m deep. Rugged peaks rise around its northern reaches, with softer southern landscapes of forested slopes framing fabulous villas, and charming towns with their toes in the water.
One of these is Menaggio, the setting for your seven-night stay. Scenic and central for exploration, its promenade hems the western shore; the centre is sprinkled with cafés and boutiques; steep stairways lead to stone buildings in the (older) upper area; and regular ferries team practical transport with picturesque views. Collated to offer a vibrant variety of experiences, this tour is a flexible mix of free time, optional and included excursions, so that you can plan your ideal blend of ‘sightsee’ or ‘stay-put’ days. An included afternoon boat trip takes you to the botanical gardens of Villa Carlotta.
Two optional tours go further afield, one across the Swiss border to stylish St. Moritz; and the last to lovely Lugano in Switzerland and Como.
Unforgettable moments
Highlights
01
Take in the beauty of Lake Como
02
Guided walking tour of Menaggio
03
Optional journey on the Bernina Railway
04
Take a lake cruise
05
Visit Villa Carlotta
06
Enjoy a drink on the hotel terrace
Your itinerary
Day by day
- Day1
Join tour in Menaggio+
Your tour starts at the Grand Hotel Menaggio, in Lake Como. Settle in for your seven night stay.
Unpack, unwind and enjoy a free afternoon in this beautiful lakeside setting.
- Day2
A walking tour of Menaggio+
After a welcome meeting, join a guided walking tour of Menaggio where you will be able to enjoy the beauty of Lake Como. The afternoon is free for you to take a stroll or simply enjoy the hotel.
MealsBreakfast - Day3
Spend the day at leisure or on our optional excursion to St Moritz+
Choose an easy day or enticing optional excursion, taking you by road to the town of Tirano, and transferring to train tracks at Poschiavo for a scenic spectacular of gorges and glaciers on the Bernina railway line to Diavolezza. A short onward journey to St. Moritz gives you free time to view the crystal-clear lake, rub shoulders with the rich and famous, and take in the uber-elegant shops (pre-bookable).
MealsBreakfast - Day4
Enjoy the day at leisure+
Day at leisure to explore the surrounding villages.
MealsBreakfast - Day5
Cruise to Villa Carlotta, ending with an aperitif+
A private cruise in the afternoon takes you to Villa Carlotta, whose grand terraces and glorious gardens overlook the lake; enjoy an aperitif on the terrace of the Grand Hotel Menaggio, with views over the water to Bellagio and Varenna.
MealsBreakfast - Day6
Enjoy independent exploration+
A day at leisure or perhaps take a ferry or shuttle boat to the traditional and picturesque villages hugging the shorelines of Lake Como, such as Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo and Lenno (Ferry port is approx. 100 metres away from hotel).
MealsBreakfast - Day7
Relax or choose an optional day tour to Lugano & Como+
A day to relax or join either an optional full-day tour on your final day of exploration.
Departure by bus to Gandria, on the border between Italy and Switzerland, one of Ticino's most beautiful lakeside villages and short stop before embarking the boat for a cruise to Lugano. Arrival in Lugano where you will have time at leisure for exploring this elegant town. Lugano, often referred to as the ‘Rio de Janeiro’ of Switzerland combines the efficiency and elegance of Switzerland with the joie de vivre and friendliness of Italy.
The long lakefront was rightly described by Gabriel Faure as ‘the most magnificent bay in all Europe’ and its promenade is well tended with flowers, and adorned by works of sculpture and fountains. The shops and market stalls of Lugano are extremely varied and many are situated among the long arcades and porticos which abound in Lugano. The main Piazza di Riforma is a vibrant meeting place surrounded by 18th-century palazzi. Transfer by bus to Como where you will have some time at leisure to admire its beautiful square facing the lake, the Cathedral with its many masterpieces, walk through the streets of the historic centre. Its proximity to Lake Como and to the Alps has made Como a tourist destination, and the city contains numerous works of art, churches, gardens, museums, theatres, parks, and palaces. Transfer by bus back to the hotel.(pre-bookable).
MealsBreakfast - Day8
Tour ends in Menaggio+
Your tour ends this morning after breakfast.
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MealsBreakfast
Accommodation
Where you stay
Lake Como
Grand Hotel Menaggio
A 4-star historic hotel, looking directly over the blue waters of Lake Como, a few steps from Menaggio main square and boat station. Restaurant, pool, bar and WiFi (free). 94 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and TV.
Hotels are as planned; occasionally similar alternatives are used.
Peace of mind
What's included
- ✦7 nights’ accommodation
- ✦Meals Included: breakfast daily
- ✦Itinerary as described
- ✦Services of guides and local representative
- ✦2027 Departures: All local accommodation taxes
- ✦Flights from the UK can be added — ask your adviser