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Italian Lakes
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Get ready to set off on your eco-friendly, slow-travel London to Lake Como train trip. The first leg of the journey takes approximately two-and-a-half-hours on the Eurostar from London to Paris, bringing you into Paris Gare du Nord. It's then two stops on the RER (the Paris metro system) to Gare de Lyon to hop on your next train – a four-hour-long journey to Zurich. Upon arrival in Zurich, catch the final train of your journey, from Zurich to Como San Giovanni. This train takes about two-and-a-half hours, and once you’ve made it to Como, a private transfer will whisk you off to your hotel.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to divide up your journey (and squeeze in some more sightseeing), we can arrange overnight stays in either Paris, Milan or Zurich. This allows for a more leisurely voyage and some time to enjoy an additional city.
Today is yours to spend at leisure, and after yesterday’s journey, you may want to stretch your legs. As ‘the jewel of the Italian Alps’, Lake Como is sometimes plagued by its own popularity. Seek out some solitude along the Greenway del Lago di Como, a scenic six-mile trail that passes through Colonno, Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, Lenno, Mezzegra, Tremezzo and Griante. The trail runs along the lakeshore before ascending above historic villages – always serving up spectacular views.
To learn about Lombardy’s famous silk industry, visit Como’s Silk Museum. The region has been synonymous with fine silk since the 18th century and remains Europe’s leading producer of the luxuriously lustrous fabric. Continue your education at the Fondazione Antonio Ratti (FAR) in the splendid Villa Sucota, home to a collection of silks and other textiles from around the world, along with temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.
Join a private guide for a two-hour walking tour of Bellagio, often hailed as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. Situated in a prime position where the lake’s two branches meet, Bellagio developed rapidly during the Middle Ages, rivalling nearby Como. In the 17th century, the first opulent villas were built and by the early 19th century the local bourgeoisie began to settle in Bellagio, establishing it as a distinguished destination (a reputation it retains today). Glimpse into this glittering past at the lakeside gardens of Villa Melzi. Built between 1808 and 1815, these magnificent, tiered gardens were the first example of English landscaping on Lake Como: think meandering paths, tinkling water features, tropical plants and elegant statues, all intricately laid out to showcase the scenic surroundings. Your tour culminates at the orangery, now home to a small museum, offering further insight into Bellagio’s beguiling backstory.
Rise and shine early to make the most of your last full day in Italy. You could hike to the mountaintop church of San Martino, a relatively easy climb rewarded with spectacular views across the lake. Fancy something more sedate? Take a ferry around the lake or catch the cable car up to the town of Brunate. Nicknamed ‘the Balcony of the Alps’, Brunate is situated over 2,000ft above sea level and boasts breathtaking views of Como’s historic centre, the ancient Roman Castrum and the Alps.
This evening, indulge in (arguably) Italy's main attraction: the food. Lake Como’s cuisine comes from both the lake and the land, including pesce in carpione (freshwater fish, floured, deep-fried and marinated in parsley, garlic and wine, served cold) and toc (a creamy polenta enriched with generous amounts of butter and cheese). All accompanied, of course, by an eclectic selection of Italian wines.
Sadly, today it’s time to leave Lake Como and start your slow-travel journey home. The first leg is a transfer from your hotel to Como San Giovanni station, where your train departs for Zurich, taking around three hours. Enjoy the stunning alpine scenery – Swiss meadows, mountains and the beautiful Lake Lugano – as you journey via the Gotthard route, a major section of an important international railway linking northern and southern Europe. The stretch from Zurich to Paris takes a comfortable four hours, and in Paris there’s plenty of time to make your way across to Gare du Nord to catch your final Paris to London Eurostar train, which takes a further two-and-a-half hours. It’s a long journey, but one that affords ample opportunity to gaze admiringly from the window while reminiscing about lovely Lake Como.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
