Itinerary Highlights
    • Enjoy a few days of luxurious idleness soaking in the romanticism of yesteryear and the beauty of Lake Como
    • Lose yourself in the sprawling gardens of your villa, admiring roses, cypresses and wisterias at every turn
    • Sail across the lake on a private boat Bellagio to discover historic sites and aristocratic residences

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Your Renaissance Palace on Lake Como:



Perched on the south-western shore of Lake Como, the opulent Villa d’Este breathes elegance and refinement into every ounce of its being: its unrivalled location, its palatial beginnings, the trail of illustrious guests that have stayed here… the list goes on. It was in 1565 that Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio commissioned Pellegrino Tibaldi to build this grand palace. Much of its life was spent as such, until it was converted into a luxurious hotel in 1873. The renewed design of the hotel combines classic design details and refined luxury with ample facilities: swimming pools, tennis courts, squash courts, a gym, a professional wellness area, a sauna, a Turkish bath and more.
The restaurant is something of an institution in and of itself, with culinary delights ranging from great Italian specialties and daily pasta dishes to nibbles and refreshments served under the shade of the garden’s chestnut trees. There are seating areas overlooking the lake, as well as elegant dining rooms inside. While the lake is shared by all, the gardens are the exclusive playground of you and your fellow guests – 25 hectares planted with cypresses, bamboo, roses, camellias, wisterias and hydrangeas, interspersed with ponds and fountains.

On the Agenda:



The next four days are yours to spend living the true dolce vita: lakeside lounging, dining on the finest Italian specialties and strolling through the manicured gardens. When you’re ready to spread your wings and explore the rest of Lake Como, our team of experts can help you arrange visits to some incredible sites. Some of our favourites include Sala Comacina, Varenna, Tremmezzo (home to Villa Carlotta) and Lenno (where you can admire Villa Balbianello). Water sports on the lake are also an absolute must. On one of the days, we’ll arrange for you to head out on a private boat to discover Bellagio on the northern tip of the Triangolo lariano (a triangle formed by the two arms of the lake). The charm of this small town lies not only in its location, but also in its artistic and cultural heritage. The Cathedral is a fine example of 11th to 12th-century Lombard Romanesque architectural style. Among the town's aristocratic residences, you can visit Villa Serbelloni and its woods, which dominate the historic centre, or the park and small museum of Villa Melzi d'Eril. For a change of pace, we can arrange for you to embark on a day of urban stimuli with a private tour of Milan.

Route

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A la carte

PRIVATE WALKING TOUR OF MILAN



Stepping foot in Milan can feel a little overwhelming. There’s so much to see and do that it can be hard to know where to even start. To make life a little easier, you’ll be met by a knowledgeable local guide who can steer you in the right direction. The Piazza del Duomo is home to some of the city’s most renowned sites, including the imposing Milan Cathedral. Continue on to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery, before visiting the prestigious La Scala opera house, which has long been a scared place for opera lovers. Round off the day enjoying a classic cup of Italian coffee with your guide.

PRIVATE VISIT OF VILLA DEL BALBIANELLO



Perched among cypress and cedar trees at the tip of Lake Como, the Villa del Balbianello enchants visitors from the get-go. This 18th-century residence houses the Asian, African and Oceanic art collections of Guido Monzino (1928-1988), a wealthy entrepreneur with a passion for exploration and travel. The villa was also used as a location for filming some scenes from Star Wars and Casino Royale. The villa is surrounded by beautiful gardens, which are well worth a visit too.

A Rough Idea of Price

Dependent on season, accommodation and activities
The estimated cost for this trip starts from £1,565 to £2,260 per person. The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost varies according to several factors, which include the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote. The average starting price for this trip is £2,000 per person.
A few of the benefits of travelling with us
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