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Located in northern Italy in the Lombardy region very close to the Switzerland border, Lake Como is known for the stunning Alps overlooking many beautiful small towns along the shore. There are grand villas, medieval churches, water activities, and nature's beauty drawing tourists year round. The lake is shaped like an inverted ‘Y’. We will be staying in the town of Bellagio, which is located at the central point where the lake splits into two. Other popular towns are a short water taxi or ferry ride away. The most popular towns to visit are Como, Tremezzo, Menaggio, and Varenna.

DISCOVER

Como

The town of Como is located at the southern top on the western branch of Lake Como. While it is known for its medieval architecture and picturesque lakefront, the town is mainly a stopover destination before visiting the more beautiful and touristy areas of Lake Como. Como’s train station has excellent connections to Milan that make it a gateway for the lake. Como has the funicular railway that offers stunning views of the lake and mountains. To visit from Bellagio, we recommend taking the ferry or a water taxi.

Varenna

Varenna, located on the eastern shore of the lake, completes that golden triangle of Lake Como, along with Bellagio and Menaggio. The golden triangle is so popular with tourists that it has its own ferry route. Varenna has a shaded lakeside promenade, similar to Menaggio, as well as cobbled pathways leading to the old town, similar to Bellagio. Varenna has a direct rail connection with Milan as well as the town of Tirano where the Bernina Express begins its journey. Castello di Vezio is the most visited tourist attraction of Varenna. This 13th century castle sits on a hilltop with amazing views of the lake and town. Villa Monastero is one of the few villas that has a museum and is open to the public.

Michelin Star Dinner

Stay at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni and try the best of their Michelin-starred restaurant: Enjoy a Signature aperitif on the lakeside terrace; discover top-quality Italian ingredients with a 7-course dinner, accompanied by wines selected by their sommeliers. All served in a luxurious and romantic atmosphere.

Milan

Milan offers a fantastic day of site-seeing. Climb up to the terrace of the Gothic Duomo and breathe in the urban views, marvel at the skill that went into creating Da Vinci’s famous Last Supper, glide over the marble floors of exclusive shopping centre La Galleria and stand in front of a myriad of artistic masterpieces in the Pinacoteca di Brera. And don’t forget to stop off at the Quadrilatero for some world class shopping.

Bellagio

The picture perfect town of Bellagio is situated in the convenient junction of the three branches of Lake Como. It is a must visit town that has earned the "Pearl of Lake Como" nickname. The town has a Michelin star restaurant, Ristorante Mistral, that is a great spot for the foodies. One of the most popular villas in Bellagio is the Villa Serbelloni on via Roma. The villa is not open to the public, but the surrounding garden is. The garden has views of the town that you cannot see from any other place. Villa Melzi is another villa that has a Japanese garden open to the public.

Golf

Seven of Italy's top 18-hole courses are close by to keep the most demanding golfing enthusiasts happy. Just a ferry ride away is the Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club, one of the oldest and best-regarded clubs in Europe.

On request most hotels can arrange transport to all golf courses:

1. Menaggio & Cadenebbia Golf Club
2. Circolo Golf VIlla D'Este
3. Golf Club Monticello
4. Lanzo Golf Club
5. Carimate Club

6. La Pinetina Golf Club
7. Le Robinie Golf Club

Wine Tasting

Lose yourself in the art of viticulture in Valtellina, a relatively unknown yet fantastic wine region within striking distance of Lake Como. Run an hour away up the hills and step back in time to vines tended entirely by hand and some truly unique vintages.

Discover the exclusive vineyards of Nino Negri and learn about their age-old production techniques, taste the result of their bottled fruits and enjoy a traditional lunch.

Lake Maggiore

Italy is blessed with more than one beautiful lake. Sitting at the foot of the Alps, Lake Maggiore offers as much stunning scenery and unspoiled nature as you can absorb. Wander around grand villas as well as the enchanting villages of Stresa, Cannero Riviera and Cannobio. Enjoy the blossoming flower gardens as you watch the colors change over the Borromean Islands with snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Menaggio

Menaggio is close to Bellagio, and while it may not have too many attractions, it is an excellent place to enjoy a number of outdoor activities including a historic golf club. Visitors can play on this course, the Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club, for a fee (weekdays €75, weekends €90). Menaggio has a fortified wall and castle with more medieval architecture. The newer part of the town has luxurious villas, a tree-lined promenade, and many al fresco restaurants and cafes.

Hiking & Biking

Spend long hours exploring the countryside around the lake on foot or by bike. Take a hike through the Alps to get a panoramic view of the lake or to take a picture of with one foot in Italy and the other in Switzerland. There are multiple trails around the lake suited for any age or ability, talk with your hotel concierge for maps, guided tours, and bike rentals.

Water Sports

Get your fill of adrenaline as you whizz along the lake waters. The options are numerous. Water skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, boating, wakeboarding, etc.

Cooking Classes

Perfect your culinary skills with cooking classes with the best pasta makers in the world!