Lake Como holidays

Available from: Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzo and Varenna. Bergamo is one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in Northern Italy, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is known as the mini Florence of the north. We depart from Varenna, travelling along the south eastern coastline of Lake Como, through Lecco, the town of Alessandro Manzoni’s “The Betrothed”. We proceed to Bergamo and the “Città Alta” (the Upper town) surrounded by its medieval Venetian walls where we meet our city Guide for a walking tour, visiting enchanting churches, palaces and squares. After the guided tour, free time to take a stroll along the characteristic cobbled lanes full of little arts and crafts shops, bars and restaurants.

Available from: Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzo and Varenna - you will need to make your own way to Varenna from all other resorts - ferry is the cheapest way. The cooking lessons will cover preparation of all forms of pasta and second course. (If you have special requests, the chef will be happy to try to accommodate to your wishes.) After the preparation you will eat your dishes . At 2 pm approx. in case of nice weather you will be transferred to the Vezio Castle from where you will have a wonderful view over the Lake . To get to the Castle you will have to walk for 10/15 minutes. After the visit you will be able to reach Varenna walking . Ferry to Menaggio (Departure times: 16h25, 17h20, 18.00, 18.30, 19h15). In case of bad wheater condition Villa Monastero will be visited in place of Vezio castle.

This full day tour by coach starts with a drive to Lake Orta, where we will have time for a stroll around the village. Then continue on to the elegant town of Stresa, situated on Lake Maggiore. You will have time to take an excursion by boat to Isola Bella ( included) and see the vast palace built from the island’s rock and surrounded by terraced gardens that were inspired by the ‘Hanging Gardens of Babylon’. Later you can visit the town of Stresa.

Your guided tour will start from the Castle of the Dukes of Milan, which is said to be the Greatest Renaissance monument in the city. Afterwards you will admire the historic centre with its highlights, first of all the Scala Opera house, one of the most famous theatres in the world.

This excursion takes you along the northern part of the lake to the town of Tirano where we stop for coffee before proceeding into Switzerland and the Maloya Pass with its breathtaking scenery. Good part of this excursion is done with the well-known panoramic Bernina Express train. We take the train in Poschiavo (Switzerland) and continue till Diavolezza (Switzerland),doing one of the nicest section of the Bernina Express Railway. NB: Pasport required

Available from: Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzo and Varenna. All people staying at Varenna have to take the ferry at additional cost, people staying at Lenno have to take local buses or boats at additional cost. This trip by private boat will show you two of the loveliest villas and gardens on Lake Como.Villa Carlotta, in Tremezzo, is renowned for its spectacular botanical gardens with its rare and exotic plants from all over the world. Visit the interiors of this villa built at the end of the 17th century and admire works of art and marble statues by Canova.