The Italian Lakes - Gardens & Villas of Como and Maggiore

One has to go far to find a more perfect and peaceful landscape than the shores of Lake Como, where this tour is based. Tranquil, serene and timeless, the mountains that fringe the crystal waters provide a dramatic backdrop as do the countless pristine villas that stretch up the hillsides from the lake shores. These villas that have been built over the centuries by wealthy Milanese families have superb gardens which we will visit during the tour. A visit to the shores of Lake Maggiore, quite different in atmosphere from Lake Como, completes this discovery of one of the most beautiful regions of Italy.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - ARRIVING AT THE LAKESIDE TOWN OF COMO
We fly from Heathrow to Milan before transferring to the lakeside town of Como where we stay at the 4 star Hotel Terminus for the duration of the tour. The Terminus is a small, privately-owned hotel located in the heart of the town. A 19th century property in Art Nouveau style, it has been recently refurbished and has a large hall with a painted ceiling. The attractive bar leads on to a terrace with views of the lake and the surrounding hills.

DAY 2 - VISITING COMO AND BELLAGIO
After a morning walking tour of Como, we travel by hydrofoil to Bellagio, known as the ‘Pearl of the lake’. At the Villa Melzi exotic species thrive in the warm climate – the garden is renowned in spring time for its riotous display of azaleas.

DAY 3 - VILLA CARLOTTA AND VILLA BALBIANELLO
We drive to Villa Carlotta which was built in the 17th century and spreads over 14 acres that tumble down to the water’s edge. We then take a private boat to Villa Balbianello which sits on a promontory in an impossibly romantic setting.

DAY 4 - LAKE MAGGIORE
We spend the day at Stresa, the principal town on the shores of Lake Maggiore. We will visit the beautiful Borromean Islands by boat and at Isola Bella will explore a magnificent palace surrounded by terraced gardens. At Isola Madre, we see brightly coloured annuals and other exotic species flourishing around a romantic unfinished villa. Lunch is included today.

DAY 5 - VILLA CICOGNA AND VILLA DELLA PORTA BOZZOLO
Today we visit two stately villas with elegant interiors and formal gardens. First is the Villa Cicogna which is still owned and lived in by the ancestors of the family who built it in the 15th century. Our second garden is at the Villa della Porta Bozzolo. It clings to a steep hill leading from the centre of the village of Casalzuigno. Lunch at the Villa Cicogna is included.

DAY 6 - VISITING CERNOBIO
We will take the ferry the short distance to Cernobio where we’ll enjoy lunch at the fabulous Villa D’Este, one of the finest hotels in Italy. The afternoon is free for independent exploration; ferries depart from close to the hotel to numerous towns.

DAY 7 - DEPARTURE DAY AND MONZA CATHEDRAL
On our way to the airport we will visit Monza Cathedral to see the famous Iron Crown of Lombardy used at the coronation of the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry VII in 1312.