100% customisable travel idea
Italian Romance From palace to palace, along the Great Lakes
Italy - Lake District
The round of the lakes
Your journey
Our selection of iconic accommodations - hotels where people once came to dance and relax in good company - is an invitation to experience the art of living in the Great Lakes region. On Lake Maggiore, your palace, set slightly apart from Stresa, offers a splendid view - surely the best - of the Borromean Islands. At Lake Como, we love the Art Deco inspiration of the interiors, the splendid park by the water and the refined tables. At Lake Garda, your stay is synonymous with total refinement, both within the prestigious historic walls of the hotel and in its delightful, tree-filled park. Several highlights stand out in the itinerary: your skip-the-line tickets to explore the Borromean Islands, and a visit to the Sirmione peninsula by boat and with a guide. Other experiences can be added according to your wishes. You have a car at your disposal to explore the region freely, as well as the contact details of our on-site Concierge, reachable throughout your journey.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Pick up your rental car and drive to the western shore of Lake Maggiore. Two-night stay in a palazzo offering breathtaking views of the lake and its beauty, from some of its rooms (including yours, of course!) as well as from its lawn-covered garden. Inside, the establishment spares no expense when it comes to decor: gilding, mirrors, marble, sparkling chandeliers, columns, carpets and opulent curtains… A genuine historic palace, although some parts of the establishment have been modernised to bring them more in line with contemporary tastes.
The most famous of the Italian lakes is also undoubtedly the most majestic. On its shores stand a succession of Belle Époque villas surrounded by lush gardens.
All booked - your fast-track tickets to the Borromean Islands. With their sumptuous palaces and exotic plants, they are little paradises steeped in nostalgia.
Optional: - Spend half a day with a private guide on the Borromean Islands or take a domestic cooking class with an Italian chef, followed by a tasting session.
Drive towards Lake Como, first following the southern shore of Lake Maggiore, then passing through beautiful mountain scenery. A two-night stay at one of Italy's most famous palaces: two hectares of gardens planted with trees that are centuries old, exquisite Art Deco decor, excellent restaurants, a heavenly spa - and the most beautiful view of the lake, according to those in the know.
Tremazzo lies opposite the promontory of Bellagio, with its terraces and promenade dotted with magnificent 19th-century palaces. Thanks to its particularly mild microclimate, Tremezzo and the Great Lakes region became a fashionable destination in the early 19th century, not only for the Milanese but also for French and English travellers on the Grand Tour. Its hills, looking out over the lake and the peaks of the Grigne mountain range, boast citrus and olive groves.
Optional: - A romantic cruise on Lake Como
Drive east towards Lake Garda and check in for two nights on the shores of the lake. The historic building makes a fine impression, and its extensive grounds are wonderfully lush. A feast for the eyes, then. The rooms are perfectly comfortable and well equipped. With their beige and chocolate tones, they are more about understated style than exuberance. In terms of service, there are no complaints, as the establishment has four restaurants and three bars. Everything you need to enjoy yourself without having to go anywhere. A spa and indoor pool complete these amenities.
Just an hour’s drive from your hotel, take the time to visit Lake Iseo, dominated by the majestic silhouette of Monte Isola, a small island with stunning panoramic views of the lake. Climb up to the Madonna della Ceriola sanctuary to enjoy the view, then sit at the counter of an osteria and enjoy a glass of wine.
On the agenda: a tour of the Sirmione peninsula by private boat. Your guide will take you to Piazzale Porto to begin a boat trip along the coast, giving you a unique view of what was once Maria Callas’s villa. You will then see the Aquaria thermal spa, the ruins of an ancient Roman villa, commonly known as the Cave of Catullus, the famous ‘Jamaica’ beach and the sulphurous waters of Boiola. Finally, the boat will pass under the drawbridge of the Castello Scaligero, offering a unique perspective.
Heading west towards Bergamo. Settle in for your final night in an iconic historic building - a 13th-century tower house. The building is splendid. Of course, the stone walls, bricks and magnificent wooden ceilings are part of the décor, but overall the interior design is contemporary and showcases the work of outstanding visual artists. The rooms feature elegant design, with a high level of comfort and amenities. Breakfast is served on site. For your other meals, Bergamo has some suggestions for you.
Optional: A gourmet stroll through the old town.
Less touristy than Verona, Bergamo is nevertheless a beautiful city that you should take the time to explore. The city prospered under the Republic of Venice from the 15th to the 18th century. This has resulted in a wealth of historic monuments, most of which are located in the upper part of the city, known as the Città Alta, which is surrounded by walls and accessible by funicular railway from the Città Bassa. Since your flight isn't until the end of the day, take the opportunity to visit the cathedral, the Cappella Colleoni, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, or the Accademia Carrara. Drive to Milan, return the car, and head back.
À la carte
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
The Borromean Islands in private
The Borromean Islands form a small archipelago on Lake Maggiore. These islands, still owned by the Borromeo family, have become the symbol of the lake and an essential stop for visitors. Three of them can be visited: during your private cruise, you’ll discover Isola Bella, an island transformed into a palace and garden, then the small fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori, and finally Isola Madre, home to a palace and an English-style garden. Optional - With private guide.Cooking with an Italian chef
Meet the chef in Gravellona Toce and go to her home, in the village of Ornavasso - the birthplace of the Walser “movement”. After a tour of the market and an introduction to the products, you’ll prepare a traditional dish together (gnocchi, summer lasagna or risotto) - the chef also creates a starter and a dessert. Then you’ll enjoy the meal together, which finishes with an Italian-style coffee.Romantic cruise on Lake Como
Your exclusive vessel, with its mahogany hull and sleek lines, is aunique boat built in 1961 and owned by your accommodation. After having sailed the waters of the Venetian lagoon for the transport of aristocrats, it was restored by local artisans and brought to Lake Como. Nestled in the Prealpine mountains, it offers the enchanting sight of calm, clear water and lush green banks dotted with colourful little villages. From Bellagio to Menaggio, passing through Cadenabbia and even Varenna, you can savour the mild climate and the delights of the local terroir.
Gourmet stroll in Bergamo
A guided and gourmet walk through the Città Alta, the most aesthetic and captivating district of the city. The charm of the cobbled streets, the quiet views, the tireless funicular, the many centuries-old churches, the hidden food shops: Città Alta never leaves anyone indifferent.
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