NORTHERN STARS

Whether you approach this enchanting city by land or sea, your first glimpse of Venice will take your breath away. Once a powerful maritime republic which ruled supreme over Mediterranean trade routes, Venice continues to conquer visitors from far and wide drawing them into her net. Get ready for your capture on this entrancing orientation tour. Your private guide will meet you at your accommodation and lead you on a trail through Venice’s exquisite tracery of waterways and lacework facades, animated with true tales and snippets about the places you pass.

Venice is an archipelago of one hundred and eighteen tiny islands probably first inhabited by refugees escaping from nearby Roman cities, such as Padua, Treviso and Altino, during the Barbarian invasions in the 5th century AD. The city grew under the influence of Byzantium, flourished in the Middle Ages and reached the peak of its splendour during the Renaissance when it became a thriving commercial, cultural and artistic hub.

Make your way to St. Mark’s Square, once the heart of Venice’s political and religious life and today the main tourist attraction of this fabulous floating city. When you reach this wonderful piazza you will be standing in what Napoleon called “the finest salon in Europe” which does indeed appear to be a stunning hall of stone lined with remarkable historic buildings: the Basilica in all its Byzantine glory; the Renaissance clock tower proclaiming the city’s unrivalled wealth and prestige; the elegant arcades of the Procuratie; Sansovino’s ornate Loggetta; the Doge’s Palace, presiding regally over the Serenissima.

Located at the eastern end of the square, St. Mark’s Basilica was originally the doges’ personal place of worship. It was not until 1807, when it became the seat of the Patriarch of Venice, that this private chapel was converted into the city’s cathedral, and henceforth became a public marvel for all to enjoy. Step inside to hear how the construction of the building one thousand years ago was intricately bound up with a theft and the survivors of a storm at sea. The church’s magnificently decorated interior, with its marble inlays, finely carved capitals, jewel-studded altarpiece and, above all, glimmering mosaics covering 8,000 square metres of vaults and domes is an uplifting spectacle that never fails to impress.

Intriguing tales of scandal and conspiracies await you inside the Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the Venetian rulers and a feat of Gothic architecture. Follow your guide through the splendid marble courtyard, up the gold-vaulted staircase, past the doges’ private apartments into the Hall of the Great Council. Here, you will gain a better understanding of the city’s political institutions and take a close look at the priceless works of art by local painters that embellish the walls. An allegorical depiction of the Triumph of Venice by Veronese will draw your gaze to the ceiling while on the wall behind the doge’s throne you will see one of the widest canvas paintings in the world, the Paradise, created by Jacopo Tintoretto and his son Domenico between 1588 and 1592. To this duo we also owe the portraits of Venice’s first 76 doges represented on the frieze that runs beneath the ceiling. A macabre tale will explain why one of these paintings has been replaced with a black veil.

Grand monuments, graceful sculptures and decorative reliefs will amaze you as you saunter across the city’s squares and wander through its maze of narrow alleys, over fairy-tale bridges, along its celebrated canals. Busy workshops and bustling markets are as much a part of the Venetian cityscape as its elegant palazzi and pretty courtyards. A visit to the lively Rialto quarter, for almost 1,000 years the financial and commercial heart of the Serenissima, will let you feel the pulse of daily life in Venice, both past and present. Indeed from here it only takes a tiny step of the imagination to glimpse the sights and scents of exotic wares and oriental spices that merchants of old would have traded on this very spot. As you feast your eyes on brightly coloured displays of succulent, seasonal produce and a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood, your guide will paint a vivid picture of the scene in medieval times, when this site was Europe’s most important business centre.

For centuries visitors to the lagoon have been mesmerized by the city’s magical mix of water, stone and light. Past travellers have tried to capture its fascination in many ways describing Venice as a jewel, a masterpiece, a repository of consolations, a box of chocolate liqueurs. However it strikes you, there’s no arguing with Petrarch who, back in the 14th century called it a “mundus alter” – another world.

After the tour spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Leave the tourist bustle of the city centre and sail off to explore two of the most popular Venetian islands on a half-day boat excursion. As repositories of the lagoon’s centuries-old traditions and manufacturing heritage, Murano and Burano play an essential role in your Venice experience. Don’t miss the chance to discover the history and customs of these magical islands and plunge into their timeless, dream-like atmosphere.

After breakfast meet your private guide and water chauffeur at your hotel and reach the first port of call on your lagoon excursion: Murano. Its 5,500 residents are proud guardians of the island’s long and still-thriving tradition dating back to 1291, when glass artisans were forced to move their kilns here from Venice because of fire risks. In a city of predominantly wooden buildings the profusion of glass-fusing ovens posed a constant threat. However this wasn’t the only reason that led Venice’s officials to relocate glass makers to Murano. Fear that the secrets of the trade might become known to potential rivals was just as dangerous, and possibly more so, than fires. By confining glass workers to a remote island, the republic sought to control glass production and trade and, most of all, to ensure that glass making techniques would remain a Venetian monopoly. The art of glass making helped publicise the island’s fame worldwide and it was the talented masters working here who produced the first Venetian crystal. This delicate, elegant material was highly prized and techniques of the craft were closely guarded secrets, the betrayal of which was once punishable by death. Today, however, you are free to watch glass blowers at work and see for yourself at close quarters how these Venetian craftspeople deftly pull from the furnace and model a dazzling array of splendid artefacts employing skills passed down through generations. These include wine stoppers, jewelry, vases, chandeliers and so much more.

After a pleasant walk in Murano rejoin your water chauffeur and set off for Burano, a quiet fishing village of about 2,300 residents, well known for its lace making industry. The origins of Venetian lace are lost in the mists of time. Legend has it that a fisherman went out to sea a few days before his wedding and encountered a group of mermaids while fishing. So love-stricken with his betrothed was he that the mermaids’ charms and songs failed to bewitch him. Impressed with the young man’s utter devotion, the mermaids decided to reward him with a magnificent piece of cloth embroidered by the froth of the waves. On their wedding day the fisherman gave the cloth to his delighted bride who immediately set about creating another similar piece of cloth… and that’s how the famed Burano lace was born.

Here you will admire a range of lovingly handcrafted goods including doilies, tablecloths, handkerchiefs, wedding veils and babies’ booties expertly woven by lace artisans using the same techniques as their ancestors in the 1600s, which is when Burano’s popularity spread across Europe. Intricate and beautifully stitched Burano lace creations were in high demand with nobles and royalties as attested by portrait paintings of illustrious personalities wearing outlandishly fancy lace finery. It is said that King Louis XIV wore a Burano lace collar for his coronation and the inventory of the English Queen Elizabeth I’s wardrobe provides evidence of her love of Venetian lace.

The striking polychrome homes of the islanders and the shifting hues reflected in the water are another typical feature of this uncannily beautiful spot which has long attracted landscape artists. The tradition of painting houses in highly-saturated hues may well be related to the island’s history as a fishing village. The bright colours which once helped fishermen to navigate through the fog and find their way back home are today a life-size canvas beckoning the modern visitor into the frame.

After a tranquil morning on these charming islands, you’ll be ready to cruise back to the hectic flurry of Venice again. Happy sailing!

In the afternoon, following lunch and time at leisure, reach the dock, hop aboard a gondola and soak up the unique atmosphere of Venice on a magical ride with your private gondolier. As you glide along the shimmering waters of the city’s enchanting canals, past lacework facades, under fairy-tale bridges, the breathtaking views of the lagoon may seem like aspects of a dream… but this is a reverie come true.

After the gondola ride spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

After breakfast and check out your private water chauffeur will pick you up at your hotel and transport you to Piazzale Roma. From here a 1-hour 20-minute drive will bring you to Ferrara. Your guide will be waiting at the meeting point ready to accompany you on a journey back in time to the city’s age of splendour.

The history of Ferrara is inextricably linked to the reign of the powerful Este family, who governed the city from 1242 to 1597. As passionate art lovers, collectors and patrons, the enlightened members of the Este dynasty attracted some of the most prominent talents of their time, fostering the development of schools of painting, ambitious city plans, chivalric literature and music, thus paving the way for Ferrara to become a thriving cultural hub. Masters such as Andrea Mantegna, Giovanni Bellini and Piero della Francesca took up residence at the court of Ferrara, while the city’s university, founded as far back as 1391, drew academics and scholars of the calibre of Ludovico Ariosto, Copernicus and Paracelsus.

As you explore the historic centre, you will certainly notice its beautifully preserved Renaissance urban fabric. We owe Ferrara’s present appearance to the genius of architect Biagio Rossetti who was entrusted with the planning of Ferrara’s expansion by Duke Ercole I d’Este in 1484. The resulting “Erculean Addition” is reputed to be among the most outstanding examples of Renaissance urban design, and has, since 1995, earned Ferrara a place among UNESCO’s Heritages Sites.

The trail will lead you past the striking Palazzo dei Diamanti, a true masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. The building derives its name from the 8,500 marble ashlars jutting from its facades, carved in the shape of precious stones. According to legend, an authentic diamond, placed here by Ercole I and taken from his own crown, is still hidden within the walls of the palazzo. It is said that the Duke’s master builder, the sole repository of his lord’s secret, had his tongue removed and his eyes put out to ensure that the jewel would remain concealed forever. A little knowledge is indeed a dangerous thing!

Amble along Corso Ercole I D’Este and reach the city’s most famous landmark, the imposing Estense Castle. In 1385, following a vehement uprising against tax increases, Niccolò II d’Este was urged to erect mighty defences to protect himself and his family from their subjects. Originally built as a military fortress, the castle was later turned into a magnificent princely residence and embellished with roof terraces, marble balustrades, sumptuous frescoes and a Renaissance-style courtyard. The sound of horses’ hooves, the clang of knights’ armour and the clink of prisoners’ chains still resonate as you cross the drawbridge over the medieval moat. The kitchen, private apartments, chapel and prison cells are still on view to the public allowing visitors a unique glimpse into the daily life and hidden intrigues of the royal court. Your guide will show you around the halls and animate your visit with gripping tales of ill-fated lovers, ambitious rulers and vengeful conspirators who played out their destinies within these walls.

A leisurely stroll will allow you to discover many of Ferrara’s picture-postcard landmarks: Piazza Duomo, graced by the stunning Gothic-Romanesque Cathedral of St. George; Piazza Trento e Trieste, for eight hundred years the heart of the city’s social and commercial life; the Palazzo Municipale, the Este family’s former residence and today the seat of the Town Hall. Not to be missed are also the characteristic arched alleys, fascinating survivors of medieval Ferrara.

After the tour and free time for lunch rejoin your driver and reach your hotel in Bologna where you will be staying for 3 nights. Following check in spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Enjoy the best of Bologna on this hands-on cooking class. Gourmands will discover the city’s tastiest secrets and find out why Bologna has rightfully gained the uncontested reputation as Italy’s gastronomic capital.

Your day begins with a visit to one of the city’s food markets. Here you will become familiar with the daily rituals of the locals, shop for the ingredients needed for the cooking class and stop along the way to taste several delicacies. As you amble past the stalls brimming with endless rows of fresh produce, cheese and charcuterie, your teacher will explain the origins of the products that you see and show you how to select prime quality, seasonal ingredients.

Next, make your way through Bologna’s winding streets and reach your host’s kitchen. In a relaxing atmosphere, under her watchful, friendly eye, you will learn how to concoct a delicious Italian meal using simple, reliable techniques. Depending on the day of the week, the season and the personal taste of her guests, recipes might consist of traditional Bolognese platters, classic Emilian specialities reinterpreted with your instructor’s very own creative twist or other Italian regional dishes.

After the cooking class take a seat around the dinner table and feast on the meal you just prepared… Buon appetito!

In the afternoon explore Bologna’s historic centre and discover the city’s rich cultural legacy on a private guided tour. Bologna’s origins date back to the Etruscan era but this centre grew and flourished in the Middle Ages when a burgeoning economy led to a steady expansion and a series of towers, erected by wealthy families wishing to make a show of their prestige, sprouted across the city. Approximately one hundred of them looked out on Bologna in the 13th century and twenty-two still stand guard today. Your guide will lead you on a carefully planned trail past arcaded walkways, basilicas, palazzi and case-torri that together make up one of the country’s finest medieval cityscapes.

A multifaceted city, Bologna has earned many epithets: “la Rossa” (The Red) refers to the red terracotta bricks of its buildings and to the city’s left-wing political stance; “la Dotta” (The Learned) as it is home to the world’s oldest university, founded in 1088, which boasts a long list of famous students and professors; “la Grassa” (The Well-Fed), a nod to the city’s celebrated cuisine, internationally-renowned for its tortellini, ragu sauce and charcuterie. Popular song lyrics have nicknamed the city “la Vecchia Signora” (The Old Lady) since Bologna sags with history from every corner and one may still feel, see and touch its ancient texture.

The imposing 16th century bronze statue of Neptune welcomes visitors to Piazza Nettuno and the adjoining Piazza Maggiore, the very heart of Bologna, where the most important events in the history of the city unfolded over the last eight hundred years. Your guide will point out the amazingly well-preserved medieval structures which were once the seat of government, city hall, notaries’ guild and banking centre. This square was witness to a series of happenings, both glorious and gory – from an imperial incoronation to public executions – about which you will learn as you pause here.

The majestic Basilica of San Petronio, dedicated to the city’s patron saint and one of the world’s largest Christian churches, dominates the piazza. Construction began in the late 1300s and, although it took three centuries to gain its present appearance, it is still – beautifully – incomplete, as evidenced by its facade, half marble and half brick. Don’t miss the bas-reliefs that frame the main portal, representing prophets and biblical stories, as well as a lunette with a Madonna and Child, Saint Ambrose and Saint Petronius, all the work of Renaissance sculptor Jacopo della Quercia. Step inside to admire the church’s richly decorated chapels and marvel at the achievements of astronomer Giovanni Cassini who designed the longest indoor sundial in the world. This 67-metre-long time device, created in the mid-17th century, still indicates the solar noon throughout the year with astounding accuracy.

A leisurely stroll through the centro storico will allow you to discover many of Bologna’s iconic landmarks, including the Archiginnasio, the former seat of the university, and the monumental monastic complex of Santo Stefano, famous for its labyrinth of intercommunicating churches, originally designed to symbolically reproduce a journey through the sites of Christ’s passion. Not to be missed are also the stunning leaning Towers of Asinelli and Garisenda, which have been looming over the city since the 12th century.

As you make your way through the city’s maze of streets you will certainly notice a famous feature of Bologna’s cityscape – its porticoes. Thirty-eight kilometres of covered sidewalks shelter visitors on rainy days and were originally built with the aim of allowing extra room to be added to the buildings’ second storeys without having to occupy public outdoor spaces.

After the tour spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Get ready for your rendezvous with the Prancing Horse and the Raging Bull on this full-day excursion to the Motor Valley. You will learn all about the triumphs and revolutionary innovations of two of Italy’s most celebrated automotive myths and experience the excitement of driving a Ferrari.

After breakfast meet your private driver in Bologna and set off for Maranello. Here, on a private tour led by an official guide from the Ferrari Museum, you will get to know the history behind this famous sports car brand, from its founding in 1947, through the creative and engineering developments of the following decades, to the recent victories of its Formula One racing cars. You will also hear about the life of Ferrari’s creator, the automotive visionary Enzo Ferrari. Born in Modena in 1898, Mr Ferrari devoted his entire life to designing and building sports cars. He discovered his passion for racing at the age of 10, when his father took him to watch a competition at a motor racing circuit in Bologna. Rejected as an employee by FIAT, Enzo Ferrari did not admit defeat and ended up developing his very own racing cars which would become one of the world’s most sought after sports car brands, a symbol of luxury and affluence for generations of drivers. A stubborn, ambitious, successful entrepreneur, Enzo Ferrari is known for his inspiring and provocative statements: “If you can dream it, you can do it”; “No one remembers who took second place and that will never be me”; “Race cars are neither beautiful nor ugly. They become beautiful when they win”.

On display you will see exclusive creations for track and road together with engines, trophies, photographs and memorabilia relating to the motor racing industry. The museum also hosts a Ferrari store selling official merchandise, including clothing for men, women and children, model cars, mugs and caps.

Next, it’s time to slip into the driver’s seat of a Ferrari, buckle your belt and live your long-wished-for Italian dream. After a technical briefing with an instructor, you will have the opportunity to test drive a Ferrari. Enjoy the riveting sensation of driving through the streets of Maranello behind the steering wheel of this iconic, epoch-making motorsport legend. Your instructor will sit next to you on the passenger seat throughout the test drive so as to ensure a safe, smooth experience.

After some free time for lunch in the quaint town of Castelvetro di Modena, head for the Lamborghini plant. The history of Lamborghini Automobili officially began in 1963 when audacious entrepreneur Ferruccio Lamborghini debuted at the Turin Motor Show with his ground-breaking 350 GTV. Since then the creations of this trend-setting manufacturer have been enthusing the world of super sports cars with their cutting-edge design and exquisite craftsmanship. Lamborghinis need to be instantly recognisable so Mr Lamborghini devised a simple but effective method to evaluate the impact his cars had on the public as he drove along: if people at the sides of the road did not turn around in astonishment and admiration, it meant the car was simply not attractive enough. He also had the idea of naming his models after breeds of fighting bulls – aggressive, dynamic and intrepid, just like his cars.

Car lovers will visit the original factory founded by Ferruccio in Sant’Agata Bolognese and find out how Lamborghini cars are made. A guided group tour will lead you across the assembly line of the Huracán, past the production line of the V12 engine and Aventador, right to the upholstery department. As you will have the chance to see, every single detail, from the chassis to the gearbox, from the suspensions to the leather seats, is forged with passion, finesse and the utmost precision. Once the tour is over, you may independently explore the museum, which features a small but amazing collection of vehicles, including the exclusive Asterion, the few-off Centenario and vintage models.

Relax on the return ride to your accommodation in Bologna after your magical motoring experience.

After breakfast and check out meet your private driver outside your hotel in Bologna and relax on the ride to Milan. En route, learn more about Emilia Romagna’s gastronomic specialities on visits to a balsamic vinegar producer and a Prosciutto di Parma factory.

A 1-hour drive will bring you to a renowned acetaia, where you will discover the history and production methods of traditional balsamic vinegar, which can only be made in the areas of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Top quality vinegar is the fruit of a long history of tried and tested techniques passed down over decades. The earliest recorded reference to balsamic vinegar – created centuries ago as a medicine and disinfectant – occurred in a 1046 poem, which noted that a bottle was donated as a gift to Emperor Henry III himself. From curing sore throats and labour pain in the Middle Ages to becoming a prime condiment in Emilian cuisine, balsamic vinegar has taken gigantic strides. Soak up some of the secrets behind its production as a member of staff explains the various stages in its creation – from the selection of vines, through the hand harvesting of crops, to the ageing process in wooden barrels which are used to perfect the aroma and taste of this elixir.

A visit to the laboratory and cellar of a cured meat factory will follow. Here you will find out what sets Prosciutto di Parma apart from other types of ham. Specially bred pigs, the uncontaminated air, the beneficial effects of time and the salty wind blowing from the Ligurian sea, all contribute to the creation of this world-acclaimed speciality. Prosciutto di Parma is made by rubbing and massaging the hind legs of pork with a quantity of salt proportionate to the weight of the meat. After the ham has been salted, it is washed, dried and left to age in cellars for twelve months, without adding nitrates. Little has changed since ancient Roman times, as attested by the earliest reference to Parma ham dating to the 2nd century BC, when Cato the Censor first mentioned the exquisite flavour and production techniques of air-cured ham in his treaty on agriculture.

After the visits rejoin your driver and reach your hotel in Milan where you will be staying for 2 nights. Following check in spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Known the world over as Italy’s stylish fashion capital and thriving business centre, Milan boasts a fascinating, thousand-year-old history and is home to an impressive wealth of archaeological, artistic and architectural treasures. See the very best of this northern gem on a private tour of the city centre.

First founded in the 6th century BC by a Celtic tribe, the ancient village of Medhelan was conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BC and named Mediolanum, meaning “in the midst of the plain”. Capital of the Western Roman Empire from 286 to 402 AD, in its long history Milan has played a critical role in a host of social and political dramas. In medieval times the city’s fortunes waxed and waned: dark times of conquest and invasion were interspersed with fruitful periods of peace and prosperity. The city reached extraordinary artistic heights in the 15th century, when the enlightened patrons of the ruling Sforza family hired masterful Renaissance artists, including Leonardo Da Vinci and Donato Bramante, and sprinkled the city with astounding works of art. Your guide will lead you past Milan’s main attractions and highlight the key moments in the city’s past, from its early beginnings up to the latest urban projects, allowing you to gain an overview of Milan’s development throughout the ages.

You will begin your day exploring the remarkable Duomo, a masterpiece of Gothic workmanship and the 6th largest Christian Church in the world. Construction work began in 1386 and, since its completion – which took almost six centuries – it has entranced visitors from far and wide. One very impressed 19th century tourist was Mark Twain: “What a wonder it is! So grand, so solemn, so vast! And yet so delicate, so airy, so graceful! […] a miracle! – an anthem sung in stone, a poem wrought in marble!” Look up at the cathedral’s magnificent facade, brimming with statues of saints, monstrous gargoyles, pinnacles and buttresses while your guide retraces the history behind this architectural marvel and points out its most striking features. You will get to know the names of the illustrious patrons who gave impulse to this enterprise and the triumphs of the talented craftsmen whose priceless works still grace its walls. From the visionary projects of 14th century Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti to the royal coronation of Napoleon as King of Italy in 1805, the Duomo has witnessed – and embodied – hundreds of years of Milanese ambitions.

After admiring the splendid interior, housing precious stained glass windows, paintings and sculptures, climb down the time-travel staircase and find yourself hurtled into a bygone era. Indeed, hidden almost four metres beneath the Duomo’s floor lie the subterranean remains of a 1,600-year-old baptistery where Milan’s patron Saint Ambrose is said to have baptised Saint Augustine in 387 AD. Your all-round exploration of the cathedral will end on the panoramic rooftop terraces, offering unparalleled views of the Milanese skyline. From here you will also gain a closer look at the myriad of fantastic marble creatures that populate the Duomo’s spires as well as the much-loved gleaming Madonnina, bestowing her blessings on the city since 1774.

A leisurely stroll through the city centre will allow you to discover many of Milan’s picture postcard landmarks. Your guide will certainly show you around the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a 19th century glass vaulted arcade lined with voguish boutiques and cafes, which can honestly claim to be one of the oldest shopping centres on earth – a noteworthy record for the capital of glamour. You will also discover the significant contribution of Milan to the world of music as you amble past the legendary 18th century La Scala theatre, a milestone in the history of opera, where innumerable premieres by Italy’s greatest composers were staged. No less astounding are the city’s triumphs in the development of military engineering and its past and ongoing reputation for fostering the most brilliant talents on the art scene, as you will learn as you gaze out on the 15th century red-brick Sforza Castle, once the residence of the powerful ruling family.

After the tour spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast and check out meet your driver outside your hotel in Milan and relax on the ride to your hotel on Lake Como. En route, stop to enjoy a private tour of Como. Your guide will be waiting at the meeting point ready to lead you on a trail through Como’s elegant streets, across charming piazzas, inside splendid churches, while filling you in on the history of this lakeside town. From its early days as an ancient Roman colony, through its rise in the Renaissance as a prosperous trading hub and major silk production centre, to today’s glamorous role as Italy’s prime tourist destination… you’ll have 2,000 years to cover.

You begin your day with a visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the pride of Como, boasting a brilliant blend of different artistic styles, stretching from the Middles Ages through to the Renaissance and Baroque eras. Construction work started in 1396 and ended more than three hundred years later, in 1740, when architect Filippo Juvarra crowned the queen of Como’s churches with an imposing dome. The 14th century facade is a Gothic marvel featuring elaborately sculpted portals, pinnacles, stone carvings and a rose window. Before stepping inside don’t forget to pay homage to two prominent ancient Roman residents of Como, Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger, who surprise visitors with their welcome from either side of the main entrance, a gesture traditionally performed by saints. The interior proudly safeguards 16th and 17th century tapestries made in Ferrara, Florence and Antwerp, together with paintings by masters Bernardino Luini and Gaudenzio Ferrari, a precious wooden altar from the 1500s and 19th century stained glass windows.

Another of Como’s landmarks, the polychromatic Broletto, has been sitting sedately in the same square of Piazza Duomo ever since 1215. Formerly the seat of Como’s town hall, this building is situated right next to the grandiose cathedral, material evidence of the close connection between religious and political power in the Middle Ages. In 1477 the unfortunate Broletto suffered a reduction in size in order to make room for an enlargement of the cathedral – a heartfelt blow for lay institutions.

From here make your way through Como’s alleys, taking in the sights of handsome palazzi, on a quest for some of the town’s most striking monuments. You will certainly come across the Church of San Fedele, whose simple Romanesque facade conceals a graciously decorated interior, the 40-metre-high Porta Torre erected in 1192 as a defence against enemy attacks, and the extraordinarily well preserved portions of medieval walls. Not to be missed are also the Neoclassical-style facade of the Teatro Sociale and the Casa del Fascio, an example of 1930s rationalist architecture.

After some free time for lunch rejoin your driver and reach your hotel on Lake Como where you will be staying for 3 nights. Following check in spend the rest of the day at leisure.

From ancient Roman celebrities to contemporary Hollywood stars, no one has been able to resist the allure of Lake Como. A timeless tourist destination, after 2,000 years this heavenly spot keeps luring prominent visitors to its shores with a one-of-a-kind combination of architectural marvels, artistic treasures and fabulous landscapes. Set at the foot of the Rhaetian Alps, Lake Como is the third largest Italian lake, the deepest and unarguably the most spectacular. Its shoreline is studded with a succession of charming sights: dark green forested slopes rising against a backdrop of majestic snow-covered peaks, lush terraced gardens cascading right down to the waters, pretty towns sprinkled with pastel-hued buildings, lakeshore restaurants shaded by blooming pergolas. Soak up the beauties of Lake Como on this full-day excursion. In the morning you will enjoy a boat ride followed by visits to the two lakeside towns of Varenna and Bellagio. In the afternoon you will explore a historic villa surrounded by splendid botanical gardens.

After breakfast meet your private guide in your hotel lobby and together join your skipper down on the dock. Sit back and relax as he takes the helm and unveils some of Lake Como’s famous addresses. Poet Percy Shelley navigated these waters, enjoying the very same sights you admire today, while he cruised from Como to Tremezzina: “The union of culture and the untameable profusion and loveliness of nature is here so close that the line where they are divided can hardly be discovered”, he noted in a letter dated 1818. Here natural beauty, botanical rarities and elegant architecture merge perfectly, creating one of Italy’s finest scenes. You will glide past the tiny Comacina Island, sail by the privately owned exclusive Villa La Cassinella, glimpse views of Villa del Balbianello’s marvellous gardens and dock at Varenna.

A leisurely stroll through this beguiling town will follow. You will weave your way up steep stone stairways lined with shops, cosy cafes and flowering balconies, step inside the 14th century Church of San Giorgio to see its precious frescoes, and take in stunning views by the waterfront promenade, romantically named passeggiata degli innamorati – lover’s walk.

Later, cruise towards Bellagio, also known as the “pearl of the lake”. After some free time for lunch you will be led up to the heart of the old town and discover its history and major landmarks on a pleasant walk with your guide.

The final stop on your tour will bring you to Villa Carlotta. Built between 1690 and 1743 for the pleasure-seeking marquis Giorgio Clerici, the villa now houses an exquisite museum. Sculpted masterpieces by Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen are on display together with a fine collection of paintings, cameos, furniture and decorative pieces from the mid-19th century. The eight-hectare neighbouring garden is a triumph of colour and variety and provides a magnificent backdrop to the palazzo. Five hundred different botanical species, including azaleas, rhododendrons, palms, tropical plants and aromatic herbs flourish in this romantic oasis, rated among Italy’s most beautiful gardens by prestigious local and international magazines.

After visiting the villa and grounds return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Have you ever wondered which wine George Clooney likes to drink on Lake Como? Discover it along a special biking itinerary! You will have the opportunity to visit a one-of-a-kind agriturismo on Lake Como, one of the very few places that produces wine in the area, and it’s family owned and managed!

Great food, the local elixir, a friendly environment and a fabulous panorama… what could be better than savouring all of this after an energising bike ride?

After breakfast you will meet your guide at your hotel, hop on your bike and start cycling toward the northern tip of the lake for a 28 kilometre one-way ride on traffic-free roads and paths. The terrain is mixed between bike paths, old mule tracks and lakeside trails, with a continuous up and down elevation and constant lake views as you pass through old villages and hidden streets.

The bike ride will end at an agriturismo, set in an enchanting hillside location offering superb views of the lake below. Founded in 1997 by a dedicated husband-and-wife team, this farm aims at promoting the heritage and flavours of this idyllic corner of Lombardy by reviving native grape varieties of Verdesa and Rosseia. Ubiquitous and international Sangiovese and Merlot are also cultivated to please the palate of a satisfied and ever-growing clientele. Here IGT designated red, white and rosé wines are created along with extra virgin olive oil, grappa and blueberry liqueur.

Upon arrival take a seat on the outdoor patio and lap up the wonderful panorama while you enjoy a delicious meal accompanied with the estate’s wines.

In the early afternoon your chauffeur will pick you up and drive you back to your hotel where you may spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast and check out, which will take place before 10:00 or 11:00 AM, meet your private driver outside your hotel and head for the airport or your next travel destination.