THE PEARLS OF LAKE COMO

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 guests to its shores with a one-of-a-kind combination of architectural marvels, artistic treasures, gastronomic specialities and, above all, 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 from Milan. Your private chauffeur will meet you outside your accommodation and drive you to the beguiling town of Varenna. Here your guide will be waiting ready to lead you on a tour of two of Lake Como’s best-loved resorts.

Your day begins with a visit to Villa Monastero. Originally built as a medieval Cistercian convent, in an ideal location for spiritual contemplation, the premises were transformed into a private mansion in the 1600s. Today the villa hosts a fascinating house museum, displaying original period furnishings and artworks collected throughout the centuries by its different owners. Favourable microclimatic conditions allow a wide variety of exotic plants and arboreal rarities to thrive in the splendid gardens that border the lake, together with Mediterranean shrubs, citrus trees and flowers. American palms and agaves, a Montezuma pine, a Himalayan cedar, Chinese wisteria and English roses can be found in this treasure trove of botanical wonders, punctuated by statues, fountains, a loggia and a tempietto.

A leisurely stroll through the town centre 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.

Next, hop aboard a taxi boat and sail to nearby Bellagio, the celebrated “pearl of the lake”. After some free time for lunch explore the ravishing gardens of Villa Melzi. First built as the summer residence of politician Francesco Melzi d’Eril, friend of Napoleon and vice president of the Italian Republic from 1802 to 1805, the Neoclassical-style villa is owned today by a local aristocratic family. Although the interiors are not accessible to the public, guests may take a scenic walk through the grounds designed by architect Luigi Canonica and agronomist Luigi Villoresi in the early 1800s. Once a favourite haunt of the composer Franz Lizst, perhaps he had this very oasis in mind when he gave the following tip to the author Louis de Ronchaud in 1837: “When you write the story of two happy lovers, place them on the shores of Lake Como. I do not know of any land so conspicuously blessed by heaven”. Here you may amble along winding paths, flanked by statues, flower beds and centuries-old trees, admire a range of exotic plants such as Ginkgo Biloba, Bamboo and Japanese maples, feast your eyes on colourful camellias and azaleas and saunter around the oriental-style pond.

Your guide will then lead you up to the heart of Bellagio. After an introduction to the history of the town and its major landmarks, you may take some free time to browse around boutiques and craft shops.

Your private chauffeur will be waiting at the parking area in Bellagio ready to drive you back to your accommodation in Milan.