Grand Hotel on Lake Como

Fly to Milan and transfer to the Grand Hotel Menaggio for seven nights.

After a welcome meeting, the rest of the morning is free to explore Menaggio. Enjoy an afternoon private boat trip along Lake Como to the 18th-century Villa Balbianello. Built as a cardinal’s literary retreat, in the 1970s it was bought by explorer Count Guido Monzino and is, in part, a museum of memorabilia from his expeditions.
(B)

Choose an easy day or enticing optional excursion, taking you by road to the town of Tirano, and transferring to train tracks at Poschiavo for a scenic spectacular of gorges and glaciers on the Bernina Express to Diavolezza. A short onward journey to St. Moritz gives you free time to view the crystal-clear lake, rub shoulders with the rich and famous, and take in the uber-elegant shops (pre-bookable).
(B)

Day at leisure to explore the surrounding villages.
(B)

A private cruise in the afternoon takes you to Villa Carlotta, whose grand terraces and glorious gardens overlook the lake; enjoy an aperitif on the terrace of the Grand Hotel Menaggio, with views over the water to Bellagio and Varenna.
(B)

A day at leisure or perhaps take a ferry or shuttle boat to the traditional and picturesque villages hugging the shorelines of Lake Como, such as Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo and Lenno (Ferry port is approx. 100 metres away from hotel).
(B)

A day to relax or join either an optional full-day tour on your final day of exploration.

Departure by bus to Gandria, on the border between Italy and Switzerland, one of Ticino's most beautiful
lakeside villages and short stop before embarking the boat for a cruise to Lugano. Arrival in Lugano where you will have time at leisure for exploring this elegant town. Lugano, often referred to as the ‘Rio de Janeiro’ of Switzerland combines the efficiency and elegance of Switzerland with the joie de vivre and friendliness of Italy. The long lakefront was rightly described by Gabriel Faure as ‘the most magnificent bay in all Europe’ and its promenade is well tended with flowers, and adorned by works of sculpture and fountains. The shops and market stalls of Lugano are extremely varied and many are situated among the long arcades and porticos which abound in Lugano. The main Piazza di Riforma is a vibrant meeting place surrounded by 18th-century palazzi. Transfer by bus to Como where you will have some time at leisure to admire its beautiful square facing the lake, the Cathedral with its many masterpieces, walk through the streets of the historic centre. Its proximity to Lake Como and to the Alps has made Como a tourist destination, and the city contains numerous works of art, churches, gardens, museums, theatres, parks, and palaces. Transfer by bus back to the hotel.(pre-bookable)
(B)

Transfer to Milan for your homeward flight.
(B)

Fly to Milan and transfer to the Grand Hotel Menaggio for seven nights.

After a welcome meeting, the rest of the morning is free to explore Menaggio. Enjoy an afternoon private boat trip along Lake Como to the 18th-century Villa Balbianello. Built as a cardinal’s literary retreat, in the 1970s it was bought by explorer Count Guido Monzino and is, in part, a museum of memorabilia from his expeditions.
(B)

Day at leisure to explore the surrounding villages.
(B)

A private cruise in the afternoon takes you to Villa Carlotta, whose grand terraces and glorious gardens overlook the lake; enjoy an aperitif on the terrace of the Grand Hotel Menaggio, with views over the water to Bellagio and Varenna.
(B)

Choose an easy day or enticing optional excursion, taking you by road to the town of Tirano, and transferring to train tracks at Poschiavo for a scenic spectacular of gorges and glaciers on the Bernina Express to Diavolezza. A short onward journey to St. Moritz gives you free time to view the crystal-clear lake, rub shoulders with the rich and famous, and take in the uber-elegant shops (pre-bookable).
(B)

A day at leisure or perhaps take a ferry or shuttle boat to the traditional and picturesque villages hugging the shorelines of Lake Como, such as Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo and Lenno (Ferry port is approx. 100 metres away from hotel).
(B)

A day to relax or join either an optional full-day tour on your final day of exploration.

Departure by bus to Gandria, on the border between Italy and Switzerland, one of Ticino's most beautiful
lakeside villages and short stop before embarking the boat for a cruise to Lugano. Arrival in Lugano where you will have time at leisure for exploring this elegant town. Lugano, often referred to as the ‘Rio de Janeiro’ of Switzerland combines the efficiency and elegance of Switzerland with the joie de vivre and friendliness of Italy. The long lakefront was rightly described by Gabriel Faure as ‘the most magnificent bay in all Europe’ and its promenade is well tended with flowers, and adorned by works of sculpture and fountains. The shops and market stalls of Lugano are extremely varied and many are situated among the long arcades and porticos which abound in Lugano. The main Piazza di Riforma is a vibrant meeting place surrounded by 18th-century palazzi. Transfer by bus to Como where you will have some time at leisure to admire its beautiful square facing the lake, the Cathedral with its many masterpieces, walk through the streets of the historic centre. Its proximity to Lake Como and to the Alps has made Como a tourist destination, and the city contains numerous works of art, churches, gardens, museums, theatres, parks, and palaces. Transfer by bus back to the hotel.(pre-bookable)
(B)

Transfer to Milan for your homeward flight.
(B)