Stay at the stunningly beautiful centre of Italy's most exclusive lake with included cruises to its villas - relax or explore by boat, bus and train
(limited dates/availability)
(limited dates/availability)
19 October 2019
Lake Como remains the most elegant of the Italian lakes. Its golden age came in the 19th century when its romantic scenery and equitable climate attracted the likes of Queen Victoria, Flaubert, Tennyson and Liszt, but centuries earlier it was favoured by Julius Caesar and both Pliny's were born here. Today, George Clooney and Donatella Versace are amongst the celebrities who own secluded villas, whilst the lakeside towns with their houses of pastel pinks and yellows make the area a highly sought after film location.
Lake Como takes its dreamlike atmosphere from flower-filled gardens reflected in the water, secluded villas, little lakeside towns with steep narrow streets, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the southern Alps. Cruising the lake itself is a rewarding experience allowing fine views and different perspectives, a photographer's paradise!
Shaped in the form of an inverted 'Y', the northern end and the Lecco arm reveal dramatic peaks. Charming towns and villas set against a backdrop both less rugged and more genteel populate the Como arm.
Lake cruises are included to two of the most famous 18th century villas: elegant Villa Carlotta, with beautiful sculptures and abundant gardens; stunningly located Villa del Balbianello, once a home of the Visconti family and the Italian mountaineer Guido Monzino, and now the setting for celebrity weddings and films such as 'Star Wars' and 'Casino Royale'.
Grand Hotel Menaggio has been a favourite of Jules Verne guests for more than 20 years. The small town of Menaggio lies in the scenic central area of Lake Como with a range of restaurants, cafés, shops and regular ferry and bus services.
Classic Resort
Historical Hotel
No Single Supplement
Solo Group Departures
Local Expert Guides
Guaranteed Departure
Group Size: 2 - 30
Enjoy an afternoon cruise on the lake by private launch, sailing past Varenna, Bellagio and Lenno to visit Villa Carlotta and gardens. Enjoy a drink at the historic Grand Hotel Cadenabbia overlooking the lake. A further cruise to Villa del Balbianello for a guided tour.
Day 1 Fly from Heathrow to Milan and transfer to the Grand Hotel Menaggio for a seven-night stay.
Day 2 Afternoon excursion by private boat along Lake Como to Villa del Balbianello, for a guided tour. (B)
Day 3 An optional full-day excursion to Switzerland’s most elegant resort, St. Moritz, including a short train journey one-way on the Bernina Express through spectacular high mountain scenery to Diavolezza Bernina (£57). (B)
Day 4 Full-day optional tour to Lombardy's capital of Milan, home of the Visconti and Sforza families. Visit Castello Sforzesco; A Renaissance Palace and view the dramatic Gothic cathedral, La Scala opera house and the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele (£52). (B)
Day 5 Afternoon private lake cruise. Visit Villa Carlotta and its gardens famous for its azaleas and rhododendrons but displaying a wide range of flora throughout the season. Enjoy a drink on a terrace of Grand Hotel Cadenabbia overlooking the lake from the rooftop terrace with views across the lake to Bellagio and Varenna. (B)
Day 6 An optional full-day excursion to the old town of Bergamo, whose upper town is influenced by the rule of Venice. Walking tour of the historic upper town. Ferry to Varenna (payable locally), then by road to Bergamo (£52). (B)
Day 7 Optional full-day tour to Lake Orta, the town of Stresa and a boat to Isola Bella (Isola dei Pescatori October 19 & 26) on Lake Maggiore (£57). (B)
Day 8 Return flight from Milan. (B)
Notes
Excursions on Days 2, 6 & 7 include visits on foot with some uneven surfaces and small inclines.
Optional excursions may take more than 30 people and itineraries are subject to change.
A 4-star hotel, looking directly over the blue waters of Lake Como, in the small town of Menaggio, linked to neighbouring communities and different parts of the lake by ferry and bus services. A restaurant, offering a high standard of cuisine, pool, bar, boutique and WiFi (free). 94 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV. An accommodation tax is payable locally for a maximum of 10 nights, currently per person per night: €2.
Extra Week at Grand Hotel Menaggio
Extend your stay for a further seven nights at the Grand Hotel Menaggio.
Day 1 Day at leisure. (B)
Day 2 Day at leisure. (B)
Day 3 Day at leisure. (B)
Day 4 Day at leisure. (B)
Day 5 Day at leisure. (B)
Day 6 Day at leisure. (B)
Day 7 Day at leisure. (B)
Day 8 Transfer to Milan airport for the return flight to Heathrow. (B)
Extra 3 Nights at Grand Hotel Menaggio
Extend your stay for a further three nights at the Grand Hotel Menaggio.
Day 1 Day at leisure. (B)
Day 2 Day at leisure. (B)
Day 3 Day at leisure. (B)
Day 4 Transfer to Milan Airport for return flight back to Heathrow. (B)
2019
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
(Oct departures easyJet from Gatwick)
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
(Oct departures easyJet from Gatwick)
(limited dates/availability)
(limited dates/availability)
19 October 2019
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Limited availability, on these dates
2019: Oct 5, 12 & 26
Solo Group Departures Oct 19
No single supplement
Single supplement £195
Accommodation Upgrades
Lake view £195
(Oct 19 £125)
Lake view and balcony £395
(Oct £195)
NO LAKE VIEW SUPPLEMENT
Limited availability, on these dates
2019: Oct 5, 12 & 26
Half board 4 nights £55
Half board 7 nights £95
Flight Options
British Airways – Nil (Jul 13 & 20/Aug 31/Oct £50)
easyJet from Gatwick – Nil (Apr-Jun £50)
British Airways Club Europe from £295
Optional Excursions
St Moritz £57
Milan Tour £52
Bergamo Tour £52
Lake Orta & Stresa Tour £57
Extension Options
Extension - Lake Como
Grand Hotel Menaggio
7 nights £575 (Oct £445)
3 nights £345 (Oct £295)
Single Supplement £95 (Oct £75)
Half board 3 nights £40
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT & NO LAKE VIEW SUPPLEMENT
Limited dates availability, on these dates
Oct 5, 12 & 26
Independent Arrival
Save £200
Arrival transfer add £95
Departure transfer add £95
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 7 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, services of local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government and local tourist taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Notes
An accommodation tax is payable locally, currently €2 per person per night (maximum 10 nights).
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm
