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7 nights from

£2145

Villas & Gardens of the Italian Lakes

In the scenic surrounds of Lakes Como, Lugano and Maggiore, beautiful villas and their bountiful gardens have inspired poets and painters, brilliant botanists, and dedicated designers. This is a week to enjoy the vibrant results of the visionary landscapers’ labours

On the western shore of Lake Como, Menaggio is the setting for your seven-night stay, with cafés, boutiques, and a water’s edge promenade; steep stairways up to stone buildings in the (older) upper town; and regular ferries for independent discovery. Its central location makes an excellent base, from which we explore the region’s remarkable villas and ravishing gardens, by road, by boat or on foot. With built-in free time to enjoy at your leisure, and an optional excursion across the Swiss border to stylish St. Moritz, the tour includes two afternoon boat trips, sailing to the Villa Balbianello on its breathtaking promontory, and taking you to Tremezzo for the ferns, foliage and flowers of Villa Carlotta’s botanical gardens. We sail too from the shore of Lake Maggiore to Villa Boromeos on blissful Isola Bella islet; and across Lake Como to Varenna and Bellagio for the medieval Villa Monastero and neo-classical Villa Melzi; and we take the scenic route by road to cliff-top Villa Bagatti and the Renaissance Villa Cicogna Mozzoni. This carefully chosen collection reveals the history and heritage of the region’s grand villas, and the range, artistry and diversity of the plants and gardens which put on such a show around them.

Overview

  • Lake Como  - 7 nights
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Tour Highlights

  •  Visit Villa Balbianello and gardens
  • Journey on the Bernina Express
  • Explore Villa Carlotta and gardens
  • See Villa Bagatti set in parkland
  • Visit Villa Cicogna Mozzoni
  • Enjoy Varenna and Bellagio 

In the scenic surrounds of Lakes Como, Lugano and Maggiore, beautiful villas and their bountiful gardens have inspired poets and painters, brilliant botanists, and dedicated designers. This is a week to enjoy the vibrant results of the visionary landscapers’ labours

Notes:

Most visits are on foot with some uneven surfaces and small inclines.

Excursion itineraries and exact villas visited are subject to change.

Optional tour is not exclusive for Jules Verne groups and subject to minimum numbers.

Accommodation

Grand Hotel Menaggio - Lake Como

A 4-star historic hotel, looking directly over the blue waters of Lake Como, a few steps from Menaggio main square and boat station. Restaurant, pool, bar, boutique and WiFi (free). 94 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.

Optional Excursions

From £90pp

St. Moritz Tour

Enjoy a beautiful scenic day to the chic and sophisticated resort of St Moritz. Travel by road to Tirano where after a coffee stop, you will continue into Switzerland to the town of Poschiavo where you will board the famous Bernina Express train. During your train journey you will be able to view the White Lake and the Black Lake and some of the most breathtaking glaciers which are enroute to Diavolezza, a short bus ride away from the famous town. St Moritz is nestled on the southern side of the Engadine Valley where you will find its beautiful lake engulfed by stunning alpine scenery.

Dates & Prices

per person in a twin/double room

Sat 10 May 2025
From London Gatwick
Sat 27 Sep 2025
From London Gatwick
Price Includes:

Air travel and taxes, transfers, 7 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, services of local guides and 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 €3-5 per person per night (maximum 10 nights).

Supplements per person

Single Supplement
  • Single Supplement
  • £455
Upgrades
  • Grand Hotel Menaggio - Lake View Twin/Double from £375
  • Grand Hotel Menaggio - Lake View Single from £1275
Flight Options
  • Alternative regional departures
  • On request, please call
Optional Excursions
  • St. Moritz Tour (2025)
  • £90
Tour Only
  • Save
  • up to £250
  • Arrival or departure transfer - Milan Malpensa Airport
  • £190

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