Lake Como and Portofino

price from 3150 €

08 days
The Italian lakes have a charm that is hard to match, due to the morphology of the landscapes, the privileged position compared to the sunrise and sunset that colors them like an impressionist palette, with such rich and intense nature that has chosen them as its natural habitat. This exciting cocktail has led them over the years to be chosen as a favorite destination of their lifestyle of many people who have built beautiful villas and gardens unique in the world. Lake Como will be your home for your stay.
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History
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Locations

  • Lake Como
  • Portofino
00 00 days
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Upon arrival at the Milan airport you will be welcomed to Italy by your local concierge as you exit customs into the arrivals hall and privately transferred to your hotel in Lake Como where you will be assisted with check-in procedures, run through your itinerary and answer any questions you may have. Your concierge will ensure your holiday is running smoothly and to your complete gratification. Your local representative is available on the ground to make sure your travel arrangements run flawlessly. He/she is there to assist you and available on the phone for any questions you may have. Dinner on your own. Your concierge will indicate some restaurants based on what type of experience you’re looking for - from a simple Trattoria to a gourmet restaurant. He/she will be happy to make a reservation in order to make your evening quiet and peaceful.

Begin your morning with an American-style buffet breakfast at the hotel to prepare for full day Tour on the Lake Como. Your private driver together and your expert local guide will take you to visit the enchanting city of Como, situated on the banks of the lake and encircled by enchanting hills. There are many interesting sites to visit whilst meandering through the streets of Como, historical monuments, beautiful villas and breath-taking sights. The historic center is located in-side the ancient city walls where there are many shops and boutiques. Today Como is a dynamic, business city with an important history in textile (mainly silk) manufacturing and trading due to this traditional textile industry the city is commonly referred to as the Silk Capital. You will have a chance to also visit the silk Museum, that is a tangible representation of the continuity between past and present of an industry that maintains a supremacy over the whole world. Moving through the various rooms in this building it is possible experience the journey of this precious material, from the silkworm to the final product. There will also be the way to see some of the spectacular local artisan productions of this fine fabric. After lunch, mini-cruise with a privat boat on Como Lake from Como to Lenno, you will enjoy the amazing views of the lake, enchanting villas and green hills. Arrival in Lenno and visit of Villa del Balbianello, a delightful Villa situated precipitously above the lake. At the end of the 18th century, the main access route to the Villa was a steep staircase leading up from the lake. Guests were welcomed by a motto engraved into the floor of the portico that looks out over the marina: “Fay ce que voudras” (“Do what you want”), a perfect description of the spirit of this “place of delights”. The rooms play host to a rich collection of Chinese, African and pre-Columbian art, alongside 18th-century English and French furniture. There is also a small museum housing documents and memorabilia from Monzino’s expeditions. The true pride and joy of the Villa is the panoramic terraced garden, which is dominated by the elegant loggia. The garden is a bona fide masterpiece, in which every element relates to the lake, its shores and its mesmerizing waters.

Set out this morning for the picturesque cobblestoned village of Bellagio. The sense of beauty is born in Bellagio, you can feel it all around you, in the splendor of its noble villas, in the elegance of its shops, in the relaxed climate that surrounds you. Bellagio is located at the tip of a peninsula in the heart of the lake, which separates the branch of Como from Lecco. An enchanting place, visited by famous actors, historical figures, writers, and that left an indelible mark on each of them, and so it will be for you too. During this walk, you will visit the historic center of Bellagio and the its wonderful and characteristic surroundings. The first stop is Punta Spartivento, from which you can admire the wonderful view of the three branches of the lake, which contrast with the mountains that surround them. You will pass along the small port of the fishermen, which with their boats supply of fish the local restaurants and the inhabitants of the lake. You will continue along the picturesque and colorful alleys of the center to reach the fishing village known as Pescallo. Then you will go up the hill towards Aureggio, the part that dominates the peninsula, you will cross gardens and olive groves and you will see noble villas and a beautiful little church, then you will go down a grassy and very romantic path to the port of Loppia, which hosts rare specimens of 19th century Lariane gondolas. Your visit continues through the romantic gardens of Villa Melzi, before you will be privately accompanied back to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Lake Como means peace and relaxation, even just sitting in front of the lake is an experience to try. From the terrace of your hotel, while sip a good coffee or an aperitif, just observe the beautiful landscape make your stay satisfying and unique

Venture out today with your private chauffeur for a wonderful tour to the Lake Maggiore. Meeting in Stresa with your local expert guide and departure to Isole Borromee by private boat. Situated on the western side of Lake Maggiore, directly opposite Stresa, the three Borromean Islands lie in a wide gulf surrounded by mountains. The islands of Bella and Madre were transformed into grand, luxurious residences, while the third island, named “dei Pescatori” after its age-old fishing community, was left to continue its traditional way of life. Despite their alpine setting, the three Borromean Islands share a pleasant climate, but each offers a very different experience. Isola Bella was completely transformed by its occupants, and its palace and gardens are the epitome of opulence and luxury. In contrast, the Isola dei Pescatori, with its village unchanged by time, offers a fascinating simplicity. Finally, the exotic atmosphere of the lush and tranquil Isola Madre can be ascribed to the gardens that almost totally cover it. Lunch on your own on Pescatori Island. In the late afternoon return to the hotel.

Begin your morning with an American-style buffet breakfast at the hotel to prepare for a visit to Villa Carlotta and then a transfer to Santa Margherita Ligure. Commence your day to Tremezzo, where your local expert guide will make you visit the Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, the most famous of all the Villas of Lake Como, best known for its garden that is a unique spectacle especially in months of flowering. A place of rare beauty. In April and May Villa Carlotta offers an authentic sea of multicolored azaleas shaped in high rounded cushions alongside the garden paths. In the afternoon departure to Santa Margherita Ligure with your private car and driver. Check-in at the hotel in a Margherita Ligure. Today’s Lunch and dinner will be on your own. Your concierge will indicate some restaurants based on what type of experience you’re looking for - from a simple Trattoria to a gourmet restaurant. He/she will be happy to make a reservation in order to make your evening quiet and peaceful.

Immerse yourself in the marvels of Cinque terre for a day between sea and land as You explore and adventure through the five little coastal towns of Cinque Terre. In the morning, with your local expert guide, you will depart by private vehicle to experience a full-day excursion to Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre, is recognized by UNESCO as a 'World Heritage Site', and is a national park and protected marine area. Seeing the Cinque Terre villages and coastline from the sea is an unforgettable experience. In Riomaggiore, you will begin a walk along the captivating Via dell'Amore (The Lovers' Pathway). Unfortunately, part of the path is closed because of past landslides, so you will be able to walk only a little bit - but the walk out on the cliffside is exhilaratingly beautiful and most definitely a prime photo opportunity. Then you will go to Manarola and have free time to explore. This tiny village has a main street decorated with adorable little shops and brightly-colored wooden boats that the fisherman have taken in for the day. Lunch will be on your own in Manarola. Our suggestion for lunch: is a simple bar in Manarola. That’s a little bar which has the best location of any establishment in Manarola: it sits right out where all of the postcard pictures of Manarola are taken. You can taste the famous anchovies, olives, cheese, artisan cured pig parts, capers and other stuff gathered and fished for. For few euro you can choice down on the signature appetizer plate. Four meats, cheeses, anchovies, fruit, olives. It’s not really a “plate” but a big old slab of wood larger than most people’s cutting boards and it’s loaded with good eats. More than enough for 2 people. Add a bottle of the house white wine and enjoy this wonderful place, where there is no luxury but there is life . Gaze at the sea, the village, and the people. It’s all good. After lunch, you will then take a 15 minute private boat ride to the town of Vernazza: this tiny resort is located at the mouth of a river and is naturally protected from the threat of the sea by a rocky promontory - making it the only major docking point in the Cinque Terre. Following Vernazza, you will arrive in the fifth and final town Monterosso. The medieval center of Monterosso has remained perfectly preserved with its tower-houses and 'carrugi' (narrow alleys). In Monterosso, you will taste the best gelato in Cinque Terre and enjoy a breathtaking view on the sea! Then you will also taste the typical local “Focaccia” a bread that tastes like it was made of gold - have it with locally produced pesto for an incredibly tasty snack that you really can’t find anywhere else. Buon Appetito! After our snacks (do you remember the Italian word?). Upon completion of the tour you will be privately transferred to your hotel

Begin your morning with an American-style buffet breakfast at the hotel to prepare for our visit to the amazing Portofino by private boat Today your private bat will accompany you to Visit of Portofino, once a small fishing village now one of the most important resort of the Italian Riviera with its boutiques, its arched porticos giving of the piazzetta and its characteristic pastel painted houses. A visit of the Brown castle surrounded by a large Mediterranean garden and overlooking Portofino bay and to St. Martin Church a medieval church in Romanic-Lombard style in the oldest area of Portofino village. From the top hill of the Portofino Lighthouse enjoy of a breathtaking landscape. You cannot leave the ligurtian coast without having tasted and made yourself the real pesto you will enjoy a private hands-on making pesto once in Portofino. After lunch at leisure continue then to the cozy fishing village of San Fruttuoso which host a gem: the San Fruttuoso Abbey. First a monastery, then a den of pirates and then for centuries property of the Doria family. Continue to Camogli a quiet fishing village with its pastel painting colored houses and surrounded by green hills. From there climbing a panoramic path reach Monte San Rocco from where it is possible to appreciate the breathtaking view of the Paradiso Gulf.

Today you will be privately transferred to the Milan airport for your outbound flight

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HIGHLIGHTS Como Lake Excursion
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Visit with expert guide the Lake with City of Como and Silk Museum. Private boat excursion to Villa Balbianello on the Como Lake. Visit the Villa Balbianello with his garden.
HIGHLIGHTS Visit the enchanting Portofino
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Visit the land of “Pesto” sauce and incredible views from Cinque Terre recognized by UNESCO as a 'World Heritage Site to Portofino once a small fishing village now one of the most important resort of the Italian Riviera with its boutiques, its characteristic pastel painted houses.
HIGHLIGHTS Personal concierge service
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Your personal Concierge is the person who Welcomes you to Italy, meet and greet you at the airport/train station, and accompany you to your hotel together with a private car or the private boat booked.
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