Italy
7 nights 3 Departures Available
View All Dates & BookIn 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.
Fly to Milan and transfer to Lake Como and the Grand Hotel Menaggio for a seven-night stay.
After an introductory talk this morning, and time to explore Menaggio, enjoy an afternoon private boat trip along Lake Como for a guided tour of the 18th century Villa Balbianello. Built as a cardinal’s literary retreat, and boasting fine Chinese porcelain, terracotta, and tapestries, it was bought by explorer Count Guido Monzino in the 1970s and features 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 time to view the crystal-clear lake, rub shoulders with the rich and famous, and take in the uber-elegant shops. Return by coach (pre-bookable).
(B)
Travel to the big, blue, 65km stretch of Lake Maggiore, to visit Villa Taranto, its grounds designed by British gardener Captain Neil McEacharn; and sail to two of the three islands rising from the lake, Isola Madre and beautiful Isola Bella, where Borromeos’ 17th century Baroque palace basks amid grounds with ten tiered terraces.
(B)
A morning at leisure to enjoy the easy tempo of Menaggio, before a private cruise in the afternoon takes you to Tremezzo to visit the Villa Carlotta, where sculptures by Canova complement landscaped lakeside terraces, and glorious gardens are replete with rhododendrons and azaleas. Return to the hotel for a sundowner on the terrace, with views over the water to Bellagio and Varenna.
(B)
Drive into the hills toward Lugano to visit the 17th century Villa Bagatti, its gardens and terraced park set into the cliff-face; and continue to Bisuschio and the Renaissance Villa Cicogna Mozzoni, a former hunting lodge, extended and transformed in the 16th century, with frescoes by the Campi brothers, and gardens laid over seven levels, from a formal Italian walled garden to pools and fountains, and a naturalistic park area.
(B)
Travel by boat to Bellagio and the neo-classical Villa Melzi, fronting Lake Como. Designed by Giocondo Albertolli, its eclectic grounds encompass a fine water garden, an avenue of plane trees, Japanese maples, and a Moorish temple. Continue to Varenna to visit the 16th century Villa Monastero. Built on the site of a former Cistercian monastery, the villa’s 20th century landscaping includes botanic gardens, a waterfront loggia and terraces, and Baroque sculptures.
(B)
Transfer to Milan airport for the return flight to your chosen airport.
(B)
Fly to Milan and transfer to Lake Como and the Grand Hotel Menaggio for a seven-night stay.
After an introductory talk this morning, and time to explore Menaggio, enjoy an afternoon private boat trip along Lake Como for a guided tour of the 18th century Villa Balbianello. Built as a cardinal’s literary retreat, and boasting fine Chinese porcelain, terracotta, and tapestries, it was bought by explorer Count Guido Monzino in the 1970s and features memorabilia from his expeditions.
(B)
Travel to the big, blue, 65km stretch of Lake Maggiore, to visit Villa Taranto, its grounds designed by British gardener Captain Neil McEacharn; and sail to two of the three islands rising from the lake, Isola Madre and beautiful Isola Bella, where Borromeos’ 17th century Baroque palace basks amid grounds with ten tiered terraces.
(B)
A morning at leisure to enjoy the easy tempo of Menaggio, before a private cruise in the afternoon takes you to Tremezzo to visit the Villa Carlotta, where sculptures by Canova complement landscaped lakeside terraces, and glorious gardens are replete with rhododendrons and azaleas. Return to the hotel for a sundowner on the terrace, 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 time to view the crystal-clear lake, rub shoulders with the rich and famous, and take in the uber-elegant shops. Return by coach (pre-bookable).
(B)
Drive into the hills toward Lugano to visit the 17th century Villa Bagatti, its gardens and terraced park set into the cliff-face; and continue to Bisuschio and the Renaissance Villa Cicogna Mozzoni, a former hunting lodge, extended and transformed in the 16th century, with frescoes by the Campi brothers, and gardens laid over seven levels, from a formal Italian walled garden to pools and fountains, and a naturalistic park area.
(B)
Travel by boat to Bellagio and the neo-classical Villa Melzi, fronting Lake Como. Designed by Giocondo Albertolli, its eclectic grounds encompass a fine water garden, an avenue of plane trees, Japanese maples, and a Moorish temple. Continue to Varenna to visit the 16th century Villa Monastero. Built on the site of a former Cistercian monastery, the villa’s 20th century landscaping includes botanic gardens, a waterfront loggia and terraces, and Baroque sculptures.
(B)
Transfer to Milan airport for the return flight to your chosen airport.
(B)
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.
Enjoy an afternoon’s cruise on Lake Como sailing past Varenna, Bellagio and visiting the 17th-century Villa Carlotta, famous for its art collection and botanical gardens and astounding views across Lake Como and in particular the hills of the Larian Triangle. Partake in an early evening drink in the Grand Hotel Menaggio.
Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.
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.
Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.
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.
You can find out more about the country on the travel guide.
19 Apr 25, 10 May 25 and 4 more
Follow in the footsteps of Flaubert and Tennyson, Julius Caesar and Queen Victoria, to enjoy the timeless elegance of Lake Como, where flower-filled gardens and pastel-painted villages punctuate the shore, set against the stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps
From £1445 pp
incl Flight
22 Mar 26, 26 Oct 26
There is nowhere else on earth like Venice. The busy city’s streets of water and the tiny islands of its lagoon combine in a unique UNESCO enclave. The tour is a similarly fitting combination, quietly based on an elegant boat, with all the sights at the foot of the gangplank
From £1310 pp
incl Flight
We need to check availability for this departure date. Please proceed with the reservation, and we will get in touch within 72 hours to confirm and take payment.
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
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.
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government and local tourist taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
Extra nights are priced per person, per night.
Please contact us to check availability and book alongside your tour.