Relax & Discover
Half Board
Max Group Size 35
Day 1 UK - Bergamo
You'll fly to Bergamo today and transfer to your resort on the shore of Lake Como, renowned throughout the world for its natural beauty and inspiring mountain scenery. Boasting affluent towns and exquisite villas, this exceptional area in the north of Italy is also noted for its relaxed atmosphere and is a favoured retreat of the rich and famous. After time to settle in at the hotel, we'll get to know one another better this evening over a welcome drink, and the delightful lakeside setting is the perfect backdrop for our evening meal.
Day 2 Lake Como & Varenna
Lake Como sits at the foot of the Alps and offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Italy. Today we discover the lovely lakeside town of Varenna, before enjoying a boat ride to the northern tip of the lake for stunning mountain views. For lunch, we'll tuck into a selection of traditional dishes, including pizzoccheri, a type of pasta made with buckwheat flour and cooked with potatoes, cabbage, cheese and sage.
Day 3 Malgrate - at Leisure
You can spend a relaxing day in Malgrate today, or join an optional excursion to the medieval town of Bergamo. The upper and lower sections are separated by impressive Venetian walls, and we'll ride the funicular railway up to the Old Town. Here we'll explore the cobbled streets in the company of a Local Guide and learn about the town's rich history. Our tour ends at a historic ice-cream parlour that's renowned for creating stracciatella, a milk-based ice cream with chocolate shavings running through it. We'll sample a scoop or two to round off the day.
Day 4 Lake Maggiore, Stresa & the Borromean Islands
We'll discover more of the region's incredible highlights on today's full-day tour. We'll soak up the stunning scenery of Lake Maggiore and explore the elegant town of Stresa. Later, a short boat trip across the lake takes us to tiny Isola Bella – one of the Borromean Islands within the lake. Boasting a magnificent 17th century palace and impressive terraced gardens, it has long been used as an idyllic sanctuary.
Day 5 Bernina Express
The Bernina Express travels between Italy and Switzerland and is the highest railway across the Alps. It is a spectacular journey and today, we'll step aboard one of its panoramic carriages for the scenic ride through meadows, mountains and past glistening glaciers. We'll disembark in the elegant Swiss town of St Moritz, which is located beside a sparkling mountain lake.
Day 6 Malgrate - at Leisure
You can spend another day at leisure in Malgrate or join an optional excursion and explore the southern part of Lake Como. It begins with a visit to the town of Como, where you'll have time to discover the ancient walls, historic architecture and lively square. A journey by ferry then takes you to Villa Melzi Gardens in Bellagio. Set directly on the shores of the lake, the gardens are a delight to explore. Lush trees and softly scented borders are decorated with elegant sculptures and connected by meandering paths. As we explore, we'll also be treated to fantastic views of the lake's calm waters and the majestic mountains that encircle it. Later, you'll have some free time to explore Bellagio with your travelling companions, before returning to the hotel.
Meals included: B,DDay 7 Malgrate - at Leisure
Your final day has been left free for you to do as you please. Alternatively, you could join an optional excursion to Lake Lugano, a shimmering glacial lake that straddles the border between Switzerland and Italy. Enjoy some free time to explore the city of Lugano, with its Mediterranean-style squares and pretty parks.
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