DETAILS
One of the world’s most captivating destinations, northern Italy’s fabled Lake District beckons with its sublime vistas of shimmering glacial waters, soaring Alpine peaks and coastal villages. Unpack once at the lovely Palace Hotel on the shores of Lake Como, then spend your week exploring this beautiful area. Marvel at sites embellished with lavish Renaissance and Gothic architecture; take in beautiful frescoes and a master artwork by Leonardi Da Vinci. Travel to bijou towns, exquisite islands and the vivacious metropolis of Milan. And of course, sample Italian culinary delights and wine. From the deep‑blue lakes of Como and Maggiore to the enchanting Villa del Balbianello, to colorful Bellagio—the “Pearl of Lake Como”— discover the exquisite gem that is the Italian Lake District.
- Pricing from
- $3,995
SAVE up to $2,000 if reserved early!
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Land & Rail Voyages
- Departure Dates
-
May 17, 2025 - May 25, 2025
The Palace Hotel
The recently refurbished, classic belle-epoque Palace Hotel is a delightful establishment with a magnificent setting on the lungo lago (lakefront promenade) overlooking Lake Como and is just steps away from Como’s beautiful marble Duomo and the medieval, pedestrian-only town center. Venetian stucco artistry, Italian marble and antique furniture provide subtle touches of 19th-century elegance throughout the hotel, while its beautifully landscaped gardens provide the perfect setting to admire enchanting views across Lake Como. The Ceccato Ice Cream Parlor, with its summer terrace and winter garden overlooking the lake, is an excellent place to enjoy the refreshing flavors of a traditional Italian ice or a cup of cappuccino. Each of the hotel’s 94 comfortable guest rooms is tastefully appointed with a private bathroom, air conditioning, satellite television, minibar and hair dryer. (Lake-view rooms can be requested for an additional fee and are subject to availability. Call for more information.) Meals, featuring well-prepared Italian and local specialties and international cuisine, are served in the hotel’s beautifully furnished Antica Darsena restaurant. Table wines are served with dinner. The hotel staff provides exceptional service.
Airport transfers and luggage handling abroad are only included if air arrangements are booked through Gohagan & Company. If travelers make their own air arrangements, transfers and luggage handling are not included; transfers can be organized through Gohagan & Company and purchased by the traveler.
-
Giuseppina Lucini
Giuseppina Lucini was raised in Como, Italy, where she still lives today. Her family has resided here for generations. Giuseppina earned her B.A.in Classical Literature at Liceo A. Volta in Como, as well as an M.A. in Medieval History from Università degli Studi in Milan. Her active interest in art and history as well as her fluency in English, Italian and French complement her open and enthusiastic attitude with travelers. Always a popular study leader, she looks forward to introducing you, through her lectures, to all that the Italian Lake District has to offer.
A non-refundable administrative fee of $300 per person will apply for all cancellations received more than 7 days after booking and before other fees take effect at 120 days:
120 days $300 per person admin fee after 7-day grace period from booking
120 – 91 days 25% of full invoice fare
90 – 61 days 50% of full invoice fare
60 – 31 days 75% of full invoice fare
30 – 0 days 100% of full invoice fare
Separate airfare Terms & Conditions apply
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
-
day 1
Depart the U.S.
Depart your home city on an overnight flight to Milan.
-
day 2
Milan, Italy/Lake Como
Arrive in Milan and transfer to Como, the perfect “home” for our soggiorno in the spectacular mountainous Italian countryside. Check into the charming Palace Hotel on the shore of Lake Como and unpack only once for this exclusive journey. After enjoying some of the hotel’s luxury amenities, join your traveling companions for a welcome reception. Enjoy a provided dinner at the hotel. (r,d)
-
day 3
Como
Start your morning by listening to a fascinating lecture about Como’s history, “From Roman Ruins to Medieval Walls to the Present.” Stroll throughout Old Como and admire magnificent architectural sites like the Gothic Duomo di Como, the beautiful fresco-adorned Romanesque Basilica di San Fedele, the 13th-century town hall Broletto, and the 12th-century gate tower Porta Vittoria. During the walking tour, you will also visit the grand Voltas Square, which commemorates the credited inventor of the battery Alessandro Volta. Enjoy lunch on your own and provided dinner at the hotel. (b,d)
-
day 4
Como/Stresa for Borromean Islands
Enjoy a private boat cruise on Lake Maggiore, gliding past islands graced with elegant villas and striking natural beauty. Visit the crown jewel of the Borromean archipelago, Isola Bella, boasting the 17th‑century Palazzo Borromeo. Explore the baroque palace with its astounding collection of art and antiques, and the summerhouse, which is home to a mosaic marine-themed grotto. Stroll the lush gardens, filled with rare flowers and plants, statuary, architectural details and strutting white peacocks. Reboard the boat for the return to Stresa, the setting for Hemingway’s iconic novel “A Farewell to Arms.” Enjoy spectacular mountain views as you explore the town and have lunch on your own. This afternoon at the hotel, hear an art lecture by a local expert, then enjoy dinner on your own.
-
day 5
Como/Milan
Visit Milan’s world‑famous Teatro alla Scala opera house, a neoclassical jewel of gilt boxes and glittering chandeliers. Continue to the city’s social hub, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Visit the Duomo, a Gothic cathedral that took nearly 500 years to complete. Enjoy lunch on your own. By special arrangement, view artwork created by Renaissance polymath Leonardo da Vinci, who lived in Milan for 22 years and created some of his most famous works of art here. Tonight enjoy dinner on your own.
-
day 6
Como/Bellagio
After a delicious breakfast buffet at the hotel, cruise by private boat across the sparkling waters of Lake Como, Italy’s deepest and perhaps most spectacular lake, while learning about its fascinating history and allure. Visit the magnificent Villa del Balbianello and its unique terraced gardens. Continue to the celebrated town of Bellagio. Often thought of as the most beautiful town in Italy, Bellagio flaunts a promenade lined with lime trees and oleanders, a city center of cobblestone streets and picturesque alleyways, and charming buildings painted in shades of cream, peach and butterscotch. Enjoy time to explore Bellagio at your own pace and browse through its wonderful boutiques. Enjoy lunch on your own at a local eatery before heading back to Como. Later, immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions in a conversation with residents, and savor the delights of a provided Northern Italian dinner in a local ristorante.
-
day 7
Como
Today, delve deeper into Como during your choice of one of the following activities: pasta fresca cooking class, Como culinary tour, wine tasting at La Costa Winery or Como silk tour. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, and make your own plans for lunch and dinner.
-
day 8
Como
Following a breakfast at the hotel, the day is free for independent pursuits, which may include a visit to the Como public market or Villa Carlotta, an elegant botanical garden and museum on Lake Como. Enjoy lunch on your own. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a Farewell Reception and Dinner at the hotel, and raise a glass to your week of La Dolce Vita!
-
day 9
Como/Milan/Return to the U.S.
Following breakfast, transfer to Milan Airport for your return flight home.
Everything you need to know about the tour
Save this information for later by downloading the full tour brochure.
Be prepared with the National Trust Travel Plan
Since 1973, USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services has served travelers just like you, to help protect their travel plans