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- Luxury Gourmet Experience on Italy’s Lakes: Italy Culinary Vacation
Luxury Italian Lakes Foodie Vacations
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Italian Lakes Culinary Tour in Lenno and Stresa
Discover the stunning lake district in northern Italy, traveling through the quaint town of Lenno along the shores of Lake Como and the scenic village of Stresa on the banks of Lake Maggiore.
The Lakes region has a bit of celebrity status. Situated in the north of Italy, it’s frequented by the likes of George Clooney and Richard Branson. But they were far from the first; the lush picturesque area has been a favorite vacation destination by Italians and Europeans for centuries. With its wonderful micro-climate – due to the green valleys and snow-capped mountain peaks of the Alps – as well as abundance of flora and fauna, it’s picturesque and relaxing in every way.
The mythic region is made even more magical by the old villas and plethora of gardens. Pair this beauty with a hearty cuisine and gastronomy – with dishes like risotto, pasta, stracotto, and ossobucco – and the region has the makings of an unbelievable trip, particularly in the Spring, Summer, and Fall.
This exclusive Italian culinary tour starts in the town of Lenno on Lake Como, one of the best known lakes of the area and features of the most romantic cities in the region, Bellagio. The foodie tour continues in Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore, which stretches from Switzerland down into Italy.
With stunning panoramic views, travelers will also get a chance to see the island jewels, the scenic Borromean Islands, among the lake’s dazzling blue waters and visit the island’s palaces and gardens.
The Italian culinary tour concludes in the famous city of Milan, home to chic boutiques and fashion designers, as well as an array of art, including the famous Last Supper fresco.
Highlights of the Luxury Food Tour on Italian Lakes
Highlights of the week-long luxury lakes culinary tour in Italy include visits to some of the jewels of the scenic Northern Italian lakes. Discover the charming lakeside town of Bellagio where you will take one of your cooking classes, as well as the picturesque Borromean islands that are among the most beautiful in Italy. One highlight of your Italian culinary tour will be your stays at a beautiful lakefront hotels.
Itinerary
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Day One
- Private transfer from Milan to Lake Como.
- On the way you’ll stop in Lenno to visit Villa Balbianello, the “jewel of Lake Como,” to visit their marvelous gardens and private village.
- Arrive in Lenno and check in to your elegant 4-star hotel.
- Tonight dinner will be at the hotel restaurant. Drinks not included.
- Overnight.
Day Two
- Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up your ferry passes and take the public boat to Bellagio (the “imbarcadero” – boat landing stage – lies just a few steps from your hotel). Bellagio is a picturesque village with small streets, luxury hotels, villas and gardens.
- At 10:00am meet the chef at the ferry gate in Bellagio and he will accompany you to his renowned restaurant.
- In our Italian Lakes cooking classes, you’ll enjoy a shared hands-on lesson followed by a lunch featuring your culinary creations. Your class might focus on one of the area’s most traditional dishes, rice, or on one of the area’s other ingredients. Lunch to follow (drinks not included, purchased locally.)
- In the afternoon time on your own – perhaps take a walk to Villa Melzi and visit its beautiful gardens.
- Return to Lenno by public ferry.
- Dinner on your own, overnight.
Day Three
- Breakfast.
- Enjoy a day at your leisure, immersing yourself in the captivating ambiance of these splendid locations. Take a public boat to Tremezzo and consider visiting the botanical garden of Villa Carlotta. Alternatively, explore Lenno, a hidden gem of a village with a breathtaking view. If you’re inclined, we can arrange an additional Italian Lakes cooking class.
- Or, enjoy a trip to nearby Switzerland on the famed Bernini Express train. (Additional excursion priced on request).
- Overnight.
Day Four
- Pick up in the morning at 8:00am for a private transfer by car with English-speaking driver to Stresa on Lake Maggiore.
- Upon your arrival, drop your bags at your hotel and transfer to the nearby cooking school at the home of your chefs for your next hands-on cooking class. The class will last 2 1/2 hours and will show you step by step how to create a delicious Italian meal (most classes will include 2 types of pasta, a main course, and a dessert). Lunch to follow.
- Free time in the afternoon.
- Dinner on your own.
Day Five
- After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day boat cruise to the Borromee Islands. First visit Isola Madre, then it is on to Isola dei Pescatori, which was named after the fishermen who made this area their home; the island is characterized by simple homes, narrow lanes, stone portals, and beautiful underpasses.
- Sit down and enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant on the island. (Cost of lunch paid locally).
- In the afternoon, continue on to Isola Bella, where you’ll visit Borromeo Palace with its magnificent gardens.
- Return to Stresa. Dinner on your own.
- Overnight.
Day Six
- After breakfast, private car transfer with an English-speaking driver to the bustling city of Milan.
- Check in to your accommodations at a 4-star boutique hotel.
- Enjoy some time on your own to explore Milan. Perhaps go shopping at one of the many chic boutiques in the city center, visit the Duomo to see an amazing view of the city from the cathedral’s roof, or visit some of the city’s many art galleries.
- Lunch and dinner on your own.
- Overnight.
Day Seven
- Breakfast and check out.
- Private transfer to Milan airport.
Trip Details of Italian Lakes Foodie Vacations
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Included in the 6-Night Italy Lake District Culinary Tour
Accommodations- 3 nights accommodations at a 4-star hotel in Lenno
- 2 nights accommodations at a 4-star hotel in Stresa
- 1 night accommodation at a 4-star hotel in Milan
Food & Beverages- Daily breakfast
- 2 lunches (drinks included with 1)
- 1 dinner (drinks not included)
Classes & InstructorsYour two hands-on cooking classes at Italian Lakes will introduce you to the traditional cuisine of Northern Italy by learning dishes from different chefs. Both classes include a full-course menu, and focus on regional specialties. While pasta will be on the menu, don’t be surprised to get a few tastes of rice, as it’s a staple in the region, as are game or wild fowl dishes. The hearty and delicious dishes will please your palate, as well as round out your trip, crafting memories to last a lifetime. (It is also possible to add an additional cooking class.)
Excursions- Full-day boat cruise to the Borromee Islands
- Visit of Villa Balbianello
- Self-guided excursion to Bellagio
Transfer Details- Private arrival transfer from Milan airport to Lake Como
- Private departure transfer from Milan hotel to Milan airport
Miscellaneous- Transfers from Lenno to Stresa, and from Stresa to Milan
- 2-day ferry pass on Lake Como
Not Included
- Beverages with meals (purchased locally)
- Public boat tickets
- Local tourist tax (a few Euros per person per night), paid locally
Accommodation Information
Start your tour of the stunning Lakes region in Lenno at the Albergo Lenno, a beautiful, lake-front 4* hotel with lake-view rooms with updated en suite bathrooms. (Or similar.)
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Overlooking Lake Maggiore, this elegant 4* Regina Palace is housed in a 20th-century palace. The opulent rooms are designed in a Belle Epoque style and offer en suite baths and all the expected amenities. For this tour, we use lake view rooms. There are two elegant restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, a wellness center, tennis court, and a piano bar. The lake-front location is right in the center of Stresa, offering easy access to the town’s many restaurants and bars.
Dining Room at Regina Palace
Exterior facade of the Regina Palace
Spiral staircase in the Regina Palace
Sign the hotel guestbook on your way out
Longe at the Regina Palace
Regina Palace Suite
Room at the Regina Palace
Pool and grounds of the Regina Palace
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In Milan stay at the elegant Hotel De Ville (or similar), which is wonderfully situated near the Duomo as well as some of the best designer-shopping streets in the city. All the public places are elegantly designed as are the 100+ rooms, which all have their own decorations and personality.
Double roo at Hotel de la Ville in Milan
Breakfast room at Hotel de la Ville in Milan during a culinary tour of Italy
Doorman at Hotel de la Ville in Milan during a culinary tour of Italy
Bar at Hotel de la Ville in Milan during a culinary tour of Italy
Pool at Hotel de la Ville in Milan during a culinary tour of Italy
Classic bedroom at Hotel de la Ville in Milan during a culinary tour of Italy
Bedroom at Hotel de la Ville in Milan during a culinary tour of Italy
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Pricing & Dates of Italia Lake Food Tour in the Cities of Lenno and Stresa
Find pricing and dates for our culinary tour on Italian Lakes below, and contact us for availability or to book your trip.
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2026 Italian Lake Foodie Vacations Pricing
See moreUS$5440 per person based on double occupancy
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance due 60 days prior.
Questions? Please contact us!
Upgrade to 5* hotels – please inquire.
Please inquire for single occupancy rate, or for pricing for 4+ people.
2027 Italian Lake Foodie Vacations Pricing
See moreUS$5980 per person based on double occupancy
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance due 60 days prior.
Questions? Please contact us!
Upgrade to 5* hotels – please inquire.
Please inquire for single occupancy rate, or for pricing for 4+ people.
The Dates of Italy Lakes Cooking Classes 2026-2027
See moreThe Italian culinary tour on Italy’s northern lakes is available April through October with a Sunday start date.
Available weekly April through October, usually with a Sunday start date.
Please inquire for availability.2026 Sample Dates – Please inquire for availability.
June 7-13
June 14-20
June 21-27
June 28-July 4
July 5-11
July 12-18
July 19-25
July 26-August 1
August 2-8
August 9-15
August 16-22
August 23-29
August 30-September 5
September 6-12
September 13-19
September 20-26
September 27-October 3
October 4-10
October 11-17
October 18-24
October 25-312027 – please inquire for available weeks!
We Can Assist in Crafting the Ultimate Foodie Tour in Italy’s Lakes District!
The International Kitchen has been organizing the best cooking vacations in Italy and beyond for over 25 years. Trust our expertise in helping you plan your Italian culinary tour.
If you want to explore the northern Lakes District including Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, or any of Italy's other fabulous regions, we are here to help you plan the perfect cooking vacation!
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