Beautiful Bellagio on Lake Como

Day One

• Upon arrival at Milan MXP airport (or Milan city center) you will be greeted by our English-speaking driver for a private transfer to Bellagio.
• Check in at the family-run Hotel Du Lac. Located in the heart of Bellagio and overlooking the town square, along the lakefront opposite the pier. The hotel offers breathtaking views (which you will enjoy in your lake-view room), atmosphere, and fine dining.
• Welcome dinner at a local restaurant and overnight.

Day Two

• Breakfast, then meet Chef Luigi at 10 am in the hotel lobby for your transfer to his restaurant. Chef Luigi worked previously in the illustrious Villa D’Este for seven years and has already won 40 gold medals in international culinary competitions. Still, Chef Luigi is humble and energetic, and passionate about using local ingredients during his hands-on pasta cooking class in his family-owned restaurant. Once at the restaurant, relax for a moment with a cup of coffee or cappuccino with the chef and then explore the herb garden behind the restaurant. The hands-on cooking lesson begins at 10:30 a.m. and focuses on creating homemade “pasta fresca,” packed with fresh ingredients, as well as risotto, tagliatelle, gnocchi, and dessert After the class enjoy your lunch on the terrace (weather permitting).
• Around 2:30 pm the Chef will take you back to your hotel.
• This afternoon enjoy a stroll around Bellagio on your own, and learn about this so-called “Pearl of the the lake.” You might visit the breathtaking Villa Melzi and its gardens, or just sit on the terrace and enjoy a spritz cocktail!
• Dinner on your own this evening.
• Overnight.

Day Three

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Around 10.00 am meet your English-speaking driving guide and enjoy a full day excursion to nearby Lugano, also known as the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland.” Stroll through the pedestrian streets and into the lush gardens of Ciani Park, and make your way down to the lakefront for wonderful views of the mountains that frame the city.
• If you wish in the afternoon you can shop at Fox Town, a favorite destination for shoppers thanks to its incredible deals.
• Return to your hotel and dinner in a local trattoria in Bellagio.
• Overnight.

Day Four

• Breakfast, then meet Chef Luigi at 10 am in the hotel lobby for a special day with Chef Luigi! Drive to the private wood of his estate for truffle and mushroom hunting, with lunch to follow in his restaurant to taste some typical recipes using these special ingredients.
• Return to your hotel after lunch.
• This afternoon, enjoy some free time. We suggest you take the local ferry to the town of Como to explore on your own, or enjoy an afternoon at the Sporting Club.
• Dinner in a local pizzeria in Bellagio and overnight.

Day Five

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Around 8.00 am meet your English-speaking driving guide and enjoy a full-day excursion to Lake Maggiore. Lake Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy in the Lombardy region, internationally famous for its amazing landscapes, its mild climate and its small villages with beautiful gardens. The greatest attractions of this lake are, without a doubt, the three gorgeous Borromean Islands: the “Isola Bella” (Beautiful Island) with the noble Borromeo Palace and its Italian gardens; the “Isola Madre” (Mother Island), known for its verdant vegetation, rare plants, and exotic flowers; and the “Isola dei Pescatori” (Fishermen’s Island), which has a very picturesque village.
• You will arrive in Stresa around 10:15, when you will meet your private guide and board the local ferry. Your guide will introduce you to the Borromeo Palace and its Italian gardens, as well as the Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori. Entrance tickets are included, while lunch is on your own. (Your guide can make suggestions.)
• Meet your driver at 3:00pm and return to Bellagio. Time to rest.
• Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
• Overnight.

Day Six

• Breakfast and transfer to Milan Malpensa airport.