Beautiful Bellagio on Lake Como May 13 - 18, 2019
This was a one-time custom departure. Please contact us for a similar trip, or see our Beautiful Bellagio culinary tour.
Lake Como is one of Italy’s most chic and illustrious destinations. Home to the real-life George Clooney and visited by the fictional James Bond (“Casino Royal”), the lake has long been a vacation spot for aristocrats and celebrities who appreciate “la dolce vita” of the gorgeous vistas, jaw-dropping villas, elaborate gardens, and amazing gastronomy. Bellagio is one of Lake Como’s most famous towns and is ideally situated at the apex of the Lake’s fork (Lake Como is basically an inverted “Y”), which affords it views onto all three branches of the Lake. And your trip to beautiful Bellagio does not stop there: you will also visit Lugano in nearby Switzerland and Lake Maggiore, with its own stunning vistas and villas, during your stay.
Trip Details
Your 2 hands-on cooking classes will take place a few minutes from the city center of Bellagio at the elegant restaurant of the award-winning Chef Luigi, who worked when he was younger for many years at the prestigious Villa D’Este in Como, and who has won some 40 gold medals in international culinary competitions. Chef Luigi is passionate about the local cuisine and its ingredients and about imparting his joy for cooking to his pupils in his family-owned restaurant.
Itinerary
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 the hotel 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 for a brief rest before a private 2-hour walking tour os Bellagio with a local English-speaking guide. Learn about this so-called “Pearl of the the lake,” including the breathtaking Villa Melzi and its gardens.
- 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 at the hotel and then again meet Chef Luigi at 10.00 am for your second cooking class, with lunch to follow based on your efforts.
- This afternoon enjoy time at leisure: 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 10.00 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, with no doubt, the gorgeous Borromean Islands: the “Isola Bella” (Bautiful 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 hosts a very picturesque village. Your trip includes local ferry tickets which you may use to explore these islands at your own pace. Meet your driver at a pre-arranged location and time to return to Bellagio.
- Farewell dinner at the hotel restaurant.
- Overnight.
Day Six
- Breakfast and transfer to Milan Malpensa airport.
Trip Details
Included in the 5-Night Trip
Accommodations
5 nights accommodations in double lake view room
Food & Beverages
- Daily breakfast
- 2 lunches
- 4 dinners
- Wine with all included meals
Classes & Instructors
Your 2 hands-on cooking classes will take place a few minutes from the city center of Bellagio at the elegant restaurant of the award-winning Chef Luigi, who worked when he was younger for many years at the prestigious Villa D’Este in Como, and who has won some 40 gold medals in international culinary competitions. Chef Luigi is passionate about the local cuisine and its ingredients and about imparting his joy for cooking to his pupils in his family-owned restaurant.
Excursions
- 2-hour guided walking tour of Bellagio, including the Villa Melzi
- Full-day excursion to Lugano (or St. Moritz) in Switzerland
- Full-day excursion to Lake Maggiore, with its beautiful islands
Transfer Details
- Round trip transfers from/to Milan MXP aiport or city center
Miscellaneous
- Entrance tickets to the Villa Melzi
- Round-trip ferry tickets to Stresa-Isola Bella-Isola Madre-Stresa
- Entrance privileges at the Sporting Club of Hotel, including its pool (about 1 mile from your hotel, reachable on foot or by bus)
Country:
Italy
Region:
Lombardia/Lakes Region
Tour Dates: This was a one-time custom departure. Please contact us for a similar trip.
5 Nights
Starting at
$2,950
Accommodation Information
Your stay in Bellagio will be a the lovely, family-run 3* Hotel du Lac. It is located in the center of Bellagio, right on the main square with beautiful views onto the lake and the pier. The Leoni family will welcome you and make sure your stay is as amazing as Lake Como itself. The rooms feature private en suite baths, satellite TV, telephone, safe, minibar, air conditioning, hairdryers, and amenities. The restaurants offer wonderful local Italian cuisine, and all guest have access to the Sporting Club, located about 1 mile away, that boasts a gorgeous swimming pool.
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Pricing & Tour Dates
Pricing:
5-night Program
US$2950 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$625 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
- Add US$300 per person to upgrade to Deluxe
If group reaches 9+ people the rate increases to $3200 per person, double occupancy.
Tour Dates
This was a one-time custom departure. Please contact us for a similar trip, or see our Beautiful Bellagio culinary tour.
Reviews
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Country:
Italy
Region:
Lombardia/Lakes Region
Tour Dates: This was a one-time custom departure. Please contact us for a similar trip.
5 Nights
Starting at
$2,950
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