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Italy
Luxury Gourmet Experience on Italy’s Lakes: Italy Culinary Vacation

Luxury Italian Lakes Foodie Vacations

Italy
Lombardia/Lakes Region
6 nights

Luxury Line
Romantic Getaways

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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 stay at a beautiful 5* lakefront hotel.

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Itinerary

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, where you can take in the breathtaking panorama of Lake Como. Drinks not included.

Overnight.
Day Two
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.

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.

Your accommodation will be at the 5-star hotel Villa Aminta on the shores of Lake Maggiore, right in front of the Borromee Islands. The Villa-hotel is conceived like a luxury Italian house and it is surrounded by an enchanting garden, your deluxe room has a private balcony and an incomparable view of Lake Maggiore and the Borromee Islands.

Upon your arrival, drop your bags at the 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.

Your dinner will be at the refined restaurant of the hotel: superb cuisine and magnificent view on the Lake (beverages not included).
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

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 5-star hotel in Stresa
- 1 night accommodation at a 4-star hotel in Milan
Food & Beverages
- Daily breakfast
- 2 lunches (drinks included with 1)
- 2 dinners (drinks not included)
Classes & Instructors

Your 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 (entrance tickets included, boat tickets paid locally)
- Visit of Villa Balbianello
- Self-guided excursion to Bellagio (boat tickets paid locally)
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
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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Them move on to truly stunning accommodations: the 5-star Villa Aminta on Lake Maggiore. With amazing views of the lake, and surrounded by a peaceful garden, the Villa is a relaxing getaway. All rooms are spacious and decorated with antiques as well as unique pieces like Murano lamps. Modern amenities include air conditioning, flat screen TV, telephone, mineral water, mini bar, safe, jacuzzi tub, WiFi, hair dryer, and more. The property also features two restaurants, swimming pool, and wellness spa.

View from a balcony of the Villa Aminta, your 5* hotel during your culinary tour of Italy

Villa Aminta junior suite

Villa Aminta on Lake Maggiore, where you stay during your culinary tour of Italy

Lounge at Villa Aminta, where you stay during your cooking vacation in Lombardy

Detail of Villa Aminta, one of your hotels during your culinary tour of the lakes

Pool Villa Aminta during a culinary tour of northern Italy

Poolside table at Villa Aminta on Lake Maggiore during a culinary vacation in Italy

Bedroom at Villa Aminta during a deluxe culinary tour of Lombardia

Villa Aminta dining room overlooking the lakes

Villa Aminta in the Lakes District

Lake side pool at Villa Aminta during your culinary tour of Italy

Superior room at Villa Aminta during your culinary tour of Italy

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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.

2025 Italian Lake Foodie Vacations Pricing

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US$5440 per person based on double occupancy
30% deposit due to confirm booking.

Balance due 60 days prior.

Questions? Please contact us!

Single occupancy rate: please inquire.
The Dates of Italy Lakes Cooking Classes 2025

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The Italian culinary tour on Italy’s northern lakes is available April through October with a Sunday start date.

2025
Available weekly April through October, usually with a Sunday start date.
Please inquire for availability.

2025 Sample Dates – Please inquire for availability.
April 6-12
April 13-19
April 20-26
April 27-May 3
May 4-10
May 11-17
May 18-24
May 24-31
June 1-June 7
June 8-14
June 15-21
June 22-28
June 29-July 5
July 6-12
July 13-19
July 20-26
July 27-August 2
August 3-9
August 10-16
August 17-23
August 24-30
August 31-September 6
September 7-13
September 14-20
September 21-27
September 28-October 4
October 5-11
October 12-18
October 19-25
October 26-Nov 1

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!

(312) 467-0560