Luxury Gourmet Experience on Italy's Lakes

Experience the best of Italy’s Lakes District on our Luxury Lakes culinary tour. Most weeks start on Lake Como then head to Lake Maggiore and finally Milan. 

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.
• You will have your private hands on cooking lesson with lunch to follow based on your efforts. Your class might focus on one of the area’s most traditional dishes: rice.
• In the afternoon take a walk to Villa Melzi and visit its beautiful gardens.
• Return to Lenno by public ferry.

Day Three

• Breakfast.
• Day at leisure to relax and enjoy the fascinating atmosphere of these wonderful places: by public boat you can reach Tremezzo, where we you suggest you the visit of the botanical garden of Villa Carlotta, or Lenno, a small hidden village with breathtaking panorama. (Or, if you would like, we can arrange a second cooking class with Chef Luigi in Bellagio.)
• 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.
• Morning cooking class at the hotel upon arrival with lunch to follow based on your efforts.
• 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. (Drinks not included).
• 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, see the Last Supper fresco (tickets must be bought in advance), 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.