Lake Como, the Swiss Alps & Milan

7 Night Holiday
Half Board

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The natural beauty, ornamental gardens, attractive villa facades and tranquil atmosphere of Lake Como have attracted Milanese gentry, artists, royalty and celebrities for centuries. Today the lake is a popular location for sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. The mild Mediterranean climate is tempered by the calm breeze from the lake during the summer and the temperature rarely falls below 6 degrees in the winter.

Located in the Italian region of Lombardy and covering an area of 146 square kilometres, Lake Como is Italy’s third largest lake. The lake is shaped like the letter Y, with all branches being approximately the same length; the main towns are easily reached by hydrofoil, ferry or water taxi, as well as by road. The lake is surrounded by lush foliage and dramatic snow covered mountains, and is within easy reach of a handful of popular Alpine towns. Lake Como remains one of our favourite and most popular destinations.

During this 7-night holiday, you will be based in either the lakeside town of Tremezzo or Cadenabbia, depending on your chosen date below. Famous for its attractive lakeside villas, the small tourist resort of Tremezzo boasts a classic lakeside promenade and is the home of our 3 Star hotel accommodation option. Located at the heart of Lake Como, the quaint lakeside town of Cadenabbia offers enchanting panoramic views of the lake and is home to our 4 Star hotel accommodation option.

Currency
Euro (€)
Local Time
Ireland/UK Time +1 hour
Passport
A valid passport is required for this holiday. EU citizens do not need a visa, however non-EU citizens should check requirements.
Airport
Lake Como is serviced by Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate airports. Milan is approximately 80km (50 miles) southwest of the town of Tremezzo on Lake Como. Menaggio is a further 15 minutes north. Journey time is approx. 1 hour 20/35 minutes to your hotel.
Climate
The Italian Lake region is renowned for its pleasant and mild Mediterranean climate throughout the year. Just as the sea would, the Lake has a moderating influence on the climate. A pleasant breeze blows from the lake during the hot and sunny summer months and during the winter months, despite the altitude, the temperature is kept above freezing, limiting snow and frost to the higher Alpine areas.
Food & Drink
Northern Italian cuisine tends to be hearty, with butter more commonly used than the olive oil and tomatoes favoured in the south. You’ll find delicious cheeses (Gorgonzola, Taleggio) and air dried salted beef (Bresaola) on most restaurant menus. Specialities include the unctuous Risotto alla Milanese, flavoured with saffron, and Osso Buco, a rich and tasty dish of veal shanks braised in wine. For a refreshing aperitif, try a sparkling wine from Franciacorta and with meats, a glass of Barolo, made from the Nebbiolo grape and one of the great wines of Northern Italy.
Average Prices for Region
Coffee: €1.45 Beer: €4.00 Glass of wine: €3.50 Main course: €12.00 Soft Drink: €2.00 Bottled Water: €0.50
Packing List
Your valid passport Sun cream A continental plug adaptor A rain jacket A small backpack A sun hat Comfortable shoes Camera
Recommended Reading
The Devil in Music by Kate Ross The Man in the Green Hat by Mannings Cole On Her Majesty’s Secret Service by Ian Fleming

Currency

Euro (€)

Local Time

Ireland/UK Time +1 hour

Passport

A valid passport is required for this holiday. EU citizens do not need a visa, however non-EU citizens should check requirements.

Airport

Lake Como is serviced by Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate airports. Milan is approximately 80km (50 miles) southwest of the town of Tremezzo on Lake Como. Menaggio is a further 15 minutes north. Journey time is approx. 1 hour 20/35 minutes to your hotel.

Climate

The Italian Lake region is renowned for its pleasant and mild Mediterranean climate throughout the year. Just as the sea would, the Lake has a moderating influence on the climate. A pleasant breeze blows from the lake during the hot and sunny summer months and during the winter months, despite the altitude, the temperature is kept above freezing, limiting snow and frost to the higher Alpine areas.

Food & Drink

Northern Italian cuisine tends to be hearty, with butter more commonly used than the olive oil and tomatoes favoured in the south. You’ll find delicious cheeses (Gorgonzola, Taleggio) and air dried salted beef (Bresaola) on most restaurant menus. Specialities include the unctuous Risotto alla Milanese, flavoured with saffron, and Osso Buco, a rich and tasty dish of veal shanks braised in wine. For a refreshing aperitif, try a sparkling wine from Franciacorta and with meats, a glass of Barolo, made from the Nebbiolo grape and one of the great wines of Northern Italy.

Average Prices for Region

Coffee: €1.45
Beer: €4.00
Glass of wine: €3.50
Main course: €12.00
Soft Drink: €2.00
Bottled Water: €0.50

Packing List

Your valid passport
Sun cream
A continental plug adaptor
A rain jacket
A small backpack
A sun hat
Comfortable shoes
Camera

Milan
A city synonymous with fashion, Milan is home to the chic upscale stores of the Quadrilatero d'Oro, as well as the more reasonably priced shops on the Corso Buenos Aires. If shopping isn’t for you, there is plenty more to see including the ornate Duomo (cathedral), La Scala Opera House and numerous art galleries and museums.
Bellagio
Known as the ‘pearl of the lake’, Bellagio is home to incredibly well-preserved historic buildings, narrow cobbled lanes and chic shops selling beautiful Italian handmade items including scarves, jewellery and handbags. The town is small enough to walk around taking in the beautiful gardens and views of the lake.
Villa Carlotta
Built for the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici at the end of the 17th century, the villa contains a magnificent Italian botanic garden with ornate fountains and sculptures.
Villa Balbianello
The villa contains an impressive Italianate garden that was completely renovated in the early 20th century. It is built on terraces of majestic plane trees overlooking the sparkling lake.
When in Italy
An Italian holiday wouldn't be complete without spending time in one of the beautiful piazzas that grace every town and city. Relax over coffee or a cooling ice cream, and spend some time ‘people watching’. You’ll pay a little more for your refreshments sitting at a table in a square than you would standing inside the bar, but you’ll be rewarded by the views, and that special ‘Dolce Vita’ atmosphere, only found in Italy!

Currency
Euro (€)
Local Time
Ireland/UK Time +1 hour
Passport
A valid passport is required for this holiday. EU citizens do not need a visa, however non-EU citizens should check requirements.
Airport
Lake Como is serviced by Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate airports. Milan is approximately 80km (50 miles) southwest of the town of Tremezzo on Lake Como. Menaggio is a further 15 minutes north. Journey time is approx. 1 hour 20/35 minutes to your hotel.
Climate
The Italian Lake region is renowned for its pleasant and mild Mediterranean climate throughout the year. Just as the sea would, the Lake has a moderating influence on the climate. A pleasant breeze blows from the lake during the hot and sunny summer months and during the winter months, despite the altitude, the temperature is kept above freezing, limiting snow and frost to the higher Alpine areas.
Food & Drink
Northern Italian cuisine tends to be hearty, with butter more commonly used than the olive oil and tomatoes favoured in the south. You’ll find delicious cheeses (Gorgonzola, Taleggio) and air dried salted beef (Bresaola) on most restaurant menus. Specialities include the unctuous Risotto alla Milanese, flavoured with saffron, and Osso Buco, a rich and tasty dish of veal shanks braised in wine. For a refreshing aperitif, try a sparkling wine from Franciacorta and with meats, a glass of Barolo, made from the Nebbiolo grape and one of the great wines of Northern Italy.
Average Prices for Region
Coffee: €1.45 Beer: €4.00 Glass of wine: €3.50 Main course: €12.00 Soft Drink: €2.00 Bottled Water: €0.50
Packing List
Your valid passport Sun cream A continental plug adaptor A rain jacket A small backpack A sun hat Comfortable shoes Camera
Recommended Reading
The Devil in Music by Kate Ross The Man in the Green Hat by Mannings Cole On Her Majesty’s Secret Service by Ian Fleming

Day 1 - Travel to Italy

Morning

Travel to Italy

Upon landing in Italy, you will be met by our local representative in the arrivals area of the airport, who will escort you to your hotel in the pretty lakeside town of Tremezzo or Cadenabbia. As you travel to your hotel, your guide will share some information about the local region, suggest activities for you to enjoy and answer any questions you may have.

Day 2 - Boat Trip around Lake Como

Morning

Boat Trip around Lake Como

After breakfast you will set off by boat to discover the towns and villas dotted along the scenic shoreline of the Lake. Set at the intersection of the three branches of the Lake, a stop in the town of Bellagio is a highlight for many visitors.

Evening

At Leisure

You will have the evening to relax and enjoy Lake Como's charms. Shop, sightsee at your own pace or sit by the lake and take in the incredible views.

Day 3 - Excursion to Milan

Full Day

Excursion to Milan

After breakfast, join your guide and travel by coach to Italy’s northern capital and fashion hub; Milan. Your guided tour will provide a fascinating overview of the city, passing the impressive Piazza del Duomo and Cathedral, and the world’s oldest shopping mall, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (all viewed from outside). After the tour, enjoy some free time to refuel with a freshly made panino and an Italian coffee, before hitting the shops or visiting some of Milan’s numerous museums and art galleries.

Day 4 - At Leisure

Full Day

At Leisure

Today, you will have a full day to relax and enjoy the charms of Lake Como. Your local guide will be happy to suggest activities to suit your interests and advise which highlights are a must-see. You could stretch your legs and admire the views with a walk on Tremezzo’s lakeside promenade or relax at your hotel. During the summer months, a short trip on a water taxi will take you to one of the numerous beaches or ‘Lidos’ on the shores of the lake, most offer amenities such as bars, restaurants and sunbeds to rent for a few euros.

Day 5 - Excursion to the Swiss Alps

Full Day

Excursion to the Swiss Alps

After breakfast join your local guide for a full day excursion to the Swiss Alps. Don’t forget your camera to capture the picturesque scenery as you travel through the Bernina Pass, passing the pretty Alpine towns of Tirano and Chiavenna. Expect to see rolling alpine vistas of picture postcard beauty; every scene like a still frame from The Sound of Music! Your final stop is the elegant Swiss town of St. Moritz where you can stretch your legs, take in the fresh mountain air and pick up some delicious Swiss chocolate to bring home. Your return journey to Lake Como is via the Maloya Pass with its fascinatingly winding roads and gorgeous views.

Days 6-7 - At Leisure

Full Day

At Leisure

Take two days to relax and explore Lake Como at your own pace. Don’t forget to ask your guide for advice on what to see and do around the lake to suit your interests. You might like to visit some of the beautiful villas and gardens including Villa Carlotta, close to your hotel in Tremezzo, or Villa Balbianello, one of the most famous and spectacular around the Lake. Take time to enjoy some of the delicious specialities of the region including risotto alla Milanese, thin crust pizza, or the great dish of Lombardy - osso buco.

Day 8 - Return Home

Morning

Return home

After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport, with guide assistance, for your return flight.

* Please note that the order of your excursions on the itinerary above is provisional and subject to change

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Lake Como, the Swiss Alps & Milan

Practical Information for this holiday

Holiday highlights

Practical Information for this holiday