Luxury Italian Lakes Foodie Vacations

Experience the best of Italy’s Lakes District on our Premier Lakes culinary vacations. Most weeks begin on Lake Como then travel 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.
• 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.