AN ENCHANTING SUMMER ON ITALIAN LAKES

The region’s joining of art and nature is nowhere more evident than at Villa Carlotta. Crossing the waters of Lake Como this morning, we explore the villa’s vast art collection, acquired over three centuries. The nearby Villa Balbianello was built as a retreat by Cardinal Durini at the end of the 18th century. From the gorgeous yellow edifice of this luxurious dwelling, visitors can follow tree-lined pathways on a winding descent through immaculate lawns, and past majestic topiary, to the shimmering waters of the lake. During lunch, we relish Ristorante Crotto dei Platani’s prime position on the edge of Lake Como. Enjoy the warm summer breeze as we dine upon the restaurant’s lakeview balcony. After once more crossing the lake by boat, we wander the exquisite garden of Villa Melzi, a site that has inspired many writers, artists and poets.

We spend the morning walking the delightful waterfront streets of Como. Boarding a funicular, we gradually ascend to the clifftop village of Brunate, from where we enjoy spectacular birds-eye perspectives over the lake and its surrounds during lunch at Trattoria dei Bracconieri. Soak in the aura of Lake Como once again as we follow the shoreline to Ristorante Alle Darsene di Loppia. An ambience of utter tranquillity pervades this lakeside scene as we dine alfresco. As our ferry departs, we’re treated to a magnificent show, Tremezzina’s lights dancing upon the lake.

This morning, we set out for a stroll through the peaceful village of Varenna, whose waterfront is populated with an abundance of pastel-coloured houses. A final lunch sees us dine at the lakefront il Ristorante di Paolo, in nearby Menaggio. Following lunch, we bid Italy a brief farewell. Our coach follows a spectacular route along the edge of Lake Lugano, and soon we are crossing into Switzerland, arriving in Lugano. On the banks of the lake, we’re presented with the majestic vision of Hotel Splendid Royale, our home for the next two nights. Our Michelin-starred dining experience, with matched wines, is capped off with sensational lake views from our prime position within the hotel’s restaurant I Due Sud.

We join the road this morning, travelling south to the city of Varese. Our momentary traverse back across the Swiss-Italian border gives us the opportunity to discover Italy’s ‘Garden City’. Blessed with an abundance of parks and gardens, Varese also boasts many impressive villas complemented with well-manicured lawns and hedges. From the shores of Lake Varese, we gaze skyward to Monte Campo dei Fiori, the region’s most notable mountain. Following a lunch of regional specialties, we return to our splendid hotel and take the rest of the afternoon at leisure. The second of our hotel’s renowned restaurants hosts us this evening, affording us the opportunity to enjoy the stunning views, as if for the first time.

Our time in Switzerland draws to a close and we make our final border crossing back to Italy. Arriving in the lakeside resort town of Stresa, we’re immediately struck by the nearby Borromean Islands. Isola Bella, in particular, exhibits a near-mystical appearance, with its terraced gardens, punctuated by an array of statues and sculptures. For lunch, we dine in the charming Lo Stornello restaurant. Our afternoon is free to walk the shores of the beautiful Lake Maggiore or perhaps wander Stresa’s laneways and boutiques. It’s then time to lap up the elegant interiors of the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees, our residence for the next two evenings. We make our entrance to the refined Il Borromeo Restaurant for a gastronomic experience to savour, complete with magnificent views of Lake Maggiore.

This morning, embark a boat for a cruise of the Borromean Islands. Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre prove equal in beauty, yet each possesses its own distinct charm. On the sparsely populated Isola dei Pescatori, we dine on the fruits of the sea at La Pescheria. Reaching Isola Madre, we admire its grand 16th-century palace and English-style garden. The striking Teatro Massimo, meanwhile, takes pride of place on Isola Bella. Its intricate arrangement of statues and obelisks makes for an ethereal experience. You may also spy the occasional peacock roaming the grounds here. At the close of another day’s adventure, we take comfort in the traditional home-style cooking at the intimate Il Vicoletto restaurant.

We bid our grand hotel farewell this morning and travel south to Masserano. Here, we discern the flavours of the local grape varieties at Colombera & Garella winery. We continue our exploration of the Alto Piemonte wine region, tasting the finest wines of two of the area’s most renowned producers. Nearby, the town of Orta San Giulio rests on a promontory, jutting into Lake Orta. It’s here that we come across the distinct façade of our hotel, Villa Crespi. Our enchanting and individually decorated suites set the tone for the exceptional experience which transpires during our two-night stay. This evening, we gather for dinner at the lakeside restaurant La Motta.

After a walking tour of Orta San Giulio, we board a ferry for Isola San Giulio. It is said this island was once overrun with snakes and monsters, until St Giulio arrived upon the island and banished them. Today, the island’s population is comprised mostly of the nuns who live at the local convent. We see the Basilica di San Giulio, with its many elaborate frescoes, and wander the island’s maze of narrow alleyways. Back on the mainland, select where you would like to dine for lunch, from among Orta San Giulio’s many fine restaurants. This afternoon is yours to explore or relax as you wish. We dine in style this evening, as Villa Crespi’s luxurious dining room hosts us for our Farewell Dinner. Celebrated chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo fuses past and present, serving a range of inspired dishes from our hotel’s Two Michelin-starred restaurant.

Today, we enjoy a relaxed morning before transferring to Milan’s Malpensa Airport. Our magnificent gourmet journey concludes as we farewell new-found friends and board our return flight to Milan.