AN ENCHANTING SUMMER ON ITALIAN LAKES

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Overview
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Accommodation
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Itinerary
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Fares
A journey overview
- Milan
- Verona
- Sirmione
- Brescia
- Lake Como
- Lugano
- Lake Maggiore
- Orta San Giulio
- Milan
17 Days Exploration
- Departing:
- 25 May 2023 Sold Out
- 23 May 2024 New release
As spring becomes summer, we savour an extraordinary gourmet journey through northern Italy. The region’s freshest produce is accompanied by the finest local wines. Each destination’s majestic residence is enhanced by its respective lakeside setting. Just 24 guests will engage in this pursuit of pleasure, hosted by renowned wine expert Michael Trembath.



Sojourns on Sun-drenched Shores
Behold the shimmering waters of northern Italy’s famous lakes, lapping at the shores of idyllic harbours and pretty islands. Pastel-coloured houses populate waterfronts along Lake Garda, Como and Maggiore. We also cross into Switzerland for a stay on Lake Lugano.


Gourmet Food Experiences
Savour a Michelin-starred dining experience with matched wines and stunning lake views at I Due Sud. Later in our journey, celebrated chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo serves a range of inspired dishes at the Two Michelin-starred restaurant within Villa Crespi.


A Taste of the Region
Italy’s home-grown grape varieties come to the fore during our journey. Wine cellars and vineyards play host as we meet with the region’s most prominent producers. We also visit the historical home of limoncello at Limone sul Garda.


Hosted by Michael Trembath
Our journey through Italy and Switzerland is hosted by Italian wine expert Michael Trembath. With over 25 years’ experience importing Italian wine, Michael has a mastery of the local viticulture, as well as the region’s cuisine.


Italy’s Alluring Lakeside Gardens
Discover the exquisite gardens of Villa Balbianello, on the shores of Lake Como. Immaculate and sweeping lawns are bounded by extensive hedges, while the property’s unparalleled setting is also populated by many towering trees, including planes, oaks and beech.
Residences of the highest standard

Due Torri Hotel, Verona
Fall in love with Verona, without the tragedy imagined by Shakespeare. Enjoy sweeping views of the city from the rooftop balcony of the Due Torri Hotel, while a vast selection of wines and regional cuisine hints at the adventures to come.

Grand Hotel Terme, Sirmione
Adjacent to the exquisite lake-bound Scaliger Castle, the Grand Hotel Terme also boasts spectacular views over the tranquil waters of Lake Garda. Rooms are designed in a classic style, while the outdoor pool and spa restore body and mind in an unsurpassed setting.
- 23 May 2024 departure

L’Albereta Relais & Chateau, Erbusco
Originally a private villa, this splendid property, set among rolling hills in Lombardia, offers exceptional views of Lake Iseo and Franciacorta’s vineyards. All rooms and suites feature an outdoor sitting area.

Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio
This majestic property holds the distinction of having been designed and refined by five generations of women. Its every aspect bears the values and warmth of a calling passed down from mother to daughter, while our Comfort Rooms boast superb lake views.

Hotel Splendid Royale, Lugano
Resting upon the shores of Lake Lugano, the Hotel Splendid Royale offers a fine-dining experience within its Michelin-starred restaurant I Due Sud. Afterwards, retire to our Deluxe Lake View rooms, where each room echoes the dignity of the establishment’s façade.

Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees, Stresa
The Grand Hotel Iles Borromees blends just the right amount of elegance and modernity, leaving the stay to linger in your memory long after you return home. Enjoy views of stunning Lake Maggiore from your Lake View Room.

Villa Crespi, Orta San Giulio
The scene of our indulgent Farewell Dinner, Villa Crespi is an enchanting haven where peace and refinement are on intimate terms. Our rooms and suites are individually decorated, evoking the richness of the Middle East, with all featuring canopied beds.
Itinerary
Tour Manager - Michael Trembath
Tour Doctor - Dr Claudia Lee
Milan (Italy), Verona
25 May 2023 & 23 May 2024: As Your Tour Manager, Michael Trembath Welcomes You On This Journey
25 May 2023: Your Accompanying Tour Doctor For This Journey is Dr Claudia Lee
Arrive in the stylish metropolis of Milan and transfer to Verona by coach. On arrival, we make ourselves comfortable at Verona’s renowned Due Torri Hotel. This evening’s dining takes place at Michelin-starred Il Desco.
Verona
This morning, the city of Verona reveals itself during a guided tour. Contemplate Shakespeare’s tragic tale as you stand beneath Juliet’s balcony. From here, we cross the Adige River and take a short stroll to admire the grandeur of Giusti Garden. The residents of Verona are rightly proud of this exquisite garden, whose French-style parterre and labyrinth are bordered by magnificent cypress trees. Following lunch at Trattoria dal Taio, we get ready for today’s main event: our arrival at the city’s ancient Arena. Built in the first century AD, the celebrated amphitheatre now serves as Verona’s opera house. Take a behind-the-scenes look as we wander through the bowels of the great edifice, before getting a close-up view of the stage and beyond. Our dinner this evening is at the distinguished Palazzo Verità Poeta, where we also enjoy a private concert.
Verona, Soave
A short drive this morning brings us to Speri Winery. Stylistic integrity and consistency are always front of mind for the Speri family, whose entire range is certified organic, drawing only upon Valpolicella native grapes. After our visit, we travel to the medieval town of Soave; its ancient castle still keeping watch from its strategic hilltop position. Following lunch at Il Drago, we make our way to Pieropan, for a discovery of its wine cellar and vineyard, while ensuring time is also devoted to a small tasting.
Verona, Sirmione
Today, we depart Verona for Sirmione. Along the way, we stop for lunch at Osteria Alla Torre, a local tavern. With our palates warmed up, our next stop is the alluring Selva Capuzza, a winery established on principles of sustainability, with an equal dedication to the biodiversity of its surrounds. Shortly, we arrive at the Grand Hotel Terme, on the shores of Lake Garda. Our hotel’s restaurant, L’Orangerie, sets the stage for this evening’s dining experience.
Sirmione, Limone Sul Garda
Our adventure continues as we explore the lake resort town of Gargnano sul Garda. A short distance away, also along the banks of Lake Garda, we find Limone sul Garda, the historical home of limoncello. Though the region only produces a fraction of the lemons it did during its heyday, its role in establishing the distinctive liqueur is still celebrated with zest by its locals. The colourful houses along its harbour seem to cling to the shore, at the foot of a sharply rising cliff face. Enjoy lake views over lunch at Trattoria San Martino le 3 Oche. Perhaps discover more of the lake’s charms on your own schedule this afternoon or relax back at our hotel. Enjoy traditional Italian cuisine this evening at Ristorante Risorgimento.
Sirmione, Brescia
Farewell Sirmione this morning, as we head north along the lake to Salò. Here, we enjoy a guided visit of Il Vittoriale degli Italiani, a collection of buildings, squares, gardens and streams, and complemented by an outdoor theatre, designed and built by the poet Gabriele d’Annunzio, assisted by the architect Giancarlo Maroni. We savour a final glimpse of Lake Garda during lunch at La Locanda del Benaco, before once more joining the road towards our hotel. Enchanting rooms await us at L’Albereta Relais & Chateau, set amid hillsides dense with vineyards.
Brescia
Brescia’s history is a compelling one. This morning, we discover some of its stories at the Museo di Santa Giulia, and visit the circular Romanesque cathedral, Duomo Vecchio during a walking tour. After lunch at La Vineria, we join Brescia Underground, a fascinating tour of the city’s ‘buried’ rivers. These canals, once the lifeblood of the town, lay in secret for many years. Later, we arrive at the Mille Miglia Museum, which honours the road race Mille Miglia (‘Thousand Miles’). The museum also showcases many vintage vehicles from the 1920s onward. This evening, we retreat to a local restaurant for dinner.
Brescia, Bellagio
Our time in the city has found us yearning once more to be lakeside. A gradual westward journey finds us on the shores of Lake d’Iseo. It’s here that we enjoy some time at Ca’ del Bosco winery. The secrets of Italian sparkling wine are revealed during a tasting at this stunning hilltop property. Soon enough, we arrive at Lake Como and our residence Hotel Belvedere. Surrounded by a verdant landscape and soaring mountains, this astonishing setting serves as our home for the next three nights. Enjoy panoramic views of the lake and its surrounds from our position in the hotel’s La Terrazza restaurant this evening.
Lake Como
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.
Lake Como
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.
Bellagio, Lugano (Switzerland)
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.
Lugano
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.
Lugano, Stresa (Italy)
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.
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.
Stresa, Orta San Giulio
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.
Orta San Giulio
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.
Milan
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.
AN ENCHANTING SUMMER ON ITALIAN LAKES
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