Lakeside Villas & St Moritz Semi Private Tour
Lake Como-Villa Balbianello-Bernina Expvass train-St Moritz-Milan-Piona Abbey Valtellina-Lake Orta-Stresa
6days/5nights
2020 depart Sat: May - Sep
Cost from: $1830 per person twin share (s/sup $420)
**Please enquire about Private Transfers or upgrades to room with balcony or terrace
day 01 sat Lake Como
Arrive independently to Como and your hotel (transfers on request). The remainder of the day is at leisure for personal discoveries.
day 02 sun Villa Balbianello
Morning is at leisure. Later in the afternoon at 3.15pm depart by private boat from the boat landing stage opposite Villa Carlotta to the loveliest villas and gardens on Lake Como. Villa Balbianello on the tip of the Lavedo promontory is the most spectacular spot on the lake. It was built at the end of the 18C and today belongs to F.A.I. (the Italian equivalent of the National Trust). Visit the beautiful and exquisitely furnished interiors and the great collection of pre-Columbian objects, Chinese porcelain and terracotta, reverse-glass paintings, tapestries and carpets that belonged to its last owner, Count Guido Monzino, a keen explorer renowned for climbing Mount Everest in 1973. Later return to Como.
day 03 mon Bernina Express-St Moritz (22 May -25 Sep)
Meet your guide outside the hotel at 07.40am. We travel northbound to Tirano where we stop for coffee. Part of this excursion is done with the well-known panoramic Bernina Express train. We take the train in Poschiavo (Switzerland) and continue to Diavolezza (Switzerland), doing one of the nicest section of the Bernina Express Railway. We will see the White Lake and the Black Lake and plenty of breathtaking glaciers. Then, by coach, reach St Moritz, the famous Swiss holiday and ski resort situated on the southern side of the Alps in the Engadine Valley with its numerous crystal clear mountain lakes. On our return we stop in Chiavenna and have some free time before returning to Lake Como.
day 04 tue The Best of Milan
Meet the guide outside the hotel at 08.30am and depart to Milan. Your guided tour will include the Castle of the Dukes one of the best Renaissance monuments of Milan. Continue to the historic centre with its highlights: the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery and the renowned La Scala Opera Theatre. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the famous shopping district or join an optional excursion. Later in the afternoon return to Como.
day 05 wed Lake Como
A day to relax and explore at your leisure.
day 06 thu Piona Abbey & Wine tasting in Valtellina
Meet your guide outside your hotel at 8.50am. Travel to Piona Abbey, a typical building of the Comacina Art in exposed square stone, is a rare jewel of Lombard Romanesque architecture. Located on the peninsula of Olgiasca on the extreme tip of the Lecco branch, it offers a splendid panoramic view of the west coast of Lake Como, as well as the chance to enjoy the tranquillity and peace enjoyed by the Cistercians monks who still leave there today. After the visit continue by bus to Valtellina, the largest terraced area in Italy and home to more than 850 hectares of vineyards. Stop for a visit to a historic cellar and tasting of two wines and local products before returning by bus to Lake Como. Back at about 15.15 pm
day 07 fri Lake Orta and Stresa (Lake Maggiore)
Meet your guide outside the hotel at 8.10am. This full day tour by coach starts with a drive to Lake Orta, where we will have time for a stroll around the village. Then continue on to the elegant town of Stresa, situated on Lake Maggiore. You will take the boat to Isola Bella where you will have free time for a short visit, back by boat to Stresa where you will have time at leisure to visit the town.
day 08 sat Lake Como Departure
This tour comes to an end. Independent departure or request a private transfer to Milan Airport or train Station. B
Inclusions: twin share accommodationin lake view room, breakfast daily, Bernina Express train, coach to St Moritz, boat excursions to the Villas mentioned in the programme, English speaking tour guide, local taxes (passports required).
Hotel: Grand Hotel Cadenabbia (lake view room) other upgrades on request
Exclusions: return transfers, entries and regular ferry crossing.