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Grand Hotel on Lake Como

Italy

7 nights 9 Departures Available

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Follow in the footsteps of Flaubert and Tennyson, Julius Caesar and Queen Victoria, to enjoy the timeless elegance of Lake Como, where flower-filled gardens and pastel-painted villages punctuate the shore, set against the stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps

Overview

Shaped like an inverted ‘Y’, Lake Como is long (50km), narrow, and up to 400m deep. Rugged peaks rise around its northern reaches, with softer southern landscapes of forested slopes framing fabulous villas, and charming towns with their toes in the water.

One of these is Menaggio, the setting for your seven-night stay. Scenic and central for exploration, its promenade hems the western shore; the centre is sprinkled with cafés and boutiques; steep stairways lead to stone buildings in the (older) upper area; and regular ferries team practical transport with picturesque views. Collated to offer a vibrant variety of experiences, this tour is a flexible mix of free time, optional and included excursions, so that you can plan your ideal blend of ‘sightsee’ or ‘stay-put’ days. An included afternoon boat trip takes you to the botanical gardens of Villa Carlotta.

Two optional tours go further afield, one across the Swiss border to stylish St. Moritz; and the last to lovely Lugano in Switzerland and Como. 

Highlights

  • Take in the beauty of Lake Como
  • Explore Menaggio with an expert
  • Option to ride on Bernina Express
  • Take a lake cruise 
  • Visit Villa Carlotta 
  • Enjoy a drink on the hotel terrace  
Grand Hotel On Lake Como Map

Itinerary

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Day 1 - Fly to Milan and travel to Como

Fly to Milan and transfer to the Grand Hotel Menaggio for seven nights.

Day 2 - A walking tour of Menaggio

After a welcome meeting, join a guided walking tour of Menaggio where you will be able to enjoy the beauty of Lake Como. The afternoon is free for you to take a stroll or simply enjoy the hotel. (B)

Day 3 - Spend the day at leisure or on our optional excursion to St Moritz

Choose an easy day or enticing optional excursion, taking you by road to the town of Tirano, and transferring to train tracks at Poschiavo for a scenic spectacular of gorges and glaciers on the Bernina Express to Diavolezza. A short onward journey to St. Moritz gives you free time to view the crystal-clear lake, rub shoulders with the rich and famous, and take in the uber-elegant shops (pre-bookable).
(B)

Day 4 - Enjoy the day at leisure or join the optional wine tasting in Domaso.

Day at leisure to explore the surrounding villages or join the optional wine tasting in Domaso. Experience a guided tour of the cellar and enjoy a tasting of three wines accompanied by cold cuts and cheese (pre-bookable available for departures 17th May onwards).
(B)

Day 5 - Cruise to Villa Carlotta, ending with an aperitif

A private cruise in the afternoon takes you to Villa Carlotta, whose grand terraces and glorious gardens overlook the lake; enjoy an aperitif on the terrace of the Grand Hotel Menaggio, with views over the water to Bellagio and Varenna.
(B)

Day 6 - Enjoy independent exploration

A day at leisure or perhaps take a ferry or shuttle boat to the traditional and picturesque villages hugging the shorelines of Lake Como, such as Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo and Lenno (Ferry port is approx. 100 metres away from hotel).
(B)

Day 7 - Relax or choose an optional day tour

A day to relax or join either an optional full-day tour on your final day of exploration.

Departure by bus to Gandria, on the border between Italy and Switzerland, one of Ticino's most beautiful
lakeside villages and short stop before embarking the boat for a cruise to Lugano. Arrival in Lugano where you will have time at leisure for exploring this elegant town. Lugano, often referred to as the ‘Rio de Janeiro’ of Switzerland combines the efficiency and elegance of Switzerland with the joie de vivre and friendliness of Italy. The long lakefront was rightly described by Gabriel Faure as ‘the most magnificent bay in all Europe’ and its promenade is well tended with flowers, and adorned by works of sculpture and fountains. The shops and market stalls of Lugano are extremely varied and many are situated among the long arcades and porticos which abound in Lugano. The main Piazza di Riforma is a vibrant meeting place surrounded by 18th-century palazzi. Transfer by bus to Como where you will have some time at leisure to admire its beautiful square facing the lake, the Cathedral with its many masterpieces, walk through the streets of the historic centre. Its proximity to Lake Como and to the Alps has made Como a tourist destination, and the city contains numerous works of art, churches, gardens, museums, theatres, parks, and palaces. Transfer by bus back to the hotel.(pre-bookable)
(B)

Day 8 - Fly home from Milan

Transfer to Milan for your homeward flight.
(B)

Day 1 - Fly to Milan and travel to Como

Fly to Milan and transfer to the Grand Hotel Menaggio for seven nights.

Day 2 - A walking tour of Menaggio

After a welcome meeting, join a guided walking tour of Menaggio where you will be able to enjoy the beauty of Lake Como. The afternoon is free for you to take a stroll or simply enjoy the hotel. (B)

Day 3 - Spend the day at leisure

Day at leisure to explore the surrounding villages.
(B)

Day 4 - Cruise to Villa Carlotta, ending with an aperitif

A private cruise in the afternoon takes you to Villa Carlotta, whose grand terraces and glorious gardens overlook the lake; enjoy an aperitif on the terrace of the Grand Hotel Menaggio, with views over the water to Bellagio and Varenna.
(B)

Day 5 - Spend the day at leisure or on our optional excursion to St Moritz

Choose an easy day or enticing optional excursion, taking you by road to the town of Tirano, and transferring to train tracks at Poschiavo for a scenic spectacular of gorges and glaciers on the Bernina Express to Diavolezza. A short onward journey to St. Moritz gives you free time to view the crystal-clear lake, rub shoulders with the rich and famous, and take in the uber-elegant shops (pre-bookable).
(B)

Day 6 - Enjoy independent exploration

A day at leisure or perhaps take a ferry or shuttle boat to the traditional and picturesque villages hugging the shorelines of Lake Como, such as Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo and Lenno (Ferry port is approx. 100 metres away from hotel).
(B)

Day 7 - Relax or choose an optional day tour

A day to relax or join either an optional full-day tour on your final day of exploration.

Departure by bus to Gandria, on the border between Italy and Switzerland, one of Ticino's most beautiful
lakeside villages and short stop before embarking the boat for a cruise to Lugano. Arrival in Lugano where you will have time at leisure for exploring this elegant town. Lugano, often referred to as the ‘Rio de Janeiro’ of Switzerland combines the efficiency and elegance of Switzerland with the joie de vivre and friendliness of Italy. The long lakefront was rightly described by Gabriel Faure as ‘the most magnificent bay in all Europe’ and its promenade is well tended with flowers, and adorned by works of sculpture and fountains. The shops and market stalls of Lugano are extremely varied and many are situated among the long arcades and porticos which abound in Lugano. The main Piazza di Riforma is a vibrant meeting place surrounded by 18th-century palazzi. Transfer by bus to Como where you will have some time at leisure to admire its beautiful square facing the lake, the Cathedral with its many masterpieces, walk through the streets of the historic centre. Its proximity to Lake Como and to the Alps has made Como a tourist destination, and the city contains numerous works of art, churches, gardens, museums, theatres, parks, and palaces. Transfer by bus back to the hotel.(pre-bookable)
(B)

Day 8 - Fly home from Milan

Transfer to Milan for your homeward flight.
(B)

Notes:

Excursions on Days 2 & 7 include walking on some uneven surfaces.

Optional tours are not exclusive to Jules Verne groups and subject to minimum numbers.

For Solo Group departures there is a dinner included on the first night.

Reviews

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Accommodation

Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.

Grand Hotel Menaggio, Lake Como, Italy, Exterior

Grand Hotel Menaggio - Lake Como

A 4-star historic hotel, looking directly over the blue waters of Lake Como, a few steps from Menaggio main square and boat station. Restaurant, pool, bar, boutique and WiFi (free). 94 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.

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Optional Extras

Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.

Optional Excursions

- Travel Guide -

You can find out more about the country on the travel guide.

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