Michelle Jackson, The Novel Traveller, felt like a celebrity when she went on a Lake Como holiday, one of the most popular destinations in Italy.
Why visit Lake Como?
The stunning turquoise waters of Lake Como are as dazzling as the stars who flock there to escape the limelight. What better way to enjoy the mountains that sweep down to this lake than in the comfort and style of a film star while exploring the region. Holidaying in Lake Como has been popular for the wealthy and famous since Roman Times, more recently some of the best-known A-listers have owned homes on its shores, from Madonna to Gianni Versace. A glimpse of George Clooney may not be included in most itineraries but you will be treated like a VIP with the expertise of Travel Department's expert guides.
Luxury Experiences in Lake Como - What to Expect
After you’ve settled into the carefully chosen accommodation you'll get to explore Lake Como in VIP style and begin with a private boat trip. This will bring you up close and personal to the jewel-like mansions scattered along the shoreline. Clooney’s twenty-two room Villa Oleandra in Laglio is just one of the many stunning homes you can savour and enjoy on the tour.
Known as the Pearl of Lake Como, the town of Bellagio is where we stop off and you’ll be given plenty of time to do some dazzling shopping and find that perfect gift or memento to bring home. You might even brush shoulders with the cognoscenti in one of the cafés at the lively Piazza San Giacomo. The stunning architecture and villas are steeped in history and their guides can’t wait to share their stories with you. As always free time is an important part of Italian holidays and meandering the waterfront of this scenic town will be a highlight for some of you.
Unforgettable day trips - Bernina Express and Milan
Travel Department has operated for over 30 years, bringing together a range of carefully curated experiences. The Lake Como itinerary includes a scenic journey through the Swiss Alps on the Bernina Express. This route travels along a single-track railway from Poschiavo to Diavolezza, continuing by coach transfer to St Moritz.
Lake Como is also close to the city of Milan, best known as the hub of Italian fashion and home to the world’s oldest shopping mall the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Discover the best of Milan on a day long excursion to this eclectic city and you'll get to see the city highlights in comfort and style, most notably see the stunning exterior of the cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo. While the prices in the shops may well be worthy of film-star salaries, the guides will be happy to show you how to enjoy the best of Milan like a local. Those of you who enjoy art and especially the Renaissance might like to pop into see Da Vinci’s Last Supper in the former Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. After spending your day in majestic Milan you’ll be whisked back to the slower-paced shorelines of Lake Como - just like celebrities.
How to spend free time in Lake Como
Your free days can be as busy or relaxed as you want them to be. One of the best ways to soak up the beauty of Lake Como and enjoy La Dolce Vita is basking under the Italian sunshine in a Lido and there are plenty to choose from. For a really inspirational morning or afternoon stroll then The Villa del Balbianello is one of the special sights to explore on Lake Como. The spiral staircase and entrance lined with sycamore and cypress trees will entice those of you who love the finer things into this treasure-trove of Chinese, African and Pre-Columbian Art. If you want to tantalise your taste-buds and for those of you who love Italian food make sure you don’t leave without tasting the Osso Buca. This most famous dish in Lombardy is veal cooked to fall off the bone with tenderness and just some of the culinary treats waiting for you.
Travel Department's local guides always find the best places to ensure you have an authentic experience. They are used to spotting the stars and they’ll be able to help you find any who happen to be in town, while you are hiding from the limelight too of course.
Ready to take a holiday in Lake Como in Style?
Discover the charm of Lake Como on a guided tour with Travel Department. Famous for its elegant lakeside villas, dramatic mountain scenery and picturesque towns, this captivating destination offers a stunning blend of natural beauty, culture and Italian sophistication. With carefully planned itineraries and knowledgeable local guides, you can explore Lake Como and beyond at a relaxed pace and enjoy a seamless, stress-free travel experience. Start planning your Italian escape today.
