Lake Como is one of the most picturesque Italian lakes, and this all-inclusive holiday includes a seven-night stay in Cadenabbia, a quiet hamlet on the western shoreline, easily accessible from Milan. It's the perfect place to relax, admire the scenery and explore the charming towns and villages all around.
Readers will enjoy three memorable excursions: a tour of Lake Como, a cruise to Bellagio and a trip on the Bernina railway through Alpine terrain to chic St Moritz in Switzerland.
You will stay in the family-run Hotel Britannia Excelsior, which boasts stunning views over the lake, swimming pools and lakefront bar, as well as four restaurants. Local beer, wine and spirits are included in the package and there's an option to upgrade to premium.
SCENIC LAKE COMO
Enchanting Lake Como is Italy's third largest lake and one of Europe's deepest - and you'll see its scenic highlights on a private tour. It's surrounded by opulent villas, including one owned by George Clooney. Many villas are open to the public, so you can wander around their beautiful landscaped gardens.
You can also visit some of the area's delightful villages, including Bellagio, on a full-day cruise. Known as the Pearl of Lake Como, Bellagio is located at the point where the lake divides into two 'legs' at its southern end.
ST MORITZ AND THE BERNINA RAILWAY
Synonymous with style, elegance and sophistication, St Moritz is Switzerland's premier Alpine resort, loved by celebrities and royals alike. You'll travel there on the Bernina Railway, a UNESCO-listed panoramic railway that will take you through spectacular mountain scenery.
STAYING IN CADENABBIA
The health resort has been popular with Brits since Victorian times, where Queen Victoria herself holidayed. Mary Shelley wrote about the hamlet in the 1840s and, a few years later, Guiseppe Verdi composed part of La Traviata in the Villa Margherita, now a private residence.
YOUR ELEGANT HOTEL
Hotel Britannia Excelsior - just across the road from Lake Como - has two pools, one a lido on the lake itself. Rooms are in a traditional style with antique furniture.
** Classic All-Inclusive: Local beer, wine, spirits, tea and coffee served between 10am and midnight.
Optional upgrade available to Gold All-Inclusive: As per Classic All-Inclusive plus selected brand spirits, cocktails, prosecco, specialty coffee, served between 10am and midnight.
Fly from your local airport into Milan Malpensa and then transfer to the lakeside destination of Cadenabbia. Depending on the time of your flight, your all-inclusive package should start from the evening meal tonight.
Today is yours to relax and enjoy the wonderful lakeside setting of Cadenabbia. Over the next few days you'll have the chance to explore the surrounding area and discover the stunning beauty of the region.
Today you have a full day to appreciate the scenery of nearby Switzerland, travelling to St Moritz on the Bernina Railway. This incredible train journey stops at St Moritz and travels through some of the most spectacular Alpine landscapes in Europe.
Aside from admiring the splendid location, you'll also be able to take in the views over St Moritz, and visit the many museums in town. St Moritz is a magnificent location that always makes for an exciting day out. Thought of as the home of Alpine tourism, the town is a favorite with numerous celebrities and royals, and you'll find lots to see and do here.
This morning, take a half-day lake cruise across Lake Como, thought of as one of the Italian Lakes' most beautiful locations. The third-largest lake in Italy, Lake Como is surrounded by opulent villas and alpine mountains, and has a relaxing, elegant atmosphere.
Your lake cruise will allow you to explore this magical location and take in the wonderful scenery on all sides. The afternoon is yours at leisure.
Today is yours to enjoy, perhaps making use of the hotel's expansive swimming pools, including the lido on the edge of Lake Como, as well as enjoying everything your all-inclusive package has to offer.
Today you'll go on a full-day lake tour around the scenic delights of Lake Como. Enjoy the views from the comfort of your coach with photo stops and free time along the way, in some of the most beautiful villages in this corner of northern Italy. You'll drive through quaint lakeside ports, magnificent mountain scenery and traditional Italian villages.
Enjoy a final full day at leisure.
Sadly it's time to say farewell to Lake Como as you take the transfer back to Milan for your flight home.
Large hotel with spacious outdoor areas on the shores of Lake Como
Just across the road from Lake Como, the Hotel Britannia Excelsior is a large, traditionally designed hotel in a fantastic location.
The hotel features two pools, one that's a lido on the lake itself, ensuring that you'll be able to make the most of the fantastic views all around. Its rooms are decorated in a traditional style with antique furniture.
