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Activity Level: M-C Start / Finish: Milan / Milan
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Dockside at the Lakes
Nestled cozily between the Alps and the Swiss border, the Italian Lakes are grandeur, comfort and elegance incarnate. A lofty claim, we know, but once you’ve laid eyes on this land of perched villas and verdant hills, you’ll forgive us our hyperbole. Truly incredible walks—linked by private boats and, at Monte Brè, a cog railway—lead us through the charming streets of Lugano and über-chic Bellagio to unforgettable authentic meals at opulent waterfront resorts. Where much of Italy is built for bikes, the Lakes are made to be explored by boat and on foot. This is a place of romance, playground of the glitterati for decades. Come experience what a “week at the lake” feels like—the Old World way.
Day 1 Take in all three Italian Lakes at once from the top of Monte Mottarone before beginning your journey
Day 2 Tour the palace, galleries and gardens of Isola Bella
Day 3 Trace Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms route along the western shore of Lago Maggiore by private boat before wandering the promenades of elegant Lugano, Switzerland
Day 4 Hike down Monte Brè—the views are incomparable—after riding a circa-1908 cog railway to the top
Day 5 Taste the wines and local flavours of this undiscovered region with a tasting at an intimate cantina
Day 6 Explore chic Bellagio, the “pearl of Lago di Como”
Day 7 Breakfast in Bellagio, then arrivederci in Milan
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Click a date below for detailed pricing information
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2012
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June 4 – 9 6 Days / 5 Nights Price per person from: $6,795 Single supplement: $2,300
July 2 – 7 6 Days / 5 Nights Price per person from: $6,795 Single supplement: $2,300
July 16 – 21 6 Days / 5 Nights Price per person from: $6,795 Single supplement: $2,300
September 3 – 8 6 Days / 5 Nights Price per person from: $6,795 Single supplement: $2,300
September 17 – 22 6 Days / 5 Nights Price per person from: $6,795 Single supplement: $2,300
October 1 – 6 6 Days / 5 Nights Price per person from: $6,795 Single supplement: $2,300
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Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Bellagio
The Villa Serbelloni was one of the most famous stops along the 19thC grand tour of the lakes. Not much has changed today. Set in the Lago di Como district, the hotel is decorated in a neo-classical style, with refined interiors.
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Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola, Lugano
On the shores of Lago di Lugano, the Villa Castagnola is a luxurious property surrounded by sub-tropical flora. Our days of walking can be rewarded by time in the hotel’s Turkish hammam. All rooms offer stunning views of the lake.
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Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées, Stresa
Overlooking Lago Maggiore with the splendour of a late 19thC resort, it is easy to see why this enchanting five-star hotel has welcomed famous guests from Leopold II and Rockefeller to Hemingway and Clark Gable.
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Wes Alexander & Lida Lahola
Italian Lakes Walking 2011
“It is simple...B&R is simply THE best. Best guides, wonderful locations, great food and wine, well thought out trails. If you have not experienced B&R you are missing out on something VERY special!”
John Dowd
Italian Lakes Walking 2011
“This trip exceeded all of our expectations. We're discriminating travelers so topping our list of favorites is difficult to do...yet B&R has easily done it! We were impressed by the food and wine selections. Lunches were extraordinary. Dinners were lavish, and the vino was free flowing. My favorite B&R moment was the surprise private concert by the Bellagio Choir.”
Jill Rupple
Italian Lakes Walking 2011
“I absolutely loved this trip. After 3 biking trips it was my first hiking trip and I didn't know what to expect. The hiking was amazing, the locations were spectacular, and the wine was fabulous. My favorite part was the last evening event. It was breathtaking and I couldn’t have imagined it any better.”
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Moderate to Challenging
This trip is rated Moderate to Challenging, with both easier and more challenging options offered daily. We cover a variety of terrain. Some walks are on mountainous trails, with strenuous ups and downs. A number of trails follow narrow footpaths through woods, while others are on well-surfaced small roads. Hiking boots are required for some days. Daily distances average 8 km (5 mi.), with options for easier or more challenging hikes.
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Rita Annunziata, Local Expert
Rita was born and raised in Bellagio (“the pearl of Lake Como”), Italy, and her enthusiasm for her home town couldn’t be more contagious! Want to know the history of that stunning villa? The latest local gossip? Or maybe the name of the beautiful flower by the side of the path? Rita is your gal! Year after year, travellers tell us she was one of the highlights of their trip- but don’t take their word for it, come see for yourself!
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