Bespoke
Italian Lakes Bespoke
Elevated elegance in the Italian Lakes
Country
Italy
Accommodation Options
Boutique hotels, grand hotels & villas
Things to See & Do
Art, biking, boat tours, culinary, culture, hiking & water sports
Best Time To Go
April – June, September – October
Carbon Neutral Trip
In the Italian Lakes, elegance comes with a mountain backdrop and a spritz in hand. Pedal scenic routes through storybook towns, wander stylish streets in Bellagio and Lugano, and cruise across glassy waters by private boat. With perched villas, sublime cuisine and lakefront luxury, this isn’t just a week at the lake—it’s la dolce vita, distilled.
Experience Designer
Trip Inspiration
Snapshot of a Day
Enjoy a luxury speedboat tour at sunset, where an exclusive dinner at a private villa is set for the evening, returning to your hotel by boat.
Snapshot of a Day
Bike through enchanting lakeside towns and villages, meandering along narrow cobblestone streets, and discover historic churches, vibrant local markets and unique artisan shops along the way.
Snapshot of a Day
Explore scenic hiking trails that wind through lush forests, gentle rolling hills and stunning panoramic viewpoints, offering breathtaking vistas of the lakes and surrounding mountains.
Inspiration
Quintessential Lake Como
Enjoy a quintessential Lake Como experience as you explore the charming streets of Bellagio, bike or walk along lakeside promenades, chestnut forests and manicured gardens. Go by boat and visit islands peppered through the crystal-clear lake—where mountain vistas and historic lakeside residences amplify the scenic beauty for which the region is known. Ultimate luxury awaits on a private Venetian-style speedboat tour at sunset, framed by the picturesque villas dotting the shoreline. Meet with locals who proudly share their passions and local traditions like breathtaking a cappella singing.
Recommended Duration: 5-8 days
Best Time To Go: May – June, September
Things to See and Do: Walk the Greenway to Bellagio, kayak the tranquil Lake Lugano, a ravioli-making culinary experience at a cozy retreat.
Don't Miss Out On: Waking up early to see the mesmerizing sunrise over Lake Maggiore.
Snapshot of a Day
Take a scenic stroll along the Sentiero dei Castagni in Lake Maggiore, then cruise to the enchanting island by boat before indulging in a cooking class at a private retreat.
Snapshot of a Day
Experience the thrill of water sports on Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta, where crystal-clear waters and ideal wind conditions set the perfect stage for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Snapshot of a Day
Set off on picturesque cycling routes along the lakeshores and through charming villages, taking in breathtaking scenery at your own leisurely pace.
Inspiration
Multi-Active Adventures in the Italian Lakes
Recommended Duration: 5-8 days
Best Time To Go: Late May – June, September – Early October
Things to See and Do: Mottarone mountain, Isola Bella, The Botanical Garden of Isola Madre and Stresa’s downtown in Lake Maggiore. Explore Lake Mergozzo or Lake Orta.
Don't Miss Out On: The exclusive B&R cooking class with Angelica.
Snapshot of a Day
Ascend Monte Brè by funicular, then hike down to the fishing village Gandria, before returning to Lugano for an inspiring visit to the MASI Museum of Modern Art.
Snapshot of a Day
Experience the region's rich gastronomic delights through exquisite wine tastings, farm-to-table dining and cooking classes that highlight the finest local ingredients and traditional recipes.
Snapshot of a Day
Immerse yourself in the vibrant art and culture of the Italian Lakes with visits to museums in Lugano, galleries, and cultural events that celebrate local artists and artisans.
Inspiration
Family Fun in the Italian Lakes
Recommended Duration: 5-8 days
Best Time To Go: May – June, September – October
Things to See and Do: Downtown Lugano, Gandria village & Monte Brè vistas and Orta San Giulio.
Don't Miss Out On: The lakeside walk back to Lugano along the Sentiero degli Olivi.
Featured stays
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Location: Tremezzina, Italy
ARIA Retreat & SPA
Location: Lombardy , Italy
Passalacqua
Location: Moltrasio, Italy
Il Sereno Hotel
Location: Torno, Italy
Grand Hotel Victoria
Location: Menaggio, Italy
Laqua by the Lake
Location: Lake Orta, Italy
Process
Step 1
Let's connect
Whether you have a specific trip in mind or are looking for inspiration, get in touch with your travel preferences, and one of our Experience Designers will kick off the planning.
Step 2
Detailed Brief
After a conversation to learn more about your trip, you’ll receive details on an adventure with us, including activities and accommodation options in the destinations. An initial Trip Development Fee is made before moving to the next stage.
Step 3
Customized Itinerary and Confirmation
Your Experience Designer will share a tailored trip plan and will collaborate to adjust and finalize the itinerary. A per-person trip deposit is requested to confirm your trip, with full payment made 95 days* before departure.
Step 4
Support, Start to Finish
Before your trip, you’ll receive details on every step of your journey. You’ll have dedicated support while on trip, and when you return, our Traveller Relationship team will be ready to welcome your feedback and explore ideas for your next B&R adventure!
* Final payment terms may vary based on destination and type of trip.
Good to know
Multi-Country
Due to the proximity of the regions, we often cross into Switzerland on our trips—sometimes even on the same walk! It's a great opportunity to experience both countries in one go.
Boats
Many of our trips in the Italian Lakes include boat transfers and time on the water. If you're sensitive to motion sickness, come prepared or let your Experience Designer know.
Terrain
The Italian Lakes offers diverse terrain which can include challenging climbs and gravel roads on biking routes. Walks include paved roads to single trails through the forest. We recommend familiarity with biking or hiking on this terrain.
Why choose a Bespoke trip?
An Effortless Journey
Our expert Experience Designers are perfectionists, using first-hand knowledge of routes, restaurants and hotels to create an unforgettable experience. This means you’re in the best hands to plan your dream trip.
Lifelong Memories
Our Bespoke trips are often described as lifechanging. When every detail and magical moment is planned just for you and your group – you'll get exactly what you’re after, and more. The perfect addition to the memory book.
Years of Local Friendships
We’ve been at this since 1966, and our Experience Designers have been planting seeds and building friendships around the world since day one. The loyalty we share with our connections is invaluable and is what allows us to give access exclusive to B&R.
Creativity and Spontaneity
From our office to our guides on the road, every person who touches your trip pours their passion and creativity into it. When you travel Bespoke, you’ll work closely with passionate planners to create the perfect fit for you and your travelling companions.
