Italian Lakes Bespoke
Elevated elegance in the Italian Lakes
Italy
Boutique hotels, grand hotels & villas
Art, biking, boat tours, culinary, culture, hiking & water sports
April – June, September – October
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
5-8 days
May – June, September
Walk the Greenway to Bellagio, kayak the tranquil Lake Lugano, a ravioli-making culinary experience at a cozy retreat.
Waking up early to see the mesmerizing sunrise over Lake Maggiore.
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.
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.
Set off on picturesque cycling routes along the lakeshores and through charming villages, taking in breathtaking scenery at your own leisurely pace.
Multi-Active Adventures in the Italian Lakes
5-8 days
Late May – June, September – Early October
Mottarone mountain, Isola Bella, The Botanical Garden of Isola Madre and Stresa’s downtown in Lake Maggiore. Explore Lake Mergozzo or Lake Orta.
The exclusive B&R cooking class with Angelica.
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.
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.
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.
Family Fun in the Italian Lakes
5-8 days
May – June, September – October
Downtown Lugano, Gandria village & Monte Brè vistas and Orta San Giulio.
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
Listening to the giggling and laughter of our family will be a story that is told over and over.
While anyone can choose a walking path, that doesn't scratch the surface of what a trip with B&R feels like. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, including special meals and exclusive activities. Listening to the giggling and laughter of our family when John "joined" the Bellagio choir will be a story that is told over and over. Alessio and Edo became like extensions of the family, not just guides. People bring experiences to life, and the B&R people are top-notch.
— Tina D; Lehighton, PAA fantastic trip thanks to the outstanding job that Edoardo did for us.
We had a fantastic trip thanks to the outstanding job that Edoardo did for us. A lot of effort and pre-planning went into it and the results were evident to us, ensuring we had the best trip possible. Bravo!
— James W; Texas, USThe villages of Italy's northern lakes are the perfect fusion.
The beauty of the Alps charms and delights, but I can never be away from the water for too long. The villages of Italy's northern lakes are the perfect fusion between the two, with Belle Epoque villas decorating the water's edge.
— Edoardo Bausani, Experience DesignerProcess
Step 1
Let's connect
Have a trip in mind or just starting to dream? Share your travel preferences with us and we will reach out to kick off the planning.
Step 2
Detailed Brief
We'll set up a conversation to get to know you and your group. From there, you'll receive a journey proposal—destinations, activities and accommodation options shaped around what matters most to you. An initial Trip Development Fee is collected before moving to the next stage.
Step 3
Tailored Itinerary and Confirmation
Your Experience Designer will share a detailed trip plan, then work closely with you to refine it until every detail is right. When you're ready, a per-person deposit confirms your trip, with full payment due 95 days* before departure.
Step 4
Support, Start to Finish
Before you leave, you'll receive a full breakdown of your journey. On the road, you'll have dedicated support throughout. When you return, the same Traveller Experience team will be ready to hear how it went—and to start thinking about what comes next.
* 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.
