The right number of like-minded travellers to make new friends.
Your dates. Your group. Our expertly-designed itinerary.
Tailored to your interests, a bespoke travel experience.
Combines the hallmarks of any B&R itinerary (excellent hotels and beautiful routes) with the freedom of pacing each day exactly the way you like.
Throughout the day, a knowledgeable local guide provides insider access and expert tips. At night, you can explore and dine on your own.
Our B&R guides are with you throughout, anticipating needs, translating languages, providing advice and—above all—facilitating fun.
Biking – 40-50 km (25-30 mi.) a day over relatively flat terrain with a few small hills—all very manageable for people trying their first biking trip.
Walking – 6-10 km (4-6 mi.) a day on country lanes, footpaths and coastal or forest trails, all on relatively flat terrain, perhaps with an occasional hill.
Biking – 40-50 km (25-30 mi.) a day over terrain that’s relatively flat but will include inclines and the occasional climb or two.
Walking – 8-12 km (5-7 mi.) a day over relatively flat terrain, with occasional steeper climbs.
Biking – 40-50 km (25-30 mi.) a day in gently rolling countryside, with occasional longer climbs to points that are well worth the effort.
Walking – 11-15 km (7-10 mi.) a day over rolling terrain on a variety of surfaces. Most days, one or two steeper climbs to spectacular viewpoints or places of interest.
Biking – Roughly 50 km (30 mi.) a day in consistently rolling countryside, with repeated climbs and longer options available.
Walking – 11-15 km (7-10 mi.) over terrain that varies between rolling and hilly, with a few steeper climbs.
Biking – 50-60 km (30-45 mi.) a day over both level and tougher, hillier terrain with multiple 100 km (62 mi.) options. The routes are designed for avid cyclists and include plenty of chances to push yourself.
Walking – 11-15 km (7-10 mi.) a day over fairly hilly terrain offering lots of challenges. Routes are along high meadow paths and/or well-maintained cliffside or alpine trails, with a few steep ascents to make you feel invigorated.
Let the Clooney fans flock to Como. We’re the only ones who pop over to the stunning Swiss side, wandering charming Lugano and Ticino, and taking not one, not two, but three separate boat cruises to soak in the incredible views from the water.
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This departure is either sold out or almost fully booked. With a deposit, we will request additional rooms from our hotels where possible.
These are departures we have designated as appropriate for families with kids in their late teens and 20s.
Have a custom trip designed exactly to your interests. Like a tailor making a bespoke suit, it will fit you perfectly.
Our Bespoke trip designers are a talented bunch who can craft unforgettable experiences for your specific group—and working within your needs and budget.
Get in touch with a Trip Designer to begin planning your perfect vacation.
REQUEST A QUOTEWalk the western coast of Lake Como’s two “legs,” with spectacular views of colourful fishing villages dotting the dazzling water. Board our speedboat at the hotel before cocktails and dinner at the elegant Serbelloni.
Explore chic Bellagio, the “pearl of Lake Como,” in the company of our charming local guide. Visit the beautiful gardens of Villa Melzi before a special
Walk through the Boscoo Impero, stopping to admire Il Rogolone, a 300-year-old great oak tree before a casual pizza lunch. Board our private boat into Switzerland. Tonight you'll enjoy the fabulous Mediterranean cuisine at our hotel's renowned restaurant.
Hike down Monte Brè after riding a circa-1908 cog railway to the top, then explore the chic promenades of Lugano. Take part in an evening wine tasting before a night on your own in town.
Reverse Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms route along Lake Maggiore, descending to a private boat which will whisk us to Stresa. Tonight's final night dinner is in an elegant private palazzo.
Enjoy a farewell breakfast in Stresa at the hotel, then arrivederci in Milan.
Take in the views from up close.
Overlooking the tranquil Lago Maggiore and the Isola Bella and Isola Madre with the splendor of a late 19th century resort, it is easy to see why this enchanting five-star Art Nouveau style villa has welcomed famous guests for 150 years. In each of the hotel's 160 guest rooms, meticulous restoration has resulted in a pleasing combination of old world charm and modern luxury.
Villa Serbelloni, one of the oldest hotels in the Lake Como area, was one of the most famous stops along the 19thC tour of the lakes. Not much has changed today. This 5-star hotel is decorated in a neo-classical style and offers guests the pleasure of a relaxing poolside, spa treatments, or a motorboat ride from the private dock to the historic gardens along the lake.
On the shores of Lago di Lugano, the Villa Castagnola is a luxurious Italian-styled villa surrounded by sub-tropical and exotic gardens. With wonderful lake and mountain views, a Michelin-starred restaurant (Arte), a wellness area with spa and beauty treatments, a private lido and fascinating collection of contemporary sculptures, this is a treat for the senses at every level.
It's hard to say what the most memorable moment was. The trip was magical. I'd like to say how incredible our last night's celebration was. We had a guitarist and pianist which meant we really were able to celebrate - we all danced, we sang, it was fabulous.
— Nancy Watters
We cover a variety of terrain. Some walks are on mountain 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 10 km (6 mi.), with options for easier or more challenging hikes.
In a word: everything. In ninety words? Signature B&R guides; local experts; unique, unforgettable biking and walking routes; private tours; authentic local cuisine; lessons and demonstrations; local artisanal wines; wine tastings; all victuals and libations; all the endorphins you can handle; new insight; interesting, fun and like-minded travel companions; a feeling of total freedom. In short: an extraordinary, hassle-free journey of discovery.
Included with all walking trips are telescoping walking poles and custom-made padded waist packs, which comfortably carry one full half-litre water bottle. The walking poles get “recycled” for use by another B&R traveller, but the waist pack is yours to keep at trip’s end. See Equipment Details
Walking Poles
Waist Pack
Sometimes your B&R trip simply isn’t long enough! Extend your stay for the best vacation possible. If you wish to spend a few days in region either before or after your official B&R trip, and need assistance making those plans, your B&R Travel Advisor can help.
Call us to create an independent travel experience that fits your needs—we can also arrange for a local guide.
Milan is often regarded as a mere entry point to Italy, country, however, it actually has a great deal to offer and is well worth a few days’ stay. The city boasts a cultural patrimony that would be the envy of most cities around the world: the late Gothic cathedral; Teatro alla Scala opera house; the world-class Brera Gallery; the Sforzesco Castle; and Leonardo da Vinci’s celebrated Last Supper at the church of Madonna delle Grazie. The lively downtown offers some of the finest dining in Italy, and, of course, the shopping is second to none.
We craft extraordinary experiences, tailor made to meet
your every need, with every stitch of every day crafted
just the way you want it. Learn more about Bespoke
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