Arrive at the Hotel Lido-Seegarten on Lake Lugano, relax on your private balcony at water’s edge or take a stroll along the shore into Lugano’s bustling center.

This evening, we’ll enjoy a five-course dinner on the terrace of the hotel and a selection of more than 600 vintages from the hotel’s extensive wine cellar!

Our outing today begins by cable car as we ascend over 1,000 ft. to the village of Bre, high above Lugano. On a clear day, this summit offers a stunning panorama that includes Lakes Maggiore and Como. From here we begin our walk, exploring the forested hills and small mountain villages that dot the area.

Lunch today is a special favorite as we arrive at a secluded Alpine hut where home-cured meats and cheeses and homemade tortes and wine adorn our plates. This afternoon, we’ll wander to the nearby fishing village of Gandria to explore its twisting alleyways and shops.

Tonight we are out on the town for dinner at the latest posh establishment nearby. It is see and be seen here as the imaginative staff creates dishes as elegant as the clientele.

We board a private boat this morning for our journey down the lake and into Italy. At Porlezza, we disembark and begin our walk to Lake Como. We rise slightly through forest and meadows to the pleasant town of Bene Lario for a cappuccino stop.

From here, we continue on to Loveno and a local trattoria where the specialty is homemade ravioli in a butter and sage sauce.

After lunch we descend through the oldest section of Menaggio and on to the Grand Hotel Victoria at water’s edge. The Victoria is a beautifully restored 19th-century landmark. One can truly feel what it must have been like in the days when royals spent their summers vacationing on this serene lake. Settle in, take a dip and enjoy!

This morning, we depart for an exploration of the central area of Lake Como, its quiet towns and beautiful villas. From Tremezzo, we are off to the sanctuary of St. Martino, which rests on a rock ledge high above Menaggio and provides a wonderful view of the entire central lake region.

Just across the lake, in Lopia, a culinary treat awaits us all at the Ristorante da Silvio. Being the only restaurant on the lake with its own fishing license, we enjoy the specialties caught fresh that morning. A short walk through the gardens of the Villa Melzi brings us to Bellagio, the “Pearl of the Lake” that so inspired Ernest Hemingway and Mark Twain.

The beauty of the Italian Lake District is that each town has its own unique personality. If Bellagio bustles, Varenna just likes to kick back and watch the ferries come and go. It is great fun to explore this fishing village’s fortress and lakeside gardens, and the rewards are great when we settle into our table in the Villa Cipresi with Bellagio perfectly framed in graceful arches of wisteria.

It has been an elegant week, but tonight is pizza night as we join the locals and create our own pies in the Italian fashion. No stuffed crust here, just thin delicate dough and the freshest ingredients. It’s a winner!

Directly from the pier at the hotel, we board our private boat for the leisurely journey to Como. Along the way, we stop for a private tour of the lake’s most beautiful villa, the Balbianello, built in 1787, and accessible only by boat. Como is world famous for its fashion and silk prints, and this afternoon you have the option of a guided visit to the Silk Museum before returning to our hotel.

This evening, an elegant water taxi awaits to whisk us off to dinner on Lake Como’s only island, the Isola Comincina. This has been a favorite evening outing for decades, enjoyed by personalities ranging from Alfred Hitchcock to George Clooney. Tonight it’s all ours.

This morning, transfer to Como, which has excellent road and rail connections. The Milan airport is only one hour away.

Whatever your travel plans, we will go over them with you and make sure that your continuing journey is as easy and effortless as possible.

Arrivederci!