Villas and Gardens of Lake Como - NEW staying at Britannia Excelsior - All Inclusive

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Your Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Milan - Lake Como.

Fly to Milan where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your chosen hotel by Lake Como. The rest of the day is free for you to get acquainted with this beautiful region. (Meals as per hotel details).

DAY 2 to 7: Lake Como.

Spend a week relaxing in your resort. A visit to Villa Balbianello is included during your stay in Lake Como, this excursion will usually take place on day three of your holiday. Located on the tip of the Lavedo peninsula, Villa Balbianello is one of the most magnificent sights to see on the Lake. During your week on Lake Como, there are many more optional excursions to whet your appetite, choose from a number of these available to book in resort. You can decide whether you want to fit in as much as you want whilst you are in this stunning location or simply relax in your hotel and explore your surroundings. We have carefully selected hotels in resorts perfectly located for ease of getting around to explore but also have shops and restaurants for you to discover at your leisure. On the western lakeside with fine views over to Bellagio, picturesque Cadenabbia is perfectly placed for enjoying everything the lake offers. Shuttered houses and hotels fringe the water alongside a quay where regular ferries stop to take you to all Como's towns and beauty spots. No stay here is complete without visiting nearby Villa Carlotta - a splendid 17th century mansion replete with orange-scented gardens and extravagant, art-filled interiors. Delightful Menaggio is one of the main resorts on Lake Como. The heart of the old town centres around Piazza Garibaldi close to Menaggio's harbour, and features many 19th century buildings painted in typically Italian alpine style. Higher up, the town has a more medieval feel with its narrow alleys, steep steps and old stone. It's a beautiful place to explore, with the tree shaded lakeshore promenades bordered by flowers and the well-kept villas, as well as ferries to take you around the lake. You'll find plenty of shops, restaurants and cafés, so you don't have to do anything other than relax. Whilst you are in the region, don't miss the chance to visit the city of Como at the south-western tip of the lake, whose medieval centre used to be fully enclosed within the city walls. Stroll through the pedestrianised streets and piazzas, visit the Duomo with its impressive interior, or go to one of the museums, such as the one dedicated to silk. The cosmopolitan city of Milan is not far from Lake Como, so you can easily reach it and admire the historic centre or peruse the many shops. There are plenty of things to do besides, like choose an optional excursion to Lake Orta and the elegant town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore, or take a boat over to Isola Bella, one of the Borromean Islands. (Meals as per hotel details).

DAY 8: Lake Como - Milan - UK.

Transfer to the airport in Milan for your flight to the UK or stay on for another week in your hotel. (B)

Britannia Excelsior
A typical Bedroom
Britannia Excelsior
The restaurant
Britannia Excelsior

Britannia Excelsior - All Inclusive

Established in 1830 and reopened after renovations in 2009, the hotel is surrounded by luxury historical villas, and enjoys spectacular views over the lake to the promontory of Bellagio. Here you can enjoy the warmth and old world charm of the golden era of travel, in an enviable position by the lake, with modern comforts.

Location: Across the road from the lake and only 100 metres away from the boats landing stage.

Facilities: Swimming pool (100 metres from hotel) with pool bar serving tea and coffee, wine and beer, soft drinks and snacks; restaurant; buffet breakfast; bar; lounge; internet access; live music most evenings; large sun terrace; lifts; safety deposit box in bedrooms.

Price includes: All inclusive in a twin room with private facilities; air-conditioning; ceiling fan; satellite TV; fridge; hairdryer.

Options: Single room; balcony; lake view; balcony and lake view; deluxe room (larger with more sophisticated fittings on the fifth and sixth floors).

Official category: 3 star.

SPECIAL OFFER: No single room supplement all season.

ALL THIS INCLUDED

Meals: Full board buffet meals, including breakfast with hot and cold choices, lunch and dinner buffet style with show cooking islands including fresh pasta, pizza, meat and fish, antipasto and salad buffets.

Drinks: Local spirits, wines, beers, soft drinks, tea and coffee from 8am-11.45pm.

Lake Como, Bellagio

Villa Balbianello - included half day excursion

Don't miss the opportunity to visit Lake Como's top attraction. Approach the Villa from the water and catch a glimpse of stunning architecture through the trees before arriving to fully appreciate the grandeur. Built at the end of the 18th century, the Villa belongs to the F.A.I, the Italian National Trust equivalent. Wander through the house and gaze at the beautiful furnishings, paintings and tapestries that belonged to the last owner, Count Guido Monzino - a keen explorer known for his Mount Everest climb in 1973.

St Moritz and Bernina Express - optional full day excursion

This excursion takes you along the northern part of the lake to the town of Tirano for a short stop before heading towards Switzerland to the village of Poschiavo. Here we take the train to Diavolezza on the Bernina Express, gaze out of the panoramic windows at the magnificent scenery passing by, look out for the White Lake and Black Lake and plenty of breathtaking glaciers. The last leg of the journey takes you by coach to St. Moritz, the famous Swiss holiday and ski resort on the southern side of the Alps in the Engadine Valley with its numerous crystal clear mountain lakes. On our return we stop in Chiavenna where you will have some free time to explore before returning to Lake Como.

Villas of Lake Como Lake Cruise - optional half day excursion

An idyllic cruise with full commentary, viewing the glorious villas of Lake Como, including the Villa Balbianello whose gardens and sensuous beauty were used for the James Bond film 'Casino Royale' and the Villa Cassinella, one of the most prestigious private villas of the lake. The tour will also include the Villa Oleandra and Villa Margherita which belong to George Clooney, Villa Fontanelle at Moltrasio, which was the residence of Gianni Versace, the Villa d'Este, voted the world's best hotel in 2009 and many others. On the way back we will stop on the Comacina Island famous for its dramatic history and legends, where you will have some time at leisure for exploring its unique charms. (Available May-Sep only.)

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Villas and Gardens of Lake Como - NEW