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Cultural Milan & Scenic Lake Como Retreat
Break Available: March - October
5 days
Price Per Person: From £1,395
Milan is perfect for several days exploring the Duomo; the main hub of the city, Leonardo da Vinci’s the Last Supper fresco and the usual blend of galleries, museums and parks. And there is also La Scala Opera House, which puts on some of the most prestigious operas in the world.
Enjoy exploring this bustling city before heading onto Lake Como, which is the perfect finish to your trip. With a further several days at a more sedate pace exploring the nearby towns of Bellagio and the various villas and gardens that adorn the lake. Pure bliss!
Highlights
- Private Guided Duomo Tour
- Visit Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper fresco
- 2 nights in centrally located Milan only minutes from the Duomo
- 2 nights on Lake Como with a balcony overlooking the lake
- Private airport and city and lake transfers
Day 1 - Fly to Milan and Transfer to your hotel
Day 1 - Fly to Milan and Transfer to your hotel
Fly to Milan. With most UK regional airports offering a direct daily flight, you don’t have to waste time travelling to a further airport than your local.
Once you arrive in Milan, your private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. 4 Star Hotel de la Ville is located within a 5mins walk from the Duomo, so perfect for you to wander and explore at your own pace.
Rest of day at leisure.
Day 2 - Private Guided Duomo and Rooftop Tour with Visit to The Last Supper
Day 2 - Private Guided Duomo and Rooftop Tour with Visit to The Last Supper
Today your private guide will meet you and walk with you to the Duomo for your private tour. This gothic building was built in the 5th century and took almost six further centuries to complete. Marvel at the high ceilings and gothic feel of this cathedral.
However, no tour is complete without a trip onto the rooftop, allowing beautiful views across the city. The roof can be accessed either by lift or stairs.
Move on to Santa Maria della Grazie, the church that houses the world famous Leonardo di Vinci’s Last Supper painting. This fresco has narrowly avoided two main disasters – the first; the paint badly fading so the figures became unrecognisable, the second; almost being destroyed during the bombing of World War II.
This enigmatic painting has led to speculation that it is Mary and not John sitting to Jesus’s right. With your self guided audio tour, discover this at a pace to suit you. From personal experience, we know savouring your initial view of the fresco is worthy of quiet contemplation and with your entrance ticket, you can do just that!
Rest of day at leisure.
We would particularly recommend a few hours at Castello Sforzesc0 for the various museums and the park behind which includes the Peace Arch.
This was originally created on the orders of Napoleon, but after leaving Milan, the locals found the structure too plain and continued to decorate further to the wonder that it is today. The art gallery is also a must visit if you have any time remaining.
This evening, why not add in our Optional Extra night at La Scala Opera house. Enjoy either an opera or ballet performed by one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world.
See Optional Extra below for more information.
A la Carte Optional Extras
- Milan - Attend La Scala Opera
A la Carte Optional Extras
Milan - Attend La Scala Opera
 La Scala Opera Schedule 2022:
March:
Thais (Massenet) – 02
La Dama Di Picche (Tchaivoksky) – 05, 08, 13*, 15
Jewels (Tchaivoksky) (Ballet) – 11, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24
Adriana Lecouvreur (Cilea) – 04, 06*, 09, 10, 12, 16, 19
Don Giovanni (Mozart) – 27, 29, 31
April:Â
Don Giovanni (Mozart) – 02, 05, 12
Ariadne Auf Naxos (Strauss) – 15, 20, 26, 28
May:
Ariadne Auf Naxos (Strauss) – 03
Un Ballo in Maschera (Verdi) – 04, 07, 10, 12, 14, 19, 22*
Sylvia (Delibes) (Ballet) – 11, 13, 20, 21, 24, 26
June:
La Gioconda (Ponchielli) – 07, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25
Rigoletto (Verdi) – 20, 23, 27, 30
July:
Rigoletto (Verdi) – 02, 05, 08, 11
Giselle (Adam) (Ballet) – 09, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
September:
Il Matrimonio Segreto (Cimaresa) – 07, 10, 13, 16, 19,22
Onegin (Cranko) (Ballet) – 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 23, 24, 30
October:
Fedora (Giordano) – 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30*
November:
Fedora (Giordano) – 03
The Tempest (Ades) – 05, 08, 11, 15, 18
Price Per Person: From Ballet – £235 / Opera – £385
Day 3 - Private Transfer to Lake Como and Evening at leisure
Day 3 - Private Transfer to Lake Como and Evening at leisure
Today your private driver will be waiting to take you to Lake Como for the second part of your trip. Your 4 star hotel is located right on the lake with a balcony room overlooking the full scenic beauty that is the region.
Alternatively, why not upgrade to Hotel Belvedere which shares a higher position on the lake and with more local sites nearby. See Optional Extra below for more information.
After settling in, have a wander on foot exploring some of the local area.
A la Carte Optional Extras
- Lake Como - Upgrade to Hotel Belvedere
A la Carte Optional Extras
Lake Como - Upgrade to Hotel Belvedere
Location is everything and if you want to be located in the middle of the lake, why not opt for upgrading your hotel to Hotel Belvedere, which is placed with views of the lake on three sides. This hotel is perfect for those wanting to be nearer to the main sites and villas and gardens that surround the lake.
Price Per Person: From £50
Day 4 - Day at Leisure
Day 4 - Day at Leisure
Day at leisure to explore Lake Como.
Alternatively why not add in one of our Optional Extras. We would particularly recommend our Varenna and Bellagio Boat tours as you get to discover the lake by boat whilst also strolling through beautiful villas and perfectly displayed gardens, all adorning the banks of the lake.
See Optional Extras below for more information.
A la Carte Optional Extras
- Lake Como - Varenna & Villa Carlotta Boat Tour
- Lake Como - Bellagio Boat Tour
- Lake Como - Private Guided Villa Tours
A la Carte Optional Extras
Lake Como - Varenna & Villa Carlotta Boat Tour
Enjoy a boat trip up to Varenna and Menaggio, before some time to explore Villa Carlotta. Whilst Lake Como is surrounded with stunning villas, Villa Carlotta is the main one in terms of size boasting over 70,000 square metres of gardens and museum.
Built around the end of the 17th century, the area is in a natural basin between the lake and mountains, facing the dolomite Grignas and the peninsula of Bellagio. The garden has over 150 different types of plants including cedars, sequoias, tropical plants, The Rock Garden, Ferns Valley, the Rhododendrons Wood and the Bamboo Garden.
Whilst the garden is decorated with sculptures, stairs and fountains, the villa has works by Canova, Thorvalsden and Hayez, including Eros and Psyche, Terpsychore and the last kiss of Romeo and Juliet, amongst many other masterpieces.
Price Per Person: From £50
Lake Como - Bellagio Boat Tour
Take the boat along the length of Lake Como as you have time to explore on stops including Bellagio town, in the middle of the lake. Then move onto Villa Melzi, a neoclassic residence surrounded by a botanical garden overlooking the lake. Finish the tour exploring Villa Serbelloni, which overlooks the three branches of the lake.
Price Per Person: From £50
Lake Como - Private Guided Villa Tours
Today with your private guide and driver, have a full day exploring the best villas on Lake Como. Begin your tour in Tremezzo learning all about Villa Carlotta with its sweeping gardens overlooking the lake. Then head inside in the villa with your guide to see the priceless artworks exhibited.
Transfer onto either Villa del Balbianello or Villa Melzi to see more scenic gardens and the attached villas.
A great way to see the best that the lake has to offer.
Price Per Person: From £430
Day 5 - Private Transfer to the Airport for Flight home
Day 5 - Private Transfer to the Airport for Flight home
At leisure until your private transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Alternatively, if travelling between July – early September, why not extend your trip to take in an opera in the open-air Roman arena in Verona.
Another good option would be either Venice or Florence, both of which can be visited between March to October time.
Where You'll Stay
Hotel de la Ville (SINA) - Milan (4 Star)
Hotel de la Ville (SINA) - Milan (4 Star)
Considered to be one of the most elegant meeting places of Milan the hotel is patronised by fashion celebrities, show business personalities, and entrepreneurs. Very close to the Duomo, La Scala and Via Montenapoleone, it is a comfortable and tranquil place, perfect for a stay.
The hotel's restaurant, "Il Vizio", is open late at night, and is the ideal setting for an after theatre meal. There are fine dining options both inside and outside. All the food prepared uses locally sourced ingredients to create traditional Milanese meals. The menu changes with the season.
Enjoy the rooftop pool along with the Wellness Centre, to make your stay relaxing after you explore this fascinating city.
And, as in any aristocratic home, the rooms and suites all have their own distinct personality thanks to the use of different fabrics and decor, the fine furnishings and the marble bathroom.
Carlton Baglioni - Milan (5 Star)
Carlton Baglioni - Milan (5 Star)
The Carlton Hotel Baglioni is a luxury 5 star hotel in Milan. It is situated in the heart of Milan, at the crossroads of culture, fashion and design.
It directly overlooks Via della Spiga, the most celebrated shopping street in the city. Via Montenapoleone, the cathedral and the famous La Scala theatre are situated a short distance away.
The Baretto al Baglioni is one of the most famous restaurants in Milan and the perfect meeting place for the Italian and international Jet Set. Ideal for your special occasion.
Hotel Villa Flori - Lake Como
Hotel Villa Flori - Lake Como
Nestled near the bottom of Lake Como, this stunning 4 star hotel, boasts fantastic view overlooking the lake, spa and fine dining.
Taking over a historic Villa, this 19th century hotel has been the residence of many noble Lombardy families. With delicate stucco work, mesmerising floral frescoes, parquet floors and antique furnishings, you will soon feel like Italian royalty.
All of the rooms we offer come with stunning balcony view rooms of the lake and with fine dining and the spa centre as well, you will soon feel like the everyday stresses are forgotten.
The hotel is very well located for the main sights, and for anything further, it's the perfect excuse for a relaxing boat ride across the lake.
Hotel Belvedere - Lake Como
Hotel Belvedere - Lake Como
Hotel Belvedere is located in the middle of Lake Como, with far reaching views. Born out of five generations of women, this scenic hillside retreat is perfect for a relaxing few days, yet also close to the main sights.
There is a heated outdoor pool, spacious jacuzzi, a private garden with terraces, lawns and tiered grounds affording many shaded spots by the olive trees, in which to enjoy the views.
When you come inside, enjoy some time in the Library room with full length windows.
The rooms all have light colours with warm hues with either a private garden or patio, most of which include a jacuzzi. As well of course as that fantastic view over the lake.
The Junior Suites also offer an a lounge area with sofas.
Milan - Attend La Scala Opera
 La Scala Opera Schedule 2022:
March:
Thais (Massenet) – 02
La Dama Di Picche (Tchaivoksky) – 05, 08, 13*, 15
Jewels (Tchaivoksky) (Ballet) – 11, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24
Adriana Lecouvreur (Cilea) – 04, 06*, 09, 10, 12, 16, 19
Don Giovanni (Mozart) – 27, 29, 31
April:Â
Don Giovanni (Mozart) – 02, 05, 12
Ariadne Auf Naxos (Strauss) – 15, 20, 26, 28
May:
Ariadne Auf Naxos (Strauss) – 03
Un Ballo in Maschera (Verdi) – 04, 07, 10, 12, 14, 19, 22*
Sylvia (Delibes) (Ballet) – 11, 13, 20, 21, 24, 26
June:
La Gioconda (Ponchielli) – 07, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25
Rigoletto (Verdi) – 20, 23, 27, 30
July:
Rigoletto (Verdi) – 02, 05, 08, 11
Giselle (Adam) (Ballet) – 09, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
September:
Il Matrimonio Segreto (Cimaresa) – 07, 10, 13, 16, 19,22
Onegin (Cranko) (Ballet) – 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 23, 24, 30
October:
Fedora (Giordano) – 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30*
November:
Fedora (Giordano) – 03
The Tempest (Ades) – 05, 08, 11, 15, 18
Price Per Person: From Ballet – £235 / Opera – £385
Lake Como - Upgrade to Hotel Belvedere
Location is everything and if you want to be located in the middle of the lake, why not opt for upgrading your hotel to Hotel Belvedere, which is placed with views of the lake on three sides. This hotel is perfect for those wanting to be nearer to the main sites and villas and gardens that surround the lake.
Price Per Person: From £50
Lake Como - Varenna & Villa Carlotta Boat Tour
Enjoy a boat trip up to Varenna and Menaggio, before some time to explore Villa Carlotta. Whilst Lake Como is surrounded with stunning villas, Villa Carlotta is the main one in terms of size boasting over 70,000 square metres of gardens and museum.
Built around the end of the 17th century, the area is in a natural basin between the lake and mountains, facing the dolomite Grignas and the peninsula of Bellagio. The garden has over 150 different types of plants including cedars, sequoias, tropical plants, The Rock Garden, Ferns Valley, the Rhododendrons Wood and the Bamboo Garden.
Whilst the garden is decorated with sculptures, stairs and fountains, the villa has works by Canova, Thorvalsden and Hayez, including Eros and Psyche, Terpsychore and the last kiss of Romeo and Juliet, amongst many other masterpieces.
Price Per Person: From £50
Lake Como - Bellagio Boat Tour
Take the boat along the length of Lake Como as you have time to explore on stops including Bellagio town, in the middle of the lake. Then move onto Villa Melzi, a neoclassic residence surrounded by a botanical garden overlooking the lake. Finish the tour exploring Villa Serbelloni, which overlooks the three branches of the lake.
Price Per Person: From £50
Lake Como - Private Guided Villa Tours
Today with your private guide and driver, have a full day exploring the best villas on Lake Como. Begin your tour in Tremezzo learning all about Villa Carlotta with its sweeping gardens overlooking the lake. Then head inside in the villa with your guide to see the priceless artworks exhibited.
Transfer onto either Villa del Balbianello or Villa Melzi to see more scenic gardens and the attached villas.
A great way to see the best that the lake has to offer.
Price Per Person: From £430
Reviews & Feedback
What's Included?
- 2 nights in Milan
- 2 nights in a lake view balcony room on Lake Como
- Private guided Duomo with rooftop tour
- Visit The Last Supper
- Private airport and lake transfers
- UK flights
Departure airports:
Most UK regional airports.
Our international clients are welcome to arrange their own flights.