Hotel Royal Victoria

You’ll sample eight different types of cheese with compotes, as well as a hot dish of your choice, a bottle of wine to share between two people, water and coffee. There will be one hour of leisure time in which you can visit the shop or relax. • Duration: full day • Private experience Good to know The cost of this trip also includes private transport and an English speaking guide.

Perfect for those who want a private boat trip to see the villas of Lake Como. Board an idyllic private cruise to admire the glorious villas of Lake Como in all their splendour, including Villa Balbianello, whose gardens were used as a backdrop in Casino Royale, and Villa Cassinella, one of the most prestigious private villas of the lake. You’ll also see Comacina Island, famous for its dramatic history and fascinating legends. • Duration: 1 hour • Daily departures • Operates year-round • Private experience

• Duration: full day • Private experience Good to know The cost of this trip includes private transport, an English speaking guide, a wine and grappa tasting experience and lunch.

• Duration: half day • Private experience Good to know Private transport, a wine tasting experience and a selection of ham and cheese platters are included in the cost of this trip.

Swap life in the fast lane for a lazy river cruise as we take to the glittering waters of Lakes Lugano and Como. Our adventure begins with a bus to Gandria before taking a 45-minute cruise along Lake Lugano. Relish the opportunity to wander the lingering lakefront and admire flourishing flora, sparkling fountains and a medley of majestic sculptures. Striking the perfect balance between natural beauty and contemporary high living, Lugano also plays home to a peppering of swanky boutiques and cute market stalls, giving it that ‘something for everyone’ appeal. Be sure to pay a visit to the main Piazza di Riforma before hopping on our bus transfer to Como and indulging in a spot of lakeside leisure time. With its vibrant network of historic streets, jaw-dropping vistas and magnificent cathedral, whether you’re here for the history, the scenery or a fusion of the two, this idyllic destination offers just the ticket. • Duration: Full day  • Departs: Friday • Operates April - October • Group experience Good to know — It is mandatory to always have a valid identification document with you. Comfortable shoes are advised.

• Duration: half day • Private experience Good to know This walking experience has been rated as ‘easy.’ The full walking distance is approximately 6 miles, with an anticipated duration of 3½ to 4 hours. You’ll meet at 8.25am at the Menaggio Bus stop in front of Grand Hotel Menaggio.

• Duration: half day • Private experiences Good to know In addition to the food, you’ll also enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or soft drink, as well as an espresso. Classes start at 10.30am until 2pm.

Afternoons don’t come much more picturesque than cruising across Lake Como to a beautiful 18th-Century villa. On the tip of the Lavedo promontory, Villa Balbianello sits in the most spectacular spot on the lake. It now belongs to FAI (the Italian equivalent of the National Trust) and has beautiful fragrant gardens. Explore the lavishly furnished interiors and see the collection of pre-Columbian objects, Chinese porcelain and terracottas, reverse-glass paintings, tapestries and carpets that belonged to previous owner Count Guido Monzino – a keen explorer who climbed Mount Everest in 1973. If you think the villa looks familiar, it might be because it starred in Casino Royale and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. • Duration: half day • Time: 2.45pm to 6pm • Departing set Sundays from Lake Como hotels )please call for details) • Operates May to September on specific dates • Group experience

There’s something particularly charming about travelling by train. The Bernina Express is Switzerland’s ultimate scenic train – despite its ‘express’ name, it leisurely navigates mountain twists and tunnels. Your adventure begins with a drive along northern Lake Como to Tirano, where’ll we stop for coffee before crossing into Switzerland to board the Bernina Express train for the most scenic part of its route. Our one-hour train journey from Poschiavo to Diavolezza takes in the sights of the White Lake and the Black Lake, as well as breathtaking glaciers. We’ll continue by road to the iconic ski resort of St Moritz on the southern side of the Alps where highlights include crystal clear mountain lakes. There will be free time to wander around the beautiful town of Chiavenna before returning to Lake Como. • Duration: full day • Time: 7.35am to 7pm • Departing from Lake Como hotels • Operates in April: Monday 7th and 14th, Tuesday 22nd; May - October: 5th May to 20th October every Monday (except 2nd June - that week will be Tuesday 3 June) • Group experience Good to know — You’ll need to bring your passport as this experience crosses the border into Switzerland.