LAKE COMO ITINERARY

Day One

While some travelers do opt for the short 40 minute drive from Milans' Malpensa Airport to the southern shores of the lake, most visitors avoid the hassle of unfamiliar roads, fuel costs and steep parking fees by taking the train. 

Fortunately, the lake's most captivating villages are nestled like jewels in a crown along the very edges where land meets lake, making all the top destinations accessible by boat. 

With ample public + private transport options both on and off the water, you can absolutely get by without a car! 

Departing from Milan's Porta Garibaldi or Centrale station, you're looking at tickets between $6-15 for arrivals at either Como S. Giovanni (40 minutes) or Varenna-Esino (1 hr and change). 

Arrive In The Lakeside District Via Car Or Train From Milan

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LAKE COMO ITINERARY

Day One

Departing from Milan's Porta Garibaldi or Centrale station, tickets will cost $6-15 for arrivals at Como S. Giovanni (40 min) or Varenna-Esino (1 hr). 

There's nothing quite as magical as a scenic ferry ride along the lake. And the routes from either Como or Varenna to Tremezzo are true stunners! 

Ferries are the slower form of transportation in Lake Como, but that's part of their charm. They give you a wonderful opportunity to not just sightsee, but truly marvel at Lake Como's timeless and effortless beauty. 

During this final leg of your arrival journey, about 37 minutes, you'll get witness the most glorious introduction to a hotel there ever was! 

Soaking Up La Dolce Far Niente On The Ferry To Tremezzo

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Day One

Welcome to your home for the next few days: the Grand Hotel Tremezzo.

It's impossible to miss this globally-renowned property boasting Art Nouveau architecture, iconic orange awnings, striped beach umbrellas, a floating pool that sits on the lake and so much more... don't even get us started on the breathtaking Grigne mountain views!

While the GHT feels like it was plucked from a modern-day Wes Anderson film, its actually one of the oldest hotels in the world, having first opened its doors to Europe's elite in 1910. 

With its sun-lounger terraces like those in Suite Greta, its lavish private park and lakeside beach à la 50's Italian Riviera, you could do worse in life than call the Grand Hotel Tremezzo your stomping grounds for a few days!

brush shoulders with a-listers in these historic halls

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Day One

You've had a busy day, so take it easy from here! Spend some time exploring the incredible Belle Epoque interiors of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. 

Wandering through its halls is like stepping into a fantastically decadent cake - layer after layer of frosting and swag. Rooms are outfitted with whimsical draping, gilt-framed mirrors, velvet seating and marbled bathrooms.

And the mattresses... the pillowy, feathery, silky smooth mattresses! Some of the best sleeps of our lives have been had at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo.

Freshen up for dinner, take a well-deserved nap or enjoy an aperol spritz on your balcony before heading to dinner at one of the lake's best kept secrets. 

Soak Up The Lake Or Mountain Views From Your Sumptuous Room

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Day One

Another perk of staying at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo? You get to take their vintage Alfa Romea out for a spin. 

Pre-schedule your ride with the concierge team, so that you can take it out for a sunset drive up Tremezzina's hillside heading towards one of the restaurants favored by locals: Al Veluu.

This bucolic restaurant strikes the perfect balance between fine dining + family charm. Ask for an al fresco table with some of the most spectacular bird's eye views over the lake - it's what you're here for after all!

Savor the life-changing tagliatelle with porcini, prepared with ingredients from the chef's organic garden. Then toast to marvelous first impressions and all the adventures still to come. 

Tagliatelle with a side of unforgettable ambiance

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Day Two

First thing's first on your 2nd day in Lake Como: taking advantage of the clay tennis court you've been eyeing since you explored the labyrinthine grounds of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo after checking in yesterday.

Located in the midst of the hotel's verdant parkland, you can grab rackets and balls from the concierge desk at any time. Play doubles with the new friends you acquired whilst enjoying nightcaps in the lobby the night before or improve your ace with private lessons from the Grand's professional tennis coach.  

Either way, working up a sweat in the morning will make your on foot villaeg explorations that afternoon seem like a breeze.

Permission To Cause A Racquet: GRANTED

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Day Two

After freshening up, walk down to the ferry pier just 1 minute from your Palazzo and wait for the next batello to take you to neighboring Bellagio. With frequent departures (typically hourly), expect to pay about €2 - €4 per person for the 20 minute ride.  

Once you dock, walk along the waterfront towards Villa Melzi, a Neoclassical palace with lakeside gardens and luxurious interiors. Spend some time soaking up the history of this hidden gem that fits so harmoniously into the framework of the lake. 

Head back towards the center of Bellagio, hugging the pedestrian paths along the waterfront as you continue all the way to Punta Spartivento, the spear tip of the peninsula dividing the lake's two "legs." Panoramic views indeed!

Discover Why Everyone Says Bellagio Is Lake Como's Prettiest Village

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Day Two

Enjoy a delightful seafood lunch at La Punta, the beloved restaurant that occupies this panoramic viewpoint. 

Filled up on your new standard for "fresh catch", head back towards the labyrinthine center of Bellagio with its narrow pedestrian only streets and boutique-lined stairways to paradise. While you'll consider Via Giuseppe Garibaldi your North Star, your first stop will be the Caffè Bar Sport Bellagio - the oldest gelateria in Bellagio (and creator of one of the best cappuccinos we've ever tasted). 

This pink-walled local's joint is an exquisite people-watching spot to boot, aptly positioned around the corner from the Piazza della Chiesa. You'll nip over to this piazza next... at least if marveling at Lombard -Romanesque masterpieces like that of the Basilica of St. Giacomo tickle your fancy.

Savor Lunch On The Lake And Historic Fixtures Of Northern Italy 

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Day Two

With a healthy bunch of postcard worthy views under your belt, you've earned the right to shop til you drop. And drop you might. You'll soon understand how the locals are able to enjoy pasta for breakfast, lunch and dinner and still keep slim.

Don't worry, dozens of boutiques and artisan shops offer moments of respite along this highly picturesque, albeit stair-filled journey. Pierangelo Masciadri's Arte E Moda boutique is one of them - brimming with limited edition bags, shoes and silk scarves. 

Of course, you can also catch your breath while oohing and ahhing over the magnificent views from Salita Antonia Mella and Salita Serbelloni, in that order. Engaging as this route may be, it's also getting you one step closer to your next stop: Pescallo.

Discover The Stairways To Paradise

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Day Two

Continue walking along Via Giuseppe Garibaldi until you see the Town Hall. From there, follow the marked footpath down Salita Cappuccini towards Pescallo. After about 10 minutes of this leisurely stroll, you'll turn right onto Via E. Sfrondrati and find yourself in a charming old fishing village overlooking the Lecco branch of Lake Como. The quaint spirit and storybook aesthetic of this spot is absolutely worth the walk!

To cap off your day trip to Bellagio, book a dinner reservation at Trattoria Baita Belvedere - a mountaintop eatery favored among the locals for its farm-to-table ingredients sourced within 5 km of the restaurant and outstanding views. While they can't guarantee it, always ask for a table outside with a view! Fortunately, the restaurant offers a complimentary shuttle service to + from the town center, with only a 15 min ride time. Bellissimo.

The Charm Of An unassuming Harbor and Sunset Picnic

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Day Three

The 18th c Villa Emilia is the next door neighbor of Grand Hotel Tremezzo and, conveniently, the host of its inimitable T Spa. We only wish we could set up permanent residence here.  

Allow plenty of time to bookend your morning treatments with the spa's luxurious features like the infinity pool overlooking the lake or the onyx-bedecked relaxation room. Many a patron has raved about the heat experiences, of which include a Turkish bath, Mediterranean steam room, sauna, emotional showers and ice fountain.

We'd consider all ideal setups for a couple's massage amidst the herbal medicine + perfumery of Officina Santa Maria Novella products - founded in Florence in 1612! Indulge in one of 3 signature rituals offering 110 minutes of pure bliss, and consider this one of the best days of your lives.

Bespoke Treatments At An Award-Winning Spa

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Day Three

It's impossible to appreciate the splendor of the Grand Dame facade without recognizing its most iconic feature: the WOW (Water-on-Water) floating pool over the lake. The most recent makeover added orange + white beach umbrellas, custom-designed loungers and an expansion of its sandy shores overlooking Bellagio and the Grigne mountains. Grab an aperol from the Giacomo al Lago cocktail bar while you basque in the 50's Riviera glory of this sun-soaked setting for a spell.

Nestled inside the GHT's palace park, the heated Flowers Pool offers a tranquil escape amidst age-old trees, Riviera palms and fragrant flowers. You can alternatively plunge into this garden oasis with its refreshing waters and colorful blossoms until it's time for your next leg of the day's adventure.

An Easy, Breezy Early Afternoon That's All About Pool Time

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Day Three

With its pretty jumble of pastel buildings, ancient grid of raised boardwalks + balustrades and family-run shops steeped in generations of history, Varenna might just be Bellagio's ultimate competition for the title of "Most Charming Village on the Lake." 

Founded in the 6th c, this humble town is anything but boring. Just arriving on a ferry from across the lake is an event in itself. We can't help but think of the candy-colored ports of Portofino, the Cinque Terre and even Positano whenever our boat makes its approach. 

Steal a kiss on the famous promenade for romantics, Passagiata degli Innamorati, as you make your way towards the Riva Grande. Marvel at the 14th c Church of San Giorgio and explore the gardens of Villa Cipressi next. Duck into the villa's Veranda Bar with its iron garden seating and breathtaking views for refreshing sips before your final stop in Varenna.

All {Boats} Lead To Varenna

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Day Three

Lauded as one of THE unmissable experiences in Lake Como, Villa Monastero's roots date back to the 12th c, when it served as a Cistercian female monastery. Through the years, it has undergone many a transformation from its eclectic hodge podge of owners, and we feel nothing but fortunate that we can witness the original interiors with period furnishings today! With primarily Baroque, German Rococo and Neo-Renaissance styles across 14 rooms, Villa Monastero's "House Museum" is a masterclass in preservation.

The villa is equally beloved for its teeming botanic garden with over 900 rare and exotic plants across 2km of terraced grounds. Allow time to explore this national treasure in full, before jetting across the miniature town to La Passarella where another gelato break is calling.

Where Neoclassical Elements Meet Exotic Flair

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LAKE COMO ITINERARY

Day Three

Few dining experiences rival that of La Locanda dell'isola. The owners have been serving the same multi-course menu since 1947! You won't face decision fatigue with the impeccable set menu featuring lake trout and chicken. Arrive via one of the GHT's Venetian motor boats, and prepare to experience an approach to service we can only describe as a dance.

A complex choreography of pepper sprinkles and olive oil dashes grab your attention each course, culminating in a 'fire ceremony' involving brandy, sugar, coffee and (you guessed it!) matches. With his not-quite-placeable accent, Benvenuto regales the history of the island, while you discreetly make a mental note to fact check tomorrow. Suddenly, it's revealed you're taking part in an exorcism ceremony to remove a curse placed on the island by a 12th c bishop of Como. And honestly, who can put a price on that?

Why Comacina Island Is Worth All The Fuss

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Day Four

Tempting as may be to cozy up inside your star-studded palazzo today, you simply can't resist the melange of terracotta homes and sparkling azure waters calling your name. Luckily, there's nothing arduous about the Greenway Del Lago hike.

This gentle, on-foot excursion extends from Griante to Colonno with 6 miles of glorious views and intriguing subjects. While the entire walk takes roughly 3.5 hours, you'll pass plenty of boats along the way - in case your feet need saving! Plus, ample signposts along the route will guide you, so even if you skip the "official" starting point and head towards Ossuccio as you exit the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, it's sure to be an easy, breezy experience. 

As long as Miranda Priestly hasn't hijacked your trip, we'd recommend moving at an absolutely glacial pace as you basque in the lush hillsides, snow-capped Alps, undiscovered towns and mesmerizing villas. 

Earn The Title Of A Bona Fide Globe-Trekker

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LAKE COMO ITINERARY

Day Four

It's impossible to appreciate the splendor of the Grand Dame facade without recognizing its most iconic feature: the WOW (Water-on-Water) floating pool over the lake. The most recent makeover added orange + white beach umbrellas, custom-designed loungers and an expansion of its sandy shores overlooking Bellagio and the Grigne mountains. Grab an aperol from the Giacomo al Lago cocktail bar while you basque in the 50's Riviera glory of this sun-soaked setting for a spell.

Nestled inside the GHT's palace park, the heated Flowers Pool offers a tranquil escape amidst age-old trees, Riviera palms and fragrant flowers. You can alternatively plunge into this garden oasis with its refreshing waters and colorful blossoms until it's time for your next leg of the day's adventure.

An Easy, Breezy Early Afternoon That's All About Pool Time

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LAKE COMO ITINERARY

Day Four

With its pretty jumble of pastel buildings, ancient grid of raised boardwalks + balustrades and family-run shops steeped in generations of history, Varenna might just be Bellagio's ultimate competition for the title of "Most Charming Village on the Lake." 

Founded in the 6th c, this humble town is anything but boring. Just arriving on a ferry from across the lake is an event in itself. We can't help but think of the candy-colored ports of Portofino, the Cinque Terre and even Positano whenever our boat makes its approach. 

Steal a kiss on the famous promenade for romantics, Passagiata degli Innamorati, as you make your way towards the Riva Grande. Marvel at the 14th c Church of San Giorgio and explore the gardens of Villa Cipressi next. Duck into the villa's Veranda Bar with its iron garden seating and breathtaking views for refreshing sips before your final stop in Varenna.

All {Boats} Lead To Varenna

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LAKE COMO ITINERARY

Day Four

Lauded as one of THE unmissable experiences in Lake Como, Villa Monastero's roots date back to the 12th c, when it served as a Cistercian female monastery. Through the years, it has undergone many a transformation from its eclectic hodge podge of owners, and we feel nothing but fortunate that we can witness the original interiors with period furnishings today! With primarily Baroque, German Rococo and Neo-Renaissance styles across 14 rooms, Villa Monastero's "House Museum" is a masterclass in preservation.

The villa is equally beloved for its teeming botanic garden with over 900 rare and exotic plants across 2km of terraced grounds. Allow time to explore this national treasure in full, before jetting across the miniature town to La Passarella where another gelato break is calling.

Where Neoclassical Elements Meet Exotic Flair

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LAKE COMO ITINERARY

Day Four

Few dining experiences rival that of La Locanda dell'isola. The owners have been serving the same multi-course menu since 1947! You won't face decision fatigue with the impeccable set menu featuring lake trout and chicken. Arrive via one of the GHT's Venetian motor boats, and prepare to experience an approach to service we can only describe as a dance.

A complex choreography of pepper sprinkles and olive oil dashes grab your attention each course, culminating in a 'fire ceremony' involving brandy, sugar, coffee and (you guessed it!) matches. With his not-quite-placeable accent, Benvenuto regales the history of the island, while you discreetly make a mental note to fact check tomorrow. Suddenly, it's revealed you're taking part in an exorcism ceremony to remove a curse placed on the island by a 12th c bishop of Como. And honestly, who can put a price on that?

Why Comacina Island Is Worth All The Fuss

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LAKE COMO ITINERARY

Day Five

Steps away from the GHT is the famous Villa Carlotta - an iconic 18th c mansion that bears a more-than passing resemblance to an opulent white wedding cake designed by the eccentric Franck Eggelhoffer. 

An absolute must-see, Villa Carlotta is a Neoclassical residence turned museum with an impressive collection of original furniture, statues and paintings - several works from Francesco Hayez, Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen are featured here! Tickets are only 12€ to enter the villa and its gardens. 

Speaking of.. the gardens are enchanted sanctuaries in their own botanic right. Endless avenues of azaleas, roses and hydrangeas trumpet their beauty from all angles, while tranquil woodlands, bamboo forests and gentle waterfalls complement the captivating, zen-like qualities across 70,000 square meters. We can't imagine a better way to say arrivederci to this side of the lake! 

Before You Check-Out, Pay A Visit To Your Neighbors

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Day Five

You've got some time to kill after checking-out of Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Allora... hop in your car + putter along towards Cernobbio, stopping for a spell at the famed Villa d'Este, which first broke ground in 1568 as a private home.

The 25 acres of imperial gardens is what you'll write home about - especially once you discover the mosaic wall that has made it such an icon of the lake through the years .

Enlist a guide to lead you through its art-smattered halls and ask them about the Column Room.They may just sneak you into the space housing a 19th c fresco ceiling that was discovered by accident only 15 years ago! 

Cap your visit with cocktails at the villa's terraced restaurant, Veranda, for unrivaled views + sensational sips.

the treasured villa d'Este: A Unesco World Heritage Site

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Day Five

The glorious discipline of pizza-making is one we think about begrudgingly - only for the fact that we didn't beeline for apprenticeship opportunities a la "Trading Spaces Italian style" at the ripe age of 7 (let's be honest). 

Giardino Ristorante Pizzeria, just steps away from Villa d'Este, is just one of those stop-you-in-your-tracks establishments who can knead, toss, shape and fire dough into the tastiest slices imaginable, reminding us of our long lost calling every time. Masters, artists and perhaps sadists too, the owners challenge you to choose from 50 different pizzas on offer... an impossible task, we know. 

Beyond pizza, they make the most delectable Northern Italy comfort food classics like saffron risotto + lamb chops to boot! This humble al fresco pizza garden should always finds itself on your Lake Como itinerary. Full stop.

Purveyors Of Fine Pizza

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Day Five

A veritable fantasyland for design aficionados and dolce far niente sets, Villa Passalacqua is the stripe-spangled "Little Sister" of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Naturally, this brilliantly colored perch featuring the artistic musings of La Double J is your next home away from home. 

Nestled just above the village of Moltrasio, your new digs take you to a new section of the lake... one more suited for lingering in place as you relax into your new Utopian world.

There's no need to rush the check-in process. As tempting as the eye candy may be, you'll want to be fully present as you mentally preserve each moment. Trust me, you'll lose count of the times a phrase like "che meraviglia" escapes your lips. So enjoy each and every one of them. In fact, we've dedicated the whole evening to slow discovery of your new stomping grounds.

Poshing Up At Passalacqua

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Day Five

As you check in to one of the villa's 24 suites, you're sure to glimpse such delights as the instantly identifiable Murano chandeliers, the hand-painted silk walls and bronze light fittings so characteristic in their Baroque heritage.

Once you feel positively gobsmacked over the history, details and curiosities of your room, make your way towards the swimming terrace - the apogee of the villa's humble luxuries.

Napoleonic campaign tents + Rajasthani parasols create a tour de force of stylishly functional poolside posts. We simply adore the way the groovy floral prints line one side of the parasol canvases, while flouncy mint hues marry cream fringe trim on the other.

The glorious eclecticism is what the current iteration of Villa Passalacqua is all about. So it's only fitting that you dine beneath these charmingly ingenious canopies tonight! 

A Clarion Call For The Finer Things

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Day Six

I suppose the whole nature of doing something "on a lark" is rather spontaneous... but it can't hurt to at least set the scene, right? 

Picture this: crisp linens, cherry red chintz and silver teaspoons. You can't possibly tell me breakfast looks better anywhere else! 

Indulge in sweet, sugar-dusted cornettos filled with a fresh apricot jam as you ogle the vegetable garden where you can collect freshly laid eggs from the chicken coop if you so fancy. 

While you're there, grab a few of the villa's other patrons you met last night for a leisurely game of bocce inside the very same garden. Or jaunt down to the private marina, cups of coffee in hand, to watch the gentle morning waves lapping against the two vintage boats tended to by Beppe the boatman. 

A Morning Stroll, On A Lark

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Day Six

70's cult classic Gumball Rally once declared that "the first rule of Italian driving is what's behind me is not important" - but never have words rung more untrue. What's behind you at Villa Passalacqua is everything. Frankly, what's in front of you, beside you, above you and below you is of nearly-divine status too.

All angles command the most marvelous views, be it the 15 elaborate water fountains, six terraced gardens, open air gym, ancient olive grove, splendid rose garden, centuries-old cedars, sage-shuttered palace with pale amber walls or glistening lake in a million shades of blue.

Zip up + down the mountain in the villa's dazzling orange Fiat 500 - a darling convertible with rattan seats and newly electric motor. Ladies, bring your vintage Gucci headscarves. Your Grace Kelly moment awaits!

Hitch A Ride On The Wild Side

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Day Six

Overlooking the pool like a dutiful lifeguard, the sage green conservatory is a feast for the senses. If we're being honest, it's focus isn't so much keeping a watchful eye on aperol spritz infused swimmers as making sure the lunchgoers feel so cozy, even the Scandi sets would turn their heads. 

J.J. Martin of La DoubleJ transformed this centuries-old glasshouse through plush banquettes with kitschy pesce-printed pillows, ochre-tiled tables, rattan swivel chairs, wicker lamp shades, Sicilian head planters and strawberry-pink vases with freshly plucked peonies. 

Whether you prefer to pluck your own ingredients from the vegetable garden + prepare pranzo yourself or call upon the chef to whip something together either on or off menu, you're sure to revel in the beauty of Italian comfort food as you dine in the winter garden. 

Convivialità In A 200 Year Old Greenhouse

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Day Six

Next stop: the parasol-fringed pool you've had your eyes on since the outset.

Prospecting for one of the waffle towels rolled up like saltwater taffy won't take long - just look for the fresh-laden peonies the hoteliers so lovingly place on loungers up for grabs. 

Settle in with the latest novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid or close your eyes + listen to the tranquil nature sounds. Take your pick of taralli or olives from hand-blown glass bowls in rosy hues, as you ponder why the rest of the world hasn't followed suit with all-day aperitivo yet.

Watch the hours go by from your perfect perch and reconvene just before sunset - you'll need to do some light primping before dinner off-site! 

A Masterclass In Lazy Afternoons

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Day Six

What's on the menu for dinner tonight? Tonnarelli with duck sauce, Monkfish soup with polenta croutons, Homemade ravioli stuffed with braised meat, porcini sauce and thyme, Tagliolini with truffles, Risotto with tomatoes + stracciatella and of course... the most creamy, pillowy tiramisu! 

Only the family-owned Trattoria del Glicine could cause such a riveting stir with a menu that's simple + straightforward at its core. Eagle-eyed patrons will momentarily slip into a heavenly trance as they examine the mile-long wine list showcasing heaps of Italian vintages. 

The low-key, yet romantically Old School Italy atmosphere is impossible to beat, and this unassuming establishment will surely be at the pinnacle of your Lake District holiday memories.

Old-Fashioned Italian Fare At Its Best

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Day Seven

It's hard to fathom a weeklong trip to a lake without at least some form of watersports - besides the scenic cruises on classic riva boats + slow ferries of course. 

These western shores of the lake are ideally positioned for activities like rowing, canoeing, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, and even water skiing, and this is a fitting morning for whichever whimsy your heart desires! 

Set off from Passalacqua's private pier and enjoy the sensory spoils of awakening lake, mountain and valley scenes. 

Got Water Sports? 

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Day Seven

A local favorite for your morning caffeine fix is the cafe Cremeria Bolla, opened in 1893. Grab a seat outside, order a cappuccino of seminal design and close your eyes to enjoy the symphony of clanking, whistling, gurgling, humming, and grinding that commences with every morning brew. 

From there, saunter over to the nearby Duomo di Como, an impressive cathedral dating back to the 1300's. Significant because it was the last Gothic cathedral to be built in Italy, the Duomo took 4 centuries to build! 

The exquisitely stylish A.Gi.Emme is situated only a few steps further along Via Vittorio Emanuele II. Splurge on classics like cashmere cardigans, tailored wool blazers and cozy scarves inside before continuing your exploration of the town. 

A Patchwork Of Churches, Museums, Cafés And People-Watching

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Day Seven

For lunch, make your way to La Colombetta - a cozy trattoria housed within a former church that's owned by 3 Sardinian sisters. 

Save room for dessert at Gelateria Lariana, an artisanal shop scooping homemade gelato in mouthwatering flavors like fresh fig and pistacchio di Bronte. 

Enjoy your spoonfuls of sugar along the divine lakeside promenade, heading in the direction of Tempio Voltiano. A mini-Pantheon in style, this museum pays homage to Alessandro Volta, who invented the electric battery.

The final stop on your lakeside stroll is the monumental Villa Olma. This exquisite picture of Neoclassical grandeur is so immense, it once employed a servant whose sole job was to open + close all the windows!

A Lakeside Promenade With Gelato In Hand

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Day Seven

Ask anyone for recommendations on what to do in Lake Como's principal town, and they'll tell you to hop on the funicular climbing the mountain towards Brunate. Well, we're about to do the same thing. Except we've timed it with sunset - wink, wink!

Brunate is a teeny tiny town perched 1600 ft. above the lake. A roundtrip ticket will cost around €6 and reward you with unrivaled panoramic views over Como, the lake and even Switzerland. 

Break from the crowd once you deboard and head towards Faro Voltiano, a remote lighthouse on a nearby peak offering the same magical views, but with the added bonus of blissful solitude. 

Editor's Note: Totally kiss-spot worthy!

The Giddying Heights Of Brunate

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Day Seven

With a romantic vantage point (that we sincerely believe is overdue it's 007 movie moment) under your belt, head back to Villa Passalacqua to freshen up before dinner. 

Tonight, you're dining in Torno. Stumble into the clean-lined, ultra modern hotel that's been the hot ticket for travelers drawn to sleek, Spanish architecture like moths to a flame. Marked by a sense of privacy + exclusivity that hardly feels cold, Il Sereno refreshingly trades the over-the-top decadence of its palatial neighbors for a more narrowed vision marrying chestnut with glass. Poke around the property a little bit before enjoying your aperitivo with unobstructed nature views. A Negroni Sbagliato would be our drink of choice. 

Just steps away, on the terrace of Albergo Ristorante Vapore, your dinner table awaits. Gratify your gurgling belly with delicious pastas + seafood mains and prepare to write home about this delicious hole in the wall. 

Dinner Under The Stars

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Day Eight

You had a pretty full day yesterday. In fact, you had a pretty full week! So we won't think anything of it if you want to skip this one. But if sunrise yoga in the villa's Magnolia Garden sounds like the perfectly zen way to spend your final morning, then we applaud (with sound-proof mittens, of course). 

Shaded by 200- and 300-year-old magnolia trees and cedars of Lebanon, you'll be perfectly perched for the moments of stillness, reflection and gratitude your heart has been aching for all week. 

That being said, yoga isn't the only thing on offer. Take advantage of the open-air gym overlooking the villa's ancient olive groves or even the clay tennis court if an heart-pumpingly active meditation is more your speed. 

A Bit Of A Stretch...

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Day Eight

Your final day is mostly a buffer day to do more of what you like. So spend the morning + early afternoon relaxing however you please, whether it's a slow-paced hike in this new section of the lake, a sun-kissed outing to the diminutive village of Moltrasio or more time to hang loose by the pool. 

The concierge could even arrange something like a cooking class, homemade gelato workshop, al fresco paint studio or flower arranging experience for you!

If it were us, we'd have to give into the temptation of the spa at this point. A suave relaxation room brimming with vaulted ceilings, Moroccan lamps, whimsical rattan chairs is ever-seductive, beneath which lies the secret, miraculously preserved tunnels of the villa dating back to the 18th century which lead all the way to the lake. Here you'll be welcomed by a sauna, steam and ice bath area to boot!

Take It Easy, My Friend

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LAKE COMO ITINERARY

Day Eight

Enlist Beppe the boatman to bring you to Crotto dei Platani in nearby Brienno for lunch. Casual, yet ultra romantic for its waterfront setting, this cave restaurant is serious about food. 

The proof is in the truffles. Fresh, shaved truffles are used more liberally here than anywhere we've ever seen! Grab yourself a sunny corner table on the balcony + order the perch ravioli with dried-fish roe, the fried lake fish with cirus panure or the turbot filet with black truffle. I'll admit, their seafood dishes are out of this world, but the meat + vegetarian options are splendid too!

Order a bottle of wine from over 400 labels, and watch as your server darts back into the heart of the mountain where the bottles are stored at a consistently perfect temperature. An utter delight!

A Casual Lunch Spot Embedded In A Rock

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LAKE COMO ITINERARY

Day Eight

Take to the lake in style, one last time, aboard the villa's antique mahogany hued "Didi." Ask Beppe to head south towards Como, so you can admire some of the villas along the coast of Moltrasio as you go. Villa Fontanelle is one of these gems! 

As you continue, you'll pass Villa D'Este in Cernobbio, giving you a fresh vantage point from which you can ogle this splendorous monument. 

Next, cross the lake towards Blevio where you can scrutinize the unudlating profiles of Villa Trubelzshoy, Villa Cademartori, Villa Belvedere, Villa Taverna and Resort “Casta Diva” to name a few.

Continue on to Torno, then swoop around to head north so you can get up close + personal with both Il Sereno and, eventually, the famous Villa Pliniana.

The Villa's Classic Wooden Boat Swathed In Loro Piana Fabrics

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LAKE COMO ITINERARY

Day Eight

It's no secret that Il Gatto Nero lives at the tiptop of George Clooney's Lake Como playbook. The crowd is glamorous, the mood celebratory, the views sublime and the food quite good.

Leave plenty of time for a pre-dinner aperol spritz at the famed Harry's Bar, conveniently positioned at the base of Cernobbio. From there, hop into your pre-arranged taxi that will take you up to the vertiginous nesting place of A-list visitors to the Lake District. 

The warm, wood-paneled restaurant features eclectic wall hangings, overstuffed cushions and soft yellow lighting that makes everyone look better. After feasting on gnocci with duck ragù and slow cooked veal filet with a hazelnut crust, conclude your romantic dinner with an espresso and warm chocolate torte. The perfect ending to the perfect week in paradise!

Dinner Beneath (And Among) The Stars

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