Lake Como Italy luxury rail tailor-made holiday
This 9-night luxury rail holiday to Lake Como in the Italian Lakes by train takes you quickly from London to Italy, maximising your time at your holiday destination on Lake Como, where you are based for seven nights. You take the Eurostar from London to Paris and then a TGV to Zurich where you spend the first night. The next day is a day-time service through the Alps from Zurich to Lake Como, where a car meets you to take you to your hotel.
Lake Como is a stunningly attractive Italian lake with pretty villages, ports and chic villas in exotic gardens. Bellagio occupies a stunning location on a promontory that divides Lake Lecco from the southern side of Lake Como. With its lakeside cafes, ancient chapels, winding lanes and peerless Renaissance gardens such as those at Villa Melzi, Bellagio is a gem on the lake. From Bellagio, you can even take kayak tours of the lake to gain spectacular views of the cliff-hugging villages, as well as the mountains crowning the water. All around the lake, neoclassical villas, belle époque houses and erstwhile fishing villages tumble right down to the water’s edge, with Varenna, Cernobbio and Tremezzo in particular worth as much time as you can spare. As for its towns, the 2,000-year old walled city of Como is often overlooked, but has a superb mediaeval centre dominated by a magnificent Gothic cathedral. Best of all, car ferries and vaporetti criss-cross the lake throughout summer, so just getting around the lake itself becomes an enjoyable panoramic pleasure cruise.
On the return rail journey from Lake Como you can overnight in Zurich again, or consider Lucerne or even Basel before returning via Paris to London by Eurostar.
Highlights
• Eurostar London to Paris return • Lake Como • Visit the gardens of Villa Monastero • Visit the gardens of Villa Carlotta at Tremezzo • Visit Villa Melzi d’Eril at Bellagio • Visit the resort of Cadenabbia
Day by day
You begin your rail touring holiday to Lake Como by travelling on the Eurostar from London to Paris. Here you change trains and stations taking a TGV to Zurich where you spend one night.
Today you can take a mid-morning or a later train south through the Alps from Zurich to Lake Como. Chiasso or Como San Giovanni are the closest stations. A private car will collect you from the station and take you to your lakeside hotel.
Spend six days at leisure on Lake Como. Lake Como is outstandingly beautiful, narrow and long, with luxuriant vegetation of olives, figs, mulberries, walnuts and oleanders, and is lined with cheerful resorts, splendid villas and mountainous backdrops. The architecture is quite rustic and alpine in feel, yet a sophisticated aura radiates throughout the area. Often called the prettiest town in Europe, Bellagio sits on a promontory dividing the subsidiary Lake Lecco from the southern part of Lake Como. The enchanting village is full of quaint cafes and boutiques, which line its little streets and alleyways ascending from the main square. In Bellagio visit Villa Melzi d’Eril, once a favourite picnic spot of the great composer, Franz Liszt, the gardens of this aristocratic villa are unsurpassable in their beauty and location. Although the 19th century villa is not open to the public, you can access the opulent Empire-style family chapel. Across a narrow finger of the lake from Bellagio, is the town of Varenna, bursting with gardens and cypresses. Its main attraction is the gardens of Villa Monastero. At Tremezzo another famous villa, well worth visiting, is that of Villa Carlotta. This villa was built by the extravagant marquis Giorgio Clerici between 1690 and 1743. The magnificent interior houses an enviable collection of Antonio Canova sculptures including Cupid and Psyche. The gardens are the real highlight though: 14 acres of rhododendrons, azaleas, palms, banana trees orchids, camellias and even a sequoia blossom and flourish amongst many other species, totalling 500 in all! A pretty resort on the lake and the starting point for many excellent walks up into the hills behind the lake is Cadenabbia, as is its neighbour, Menaggio. The largest town on the lake, and one that is often overlooked, is Como. Como is an attractive cathedral town, made up of cobbled streets and chic cafes of the old town and the newer industrial area famous for its fine silk production. You can visit silk producers and their shops. The cathedral was completed during the Renaissance period, and now boasts a striking façade and interior of both the Gothic and Renaissance styles. The façade includes statues of two of Como’s most famous residents, Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger, whose writings played a key role in the development of antique thought and philosophy. You don’t need the use of a hire-car when you are on Lake Como, but we can arrange one for you.
Today your train takes you north through the Alps again to Zurich or Lucerne where you spend the night.
This morning's train journey takes you back through Switzerland to the French border and on to Paris where you change stations to take the Eurostar from the Gare du Nord back to London.
I just wanted to get in touch to say thank you! We have now returned from our Orient Express, Venice trip, and it could not have been better. The memories made will last a life time. Obviously, the train experience is beyond words and Venice is such a fantastic place, but we wanted to specifically thank you for the organisation and assistance. Your attention to detail is superb and it made everything smooth and easy. Thank you again for a job extremely well done.Mrs C, May, 2024
Holiday price guide
From £3,540 per person based on two people sharing a double room at the Grand Hotel Imperiale and including for second class rail travel. First class supplement £570 per person.
From £4,750 per person based on two people sharing a double room at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni and including for second class rail travel. First class supplement £570 per person.
From £7,400 per person based on two people sharing a double room at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo and including for second class rail travel. First class supplement £570 per person.
Holiday Code ITBR03
Call us on 01392 441245
Lake Como Italy luxury rail tailor-made holiday
You begin your rail touring holiday to Lake Como by travelling on the Eurostar from London to Paris. Here you change trains and stations taking a TGV to Zurich where you spend one night.
Today you can take a mid-morning or a later train south through the Alps from Zurich to Lake Como. Chiasso or Como San Giovanni are the closest stations. A private car will collect you from the station and take you to your lakeside hotel.
Spend six days at leisure on Lake Como. Lake Como is outstandingly beautiful, narrow and long, with luxuriant vegetation of olives, figs, mulberries, walnuts and oleanders, and is lined with cheerful resorts, splendid villas and mountainous backdrops. The architecture is quite rustic and alpine in feel, yet a sophisticated aura radiates throughout the area. Often called the prettiest town in Europe, Bellagio sits on a promontory dividing the subsidiary Lake Lecco from the southern part of Lake Como. The enchanting village is full of quaint cafes and boutiques, which line its little streets and alleyways ascending from the main square. In Bellagio visit Villa Melzi d’Eril, once a favourite picnic spot of the great composer, Franz Liszt, the gardens of this aristocratic villa are unsurpassable in their beauty and location. Although the 19th century villa is not open to the public, you can access the opulent Empire-style family chapel. Across a narrow finger of the lake from Bellagio, is the town of Varenna, bursting with gardens and cypresses. Its main attraction is the gardens of Villa Monastero. At Tremezzo another famous villa, well worth visiting, is that of Villa Carlotta. This villa was built by the extravagant marquis Giorgio Clerici between 1690 and 1743. The magnificent interior houses an enviable collection of Antonio Canova sculptures including Cupid and Psyche. The gardens are the real highlight though: 14 acres of rhododendrons, azaleas, palms, banana trees orchids, camellias and even a sequoia blossom and flourish amongst many other species, totalling 500 in all! A pretty resort on the lake and the starting point for many excellent walks up into the hills behind the lake is Cadenabbia, as is its neighbour, Menaggio. The largest town on the lake, and one that is often overlooked, is Como. Como is an attractive cathedral town, made up of cobbled streets and chic cafes of the old town and the newer industrial area famous for its fine silk production. You can visit silk producers and their shops. The cathedral was completed during the Renaissance period, and now boasts a striking façade and interior of both the Gothic and Renaissance styles. The façade includes statues of two of Como’s most famous residents, Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger, whose writings played a key role in the development of antique thought and philosophy. You don’t need the use of a hire-car when you are on Lake Como, but we can arrange one for you.
Today your train takes you north through the Alps again to Zurich or Lucerne where you spend the night.
This morning's train journey takes you back through Switzerland to the French border and on to Paris where you change stations to take the Eurostar from the Gare du Nord back to London.
I just wanted to get in touch to say thank you! We have now returned from our Orient Express, Venice trip, and it could not have been better. The memories made will last a life time. Obviously, the train experience is beyond words and Venice is such a fantastic place, but we wanted to specifically thank you for the organisation and assistance. Your attention to detail is superb and it made everything smooth and easy. Thank you again for a job extremely well done.Mrs C, May, 2024
Holiday price guide
From £3,540 per person based on two people sharing a double room at the Grand Hotel Imperiale and including for second class rail travel. First class supplement £570 per person.
From £4,750 per person based on two people sharing a double room at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni and including for second class rail travel. First class supplement £570 per person.
From £7,400 per person based on two people sharing a double room at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo and including for second class rail travel. First class supplement £570 per person.
Holiday Code ITBR03
Our prices include
● Second-class travel on all trains, with standard class on Eurostar (first and standard premier can be booked at a supplement)
● Private car transfers from Milan to your hotel and back to Milan
● 1 night's bed and breakfast in a Standard room at the Hotel St Gotthard in Zurich
● 7 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Classic park view room at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Bellagio or in a Comfort room with park view room at the Grand Hotel Imperiale, at Moltrasio or in a Park view prestige room at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo
● 1 night's bed and breakfast in a Standard room at the Hotel St Gotthard in Zurich or at the Hotel Wilden Mann in Lucerne
● Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
Our prices do not include
● Early check-in or late check-out at any hotels (although we can arrange this on request at additional cost)
● Any other services not mentioned above, such as transfers and meals except breakfast at hotels
● Personal holiday insurance. This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday.
● Local tourist tax, usually between Euros 1 and 3 per person per night, and payable locally to the hotel
● Transfers in Paris
Call us on 01392 441245
Lake Como Italy luxury rail tailor-made holiday
Hotel St Gotthard is a sophisticated 4-star hotel in an excellent central location. Haute cuisine and stylish, comfortable accommodation make this an excellent spot to recuperate after enjoying the cultural delights of Zurich.
Standard room
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is a 5-star deluxe hotel in a beautiful lakeside location. The excellent spa facilities, gourmet cuisine and stunning gardens afford guests a truly tranquil and indulgent experience.
Classic park view room
Grand Hotel Imperiale Resort & SPA offers period Art Nouveau grandeur in a splendid lakeside setting. This hotel offers the chance to experience both the peaceful beauty of Lake Como and a taste of Italian town life.
Comfort room with park view
Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a 5-star deluxe hotel in a beautiful lakefront location. Gourmet cuisine and luxury spa facilities afford guests a truly relaxing and restorative retreat.
Park view prestige room
Hotel Wilden Mann is a 4-star boutique hotel in an excellent central location. With gourmet cuisine and stylish, comfortable accommodation, the 500 year-old hotel balances its historic and old-world style with elegance and modern facilities.
Classic room
I just wanted to get in touch to say thank you! We have now returned from our Orient Express, Venice trip, and it could not have been better. The memories made will last a life time. Obviously, the train experience is beyond words and Venice is such a fantastic place, but we wanted to specifically thank you for the organisation and assistance. Your attention to detail is superb and it made everything smooth and easy. Thank you again for a job extremely well done.Mrs C, May, 2024
Holiday price guide
From £3,540 per person based on two people sharing a double room at the Grand Hotel Imperiale and including for second class rail travel. First class supplement £570 per person.
From £4,750 per person based on two people sharing a double room at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni and including for second class rail travel. First class supplement £570 per person.
From £7,400 per person based on two people sharing a double room at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo and including for second class rail travel. First class supplement £570 per person.
Holiday Code ITBR03
Call us on 01392 441245
Lake Como Italy luxury rail tailor-made holiday
About Italian Lakes
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to the Italian Lakes spans the northern Italian regions of Lombardy, Piemonte and the Veneto. We offer hotels located by the undisputedly beautiful Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and Lake Garda and also the smaller, quieter lakes of Orta and Iseo, both well-worth exploring in their own right. Each lake has its own character and atmosphere, distinctive terrain, architecture and style. Placed as the lakes are to the south of the Alps and to the north of the Po Valley, they naturally possess a charming mixture of the vibrant coolness associated with the Alps but enlivened by the warmth of the South. The landscape around the Italian Lakes is one of deep blue waters surrounded by greenish-blue tinged mountains, often snow-capped. On the shores of the lakes and the lower slopes of the hills you find a profusion of lemons and olives, chestnuts and palms, magnolias and camellias. Pretty villages with rustic stone and wood houses hug the sheltered bays and fishing boats still moor next to sailing boats. Wrought-iron balconies and colourful shutters adorn gaily-painted houses with terracotta roofs. Dining is usually al fresco in the summer months and a magical atmosphere is created with the lapping of the waters and the twinkling of the lights around the lake and in the hills above. The close proximity to Milan and Verona as well as other less well-known but artistically interesting cities means that you can visit the Italian Lakes quite easily for just a weekend or short break as well as a longer holiday. The Italian Lakes can all be visited as part of a rail holiday, and the many beautiful gardens located in the vicinity of Lakes Como and Maggiore are well worth a visit as part of a garden tour holiday. Our favourite four and five star hotels for luxury holidays in the Italian Lakes include Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni and Villa d'Este on Lake Como, and the Hotel Cannero Lakeside Resort on Lake Maggiore.
Highlights of the Italian Lakes
Historic villas are to be found on every lake from the Grotte di Catullo Roman villa at Sirmione on Lake Garda to Villa Melzi and Villa Olmo on Lake Como and the Palazzo Estense in Varese. Most of these villas also have extraordinarily beautiful gardens (which can be visited as part of an Expressions Garden Tour holiday) such as the Villa Carlotta on Lake Como, the Isola Bella in Lake Maggiore and Villa Taranto at Punta della Castagnola on Lake Maggiore. Monte Mottarone above Stresa on Lake Maggiore and Monte Baldo above Lake Garda can both be reached by cable car and afford spectacular views. At Gargnano on Lake Garda you can see the stone pavilions where lemons were traditionally cultivated. Within the region there are national parks such as the Stelvio National Park north of Orta and the Parco Nazionale della Val Grande above Verbania on Lake Maggiore.
Cultural highlights of the Italian Lakes
Much of the artistic and architectural cultural wealth in the region is concentrated in the great cities such as Milan and Verona but also in the less well-known but culturally-rich centres of Bergamo, Brescia, Pavia, Mantova and Vicenza (not directly on the Lakes but within reach for a day`s excursion). Highlights include the frescoes by Masolino at Castiglione Olona, the Rocca (castle) at Angera, the Flemish tapestries on the Isola Bella Lake Maggiore, the marble cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore at Como and the works of art in the Galleria dell`Accademia Tadini at Lovere on Lake Iseo. Milan has La Scala, the Museo Poldi Pezzoli, the Brera Gallery (containing Raphael`s `Marriage of the Virgin` and the Montefeltro altarpiece by Piero della Francesca) and its Gothic cathedral. Verona has its annual opera festival from June until the end of August, the Romanesque church of San Zeno, the Renaissance Loggia del Consiglio and the Roman Arena.
Festivals in the Italian Lakes
The Verona Opera Festival takes place in the Roman Arena every year with performances running from June until the end of August. Verona also celebrates Carnival every year culminating on the Friday before Shrove Tuesday. Como holds a flea market, the Fiera di Pasqua, over the Easter weekend. Music festivals take place in Bergamo throughout the year. The Mille Miglia veteran car race starts and ends in Brescia (via Ferrara to Rome in May each year).
Gastronomy in the Italian Lakes
The cuisine of northern Italy tends to contain more meat and butter than further south and rice and polenta compete with pasta. Saffron is used extensively as in Risotto alla Milanese. Bresaola is cured raw beef served as an antipasta (now often with rocket and parmesan). Manzo al Barolo (beef in Barolo wine), Costolette alla Milanese (veal cutlets in breadcrumbs) and Ossobucco (veal in wine and tomatoes) are all popular dishes. Panettone cake and Zabaglione are two regional desserts. This region produces some of Italy's most famous cheeses such as Gorgonzola, Bel Paese, Fontina and Taleggio as well as some of Italy's most exportable wines such as Soave, Bardolino and Valpolicella. Less well known but interesting wines are produced in the Valtellina in the north of Lombardy and in Franciacorta near Lake Iseo.
