Lakeside Hotel
Visit Bellagio
Majestic Milan Cathedral
New for 2022 is our stay in Lake Como, which is the third largest of the Italian lakes and is an upscale resort area known for its dramatic scenery, set against the foothills of the Alps. During our time at Lake Como we will see the best of what this area has to offer including the magnificent Villa Carlotta Gardens and the beautiful villages of Bellagio and Tremezzo. We will also spend the day in Milan where we combine a walking tour of all the main sights and some free time to further explore or go shopping!
What’s Extra
After our arrival at Milan Malpensa Airport we will transfer to the Hotel Britannia Excelsior on the west shore of Lake Como. We will have time to settle in before we meet for our welcome drink and dinner at the hotel.
After breakfast we will meet our guide who spends the day with us showing the highlights of this Lake resort. We start by visiting the magnificent Villa Carlotta and it’s beautiful gardens. The villa itself dates back to the 17th century and is surrounded by a wide botanical garden that is full of ancient trees, palms, rhododendros, azaleas, and many other plants.
We continue our day with a private boat to the village of Bellagio which is known for its cobbled lanes and elegant buildings, some of which overlook the lake itself. We will have time to explore the charming alleys, full of shops, boutiques and restaurants.
After a leisurely breakfast overlooking the lake, the day is ours to explore further. Our hotel is centrally located and the towns of Bellagio, Varenna and Menagio are all easily reached by local bus or ferry from the hotel.
Or if preferred, we can take advantage of the hotels facilities and spend the day sitting out overlooking the beautiful lake sipping a coffee or cocktail!
The choice is yours!
After breakfast we board our coach to Milan. We meet our walking guide who will show us around this relatively small city centre, making it perfect to see by foot. Milan is known as a financial capital, a fashion powerhouse and a city that offers beautiful architecture. We will take in the highlights as part of our tour including the impressive Milan Cathedral, one of the largest churches in the world. We will also visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery and a major landmark of Milan, Italy.
Our afternoon is at leisure to perhaps do a spot of shopping or if shopping is not for you then you can visit Castello Sforzesco, a 15th century castle housing several museums. Those looking to relax can go to Parco Sempione, where nature provides respite from the energy of this dynamic and international city.
After breakfast we say goodbye and transfer to the airport for our flight home.
Hotel Britannia Excelsior has a prime position set on the shores of and is a former 19th-century inn. Overlooking the peninsula of Bellagio, with Europe’s largest floating pool, this is a great base for exploring this beautiful part of Italy.
Facilities include a floating pool that is just across the road on the lakefront and has some of the best views of Lake Como. There is a restaurant, bar and snack bar. WIFI is available in the lobby.
Rooms include satellite TV and bathroom with shower and hairdryer. Free Wi-Fi access is available in the hotel lobby.
The transfer time from Milan Malpensa Airport to our hotel is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
A full 10-year passport is required valid for at least the duration of your stay. Holders of passports with the inscription “British Citizen” or “European Union” do not require a visa.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Italy Foreign Advice
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements. Alternatively, you can apply for your Visa with our preferred partner the Travel Visa company by selecting the following link; Travel Visa Company.
Euro
Casual daytime light-weight “layers” are recommended. Comfortable shoes are a “must” for sightseeing. Smart, casual wear for the evenings. Dressing in layers to allow for changes in temperature is recommended. You will need to have shoulders covered for churches.
We suggest a Group Collection to cover guides, transfer drivers, and hotel staff of minimum £15.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on.
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| April | 16 °C | 7 °C |
| June | 24 °C | 15 °C |
| September | 21 °C | 13 °C |
I was so nervous about embarking on my first Solos Holiday, but I shouldn’t have been – it was the best thing I have ever done!
Wow! Got to see the famous shipwreck beach in Zakynthos with Solos. Can’t wait to discover more of their destinations!
Our tour leader Monica was exceptional! Had such a good time and will be rebooking with Solos. Thanks for a great holiday!
Had the best time with Solos! Discovered beautiful destinations and met some lifelong friends.
