Renaissance Villas and Private Tours

Lake Como in Style

Perched on the south-western shore of Lake Como, the opulent Villa d’Este breathes elegance and refinement into every ounce of its being: its unrivalled location, its palatial beginnings, the trail of illustrious guests that have stayed here… the list goes on. It was in 1565 that Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio commissioned Pellegrino Tibaldi to build this grand palace. Much of its life was spent as such, until it was converted into a luxurious hotel in 1873. The renewed design of the hotel combines classic design details and refined luxury with ample facilities: swimming pools, tennis courts, squash courts, a gym, a professional wellness area, a sauna, a Turkish bath and more. The restaurant is something of an institution in and of itself, with culinary delights ranging from great Italian specialties and daily pasta dishes to nibbles and refreshments served under the shade of the garden’s chestnut trees. There are seating areas overlooking the lake, as well as elegant dining rooms inside. While the lake is shared by all, the gardens are the exclusive playground of you and your fellow guests – 25 hectares planted with cypresses, bamboo, roses, camellias, wisterias and hydrangeas, interspersed with ponds and fountains.

On the Agenda:

The next four days are yours to spend living the true dolce vita: lakeside lounging, dining on the finest Italian specialties and strolling through the manicured gardens. When you’re ready to spread your wings and explore the rest of Lake Como, our team of experts can help you arrange visits to some incredible sites. Some of our favourites include Sala Comacina, Varenna, Tremmezzo (home to Villa Carlotta) and Lenno (where you can admire Villa Balbianello). Water sports on the lake are also an absolute must. On one of the days, we’ll arrange for you to head out on a private boat to discover Bellagio on the northern tip of the Triangolo lariano (a triangle formed by the two arms of the lake). The charm of this small town lies not only in its location, but also in its artistic and cultural heritage. The Cathedral is a fine example of 11th to 12th-century Lombard Romanesque architectural style. Among the town's aristocratic residences, you can visit Villa Serbelloni and its woods, which dominate the historic centre, or the park and small museum of Villa Melzi d'Eril. For a change of pace, we can arrange for you to embark on a day of urban stimuli with a private tour of Milan.
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