Nestled cozily between the Alps and the Swiss border, the Italian Lakes are grandeur, comfort and elegance incarnate. A lofty claim, we know, but once you’ve laid eyes on this land of perched villas and verdant hills, you’ll forgive us our hyperbole. Truly incredible walks—linked by private boats and, at Monte Brè, a cog railway—lead us through the charming streets of Lugano and über-chic Bellagio to unforgettable authentic meals at opulent waterfront resorts. Where much of Italy is built for bikes, the Lakes are made to be explored by boat and on foot. This is a place of romance, playground of the glitterati for decades. Come experience what a “week at the lake” feels like—the Old World way.

Day 1 Take in all three Italian Lakes at once from the top of Monte Mottarone before beginning your journey
Day 2 Tour the palace, galleries and gardens of Isola Bella
Day 3 Trace Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms route along the western shore of Lago Maggiore by private boat before wandering the promenades of elegant Lugano, Switzerland
Day 4 Hike down Monte Brè—the views are incomparable—after riding a circa-1908 cog railway to the top
Day 5 Taste the wines and local flavours of this undiscovered region with a tasting at an intimate cantina
Day 6 Explore chic Bellagio, the “pearl of Lago di Como”
Day 7 Breakfast in Bellagio, then arrivederci in Milan