Lake Como and the Beautiful North
Trip highlights
- Explore the flavours of the region at wineries in Piedmont
- Enjoy a private boat tour around stunning Lake Como
- Explore the romantic and ancient streets of Verona
- Discover culinary secrets on a Venetian cooking class
- Experience the unique islands of iconic Venice
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Private transfers
- Private tours and experiences
- Full support from your travel designer and concierge
- Help with restaurant recommendations and reservations
- Days 1–2 Milan
- Days 2–4 Piedmont
- Days 7–9 Verona
- Days 9–12 Venice
- Days 1–2 Milan
- Days 2–4 Piedmont
- Days 7–9 Verona
- Days 9–12 Venice
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
One night in cosmopolitan Milan
An arbiter of international style, Milan is Italy’s financial and industrial heart, a thoroughly modern European city with a great history not far under the surface. Whether shopping, seeing da Vinci’s Last Supper, dining or out discovering hip canal-side bars, Milan is a city with an overlooked charm hiding just beneath the chic surface.
Where you could stay
Milan
Overview
Neither French, as its name might suggest, nor typically Milanese with its overtly playful design, the Château Monfort is truly unique in both its interiors and ethos.
Located in the heart of the city, the hotel is housed within an early 20th-century art nouveau building, and draws its inspiration from the world of fairytales and opera. Pastel colors adorn the walls of the 77 rooms, enhanced by floral patterns and butterflies, mosaics on the floors, mirrors and princely alcoves.
Downstairs you’ll find the exceptional glass-domed Lounge Bar Mezzanotte – the perfect spot to sip a Milanese aperitivo. The magnificent Rubacuori Restaurant is split into three unique rooms, including a room of mirrors and of ceramic animal head trophies, and specialises in modern Italian cuisine. Underneath it all is the Cella di Bacco, an inmate setting for an informal meal of cold cuts, cheese and fine wines.
The Château Montfort also has its own spa – the Amore & Psiche Spa – an exclusive refuge with a sauna, Turkish bath and swimming pool.
→ Find out moreTwo nights in the Piedmont region
The area of Piedmont, known for its wonderful food and wine, is fringed by the French and Swiss Alps and is one of Italy’s most naturally beautiful regions. Its name means ‘at the foot of the mountains’ and it is a patchwork of snow capped peaks, sweeping valleys and plains dotted with vineyards, farmhouses and pretty baroque towns. It is also a region famous for its food and drink with enough wineries and chocolate shops to ensure no visitor is ever left hungry or thirsty.
Where you could stay
Piedmont
Overview
Back in 1619, a group of Cisterian monks headed up the old salt road into the Langhe hills and built a monastery on the ruins of an existing chapel. Almost 400 years later and doors are once more open, offering guests the chance to explore this beautiful corner of Italy from the most charming of locations.
The hotel’s elegant rooms and suites are full of character, each one unique in its design. Some come with ancient fireplaces and private gardens, while suites have their own balconies and Jacuzzi. Decor is elegant and refined and befitting of its origins as a monastery.
The hotel is located along one of the five ancient Vie del Sale, or salt roads, that carried precious salt from the Ligurian Sea to beyond the Alps. The views are truly spectacular and even just stepping outside your room you’ll find yourself surrounded by strawberry and olive trees and the beautifully maintained flower, herb and vegetable garden.
The outdoor swimming pool offers panoramic views of the Moscati vineyards and the Langa Hills, but for the ultimate in relaxation you’ll want to head to the spa. A real highlight, it has a wine hammam with a Jacuzzi filled with water and wine, and a sauna in the shape of a barrel.
This part of Italy is known for its fine food and wine, and the choice of restaurants at San Maurizio is second to none. For high-end dining there is Michelin-starred Guido da Costigliole located in the ancient cellar. A more relaxed option is the Truffle Bistrot, named after one of the region’s most loved ingredients; in the summer there is the option to dine al fresco. There is also a wine and cocktail bar showcasing the region’s top drops.
There’s lots of beautiful countryside to explore and horse riding, walking or cycling through hazelnut groves and medieval villages is one of the best ways to appreciate this very special pocket of Italy.
→ Find out morePiedmont
Overview
In the hills of Piedmont’s Langhe region, close to the historic town of Alba, the Villa d’Amelia is a masterfully renovated 19th century country retreat surrounded by hazelnut groves, vineyards and green woodland.
37 rooms and suites are refined and contemporary in style, complementing the building’s classic flair. The exclusive San Luigi Suite that sits in the estate’s old Chapel, and the two suites overlooking the Alps, are the pick of the bunch.
The Villa d’Amelia’s restaurant, Damiano Nigro, has been awarded a Michelin star with meals a modern celebration of the region’s gastronomic history. The DaMà restaurant is a combination of traditional Italian cuisine and experimentation, with particular attention paid to researching top quality raw ingredients, mostly local and seasonal. There is also a wonderful wine cellar carved out of a deconsecrated chapel in the hotel’s courtyard.
A bar, outdoor swimming pool, wellness centre with a sauna, and blooming gardens round out the hotel’s grounds.
It’s a perfect starting point to discover hundreds of wineries in the region, famed for its Barolo reds amongst other, as well as Langa’s incredible food, home to the Alba White Truffle, a high number of Michelin starred restaurants and the birthplace of the slow food movement. You can also work up an appetite with biking and trekking tours, visits to local historical sites or roam the hills astride a Vespa.
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Tour and sip
Sample and savour
Wine tasting in the Langhe area
Some of the finest Italian wines come from Piedmont; the rolling hills of Monferrato, Le Langhe and Roero are responsible for Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera red wines and the white wines of Asti and Moscato. As well as the more well-known names, you will get to taste a number of indigenous grape varieties that do not make their way out of Italy, such as Dolcetto, Ruche, Grignolino and Arneis. A must for any wine lover, this tour will take you to a variety of local wineries and give you ample chance to taste these delicious drops.
Wine and chocolate tasting
Visit one of Italy’s greatest wine regions planted predominantly with the Nebbiolo grape variety, visit a prestigious winery and try the famed truffles from the mediaeval town of Alba. In October Alba hosts a massive truffle festival which attracts visitors from far and wide. Pay a visit to Cherasco for chocolate tasting in a renowned pastry shop, famous for the production of Baci di Cherasco – Cherasco kisses. The Baci were invented as a way of using up the fragments of hazelnuts left over from the production of nougat.
A pause in Turin
Enjoy a private transfer to Lake Como, stopping at the beautiful baroque city of Turin
Wander Piazza Castello with its grandiose Savoy palace and the baroque church of San Lorenzo, marvel at Piazza San Carlo with its twin churches and historic cafes and savour a ‘bicerin’, a special Torinese coffee with cream and chocolate. Explore Piazza Carignano where the first king of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele, was born, then pass down the monumental arcaded Via Po, until you arrive at the Mole, a 548ft tower built originally as a synagogue in the 19th century. The impressive Renaissance Duomo houses a sacred length of linen cloth bearing the image of a man, believed to be the burial shroud of Jesus of Nazareth.
Three luxurious nights in Lake Como
Lake Como has been a popular retreat since the time of the Roman Empire, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. Shaped like an inverted ‘Y’, the lake is long and slender and one of Europe’s deepest. Surrounded by the Rhaetian Alps and close to the border with Switzerland, its enviable position means few fail to be charmed by its beauty. Picturesque towns, grand villas and beautiful gardens are scattered around the lake and exploring them is easy thanks to the ferry service.
Where you could stay
Lake Como
Overview
Lake Como is all about style and elegance, and the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo with its impressive art nouveau façade, fits the brief perfectly.
Sat on the western shores of the lake, the hotel looks out across the water to the pretty town of Bellagio and the dramatic Grigne mountains. Not to be outshone by its famous neighbour, Villa Carlotta, the hotel sits within beautifully landscaped gardens filled with rare and ancient magnolias, palm trees and flowers that explode in clouds of red, purple, pink and blue.
Rooms come with large windows that look out over lake or gardens, and the views from the rooftop suites are hard to beat. It’s not just the scenery that’ll catch your eye, however, and there’s plenty to admire inside as well. The lounge is filled with brightly coloured furniture and features ornate silk hangings on the wall, while the billiards room is home to an original table from the 1800s.
Guests can dine on seasonal Mediterranean cuisine in the restaurant where in the warmer months, food is served on the terrace. The trattoria and wine bar is perfect for more casual dining, offering the relaxed atmosphere of an ancient wine cellar with a touch of modern elegance.
Relaxing here is easy; the hotel has a secluded outdoor pool in the gardens and its own man-made beach, located just in front of the water-on-water floating pool on the lake. The indoor infinity pool and spa look out over the water and offer luxurious Santa Maria Novella products and treatments. The hotel also has its own water limos for when you want to explore and discover the lake.
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On the lake
Beside the lake
Explore Lake Como by private boat
The sparkling waters of Lake Como, flanked by beautiful villas, small villages and beyond, the Rhaetian Alps, make this one of Italy’s prettiest destinations. Take to the water and enjoy a boat tour of the lake that lets you appreciate its beauty from the best angle. You’ll see the small wooden island of Comacina as well as the characteristic bell tower of Santa Maria Maddalena, before proceeding to Bellagio, known as the pearl of the lake, where you can walk along its narrow streets.
A Como city and silk factory discovery
Close to Lake Como and the staggering Alps, Como is one of Italy’s most desirable cities. It contains numerous works of art, churches, gardens, museums, theatres, parks and palaces, including the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio and Tempio Voltiano dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the modern battery. Como was also the birthplace of many historical figures, including the poet Caecilius and Pope Innocent XI. Como is also known for its silk and you’ll visit a silk factory to see how this famous fabric is made.
A pause in Bergamo
Enjoy a private transfer to Verona, with a stop to explore the two sides of Bergamo
Bergamo is a city of two parts, the lower town, Citta Bassa and the upper town, Citta Alta. In the upper town, walk along narrow winding mediaeval streets and see wonderful Renaissance architecture, dating to the time when the city was ruled by Venice for over 350 years. It is also ringed by a magnificent set of gated walls that kept invaders out until 1796, when French Revolutionary troops successfully stormed it. At the heart of Bergamo lies the Piazza Vecchia and from here, you will visit the Colleoni Chapel and the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica.
Two nights in Verona
Verona is a splendid city of art, inextricably associated with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and straddling the winding Adige River. In the historical centre, modestly grand piazzas and a maze of streets are dotted with quietly humming cafes, tucked away osterie (old inns serving wine and simple food), artisan shops and high couture boutiques. For lovers of Italian art, a visit to Verona is a must as the rich collections held in 12-century churches and art museums here encapsulate the transition in Western European art from late-Medieval to early-Renaissance styles.
Where you could stay
Verona
Overview
The Due Torri Hotel enjoys a fantastic position within the historic centre of Verona, providing classic comfort and convenience on the doorstep of many of the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions. Overlooking the Church of Santa Anastasia, the hotel is set within a former 14th-century palace and retains much of the authentic characteristics of this historic building.
Each of the hotel’s 89 rooms are spacious, themed by traditional décor and furnishings that perfectly represent the timeless elegance of Italian style. The Due Torri’s suites are particularly in keeping with the heritage of the building, containing period furniture and precious tapestries, as well as hand-varnished parquet and marble bathrooms.
Guests have the choice of two rewarding dining experiences, beginning with the Due Torri Lounge & Restaurant, regarded for its innovative regional and international cuisine which is best washed down with a selection from the extensive wine list. On the hotel’s rooftop, the Panoramic Terrace & Grill Restaurant boasts breathtaking views of the city, accompanied by traditional Italian dinner and cocktails.
→ Find out moreExplore Verona's stunning surroundings
Journey along the shoreline of Lake Garda
With a private driver, spend today discovering the southern shores of Lake Garda. The whole area is very much a summer playground, with numerous water sports on offer and a couple of spa towns, where you can take to the waters and treatments. You will also be able to take a steamer or catamaran trip on the lake which will give you a much better glimpse of some of the sumptuous private villas which line the lakeside.
A pause in the Valpolicella wine region
Take a private transfer to Venice, stopping to savour the wines of Valpolicella
This hilly, agricultural and marble-quarrying region surrounding Verona is famous for its wine production. A variety of wines are produced here, including a Recioto dessert wine and Amarone, both made from dried grapes. Several light and fragrant styles are also produced here. You’ll visit a local winery to learn all about the processes and techniques used in the production, and enjoy a tasting.
Three nights in Venice
Sat within a shallow lagoon between the mouths of the Po and Piave rivers, Venice is formed of 118 islands which are dissected by some 170 canals and connected by over 400 bridges. The entire city is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an extraordinary architectural masterpiece in which even the smallest building may contain works by some of Europe’s greatest artists.
No visit to Venice would be complete without experiencing a gondola ride as you travel like a Venetian down the city’s canals. Enjoy the special point of view from the water, observing the intricacies of Venetian life on the canals.
Where you could stay
Venice
Overview
The iconic Belmond Hotel Cipriano is located on Guidecca Island, across the water from St Mark’s Square, a most enviable location that has long helped make the hotel one of Venice’s most exclusive.
96 rooms and suites, split between the mid 20th century building and historic palazzo, are decorated in an opulent and impeccably Venetian style, with views out across the lagoon and cityscape or the lush Casanova gardens.
Fine dining options, such as the Michelin-starred Oro Restaurant and Cip’s Bar, take full advantage of the location’s wonderful vistas, while the Gabbiano Bar, Wine Cellar and Piano Bar are each draws in the evening.
The famous Olympic-sized swimming is at the centre of the property, the only one of its size in central Venice. There is a personal trainer on site, red-clay tennis courts, and a fitness centre, as well the Casanova Wellness Centre for something a bit more relaxing.
It is just five minutes from the Belmond Hotel Cipriani’s own pier to St Mark’s in the heart of Venice. Here the city’s highlights await.
→ Find out moreVenice
Overview
At the Grand Canal’s edge, the historic Gritti Palace occupies a building that dates back to 1475 as a private home for the noble Pisani family, followed by the distinguished Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti.
Carefully restored in 2013, the Gritti’s heritage and culture have blended with a renewed Venetian style. 61 luxurious guest rooms and 21 sumptuous suites, including some with canal views, are replete with rare archival fabrics, the finest Italian marbles and a stunning array of new and original chandeliers from Murano, as well as the latest technology and sumptuous beds.
Gritti’s famous terrace has long been a social hub. The splendid Bar Longhi features some of the best cocktails in Venice and the Club del Doge Restaurant features regional specialties, casual chic by day and a more formal affair at dinner. The palace is also home to the Gritti Epicurean School, an informal Venetian open kitchen that hosts wine tastings, cooking workshops and celebrations.
Well located by the Grand Canal on the southern edge of the San Marco district, Venice’s great opera house, cathedrals, museums and palazzos are all close by.
→ Find out moreVenice
Overview
In the gallery-filled Dorsoduro borough, hidden away by the Salute church, is the intimate Ca’ Maria Adele in its quaint 16th-century palazzo.
There are just twelve sumptuous rooms, including two suites and five themed rooms inspired by Venice’s history, such as the Oriental Room, a nod to the travels of Marco Polo, and the Doge’s Room, all deep-red damask drapes and gold accents.
The vibe is Venetian and decadent – think terrazzo floors, Murano chandeliers and antique furnishings – but playful touches of African wood, polished concrete and a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere make it modern.
Whilst lacking a restaurant of its own, breakfast is served wherever you feel, whether in room, in the lounge or out on the terrace, a setting where Italian-style tea can be enjoyed in the afternoon. There is also an exceedingly well stocked bar.
Ca’ Maria Adele can organise tailored tours in and around the city, the Royal Palace a short gondola ride away from the hotel’s own water entrance. Being in Dorsoduro, the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, Punta della Dogana and the Magazzini del Sale are a short stroll away.
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Overview
Set on the lively Riva degli Schiavine promenade, Hotel Danieli is the epitome of Venetian style and elegance.
On entering the hotel you are welcomed by rich golds and reds, marble floors and beautiful tapestries. This classic décor is carried throughout the 210 rooms and suites which feature high ceilings, Murano glass lamps and large windows through which you can take in the views of the canal or the cobbled streets of the city.
The rooftop restaurant allows guests to gaze out across the Grand Canal, watching the gondolas glide across the water while enjoying traditional Venetian cuisine influenced by the spice traders that used to pass through the city. For a pre-dinner aperitivo or a morning cappuccino, Bar Dandle with its marble columns and chandeliers has plenty of atmosphere.
You’re ideally situated to explore Venice, just minutes from the Bridge of Sighs, Piazza San Marco and the Palace Gardens.
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Islands
City
Culture
Culture
Explore Murano, Burano and Torcello
Visit Venice’s most famous islands and learn about their importance in history and trade. On Murano visit one of Venice’s most important glass factories for a private demonstration and spot works of great glass masters like Signoretto in the showroom. Then, the picturesque Burano, a fisherman island of brightly coloured houses and a lace school where antique techniques of lace-making are still used. Finally, Torcello, the first island to be inhabited, is bursting with history. See its beautiful cathedral, magnificent mosaics and the Locanda Cipriani where Ernest Hemingway stayed while writing A Farewell to Arms.
Discover the highlights of Venice on foot
Wander Venice’s winding streets and waterways to learn about the city’s history and development. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge’s Palace is just as impressive inside with works by Titian, Veronese, Tintiretto, Vittoria and Tiepolo adorning the walls. Stop by the shimmering, mosaic-filled St. Mark’s Basilica, its architecture a mixture of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian. See the lively market on the Rialto Bridge where mountains of colourful fruit and shimmering seafood are purchased.
Visit a typical Venetian bacaro
Discover Venice and its traditions and visit a typical bacaro. These wine bars are popular meeting points for Venetians, and take their name from Bacchus, the Roman god of agriculture and wine. People meet here after working or during lunch breaks to have a glass of local wine and a cicchetto, a typical appetiser.