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Village Life in the Italian Lakes District

June 6-14, 2009

Savor la dolce vita—“the sweet life”—in Italy’s legendary Lake District while discovering the renowned art, magnificent architecture and storied history of a region whose romantic alpine setting has inspired some of Western civilization’s greatest creative minds, from Virgil to Hemingway. While staying in the lakeside village of Cernobbio in the charming Hotel Regina Olga, explore the rich historical and cultural heritage of Lombardy and the Lake District through educational lectures, meetings with local citizens and specially arranged guided tours. Enjoy a private cruise on Lake Como to the charming town of Bellagio, tour the beautiful Villa del Balbianello and stroll through the world-famous gardens of the Borromean Islands on legendary Lake Maggiore.

Tours, excursions and special features below are led by expert local guides: Walking tour of historic Como, a classic Italian town more than 2,000 years old and the center of the European silk industry for centuries. Private boat cruise across Lake Como to Varenna and Bellagio, two of the most scenic towns in Italy. Specially arranged tour of the legendary Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como. Spectacular, scenic tour of Lake Maggiore, featuring a cruise to the Borromean Islands, famous for their magnificent palaces and gardens, and free time in the charming town of Stresa. Full-day excursion to Milan, including the opportunity to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” and the Duomo, with free time. Engaging lectures and presentations by local experts about regional culture and history, including “Como: From Roman Ruins to Medieval Walls to the Present,” presented by local scholar and Como native Fabio Cani. Private visit to Como’s Aldo Galli Academy of Fine Arts, which specializes in restoration of historic art, with expert presentations, demonstrations and interaction with students. A discussion of contemporary cultural, social and political topics led by local residents at the specially arranged Village Forum. Specially arranged culinary demonstration at the Centro Studi Alberghiero Casnati cooking school.

Italian Lakes Brochure (pdf)

Cost: $2,795 per person (land only).