r r r r { Fr i \ Ktr i C ome with us and enjoy

some of the most beautiful Italian gardens at their springtime best as we explore Lake Como and Maggiore from our delightful lake-side base at the Grand Hotel Menaggio.

During our seven days we will visit some of the finest gardens and villas. Accompanying our parry will be our good friends 'Opera Interludes', the travelling opera company who will perform both in our hotel and in some stunning villas and palaces.

Our programme will include comprehensive sightseeing excursions, but most days will allow for some free time to relax and enjoy the lovely facilities of the hotel and appreciate the dramatic scenery of Lake Como.

For us, such a visit offers the perfect combination of days spent amongst some of the most idyllic scenery imaginable, with late afternoon or evening concerts, where highlights from the grand operas will be performed in some extraordinarily beautiful settings. Much of our exploration will be by private launch and a highlight for many will be an evening cruise on Lake Como with dinner aboard the Concordia, a restored vintage vessel of a bygone era. On some evenings there will also be briefings and talks by our guest speaker.

GRAND HOTEL MENAGGIO

Our week long stay in the charming lake-side resort of Menaggio will be at the delightful four star, Grand Hotel Menaggio. Sited directly on the shores of Lake Como, this elegant 92 room hotel offers a high level of comfort, good food and service_ The atmosphere is peaceful and the accommodation and public rooms stylish. However, its greatest asset is its position. Situated in the most attractive central lake area it is ideally placed for day excursions to some of the loveliest villas and gardens of Lombardy Some of the rooms have lovely views of the lake as does the restaurant. The lawns and swimming pool on the water's edge are perfect for relaxing, reading a book or watching the waterborne activity.

THE ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly London Heathrow or Stansted to Milan. Drive to the Grand Hotel Menaggio (approximately two hours) for a seven night stay. Day 2 Bellagio/Villa Serbelloni/Villa Melzi. Our launch will take us across Lake Como to Bellagio, where colourful gardens line the shore. A visit will be made to the enchanting Villa Serbelloni whose lush landscaped gardens are beautifully maintained by the Rockefeller Foundation. After some free time in Bellagio, make an afternoon visit to the Villa Melzi, a fine neo-classical villa. The garden is splendid with a Moorish temple, Japanese garden and water-garden at the edge of the lake. Performance by Opera Interludes in the hotel, followed by dinner Day 3 Villa II Pizzo/Villa Cicogna. Morning drive to Cemobbio to visit the lovely garden of II Pizzo. a varied and interesting garden built on a hillside leading down to Lake Como. In the early afternoon drive to Villa Cicogna Mozzoni, a 16th century villa surrounded by exquisite gardens. After exploring the gardens there will be a guided tour of the villa, followed by a performance by Opera Interludes and after concert drinks. Return to the hotel for dinner. Day 4 VarennaNilla Medici. Morning departure by ferry to Varenna and free time for sightseeing and lunch. Continue to Villa Medici, where hopefully the alternating colour of the azaleas will be at their best. This striking garden was created in the mid 17th century and offers wonderful views. Later tour the house with its marvellous collection of keyboard instruments which illustrate the development of harpsicords, spinets organs and pianos through the ages.

Before Leaving there will be a piano recital, followed by drinks. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 5 Villa Balbianello/Villa Carlotta. Morning free. Depart in the early afternoon by launch to Lenno and the Villa Balbianello to see the interior and gardens of this lovely lakeside villa. Continue by launch to Tremezzo to the Villa Carlotta, built

in 1747, but with a superb garden laid out in 1850 by Princess Carlotta. The setting is idyllic and the gardens full of contrast, particularly in the spring. kfter a tour of the villa, there will be a performance by Opera Interludes. Return to the hotel by launch for dinner

Day 6 Baveno/Borromean Islands. Drive to the pretty town of Baveno, beautifully situated on the gulf of l'allanza on Lake Maggiore. Our private launch will take us to the Borromean Islands of Isola Bella and Isola Madre. On Isola Bella, once a barren rock, see the vast palace built from the island's rock and its surrounding terraced gardens, inspired it is said by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The palace is decorated with fine furniture and some interesting paintings, but it is the ten terraces of the gardens with their English Garden, Italian Garden, Azalea Garden and Mosaic Garden which capture the imagination. In the afternoon we will sail across to the larger of the two islands, Isola Madre. Here five gardens connect in a peaceful woodland setting. The camellias and rhododendrons in April are at their most striking.

Day 7 Gravedona. Day free until mid afternoon departure aboard the historic Concordia which has been chartered for our party this evening. Sail to the village of Gravedona on the Upper Como and visit the Roman convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. In the nearby august setting of the Church of San Gusmeo and Maitto there will be a final gala performance from Opera Interludes. Return to Concordia for dinner as we sail down Lake Como in the evening light, watching the lights along the shoreline come on. Day 8 Milan to London Heathrow or Stansted. Drive to Milan for the return flight.

PRICES PER PERSON

Standard twin bedded room £1295 Supplement for Lake View Room E85 Supplement for Standard single room £145

London Heathrow flight supplement £90 per person Price includes: Economy class air travel from Stansted, 7 nights at the Grand Hotel Menaggio including buffet breakfast and 4 course evening meal (menu with 3 choices), excursions by coach, steamer and launch, entrance fees, local guides on days 2,3,4,5,6, tour manager throughout, guest speaker, performances by Opera Interludes, refreshments on days 3 and 4, evening excursion aboard Concordia with dinner, local taxes, UK departure tax.

Not included: Travel insurance, lunches.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS

Telephone 020-7752 0000

Office Hours Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm

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