Lakes, Luxury & Landmarks: A 14-Day Journey Through Lugano, Como, Garda & Milan
Curated By
Samantha Halseth
Curator’s statement
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you cross the border from the sharp, efficient beauty of the Swiss Alps into the sun-drenched, "dolce vita" lifestyle of Northern Italy. This trip isn't just about checking off famous lakes; it’s about the contrast between the misty shores of Lugano and the aristocratically elegant villas of Lake Como. I designed this for the traveler who wants the perfect mix of high-end relaxation—think private thermal spas and lakeside dinners—and deep cultural dives like seeing "The Last Supper" in person.
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Days 1–3: Lugano, Switzerland
Your journey begins in the Italian-speaking Ticino region of Switzerland, where the precision of the Swiss meets the flair of the Mediterranean. Checking into the Hotel Splendide Royal, you are immediately greeted with a century-old tradition of lakeside luxury.
Elevated views
Spend your first full day ascending Monte Brè via a vintage 1908 funicular. At the summit, you’ll find the village of Brè, an ancient rural enclave filled with stone "grotti" and hidden artworks by local legends like Pasquale Gilardi.
Artistic exploration
Visit the Museo Wilhelm Schmid, housed in the artist's former residence, to see masterworks of "magic Nordic realism."
Dine & drink
For a quintessential Lugano evening, head to Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto. Open since 1803, it’s a local favorite for its "Cenacolo" dining room and historic ambiance. If you prefer a view, Ristorante Arte offers Michelin-starred dining right on the lake.
Days 4–6: Bellagio & Lake Como
Cross into Italy and head for the "pearl of the lake," Bellagio. You’ll be staying at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, one of the few luxury hotels in the region with its own private beach and expansive gardens.
Cinematic vistas
A private boat tour to Villa del Balbianello is non-negotiable. This 12th-century monastery-turned-villa served as a backdrop for Star Wars and James Bond, and its terraced gardens offer the most iconic photo ops on the lake.
The Silk Road
Spend an afternoon wandering the steep, flower-lined stone alleys of Bellagio. Visit Azalea Bellagio for locally made silk scarves, a specialty of the Como region.
Dine & drink
Enjoy a sunset dinner at La Goletta, the hotel’s poolside restaurant known for regional specialties. For a late-night cocktail, Bar Rossi in the main square offers a historic vibe and excellent people-watching.
Days 7–9: Lake Garda
Travel east to Gargnano on the shores of Lake Garda, where the air smells of lemons and olive groves. You’ll check into Lefay Resort & Spa, a sanctuary dedicated to the "new luxury" of sustainable wellness.
Total rejuvenation
Spend a day at the Aquaria Thermal SPA in Sirmione. Your experience includes a private "You&Me" massage and a 50-minute soak in a thermal Jacuzzi, served with Champagne, strawberries, and chocolate.
A taste of tradition
Head to Lazise for a hands-on pasta-making class. You'll learn the ancient art of dough making to create perfect gnocchi and tagliatelle, paired with local Bardolino Classico and Chiaretto wines.
Dine & drink
For an unforgettable meal, Ristorante Esplanade in nearby Desenzano offers Michelin-starred dining on a private pier. If you want to stay in Gargnano, Osteria a l'Dosso is a beloved local spot for authentic, hearty Garda cuisine.
Days 10–11: Verona
Head to the city of Romeo and Juliet, staying at the Hotel Indigo Verona - Grand Hotel Des Arts, a boutique gem in a 1920s building. This neighborhood is fueled by real-world passion, Roman heritage, and 16th-century Italian craftsmanship.
Verona’s history
Take a private walking tour to see the Verona Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. You'll also explore the Piazza delle Erbe, a bustling market square with a history dating back to Roman times.
Culinary gems
Join a "10 Tastings" private food tour to discover authentic canapé al baccalà mantecato and sample the city's most beloved gourmet treats with a local foodie.
Dine & drink
Antica Bottega del Vino is a world-renowned institution for wine lovers and is a must-visit for its massive cellar. For a romantic dinner, Ristorante Il Desco offers high-end Veronese flavors in a stunning Renaissance palazzo.
Days 12–14: Milan
Finish your journey by taking the Italo high-speed train in Prima Business Class to Milano Centrale. You’ll check into the Excelsior Hotel Gallia, an Art Deco landmark that stands at the beating heart of Italy's capital of fashion and design.
The Renaissance trail
Your visit includes skip-the-line access to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Following the viewing, walk to the Sforza Castle to explore its museums, including Michelangelo’s final sculpture, the Pietà Rondanini.
Duomo rooftops
Take the elevator to the terraces of the Milan Duomo. Walking among the Gothic spires provides a 360-degree view of the city, perfectly connecting the Duomo and the Sforza Castle through the historic financial area of Cordusio.
Dine & drink
For a classic Milanese aperitivo, head to Terrazza Duomo 21 for a front-row view of the cathedral. For dinner, Ratana is open and highly acclaimed for its modern take on Milanese classics like ossobuco.
Need to know
The lowdown on the trains
I usually suggest Italo Prima Business Class for this leg. It’s not just about the fancy leather seats—it gets you into a dedicated fast-track lane at the station. Trust me, when you see the main boarding queues in Verona, you'll be glad you did this.
The spa timer
Just a heads-up for your Aquaria Thermal Spa day—the clock starts ticking the minute you scan your wristband at the gate. I’ll make sure your welcome kit (robe, towel, the works) is all set up so you don't waste your "Champagne and Jacuzzi" time standing at a counter.
The "Last Supper" hustle
Getting into see Da Vinci's masterpiece is famously difficult because tickets vanish in seconds. I keep a close eye on these release dates and secure these spots early so you don't have to worry about the logistics or the "sold out" signs.
Taking the pressure off
Italy is best enjoyed when you aren't staring at a map or worrying about if your driver is on time. From confirming your dinner tables to double-checking the private transfer details, I handle the logistics behind the scenes. You just focus on the pasta.
Travel Advisor
Samantha Halseth
Samantha Halseth
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