7 Days / 6 Nights
Picturesque Villages, Seaside Beauty & Lake Views.
Explore the beautiful Italian Riviera from Santa Margherita Ligure, then relax in the iconic Lake Como area.
Under the guidance of your private local expert, discover the authenticity of charming Santa Margherita Ligure with its elegant palaces and exquisite gardens, the elegance of picturesque Portofino with it colorful houses and unique boutiques, and the stunning abbey at San Fruttuoso, a tiny untouched village considered a pearl of rare beauty. Then it is off to another natural water wonder - Lake Como. Walk through the historic center of Como to visit its main sights with your knowledgeable guide and take a cruise to admire the Alpine mountains and some of the most elegant villas from the water and spend some time in Bellagio, the pearl of Lake Como.
Enjoy some time at your leisure in each destination and feel free to select one of our day tours that best suits your interests: from food tours and cooking classes to hiking excursions to Cinque Terre or visits to magnificent villages on Lake Como.
Itinerary
Your private driver will greet you at Malpensa Airport and bring you to your hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure. Relax and enjoy the beautiful ride.
When you arrive, check in to your hotel on the waterfront, then enjoy your evening at leisure in the quaint town. Try the pesto pasta - it's the local specialty!
Have the day to live “La Dolce Vita” on this full day tour of the quaint villages of the Italian Riviera: Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, and San Fruttuoso.
Enjoy the free day to explore the Italian Riviera as you wish!
We suggest taking a cooking class in Portofino or tasting the finest olive oil at a local farmhouse (not included in the package price). Feel free to add any of our Italian Riviera Day Tours to your itinerary.
Your private driver will greet you in your Santa Margherita Ligure hotel lobby and bring you to your hotel in Como.
Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Enjoy a half day tour of Como. Como has a beautiful old town center with amazing churches and fascinating alleys. Led by your private English-speaking guide, you will visit the main city monuments: the great Gothic-Renaissance Duomo, the “Broletto” town hall Palace, the eighteenth-century “Teatro Sociale” and the church of San Fedele.
Embark on a panoramic two-hour private boat tour across the mesmerizing Lake Como, allowing yourself to be entranced by its breathtaking vistas. Cruise through the pristine waters on a non-stop journey, absorbing the picturesque views of charming villages adorning the left branch of Lake Como. Your knowledgeable English-speaking captain, well-versed in the lake's rich history, will point out prestigious villas, including the luxurious 5-star hotel, Villa D’Este, Villa Fontanelle formerly owned by Gianni Versace, and the iconic Villa Oleandra, home to George Clooney. Your journey will take you past Villa del Balbianello (featured in films like Casino Royale, 007, and Star Wars), Villa La Cassinella (among the finest luxury villas on Lake Como!), and the captivating gorge of Nesso, also known as L'Orrido di Nesso, with its hidden waterfall.
Afterward, indulge in a 90-minute stop in Bellagio, the pearl of Lake Como. Its picturesque and strategic location makes it one of the most sought-after destinations on the lake. Positioned at the junction where the Y-shaped lake divides into two branches, Bellagio offers panoramic views of the central part of the lake. A visit to this lovely and charming town is an essential part of your Lake Como experience. You will have free time in Bellagio to explore the town on your own before heading back to Como.
Your private driver will pick you up at your hotel in Como and bring you to Milano Malpensa Airport.
Inclusions
- 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure
- 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Como
- Private airport transfers and between cities
- Breakfast daily at hotel
- Private Best of the Italian Riviera Tour
- Private Best of Como
- Private Boat Tour on Lake Como with stop in Bellagio
Activity Level
Italy’s charm lies in its cobblestones, hills, uneven paths, and stairs. Most guests—even older ones—find it easy to keep pace. You’ll likely average 8,000-12,000 steps on active days, so bring a pair of comfortable, well-broken-in shoes!
Hotel Info
Hotel Metropole & Santa Margherita ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Hotel Metropole is an elegant 4 star in breathtaking Santa Margherita Ligure overlooking the Gulf and is family run by the great-grandchildren of the owner. You are sure to be receive top notch hospitality!!
The hotel is situated in the historic Villa Porticcioli, which is set in a lush and manicured 5000 square meter park dominated by century old pine trees, palm trees and eucalyptus trees - imagine the aroma!
In summer, bask in the sun at the private beach resort and terrace along the Ligurian Sea.
Italian Riviera
Hotel Barchetta Excelsior ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Offering exceptional views over Lake Como, Hotel Barchetta Excelsior offers luxury 4-star accommodation in Como's main square, Piazza Cavour, directly across the lake and close to the Duomo and historic center. Perfect for a romantic weekend escape, lakeside vacation or business trip to this popular Italian travel destination, the Barchetta Excelsior lies close to cafes and restaurants and local boat and ferry services.
Como
Optional Tour Add-Ons
Duration: 9 hours
City: Italian Riviera
Have the chance to discover “a paradise on Earth”, that has been cherished by famous writers and poets throughout history - Cinque Terre. These ancient villages are known as the best nature preserved areas in all of the Mediterranean, and they have been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997.
Pick up in Santa Margherita by your private driver and transfer to Levanto (about 60 minutes) where you will meet your private guide. Then, together with guide, reach Riomaggiore and discover the castle built in 1260 to strengthen the villages’ defense and San Giovanni Battista Church. Following the coast up to one of the smallest towns, Manarola (known for their fishing and wine making) to admire the gorgeous vineyards above the town. Continue onto Vernazza, the gem of Cinque Terre. Dating back to 1080, Vernazza is known for the beauty that surrounds this historical village. It is one of the truest fishing villages that remains one of the few no car traffic towns in Italy. You will visit this charming town while on a romantic walk to discover the Capuchin Cloister. Lastly, you will arrive in Monterosso - the largest of the villages in Cinque Terre, known for its sandy beaches, ancient castle, and giant sculpture of Neptune. At the end of the tour, sit back and relax while your private driver takes you back to Santa Margherita Ligure.
Exact time will be provided in final documents. Pick up at your hotel.
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
City: Como
Visit Villa Balbianello or Villa Carlotta.
Take a private cruise in an open-top Venetian taxi accompanied by a friendly and professional English-speaking guide. Relax while cruising the Western branch of the lake and admire the spectacular mountains and the stunning villas. Disembark at Villa del Balbianello for a guided visit, a real gem not to be missed. When Villa Balbianello is closed on Mondays and Wednesday, you will visit Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, with its stunning gardens instead.
After visiting the villa and its gardens, cruise back to the departure location.
Pick up at your hotel or the closest dock.
