Perfect Pairings: Lake Como & Portofino

Italy
5 nights private tour from $15,800

Dive into the abundant beauty of Lake Como and Portofino on this breathtaking tour of Italy. Combining the tranquillity of Lake Como with the glitz and glamour of Portofino, this idyllic break takes you to new levels of R&R. Stay in the epitome of luxury and partake in private experiences, indulge in gourmet cuisine and marvel at glorious views.

Perfect Pairings Lake Como and Portofino
Journey highlights
  • Explore the shores of Lake Como on your private Riva motorboat soaking up the colorful hues of waterside villages and elegant estates

  • Cruise through the rolling Italian countryside to the Italian Riviera arriving at the shores of glamorous Portofino

  • Be blown away by the incredible Cinque Terre villages from your private boat before wandering through these charming gems

  • A gorgeous pairing of private yoga and cooking await at an eco-farm as you surround yourself with olive groves, lemon trees and terraced vineyards

Our tailor made journeys include:
  • Your dedicated Travel Expert who will take care of arrangements
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • Your own private, English-speaking local guides
  • Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
  • Entrance to must-see local sites
  • Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
  • Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support

When to visit

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Best time to visit
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The best time to visit Lake Como is Spring and Fall when the weather is ambient and the crowds have yet to descend on famous Lake Como. Later in the summer it is still wonderful but expect crowds and high temperatures.

Portofino is a year round destination. The major tourist season is during the summer, when a majority of the annual events and festivals in the area are taking place. This is also an excellent time for sailing races which are popular in the area and draw many tourists in. However, in terms of weather, the months just before and after the busy tourist season may be the best time to head to Portofino.

Itinerary

Day 1-3

Italian Lakes

Sink into the great depths of Lake Como staying at the uber glamorous Grand Hotel Tremezzo, with majestic décor and an exclusive lakefront address. Here you will wake up to blissful lake views from the opulent suites and lap up the sun from your room overlooking the beauty of the lake. You will get rest and relaxation in abundance here as you bask in the peaceful tranquillity with sumptuous accommodation, a lakeside private beach and lavish private park. Plunge into one of the three stunning pools with the vast backdrop of the Grigne Mountains, not forgetting to top it all off with gourmet cuisine and an aperitivo as you watch the sun go down. 

Spend the next day riding the shores of Lake Como on your private Riva motorboat capturing the very essence of the lake, taking in the colorful waterside villages and elegant estates fringed by palms and pines, all backed by soaring mountains. With your private guide you will be privileged to explore Villa del Balbianello, an elegant and romantic estate built in the 18th century. Then, reach a secluded island on the lake and enjoy a delicious private champagne picnic lunch.  Head back to Grand Hotel Tremezzo and relish in a relaxing afternoon to enjoy the very best of your hotel.  

Rise to another glorious breakfast on the terrace taking in the picture-perfect lake views and gentle sun, as you ponder over how you wish to spend the day. We recommend you make the most of the hotel's first class facilities on your last day before you head south to Portofino. Why not head to T Beach, the hotels private beach club with real sand, loungers and lido pool, spend time sunbathing, dipping into the irresistible floating pool and sipping on a refreshing cocktail with the spectacular scenery of the Lake in front of you. Make time to wander the magical private park or enjoy a treatment at the hotel’s T Spa.  Feeling perfectly rested you'll then cruise through the rolling countryside to the Italian Riviera.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Tremezzo ( 2 nights )
Day 3-6

Portofino and Cinque Terre

Arrive to the glamorous shores of Portofino. You will be blown away by the absolutely stunning Belmond Hotel Splendido, overlooking the beautiful bay of pastel buildings and elegant boats. It is set in an ex-monastery, perched high amongst the hills with ravishing seascapes. Old world glamour oozes from this chic retreat, the perfect location to explore the iconic hues of Portofino. 

Spend the next day exploring Cinque Terre, a string of five tiny fishing villages that cling to a stretch of rocky coastal cliffs. On your traditional private gozzo boat admire these beautiful villages from the water before following your guide to wander the charming streets of these colorful gems. Back on dry land, La Terrazza, the classic Italian restaurant at Belmond Hotel Splendido, has arguably one of the loveliest settings in Italy and serves traditional fare with a special attention to seafood. After this magical day, watch the sun go down with a cocktail on the picturesque terraces. 

The following day relax into a gorgeous pairing of tranquillity as you head to a family-run, renewable and self-sustainable eco-farm for a private yoga and cooking class. In the heart of Portofino’s Natural Park, soak up the beautiful surrounding nature and benefit from its positive environment as you are taken through the yoga session. Cap off the visit with a hands-on cooking class using an abundance of local seasonal ingredients, finishing with a sublime picnic lunch soaking up the majestic views that surround you.

For the finale of your trip, sink into an exclusive dinner curated just for you at the Portofino lighthouse. You will be treated to a sensational dinner on its terrace with unforgettable views over the surrounding nature and sea, completely privatised just for you. To top it off, you may spot a pod of dolphins swimming past you near the coast. There's no better way to round off this exceptional trip on the Italian Riviera.

Accommodation: Belmond Hotel Splendido ( 3 nights )
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.
Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your holiday.

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