Come 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 week’s stay we will visit some of the finest gardens and villas and be joined by London Festival Opera who will perform some marvellous opera in wonderful settings.
Italy has more than its fair share of beautiful places, but few would argue that the lakes that nestle in the foothills of the Italian Alps are one of its finest assets. The images stay with you forever. The early mist rising off the lake, church bells resonating off the water, flower-filled gardens reflected in the still, deep waters and numerous craft going about their business, crisscrossing the lake.
Our programme will include comprehensive sightseeing excursions, and some free time to relax and enjoy the lovely facilities of the hotel and appreciate the dramatic scenery of Lake Como. We will be joined by horticultural expert Alan Mason, who will provide talks and briefings during the week and accompany us on excursions.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
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Our View
“We are delighted to be repeating our hugely successful visit to the stunning shores of Lake Como. What could be more enchanting than a combination of wonderful music from London Festival Opera, beautiful gardens, magnificent views and delicious Italian food? Lake Como has seen many illustrious guests grace its shores over its long history including Queen Victoria and the locals today will almost certainly casually drop into their conversation that George Clooney is amongst many actors who own a villa there. Our base for our week-long visit, The Grand Hotel Menaggio, has an enviable location with unforgettable views. Despite the grand exterior of this 19th century Palazzo the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed and offers the ideal spot to totally unwind.”
Grand Hotel Menaggio
The Grand Hotel Menaggio is situated on the most elegant of Italian Lakes, Lake Como. This comfortable and relaxed hotel, which was completely renovated in 2008 has 94 rooms and offers a high level of comfort, good food and service. The atmosphere is peaceful and the accommodation and public rooms stylish and comfortable. 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.
Itinerary
Day 1 London Heathrow to Menaggio, Italy.
Fly by scheduled flight from Heathrow to Milan and transfer to the Grand Hotel Menaggio on the shores of Lake Como for a seven night stay. (D)
Day 2 Bellagio & Villa Melzi.
Our launch will take us across Lake Como to Bellagio where colourful gardens line the shore. Enjoy a visit to the Villa Melzi, a fine neo-classical villa where we will see the splendid gardens which feature a Moorish temple, Japanese garden and watergarden at the edge of the lake. There will be some free time in Bellagio before returning back to the hotel by boat. (B, D)
Day 3 Villa Balbianello & Villa Carlotta.
Morning at leisure. Depart in the early afternoon by boat to the Villa Balbianello. See the interior and gardens of this lovely lakeside villa. Continue to the Villa Carlotta, built in 1747 with a superb garden laid out in 1850 by Princess Carlotta. The setting is idyllic and the gardens are full of contrast, particularly in the spring. Enjoy a performance by London Festival Opera at Villa Carlotta. (B, D)
Day 4 Como & Villa Medici.
Morning departure by coach to Como where there will be some free time for sightseeing. In the early afternoon, depart by coach to Villa Medici Giulini where hopefully the alternating colour of the azaleas will be at their best. Enjoy a piano recital with a musician at the Villa followed by an aperitif. (B, D)
Day 5 Villa Bagatti, Lugano & Villa Cicogna Mozzoni.
Depart by coach to visit Villa Bagatti’s garden. After your visit continue to Lugano for some time at leisure. In the early afternoon visit Villa Cicogna Mozzoni, a 16th century villa surrounded by exquisite gardens. Enjoy a performance by London Festival Opera at the Villa with an aperitif after the performance. (B, D)
Day 6 Lake Maggiore.
Full day excursion to 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. (B, D)
Day 7 Lake Como.
Spend the day at leisure to relax and enjoy your surroundings or perhaps take the ferry to Varenna. There will be a late afternoon performance by London Festival Opera at the hotel followed by a farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 8 Menaggio to London Heathrow.
Transfer to Milan airport for your return scheduled flight to London. (B)
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 24 April to 1 May 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Standard Land View Twin Room | £2795 | |
| Standard Lake View Twin Room | £3195 | |
| Lake View Room with Balcony | £3395 | |
| Standard Land View Twin Room Single Occupancy | £3095 | |
| Standard Lake View Twin Room Single Occupancy | £3495 | |
Tour Reference Code: LALAKES23
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Seven nights hotel accommodation • Meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, D – Dinner) • Excursions with guide • Three music performances by London Festival Opera • Gratuities • Entrance fees • Guest Speaker • Tour Manager • Transfers • Airport & tourist taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, lunches.
NB: It must be noted that this tour will involve being on your feet for long periods and navigating many cobblestoned streets and steps. We therefore do not recommend this tour for those with walking difficulties.
Grand Hotel Menaggio
The Grand Hotel Menaggio is situated on the most elegant of Italian Lakes, Lake Como. This comfortable and relaxed hotel, which was completely renovated in 2008 has 94 rooms and offers a high level of comfort, good food and service. The atmosphere is peaceful and the accommodation and public rooms stylish and comfortable. 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.
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Hotel Directory
Hotel Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the hotel or click on the booklet to download.
The Grand Hotel Menaggio is situated on the most elegant of Italian lakes, Lake Como. This refined and relaxed hotel has 94 rooms and offers a high level of comfort, good food and service. The atmosphere is peaceful and the accommodation and public rooms stylish and comfortable. 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.
ADAPTORS
A limited number of adaptors can be obtained from the Concierge at the reception of the hotel. These should be returned to Concierge at the end of the stay.
ADDRESS
Grand Hotel Menaggio Via IV novembre 77 22017 Menaggio Italy
AIR CONDITIONING
Air conditioning is available in all rooms and restaurant of the hotel.
COMMUNICATIONS
If you wish to contact the hotel please call + 39 34 430640. This is an Italian number so calls to this number are charged at an international rate. There is a phone in your room, which has access to an outside line. You can make room-to-room calls free of charge (see section on Telephone Calls). You can contact the hotel by email at info@grandhotelmenaggio.com. All rooms and public areas offer complimentary Wi-Fi.
DAILY PROGRAMME
Your Tour Manager will confirm the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities the previous evening.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian and gluten free please notify the Reservations Department at the time of booking. We will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once checked in, please speak to the Chef/ Maitre‘D at dinner on your first night to reconfirm your requirements.
DINING AND DRINKING
Breakfast is served daily in the main restaurant from 7:30am to 10:00am Lunch is served daily in the main restaurant from 12:30pm to 2:00pm Dinner is served in the main restaurant from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
DISABLED FACILITIES
There are no disabled rooms but there is a disabled bathroom available on the 1st floor of the hotel.
DRESS CODE
You may dress however you feel comfortable, whether it be casual, summery or smart, it’s up to you.
ELECTRICITY
The voltage is 220 volts. There are a limited number of adaptors available in the hotel which can be provided upon request.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event that an emergency should occur during your stay, we ask that you remain calm and follow the instructions of the staff. We request that as soon as you enter your room, you carefully read the safety instructions fixed on the inside of your hotel room door.
END OF STAY QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us therefore we ask that you fill in the questionnaire sent with your final documents. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday and in order to do this we need some feedback from our guests.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
A laundry and dry cleaning service is available in the hotel. Laundry bags and a price list can be found in the wardrobe of your hotel room. Please fill in the laundry list and leave it together with the bag of garments to be washed on your bed.
LIFT
There are two lifts within the hotel.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you check out, please check your hotel room to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia directly. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection and any costs incurred will be at your own expense.
MAIL
Letters or postcards can be left at Reception for postage. Please ask at Reception for more information on purchasing stamps or postcards.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
A hospital is located five minutes from the hotel. A doctor, if available, can also be called to visit a hotel guest.
MINI BAR
For your convenience a mini bar facility has been set up in your room.
NEWS
News channels are available on your TV in your hotel room.
PUBLIC AREAS
The Grand Hotel Menaggio features a heated outdoor pool with pool towels provided and comfortable sun loungers, a fitness room (extra charge for massage), lakeside garden area, large bar and terrace, comfortable lounge as well as complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas. The lawns and swimming pool on the water’s edge are perfect for relaxing, reading a book or watching the waterborne activity.
ROOM ACCOUNT
All guests will have their own “room account” once credit card details have been given to Reception on arrival which allows you to sign for any expenses and then settle your bill at the Reception Desk at the end of your stay. Prices are shown and charged in Euro. Your room account can be paid by: • Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express) • Cash (Euros)
ROOMS AND SUITES
There are three choices of room type, you can choose to upgrade your room to overlook the swimming pool and lake and whether or not you would like the added advantage of a balcony. All the rooms are equipped with telephone, satellite television, safe deposit, air conditioning, fridge, hairdryer, private bath or shower and complimentary Wi-Fi. Land View Rooms – Furnished with care and elegance, equipped with every modern comfort, a bath or shower and one king or two twin beds. There is no lake view. Lake View Rooms – Magnificent views of the lake. Elegantly decorated rooms, equipped with all modern amenities, a bath or shower and one king or two twin beds. Lake View Rooms with Balcony – Spacious and bright, furnished with taste and elegance and with balconies that allow you to enjoy an impressive view of the lake. They are equipped with a bath or shower and one king or two twin beds.
SAFE
In the closet of your room is an electronic safe which can be programmed with a personal code. Should you require any assistance, please contact Reception.
SMOKING POLICY
Grand Hotel Menaggio offers a smoke-free environment. Smoking is not permitted inside the hotel. Smoking is permitted only outside. We kindly request that smokers take the comfort of other guests into consideration.
TELEPHONE CALLS
Calls to other rooms can be made free of charge by dialling the room number. You can make an external telephone call from your room. Lift the handset and press 0. Enter the country code then city code without zero (0) in the beginning followed by the phone number. Costs are available from Reception and charges are automatically billed to your room account.
TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
Reception – Dial 9 from any phone in the hotel. Room Service – Dial 1510 from any phone in the hotel. In case of an Emergency – Dial 112 from any phone in the hotel.
TELEVISION
All hotel rooms are equipped with a TV.
TOILETRIES
All hotel rooms are supplied with the following complimentary amenities: • Shower gel • Hair shampoo • Soap • Shower caps • Vanity set • Tissues
WAKE UP CALL
Wake up calls can be requested through the Concierge.
WATER
Water from the taps in your room is safe to drink.
PLEASE NOTE:
The above information is accurate and correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publishing. Noble Caledonia accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions and none of the facilities or features of the hotel described herein which are not specifically described in our advertisements and on your holiday invoice as being included in your holiday price will be deemed to be included in your holiday package. If you would like further information about the hotel or about any of your holiday arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Our View
“We are delighted to be repeating our hugely successful visit to the stunning shores of Lake Como. What could be more enchanting than a combination of wonderful music from London Festival Opera, beautiful gardens, magnificent views and delicious Italian food? Lake Como has seen many illustrious guests grace its shores over its long history including Queen Victoria and the locals today will almost certainly casually drop into their conversation that George Clooney is amongst many actors who own a villa there. Our base for our week-long visit, The Grand Hotel Menaggio, has an enviable location with unforgettable views. Despite the grand exterior of this 19th century Palazzo the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed and offers the ideal spot to totally unwind.”
Travelling with You
Guest Speaker - Alan Mason
Alan Mason is one of the most experienced and best qualified garden designers and consultants in Europe. He is a founder member of The Professional Gardener’s Guild and the founder of Senior Garden Advisors consultancy group. Alan started his garden design consultancy business in 1987 following a period where he was the youngest Head Gardener in the country, at Bramham Park and Garden Manager to the Queen’s cousin Lord Harewood at Harewood House in Yorkshire. Here, he and his team elevated the gardens into the top ten most visited gardens in the country. He has presented television programmes from around Europe, including “Le Manoir” the making of his own garden in Brittany and the long running “Gardens without Borders” from around France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Holland. Alan is also a judge of the show gardens at the prestigious Sandringham Flower Show and a garden design lecturer for The Royal Horticultural Society.
London Festival Opera
We are delighted that London Festival Opera will be joining us for our stay and will be presenting three concerts in superb settings. We have long been associated with London Festival Opera and each year our music themed tours grow in popularity. London Festival Opera has achieved a considerable reputation for presenting opera in the UK and overseas and has performed for Presidents, Prime Ministers and senior members of the British and European Royal Families. The company has performed at 10 Downing Street, the British Embassy in Paris, the President’s Palace in Malta and as a guest company in one of Italy’s greatest opera houses, La Fenice in Venice. Bringing together artists from the major British opera companies including the Royal Opera, English National Opera and Glyndebourne the programmes presented include a wide and varied range of repertoire, performed in formal evening dress and authentic period costume for an added visual impact.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000