Lake Como has two faces. There is the bustling tourist hub where day-trippers crowd the ferry terminals eating gelato. And then, there is the real Lake Como.
The real Como is a place of silence, where the only sound is the water lapping against the stone walls of a private villa. It is a place where lunch lasts for three hours and the gardens are as famous as the guests.
At The Expat Tours, we specialize in the latter. When you book our Lake Como Luxury experience, we don’t just book you a room; we secure you a place in the Italian aristocracy’s favorite playground. Here is why you need to look “Beyond Bellagio.”
The “Villa Life” Aesthetic
The accommodations we select are rarely modern glass structures. They are historic Art Nouveau palaces and 18th-century villas that have stood guard over the lake for generations.
Staying here feels less like checking into a hotel and more like visiting the summer estate of a wealthy friend.
• The Gardens: Expect to wander through private botanical gardens filled with azaleas, rhododendrons, and cypress trees.
• The Interiors: High ceilings with crystal chandeliers, silk wallpapers, and windows that frame the lake like a living painting.
In Venice, boats are transportation. On Lake Como, boats are a lifestyle.
The hallmark of a true luxury stay here is the private boat concierge.
Forget fighting for a seat on the public ferry. In our curated properties, you explore the lake on a classic wooden Riva boat. Your captain picks you up directly from the hotel’s private jetty. You spend the afternoon cruising past George Clooney’s villa, stopping for a swim in the deep blue water, and docking at a lakeside restaurant for lunch. It is effortless, exclusive, and unforgettable.
Timing Your Visit: Blooms or Swims?
Lake Como changes dramatically with the seasons. We help you choose the perfect time for your style of travel:
• Spring (April-May): This is for the garden lovers. The wisteria is blooming, draping the villas in purple. The air is crisp, and the crowds are thin.
• Summer (June-September): This is for the sun-seekers. The lake warms up, the swimming pools are open, and the “Dolce Vita” energy is at its peak.
Dining with a View
In the Lakes Region, the view is just as important as the food. We prioritize hotels that offer lakeside dining terraces.
Imagine sipping a Negroni as the sun dips behind the Alps, casting a golden glow over the water. There is no rush. There is nowhere else you need to be. This is the art of il dolce far niente- the sweetness of doing nothing.
Experience the Northern Jewels
Lake Como is the crown jewel, but it shines brightest when paired with the culture of Milan or the wines of nearby regions.
Ready to live the Villa Life?
Book your Lake Como escape with us, and we will include a complimentary one-hour private boat tour upon arrival to help you get your bearings in style.
