Festive fun on Lake Como
Celebrate the festive and New Year season on the shore of gleaming Lake Como, in a comfortable hotel situated across the water from beautiful Bellagio. Enjoy all-inclusive, full-board accommodation, with music each evening, a splendid six-course Christmas Day meal and a New Year's Eve feast, and discover one of Europe's most scenic corners on some wonderful included and optional excursions.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?
Your Itinerary
Day One
Fly to Milan and transfer by coach to your three-star Hotel Britannia.
Day Two
Your first unforgettable full day begins with a boat trip across the water to Como's most sparkling settlement, stunning Bellagio, often described as Italy's most beautiful town. Step ashore for a short walking tour and time to explore, before returning across the water for lunch at the hotel.
Later, we'll journey by coach to Como Town, where the lakeside Piazza Cavour and nearby Via Plinio, beneath the majestic cathedral, are home to a colourful Christmas market selling local produce and handicrafts. After dark, the dazzling Magic Light Festival illuminates the historic buildings. Soak up the festive atmosphere before returning to the hotel in time for dinner.
Day Three (Christmas Eve)
Rest and relax at the hotel and the nearby small resort of Cadenabbia-Griante, before you begin your festive celebrations this evening.
Day Four (Christmas Day)
Your memorable Christmas Day includes a relaxing cruise on the lake, taking in the sight of the historic villas that dot the wooded shore, and culminates with a splendid six-course Christmas meal of antipasto, pasta, a fish course, turkey, mince pies, traditional Italian panettone, crackers and even English Christmas pudding. With a small gift for all, musical entertainment and the wine flowing, an unforgettable evening is guaranteed.
Day Five (Boxing Day)
Join this morning's optional full-day excursion to Milan, one of Europe's most exciting cities. See Sforzesco Castle, the famous Galleria shopping mall, La Scala - one of the world's greatest opera houses - and the great cathedral, Il Duomo - Italy's largest Gothic church. Enjoy a tour in the company of a local guide, before returning to Cadenabbia in time for dinner and a relaxing evening at the hotel.
Days Six and Seven
Relax at the hotel or explore Lake Como's pretty surroundings at your own pace.
Day Eight
On today's unforgettable optional excursion, board the famous Bernina Express from Tirano to St Moritz, playground of the rich and famous. Window-shop or enjoy a coffee in a choice of cafes, before returning to Como by coach, arriving in time for dinner at the hotel.
Day Nine
Make the most of another opportunity to join the optional full-day excursion to Milan. (See Day Five for more details.)
Day 10 (New Year's Eve)
An unforgettable day begins with the chance to join our half-day included excursion to Switzerland's stylish Lugano, delightfully set on the shore of the lake of the same name. Return to the hotel during the afternoon to begin your celebrations, starting with a six-course dinner that includes an aperitivo, antipasto, fish, meat, dessert and traditional panettone. Later, enjoy live music and, to ring in 2019, a firework display over the lake. For those still a little peckish, a traditional Italian 'good luck and prosperity' dish of lentils and pork sausage will be served after midnight.
Day 11 (New Year's Day)
Rest and relax after the festivities or join today's optional gentle cruise on the lake - a wonderful way to begin the New Year - before enjoying a final dinner at the hotel.
Day 12
Bid "Arrivederci" to your hosts and transfer back to airport for the return flight.
PRICES
Hotel Britannia Excelsior ★★★
Hotel Britannia Excelsior ★★★
Cadenabbia
Further Information
European closing times
Shops in Europe will generally close from early afternoon on Christmas Eve until 27th December. Included tours and excursions have been chosen for their scenic or historic value.
Italian hotel room tax
Some regions of Italy have introduced a room tax of between 1 € and 3 € per person per night, payable directly by the guest to the hotel on check-out. You will be advised by your Tour Manager in resort if a particular hotel is implementing this charge.
Entrance fees
Since some attractions visited offer free admission to visitors at certain times of year, we do not include entrance fees. These will be payable locally where applicable. This applies to excursions that are included in the price of your holiday and to excursions booked as optional extras.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 90 minutes.
Combining hotel transfers
We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Foreign Office travel advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
