LA DOLCE VITA : BELLAGIO CRUISE & VILLAS + Michelin Lunch

Embrace the sweet life on the Bellagio Cruise & Villas tour. Glide across Lake Como’s azure waters in a classic Venetian water taxi, bound for the enchanting town of Bellagio. Here, savor a multi-course Michelin-listed lakeside lunch that celebrates the flavors of the region. After indulging your palate, wander through the lush gardens of Villa Melzi, admiring ornamental sculptures and serene pathways. This intimate, eight-person experience offers a perfect blend of breathtaking vistas, gourmet cuisine, and tranquil exploration. Enjoy the essence of "La Dolce Vita" – but to truly understand its allure, you’ll have to…

Key Points

1. The Bellagio Cruise & Villas tour offers a luxurious immersion in the charm of Lake Como, starting with a Venetian water taxi ride from Varenna to Bellagio.

2. The tour includes a Michelin-listed lakeside lunch featuring regional cuisine, as well as entry to the stunning Villa Melzi’s gardens for botanical exploration.

3. The scenic cruise showcases breathtaking vistas of mountains and historic villas, allowing guests to appreciate the natural beauty and culture of the region.

4. The multi-course Michelin-listed lunch, with vegetarian options, is set in a picturesque lakeside setting, providing a true taste of la dolce vita.

5. The tour’s maximum of 8 travelers ensures an intimate experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the serene and enchanting atmosphere of Bellagio.

Overview of the Experience

The Bellagio Cruise & Villas tour allows travelers to enjoy the charming ambiance of Italy’s Lake Como.

The experience starts with an elegant Venetian water taxi ride from Varenna to the picturesque town of Bellagio. Guests then enjoy a Michelin-listed lakeside lunch, savoring regional cuisine at a pre-arranged restaurant.

The tour also includes an entry ticket to Villa Melzi’s gardens, where visitors can explore the stunning botanical landscapes.

With a maximum of 8 travelers per tour, this intimate experience offers a balance of scenic cruising, refined dining, and cultural exploration, providing a taste of the "la dolce vita" lifestyle in Northern Italy.

Cruise on Lake Como

Elegant Venetian water taxis whisk guests from the charming town of Varenna to the picturesque Bellagio, kicking off the scenic cruise portion of the tour.

Gliding across the serene waters of Lake Como, travelers enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and historic villas. The 1-hour cruise provides a leisurely pace to soak in the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

As the boat gently navigates the lake, guests can admire the manicured gardens, grand architecture, and quaint villages that dot the shoreline. This cruise sets the stage for a delightful Michelin-listed lunch and a visit to the renowned Villa Melzi’s gardens to follow.

Michelin-Listed Lunch

After the serene cruise, guests disembark to enjoy a Michelin-listed lunch.

The menu features a starter, first course, second course, and dessert, accompanied by water, a glass of wine, and coffee. Vegetarian options are available, ensuring a focus on regional cuisine while avoiding touristy choices.

The lakeside setting provides a picturesque backdrop, allowing guests to fully enjoy the "la dolce vita" experience.

The pre-arranged restaurant reservation ensures a convenient and seamless dining experience, allowing guests to relax and savor the flavors of Lake Como.

The Michelin-listed lunch includes:

1. Starter
2. First course
3. Second course
4. Dessert

Starter, First, and Second Courses

With the serene cruise behind them, guests eagerly anticipate the Michelin-listed lunch that awaits.

The starter course features a selection of regional specialties, showcasing the freshest local ingredients.

For the first course, diners will savor a traditional pasta dish, expertly prepared to highlight the flavors of the Lombardy region.

The second course presents a main dish that celebrates the area’s culinary heritage, whether it’s a succulent meat or a delectable vegetarian option.

Throughout the meal, guests will be treated to a glass of fine regional wine, complementing the flavors of each course.

This Michelin-starred dining experience provides a true taste of la dolce vita on the shores of Lake Como.

Dessert and Beverages

The meal concludes with a delightful dessert course. Theres some good a selection of regional sweets, complemented by a refreshing glass of wine and a cup of aromatic coffee.

The menu offers:

1. A creamy tiramisu, a classic Italian dessert with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.
2. A seasonal fruit tart, showcasing the freshest local produce.
3. A decadent chocolate mousse, rich and silky smooth.
4. A selection of regional cheeses, served with homemade chutneys and crackers.

These culinary delights are the perfect way to end the lakeside dining experience, leaving guests with a true taste of la dolce vita.

Vegetarian Option

For those with special dietary needs, the Bellagio Cruise & Villas tour offers a vegetarian option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

The Michelin-listed restaurant serves a thoughtfully crafted vegetarian menu, featuring regional ingredients and preparations. Diners can expect a starter, first course, second course, and dessert, accompanied by water, a glass of wine, and coffee, just like the standard menu.

This attention to detail ensures that all guests can fully enjoy the authentic Italian experience, savoring the local cuisine in a stunning lakeside setting.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply prefer plant-based dishes, this option caters to your needs without sacrificing the quality or authenticity of the experience.

Villa Melzi’s Gardens

A highlight of the Bellagio Cruise & Villas tour is the opportunity to explore the enchanting Villa Melzi’s gardens.

Visitors can stroll through the lush greenery, admiring the exquisite architecture, ornamental sculptures, and diverse plant life.

The gardens offer:

1. Picturesque lakefront views
2. Manicured flower beds and vibrant foliage
3. Marble statues and ornamental fountains
4. Serene pathways for peaceful exploration

Included in the tour package, the entry ticket to Villa Melzi’s gardens allows guests to fully enjoy the natural beauty of this historic lakeside estate.

It’s a tranquil respite amidst the Bellagio experience.

Meeting Point and Logistics

Meeting point for the Bellagio Cruise & Villas tour is outside Hotel Excelsior Splendid, located at Via Lungo Lario Manzoni, 28, 22021 Bellagio CO, Italy.

The tour ends at Villa Melzi. It starts at 11:00 am and can accommodate a maximum of 8 travelers per tour.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s near public transportation. Dietary requirements should be advised at booking.

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour is non-refundable, and no refunds are given for cancellations.

The Sum Up

Experience the essence of la dolce vita with a scenic Venetian water taxi ride, a Michelin-listed lakeside lunch, and a peaceful exploration of Villa Melzi’s enchanting gardens. This intimate tour offers a perfect blend of breathtaking views, gourmet dining, and tranquil experiences, making it an unforgettable way to take in the beauty of Lake Como.