 Tremezzo, where Villa Balbianello is located, is one of many charming villages located on the shores of Lake Como.Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
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The magic, romance and timeless elegance of Lake Como is renown around the world. For centuries, European aristocracy and well-heeled guests have flocked to this stunning alpine lake, building majestic villas and creating unbelievably beautiful botanical gardens that are unsurpassed. Lake Como is a favorite for enjoying a wide variety of water sports as well as nature hikes and biking trips that explore the surrounding mountains. Visitors to the lake are spoiled by leisurely afternoon strolls, time to enjoy a gelato or espresso at an outdoor caffe, and basking in the sunshine listening to the waves lapping the shore. Como itself is renown historically for many things, among which is the production of beautiful artisinal textiles. Como silk is renown throughout the world for its quality and beauty, and the lace produced in one of the small villages in the area also has put Como on the map. Not many people have the opportunity to see the production of these textiles up close, and we are delighted that the exclusive group excursions in this getaway will allow our guests our guests with the opportunity to enjoy all that this magical getaway, loved by guests of all ages and backgrounds, has to offer. We truly will immerse you into daily Italian life, not as a tourist, but as an extended member of the family. We'll take you to places where commercial tourism has not yet destroyed the native culture and where the locals welcome you into their families with open arms!
If you are participating in a cruise departing from or arriving in Venice, Italy, this is the perfect pre or post extension package to visit this spectacular region of Italy! We also provide transfer to and from Orio al Serio Airport in Bergamo for this special getaway. Please contact us for more details.
Photos thoughout our website may be viewed full-size by right clicking your mouse and choosing "view image."
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VIDEO: WELCOME TO THE ALPINE ADVENTURE AGENCY
Video copyright: 2010 Daniela Anderson and
The Alpine Adventure Agency.
This video includes some of the places and activities enjoyed by guests taking part in scenic and theme vacations with The Alpine Adventure Agency.
(All footage shot, edited, and produced by Daniela Anderson. All rights reserved. This video may not be used in any fashion without documented consent from Daniela Anderson and the Alpine Adventure Agency.)
VIDEO: LAKE COMO, ITALY
Video courtesy of the Province of Como.
This video on Lake Como was commissioned by the Province of Como to promote the area of Lake Como and activities and attractions. It provides a wonderful insight to the history and dramatic views of the landscape
Adobe Flash Player not installed or older than 9.0.115!  Copyright: Davide Daverio
This video is a stunning compilation of the extensive botanical gardens of the Villa Carlotta on Lake Como. Villa Carlotta was built for the Milanese Marquis Giorgio Clerici in 1690 and extends over a 70,000 m² area in Tremezzo, facing the Bellagio peninsula. An Italian garden, with steps, fountains and sculptures was laid out at the same time. |
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Bellagio, a lively and bustling village on Lake Como. Photo courtesy of Hotel Menaggio.|
The magic, romance and timeless elegance of Lake Como is renown around the world. For centuries, European aristocracy and well-heeled guests have flocked to this stunning alpine lake, building majestic villas and creating unbelievably beautiful botanical gardens that are unsurpassed. Lake Como is a favorite for enjoying a wide variety of water sports as well as nature hikes and biking trips that explore the surrounding mountains. Visitors to the lake are spoiled by leisurely afternoon strolls, time to enjoy a gelato or espresso at an outdoor caffe, and basking in the sunshine listening to the waves lapping the shore. Como itself is renown historically for many things, among which is the production of beautiful artisinal textiles. Como silk is renown throughout the world for its quality and beauty, and the lace produced in one of the small villages in the area also has put Como on the map. Not many people have the opportunity to see the production of these special textiles up close, and we are delighted that our exclusive group excurisions in this getaway will allow our guests our guests with the opportunity to enjoy all that this magical getaway, loved by guests of all ages and backgrounds, has to offer. We truly will immerse you into daily Italian life, not as a tourist, but as an extended member of the family. We'll take you to places where commercial tourism has not yet destroyed the native culture and where the locals welcome you into their families with open arms!
If you are participating in a cruise originating or departing from Venice, Italy, this is the perfect pre or post extension package to visit a unique region of Italy!
We are thrilled to provide our guests with the opportunity to enjoy this magical getaway loved by guests of all ages and backgrounds.
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Varenna on Lake Como. Our hotel is located here on Lake Como. Photo courtesy of Hotel Menaggio.
Hands-On cooking demonstrations are included in every one of our vacations. Photo: Daniela Anderson.JPG)
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Northern part of Lake Como.|
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Varenna, where our hotel is located on Lake Como. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.|
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DAY ONE:
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Our vacation to Lake Como includes a private boat tour and guided visits to historical villas on the lake chauffeured by our private boat driver, Filippo. Photo courtesy: Filippo Barindelli, |
Today, our group will explore Lake Como and its fabulous villas and learn about the local regional cuisine. After breakfast at the hotel, we will be joined by our private guide, Anna Maria Gildoni, who will be joining our group for the next two days. She has been George Lucas' personal guide for many years when he and his family vacation in Como, and it was Anna who convinced him to use the Villa del Balbianello instead of another residence on the lake in his then upcoming moviem, Star Wars 2! Anna has guided many celebrities and guests from all over the world for over 30 years in this region, and is the top, licensed, professional guide in the area. She will relegate our group with many intimate and interesting stories of life and culture on the lake, and, together with Daniela, will immerse you into genuine Italian culture completely! This morning we will be whisked away by our private boat chauffeur and enjoy the following activities:
Following lunch, we will return by motorboat to the hotel. The rest of the day is unstructured to allow our guests to customize their afternoon activities. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel. |
Adobe Flash Player not installed or older than 9.0.115! VIDEO: VILLA BALBIANELLO ON LAKE COMO
Video courtesy of Zenobilast.
The Villa del Balbianello is a villa overlooking Lake Como. It is located on the tip of a small wooded peninsula on the western shore of the south-west branch of Lake Como and is famous for its elaborate terraced gardens. The villa was built in 1787 on the site of a Franciscan monastery for the Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini. In 1974 it was bought by the explorer Guido Monzino (leader of the first Italian expedition to climb Mount Everest), who filled it with rich collections, including artifacts acquired on his expeditions. Monzino, who died in 1988, left the villa to the Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano, the National Trust of Italy. Its grounds now form part of the Grandi Giardini Italiani. A number of feature films have used the villa for location shooting, including A Month by the Lake (1995), Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones (2002), and Casino Royale (2006) Text courtesy of Wikipedia. |
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VIDEO: VARENNA ON LAKE COMO
Video courtesy of Atmax69
Video photo album with stunning photos of Varenna on Lake Como, where our hotel is located. The choice of music is surprising for a video that showcases a charming Italian village, but the photos are so beautiful we included this video anyway! Enjoy!
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Our vacation to Lake Como includes a private boat tour and guided visits to historical villas on the lake chauffeured by our private boat driver, Filippo. Photo courtesy: Filippo Barindelli, |
The Villa del Balbianello is a villa overlooking Lake Como. It is located on the tip of a small wooded peninsula on the western shore of the south-west branch of Lake Como and is famous for its elaborate terraced gardens. The villa was built in 1787 on the site of a Franciscan monastery for the Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini. The two towers which can be seen in the picture are the campanili of the convent church. After the cardinal's death in 1796 Giuseppe Arconati Visconti bought the villa and made improvements to its gardens and the loggia. In 1974 it was bought by the explorer Guido Monzino (leader of the first Italian expedition to climb Mount Everest), who filled it with rich collections, including artifacts acquired on his expeditions. Monzino, who died in 1988, left the villa to the Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano, the National Trust of Italy. Its grounds now form part of the Grandi Giardini Italiani. A number of feature films have used the villa for location shooting, including A Month by the Lake (1995), Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones (2002), and Casino Royale (2006) Photo and text courtesy of Wikipedia. |
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Villa Carlotta is a villa in Northern Italy on Lake Como. It was built for the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici in 1690 and extends over a 70,000 m² area in Tremezzo, facing the Bellagio peninsula. An Italian garden, with steps, fountains and sculptures was laid out at the same time. Among the statues, Mars and Venus by Luigi Acquisti is remarkable. The architect who designed the villa is unknown. It was completed in 1745, and remained in the hands of marquis Clerici until 1795, when it passed by marriage to the banker and Napoleonic politician Giambattista Sommariva, who added a pediment and clock. In 1843 it was given as a wedding present by Princess Marianna of Prussia to her daughter Charlotte, Duchess of Saxe-Meiningen, after whom the villa is named. Photo and text courtesy of Wikipedia. |
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Today we explore some of the historic places and artisinal products of Como which have made it renown throughout the world. Our group activities today include:
Following our visit with the lacemakers, we will return to the hotel in Varenna. The rest of the day is unstructured to allow our guests to customize their afternoon activities. Tonight, a farewell dinner will take place at the hotel. |
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Castello Vezio in Varenna, where our hotel is located on Lake Como.|
Following breakfast, guests participating in this dream getaway will have the opportunity for a transfer to the Orio al Serio International Airport in Bergamo. Those participating in Part Two of our "Ultimate Alpine Adventure" will continue on with Daniela and our private driver to the Primiero Valley for our "Italian Dolomites Six Day Vacation." Daily excursions included in the Italian Dolomites package include:
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To view this photo full-size, right click on your mouse and choose "View Image."
 "Pala Reflection:" Passo Rolle and the Baita Segantini seen in late afternoon exhibiting the Enrosadira. Photo courtesy of our good friend, internationally renown outdoor/nature photographer, Jack Brauer.To view this photo full-size, right click on your mouse and choose "View Image."
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We spoil our guests with beautiful views. The Pale di San Martino are seen in the background with the town of San Martino di Castrozza just behind the trees. Photo: I. Wessel.|
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Abbadia on Lake Como.
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Lake Como is the result of an alpine glacier that carved out the land into its uniquely identifying, upsidedown V shape when it hit an area that split the glacier in two. That point is now the location for the charming Italian village of Bellagio, a lively hamlet loved by guests of all ages and backgrounds. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.| LAKE COMO FOUR DAY GETAWAY INCLUDES: |
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Pricing is for 2 people in a standard double room:
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