The Italian Lakes have always held a special attraction and Lake Como, a firm favourite with British holidaymakers, is one of Italy’s most popular destinations. Lake Como is Italy’s third largest lake and, from its northern shores at the foot of the Alps to the Lombard shores in the south, the scenery is magnificent and full of contrasts. The soaring snow-capped peaks in the north give way to gentle rolling hills and colourful sub-tropical lakeside gardens and promenades to the south. Imagine the bright blue waters lapping at the elegant shores, surrounded by fine walks, imposing villas and beautiful parks and gardens filled with exotic flowers - giving this area a real Mediterranean flavour - and you’ve got the picture.

All around the lake there are sheltered bays, charming lakeside resorts and peaceful fishing villages. There are weekly markets to visit, shops and boutiques t browse around, colourful gardens to explore and pavement cafes to relax in as you watch the world go by.

We stay in the pretty resort of Cadenabbia, which is perfectly placed on the western shore of the lake and is ideal for enjoying everything the lake offers. It’s easy to get around from Cadenabbia, with lots of ferries criss-crossing the lake from one delightful harbour to the next, while steamers and local buses can take you to some of the lakeside towns and villages further along the lake.

The nearby Villa Carlotta is well worth visiting. Built in the early 18th century, the Villa is renowned for its beautiful gardens, which extend over 14 acres. Inside the villa are some superb sculptures and works of art by Antonio Canova.

A boat trip to Bellagio, sometimes called the ‘pearl of the lake’, is a definite “must do”. The old town is a jumble of cobbled lanes and stepped streets lined with stylish boutiques, wine bars and craft shops selling locally produced handicrafts including olive wood carvings and woven silk. Little known Varena, just acros the lake from Bellagio, is practically as unspoilt as its neighbour and is an ideal village for wandering around. There are meandering lakeside paths and the walk up to the 13th century Monastery Villa will reward you with some fine views over the eastern arm of Lake Como.

However you choose to spend your time and however much you see, you will find that you will want to return to beautiful Lake Como, again and again!

Mistral Holidays brochure prices from £749

Travel 55 discount prices from  £697*

Tel Mistral Holidays reservations on 01352 756 864 and quote Travel 55 code T55

*Price based on 7 nights with flights from Luton - Travel 55 discount of 7% will apply on all holidays, whichever airport and date

Flights, subject to availability, from the following airports, ring for prices and flight times

*Aberdeen : Birmingham : Bristol : Dublin : East Midlands : Edinburgh : Glasgow : Gatwick : Heathrow :  Liverpool : Luton : Manchester : Stansted

*Aberdeen flight is indirect

Lake Maggiore:

The shores of the lake are dotted with delightful towns and villages with colourful gardens and terraces ablaze with colourful and exotic flowers. Situated on the western shores of Lake Maggiore, we visit Stresa, a lively resort with narrow cobblestone streets lined with shops, boutiques, cafes and bars. From here, you can take a boat to the Borromean Islands – Isola Bella, Isola Pescatore and Isola Madre - where you can enjoy beautiful gardens, picturesque hamlets and lakeside cafes.

St. Moritz and Bernina Express Railway:

A fabulous excursion featuring a scenic coach trip to Tirano, where we board the Bernina Express train for one of Europe’s most spectacular and breathtaking railway journeys. The journey takes us high into the Swiss Alps and through the unspoilt beauty of the Bernina Pass, passing mountain rivers, snow-capped mountains and distant glaciers as we make our way towards the exclusive resort of St. Moritz. We’ll have some free time in the famous ski resort of St Moritz, with its choice of interesting shops, bars and cafes, before returning by coach to Lake Como.

Milan:

Milan is the fashion capital of Italy and the country’s most vibrant city. Milan is noted for its splendid Cathedral, the ‘Last Supper’ painting by Leonardo da Vinci and the ‘La Scala’ Opera House. After seeing the sights make sure you leave enough time to browse in the shops in the ‘Galleria’ arcades, perhaps look for designer brands in the elegant Via Monte Napoleone shopping district and perhaps for enjoying a drink in one of the pavement cafes.

Como and Lake Lugano:

Como town is a delightful resort with an attractive historical centre where there is a seemingly endless choice of shops. The main Piazza has lots of pavement cafes and ice cream parlours and is the ideal place to relax after a morning’s shopping and sightseeing. From Como we cross the nearby border into Switzerland and on to Lake Lugano, where we make a visit to the stylish resort of Lugano, which is overlooked by Monte Bre.

Excursions are usually available from mid May to mid Spetember subject to sufficient demand.