MILAN & THE LAKE COUNTRY WITH ALESSANDRA BOLZAGNI

MILAN IN ALL ITS ASPECTS

This is a daylong exploration of Milan as Alessandra’s “Special Guest.” You see all its most famous sights through the eyes of the Milanese.

You start with visits to the famous Duomo and the see Leonardo da Vinci’s celebrated “Last Supper” fresco. Then it’s time for the special insider tour.

“I will show you places where the arts, design, trends & fashion are born. We can focus on any of these arts and go deeper depending on your preferences. If you’d like I take you shopping to: popular stores among the Milanese; designer stores, well-known vintage shops; or hip young designers fashion shops.”

“Some options: a stroll on our picturesque antiques market on the Canal; tickets to the opera at La Scala, or to some of the fashion shows. Sports? Sure! A soccer match at San Siro; or the Italian Grand Prix, Monza.”

“One night you have to be part of the renowned Milan happy hour—to be said the coolest hour in Italy! If you are here on a Sunday, we will go - like all the locals - to brunch. You will be among Italians, among Milanese. Nobody will know that you are a tourist, especially if we order the right kind of coffee for you. You will have to be very specific about it: Ristretto, Macchiato or Lungo…. “

ITALY’S ALPINE LAKES

LAKE COMO

The alpine lakes of northern Italy are among the most beautiful spots in all of Europe. Join me as we explore the historic city center of Como, with its duomo, its tower and its unique shops, emphasizing the magnificent lake and its friendly people: a breathtaking view of the Italian lakes, on the mountainside, where we meet Milly, a famous artist who shows us her creations. After lunch in a traditional Como restaurant, we follow the silk road to a factory called Mantero, where tradition and modern design merge. Then luxury: the Villa d’Este for a massage in their amazing spa. A final aperitivo on the lakeshore before dinner.

LUGANO & SHOPPING

In the morning, on our way to Lugano, we will stop by Cleto’s atelier, a famous tailor, a friend who will show us all secrets of the Italian fashion and cutting for a very stylish suit. Then we depart for the little-known Valle d’Intelvi, hidden valley between Lake Como and Lake Lugano, where we’ll discover secrets of the Italian cuisine in an unforgettable setting. Then it’s time for Switzerland! Our trip will continue with a relaxing walk in Lugano with its cafes and the vibrant art museum. You could do some shopping, but save your money: we’re going to an outlet mall called Fowtown in Mendrisio, the only one in northern Italy with Gucci! Finally, another friendly Italian dinner with wine tasting.

LAGO MAGGIORE

The colors of this lake in September are enchanting, especially at the unique Villa Taranto with thousand of flowers. We’ll also to visit the Rocca Angera, a romantic ancient castle where noble families would get married… then take a boat to reach the islands or the other side of the lake, where we’ll visit a famous old grappa distillery. Finally, we’ll visit Alessi, a home designer outlet, just to get in training for a day in the fashion capital of Milan.