Relaxation and culture on Lake Como

As a destination Lake Como has much to the holidaymaker at all times of year, with proximity to the Alps for skiing during the winter, and to Milan for shopping, not to mention the other northern lakes of Maggiore, Iseo and Garda to explore.

However, for those who are content to stay within the environs of Lake Como there is an enormous variety of activities and places of interest to visit, all within a short drive, or ferry or hydrofoil ride. Most of The Villa Book’s lakeside apartments and villas are situated in or near the picturesque town of Bellagio. Its scenic location, on a promontory overlooking the lake, has enchanted writers and artists for centuries, and the historic town centre is a lively hub of charming cafes, restaurants and shops.

For 2009, The Villa Book is offering cultural, gastronomic or walking tour packages at several of their favourite lakeside villas. Firstly, the elegant Villa Lake Como, dating from the 19th century, sits in a wonderful location on the lake shore, a short drive from Bellagio. Surrounded by beautiful park-like grounds, there is a swimming pool and large terraces furnished for relaxing and dining outdoors. The seven bedrooms all have private en-suite bathrooms. Included in the weekly rental price of £13,580, a cooking lesson included at the villa with Luigi, an award winning chef. Guests will learn some traditional Italian cooking techniques and participate in the cooking and presentation of dishes.

At the newly renovated Villa dei Sogni, which accommodates 8 people and rents for £9100 per week, a complimentary 2 hour boat trip of Lake Como is included, providing a wonderful introduction to the lake, its historic villas, gardens, towns and villages. Located on a hillside overlooking Bellagio, the villa has a private garden with swimming pool which can be heated on request, and a Turkish sauna and gym.

Villa Lezzeno is a very special property, a few kilometres to the south of Bellagio, and overlooking Villa Balbianello, one of the most beautiful historic villas on the lake. Set within its own garden, right on the lake shore, with access to the lake for swimming, it is also within easy walking distance of a grocery store, restaurants and a pizzeria. The villa accommodates 8 people, over three floors, with great terraces and balconies for enjoying the lake views. Included in rental price of £4655 per week is a complimentary 3 hour walking tour of the historic centre of Bellagio and its hamlets.

Alternatively, for a weekly price of £8000, guests can opt for a special Wine and Food Package. This includes a private boat transfer to Comacina Island and a special lunch on the island, a private cooking lesson with an award winning chef at his restaurant in Bellagio, wine tasting in an 18th century wine cellar in the heart of Bellagio, a special lunch at a well known local restaurant and both a pizza making lesson and a food decoration lesson.

Nearby Villa Celeste, also just steps from the lake shore in Lezzeno, is offering similar package; a complimentary 3 hour walking tour of Bellagio and its hamlets, and an optional £8000 package to include a private boat tour on Lake Como with special guide, a visit to the prestigious Villa Balbianello and its gardens, a special lunch on Comacina Island, two private cooking lessons with an award winning chef at his restaurant in Bellagio, two wine tastings in an 18th century cellar in the heart of Bellagio and a special lunch in a well known local restaurant.

The Villa Book has some enticing smaller (and significantly less expensive ) suggestions as well. These include the charming one bedroom Il Borghetto, situated right in the historic centre of Bellagio, in the famous Scalinata Serbelloni. The spacious living room opens to a small terrace with lake views, ideal for sitting and watching the world go by. This gem rents for just £665 per week in low season, increasing to £910 per week in high season.

Also close to Bellagio, La Perla del Lario is a semi-detached townhouse, set in a stunning location, with lake views. The quiet village of Limonta is 200 yards away and the ferry stop just a little further, from where guests can use the public boats to explore the beautiful lakeside towns, villages, villas and gardens. The villa sleeps up to 7 people and the rental price is £700 in low season, increasing to £910 per week in high season.

At all The Villa Book’s Lake Como properties, cultural, gastronomic and walking tours can be arranged, either on a daily or weekly basis. A chef can also be reserved, or cooking lessons within the villa or apartment.

For more information, log on to Thevillabook.com.