Villa D'Este - One of Italy's finest

The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este – held for the first time in 1929 and since 1999 directly under the patronage of the BMW Group, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is recognised as one of the leading events for one-off bodied cars both vintage and concept. It takes place in the last weekend of April every year.

The Villa d’Este summer festivals –  It is a landmark of Villa d’Este with its unique spectacular fireworks on the lake. Held on American Independence Day (July 4th), French Bastille Day (July 14th) and a Midsummer Night party (August)

Beauty centre – relaxation is an important part of any beauty centre experience The Villa d'Este beauty centre is designed to make artful use of the blend of light, colour and water to create the proper environment for serenity and relaxation based on Zen philosophy. It is the perfect oasis to replenish mind, body and soul. Located on the first floor of the Cardinal building the centre is connected to the Sporting Club by an underground passage.

Golf – A beautiful 18-hole park land course designed by Peter Gannon which winds its way through chestnut, ash and pine trees sheltering golfers even from the intense August heat. Villa d'Este is considered one of the most challenging and difficult par 69's in Europe, even though it is the site of several amateur competitions each year. The club house overlooks several holes and a spacious view of the Montorfano lake

Personal shopper – your very own personal shopper will be at your complete disposal and will join you whilst you shop in the most exclusive boutiques.

Boat excursion – A stop in Bellagio, the "Pearl of the Lake", is included to experience the flavour of this captivating village located on a promontory in the centre of the Lake with a fabulous scenic view. The tour includes a visit to one of the followings Villas:

Villa Carlotta, an 18th century Villa in Tremezzo with many art treasures (Canova and Thornwaldsen masterpieces) noted for its azaleas, rhododendrons and rich botanical gardens.
Villa Balbianello, in Lenno with its beautiful landscaped gardens, the Villa was built by Cardinal Durini in the 18th century. Its present aspect was given to it by its last owner, the explorer Guido Monzino, who left it to FAI in 1988. The Villa and the gardens may be visited by appointment only.

Villa Melzi, this Villa, in Bellagio, was built by Francesco Melzi d'Eril Vice-President of the Italian Republic founded by Napoleon (1802) before Italy became a Kingdom with himself the King. Conceived as a summer residence it is a perfect example of neoclassical architecture. Only the gardens can be visited.

Shopping and sightseeing in Milan – less than an hour away from Lake Como, Milan is the ideal place for shopping and sightseeing. The city hosts the worldwide famous Teatro della Scala (currently undergoing a major refurbishment), Duomo di Sant'Ambrogio, The Castello Sforzesco, built in 1450 by Duca Francesco Sforza can also be visited with its Musei Artistici della Città di Milano. Leonardo da Vinci painted "The Last Supper" in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent between 1495 and 1498. He was commissioned by Ludovico il Moro, the Duke of Milan. Visitors should also note Donato Montorfano's fresco "The Crucifixion".

Pavia – is a distinctly serious town, well known for the Duomo, the Torre Civica and the Certosa. The pinnacle of Renaissance architecture in Lombardy and the greatest decorative masterpiece in all Italy, the Certosa, of which Gian Galeazzo Visconti laid the cornerstone in 1396, was built over a period of two hundred years.

Bergamo "Alta" –  a medieval city, is piled on a promontory on the edge of the Alps. The city prospered to the extent that in the 16th century another Bergamo, Bergamo "Bassa", grew up on the plain below. The Accademia Carrara, the Modern Art Gallery, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and Piazza Duomo with the famous 1476's Colleoni Chapel can be visited in the city.

Riviera Ligure and Portofino –  Once left behind Villa d'Este's magnificent park you will be driven towards the Riviera with its maritime pine that surround the Portofino peninsula. Portofino is an enchanting fishing village, known as the "Pearl of the Riviera", that has become the refuge of some Europe's wealthiest and most discerning pleasure-seekers.

A day in Switzerland: Lugano and Locarno –  Around the mountain is the San Fruttuoso Abbey. Its bay can be reached either by boat or after a two hours walk up the Portofino mount. The abbey is dated back to VIIIth century but its actual Romanic architecture is dated to XIIIth century. Other beautiful small cities nearby are Rapallo, Santa Margherita and Camogli.

Vineyards and great wines –  As Italy's preminent wine region, Piemonte is geared to welcoming visitors in search of wines and regional foods. The Langhe area and Alba is famous for its great wines. The best time to come is fall, but it is truly worth a visit in this vineyards' land at any time of the year. Alba is to the Langhe what St. Emilion is to Bordeaux: at once the central focus of a most prestigious wine zone and a great and welcoming town for the visitor and wine lover.