This was by far one of the best educational trips we have taken.

We started with our arrival into Milan Malpensa airport where we were met and transferred to our home for the next four nights, Park Hyatt Milano which is centrally located. Upon our arrival we were met by Claudio Ceccherelli the General Manager. That evening were had welcome cocktails and dinner hosted by the Park Hyatt.

The next morning after breakfast we departed to explore Renaissance Milan. We had a tour of La Scala Opera Museum with a local expert. We ended our tour at the Gray Hotel met by Sabina Galdiolo, Director of Sales and Marketing. She gave us a site inspection. This hotel is the newest and truly modern luxury design hotel in the heart of Milan. We were then treated to lunch in the restaurant Le Noir. We had the rest of the afternoon to explore on our own. In the evening we walked to L’Ulmet Restaurant where we enjoyed risotto with saffron, pork fillets with puree potato and ginger and finished with lemon Bavarian cream with raspberry sauce. The wine was Le Moie 03 Faz Battaglia- Il Bruciato 02 Tenuta Guado al Tasso. The walk back to our hotel was welcome after such a meal.

After breakfast it was off to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie where we had a private viewing of the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci-what a rare treat! We then headed over to the fashion area of Milan and enjoyed exploring the famous “designer street” of Via della Spiga, Via Montenapoleone, Via Sant’Andrea and then worked our way down to the Grand Hotel Et De Milan. This hotel takes you a step back in time to the life and times of Guiseppe Verdi. After lunch and an afternoon on our own we headed for the Bulgari Hotel and Resort Milano for a site inspection and dinner.

We began our next day with a walking guided tour of the Canals Quarter of Milan. Our lunch was hosted by the Westin Palace Milan by Ciriaco Campus, Director of Sales who also gave us a site inspection of the property. After lunch we returned to the heart of historical Milan to visit the most recognized monument of the city, the Milan Duomo. Our guide was fabulous pointing out the history of this magnificent building. That evening we went to Hotel Principe Di Savoia for a tour and dinner hosted by Anna Gricini, Director of Sales. We had the top floor suite for an elegant reception which has been occupied by the likes of Michael Jackson and Madonna.

Mid morning the next day we were off to the Four Seasons Hotel for a site inspection and lunch. After lunch we were on our way to the Grand Hotel Tremezzo Palace. On the way we stopped to visit one of the top Silk Outlets in Como. Como is considered to be the centre of the silk industry in Europe. The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a fascinating Palace dating back to the beginning of the last century overlooking Lake Como. A fantastic evening was had.

In the morning we met our guide and were off to enjoy a wonderful introductory tour to the Central Lake Area. We passed many beautiful villas lining the Lake Como shoreline. We stopped to enjoy the beautiful Villa Balbianello, considered by most to be the most beautiful villa of all. A frequent location for weddings. Our boat then took us to trattoria Tirlindana, opposite Comacina Island. On our way we passed by Villa Rosa, where Edward and Mrs. Simpson spent their honeymoon. At Tirlindana we feasted on Camembert Fritto con semi di sesamo, Cavatelli al pesto di nocciole, Marquise al cioccolato. Later in the afternoon we checked into Grand Hotel Serbelloni.

After breakfast we were met by our guide and taken to visit the offices of our educational host IC Bellagio. Here we had an aperitivo and welcome drink and presentation of their services. They have a lovely office and oh what a location. The  rest of  the day was ours to explore Bellagio or relax by the hotels indoor or outdoor pool.

Next stop, The Grand Hotel Villa D’Este for two nights. We were fortunate enough to get a room overlooking Lake Como with balcony where we enjoyed our morning coffee. On our way there we course cruise by the home of George Clooney. We dined at Larius Restaurant located in the heart of the historical center of Como.

After breakfast the next morning we departed for Lugano Switzerland, 30 minutes away. Don’t forget you passport to cross the border! We did a site inspection of Hotel Principe Leopoldo overlooking th Swiss lakeside town of Lugano.

That evening was our last night at Villa D’Este where we had farewell cocktails overlooking the lake and feasted on deep fried squash blossoms (to die for) and seafood risotto.

We returned to the US with a vast knowledge of what Milan and Lake Como has to offer our clients and we can’t wait to go back or send you there.