This is a discovery voyage through the historic private homes of northern Lombardy, crossing mountains, lakes, landscapes and centuries of noble family’s history, from one end of the region to the other.
DAY I: Lake Maggiore
Visit to the Rocca d’Angera, an ancient fortification which has belonged to the Princely Borromeo family since the mid 1400s. It houses a Doll Museum, one of the most important in Europe for the number and variety of pieces it contains. Lunch at the lake shore.
Visit to the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, perched on a sheer rocky wall overlooking the lake, an absolutely suggestive site.
Visit to Villa Cicogna Mozzoni, an elegant example of late Lombard Renaissance country residence, surrounded by an impressive Italian-style garden, with terraces and water features.
Transfer to Lake Como and accommodation in the hotel.
DAY II: Lake Como
Visit of the historical centre of Como.
Visit to Villa Pizzo, noble 17th century residence built on the promontory of the Gulf of Cernobbio. It is only entirely visible from the lake. The villa is famous for its elegance, breath-taking views and beautiful garden.
Lunch at restaurant.
Visit to Villa del Balbianello, an elegant and romantic 18th century residence, standing on a peninsula offering enchanting views of the lake. Now property of the FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano).
Dinner at Villa Sola Cabiati, an elegant Baroque-style residence, now managed by the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Otherwise dinner at the same Grand Hotel.
DAY III: Brianza
Arrival at Villa Medici Giulini, which houses an important collection of musical instruments (especially fortepianos). Visit of the residence with a small private concert and lunch.
Afternoon visit to Villa Perego di Cremnago, a summer residence in late baroque style. Inside, the rooms are richly furnished and decorated. The Italian-style garden is also of outstanding beauty.
Transfer to Bergamo and accommodation at the hotel. Dinner each on his own.
DAY IV: Bergamo
Visit to the Accademia Carrara, the museum which houses masterpieces by Raphael, Bellini, Mantegna, Pisanello, Lotto, Moroni, Canaletto, etc. One of Italy’s most important museums.
Visit to the Church of San Bernardino with its renowned altarpiece by Lorenzo Lotto.
Visit to the 18th century Palazzo Agliardi, lunch in the reception rooms, welcomed by the hosts.
Afternoon, visit to the medieval town of Città Alta: Piazza Vecchia, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Colleoni Chapel and the Cathedral.
Visit to Palazzo Terzi, a splendid private residence near Piazza Vecchia, with richly decorated stately rooms and a breath-taking panoramic terrace.
Dinner at a restaurant in San Vigilio with a spectacular view over the entire city of Bergamo.
DAY V: province of Bergamo
Morning transfer to Almenno San Salvatore: visit to the Romanesque churches of San Tomè and San Nicola. Visit to Villa Vitalba Lurani Cernuschi with wine tasting in their cellars.
Lunch at Villa Pesenti Agliardi in Sombreno followed by a visit to the neoclassical villa designed by Leopold Pollack, the same architect of Villa Reale in Milan.
In the afternoon visit to the Sagrestie d’Alzano, an unexpected baroque masterpiece.
Transfer to Franciacorta, accommodation in the hotel.
Transfer to Mont’Isola on Lake Iseo and dinner at a restaurant.
DAY VI: Franciacorta
Visit to the Abbazia Olivetana of Rodengo Saiano or the Church of San Pietro in Lamosa and a promenade in the Torbiere del Sebino oasis.
Visit to Borgo Mosnel and their wine cellars, that produce excellent Franciacorta DOCG. Wine tasting and picnic in the vineyard in case of good weather or lunch in a farmhouse or restaurant in case of a colder weather.
Afternoon visit to Palazzo Monti della Corte, a 17th century palace with a charming garden.
Evening dinner in a restaurant housed in a 17th century villa.
DAY VII: Franciacorta and Brescia
Visit to the Bornato Castle, a rare example of a Renaissance villa built inside of a medieval castle.
Transfer to Brescia and visit of the historical centre of Brescia and the museum of Santa Giulia, which houses a large Roman archaeological site. Visit to the Tosio Martinengo Picture Gallery rich in pictorial masterpieces.
Return to the hotel and dinner at the Hotel restaurant.
DAY VIII: Lake Garda
Visit to the Lonato Fortress and the Casa del Podestà, an imposing and fascinating complex.
Lunch in a restaurant overlooking the lake.
Transfer by boat to Isola del Garda where you will visit Villa Borghese Cavazza and its wonderful gardens.
Transfer to Bogliaco, for a tour of the 18th century Villa Bettoni. The current sumptuous residence was built by the sixteen children of Gian Domenico Bettoni, founder of a lemon trade company, that sold Gargnano lemons throughout Europe.
Itinerary referent:
Carolina Agliardi info@contiagliardi.it T. 333 4273799
