Find Serenity and Style in Lake Como and Milan, Italy (Europe) for Three Nights at the Hotel Villa Flori or Similar at Lake Como and Two Nights at the Uptown Palace or Similar in Milan for Two, Including a Private Half-Day Boat Tour of Lake Como and Train Transfers Between Lake Como and Milan (Land Only)

Set in the foothills of the Alps in Northern Italy's Lombardy region, Lake Como is Italy's most popular lake, and one of its most cherished destinations, which is no surprise considering it's surrounded by mountains and hills and dotted with beautiful villas and resort villages. South of Lake Como, Milan is the global hub of fashion and finance, and home to Leonardo da Vinci's painting of "The Last Supper" as well as the gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral. Find an idyllic villa retreat on the Y-shaped Lake Como where you can admire the blue waters, relax on the wooded lakeside slopes, see majestic Alpine vistas and take a boat tour to some of its famous shore-side towns, before travelling by train to the marvellous metropolis of Milan!

Revel in four-star luxury, antique charm and contemporary comfort at the Hotel Villa Flori, originally a 19th-century villa perched on the edge of Lake Como between Como and Cernobbio. Once the coveted residence of a series of noble Lombard families, the villa was transformed into a hotel in 1958 and then completely renovated in 2011, with careful restoration of the delicate stucco work and enchanting floral frescoes, the gorgeous parquet floors and the details of the antique furnishings and fixtures. Pamper yourself in the spa, which features a sauna, a sunroom overlooking the lake and a Turkish bath. You'll find that the magical beauty of the lakeside setting infuses a sense of serenity throughout the hotel.

Your private half-day boat tour will transport you and your English-speaking guide around stunning Lake Como to see the gems along the shore, including lavish villas and holiday homes of Italian nobility from the past, and the rich and famous of the present. Enjoy a visit to Bellagio, known as the pearl of the lake, and considered by many to be the most beautiful town in all of Europe. Its narrow cobbled streets, breathtaking views, impeccable homes and glorious villas make it an enchanting spot to spend a little time.

From Como you can take the funicular to the village of Brunate, 720m above Como, for hiking trails and beautiful views of the lake and the Alps. Menaggio, against the mountains on the western shore of Lake Como, is a lively resort with a lakeside promenade and small stretches of shingle beach, popular with outdoor enthusiasts for walking or hiking, swimming, windsurfing and rock climbing. The fishing village of Varenna has picturesque narrow alleyways and streets below a castle and a lakeside walking path, making it a peaceful place where you can admire views from the Castello de Vezio.

Milan can feel like the most modern city in Italy, with its contemporary art galleries, pop-up boutiques and inventive cocktail bars. But there's plenty of history there too, including, of course, the Duomo, Europe's second largest church and one of the most famous Gothic buildings ever created. This is also the city of Leonardo da Vinci, who worked in the Castello Sforzesco and painted his famous "Last Supper" in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

You'll spend two nights in the modern elegance of the four-star Uptown Palace, which is a short walk from Piazza Duomo and Milan's famous shopping streets.

Your trip for two includes:
3 nights accommodations in Lake Como at Hotel Villa Flori or similar in a superior room
2 nights accommodations in Milan at Hotel Uptown Palace or similar in a superior room
Round-trip 1st class train from Milan to Como
Private half-day boat tour of Lake Como
Daily complimentary breakfast
All room-related taxes (including VAT)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Travel package is non-refundable and subject to availability. Certificates/gift cards cannot be replaced. Passport required for travel outside the U.S. Hotel may be substituted with equal or similar accommodations. City taxes are the responsibility of the passenger and required to be to be paid directly to hotel upon check out. Tour runs on specific days of the week and at specific times. If tour is not available, it may be substituted with equal or similar experience. A minimum 45 day advance reservation is required. Please email us at auction@stmaryhs.org to find out deadline to travel.