Art Pursuits - Lago di Como

Art Pursuits Study Tour Programme

Lago di Como
Villas, gardens and mediaeval art around Italy’s most romantic lake

24 - 30 September 2008

Day 1	Mid-morning flight with BA from London Heathrow to Milan Malpensa. At Castelseprio visit the intriguing seventh-century church of Santa Maria Foris Portas with Byzantine-style frescoes, before continuing to your 4* hotel in Como. Dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 2	In the morning explore Como on foot, including the lavishly decorated Duomo, and the Romanesque churches of San Fedele and Sant'Abbondio. In the afternoon a visit to the Silk Museum will introduce you to this key aspect of Como's economy. Some free time before dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 3	The day will be dedicated to the southern part of Lake Como: by private boat cruise leisurely past villas and harbour towns, before visiting the famous Villa Carlotta at Tremezzo with its spectacular gardens. By boat to the Isola Comacina for a sumptuous lunch (included), before spending some free time at the resort of Bellagio, Return to Como and independent dinner.
Day 4	In the morning coach excursion into the province of Varese to visit the Renaissance villa of the Mozzoni Cicogna family with impressive gardens and extensive frescoes. After lunch on Lake Lugano (independent) return to Lake Como's western shore to walk around the enchanting gardens of Villa del Balbianello - quintessential blend of picturesque Neoclassical architecture with lake and landscape. Independent dinner.
Day 5	Optional morning excursion to Civate for a walk up a hill to admire the ancient church of San Pietro al Monte, with 11th-century stuccowork and frescoes. After lunch a short coach trip will take you to Cantù and the 1000-year-old basilica of San Vincenzo at Galliano with adjacent baptistery. Return to Como and independent dinner.
Day 6	In the morning excursion by boat to the upper eastern shores of the lake: the Cistercian Abbey of Piona, between Colico and Olgiasca, has a splendid cloister. Corenno Plinio, named after Pliny the Elder, is a picturesque village with a 14th-century church dedicated to Thomas Becket. After lunch in Varenna continue to Olgiate Molgora, where we will enjoy the hospitality of the Sommi Picenardi family in their 18th-century villa, with an English park at the front and a formal Italian garden at the back. Return to Como and dinner in a restaurant near the hotel.
Day 7	After some free time in Como, the coach will take you to Castiglione Olona for lunch (included) before exploring this showcase of 15th-century Tuscan art in Lombardy with fantastic works by Masolino and the Sienese Vecchietta. Late afternoon flight with BA from Milan to London, arriving at Heathrow at 19:50.

Please note that at this stage the programme is still provisional. Although we aim at the greatest degree of accuracy from the outset, some details, especially the order of visits, may be subject to change.