Cooking On Lake Como in Bellagio™

Join us in Bellagio on luxurious Lake Como in a splendid hands-on cooking experience. Tie on your apron and transform fresh and local ingredients into delicious fare. Set against the backdrop of dreamy Lake Como, this authentic food and wine experience will have you cooking like a pro!

During your Bellagio stay, you will sail away on Lake Como boat tour, learn about the local Bellagio cuisine – such as lavarello fish caught daily – and shop for local artisan products such as silk scarves, hand-made leather goods, jewels and ceramics in Bellagio’s center. You’ll also learn about and taste the local wines – such as Sforzato Valtellina – with a passionate expert sommelier. This unique combination of stunning landscapes, delicious food and wine will set the mood on Lake Como!

Lake Como Cooking Classes

The Grigna, Resegone and Legnone Mountains hug the eastern shores of the lake, as soft breezes blow over the cool blue waters.  Here, pike, fresh-water shrimp and Lake Como’s most famous fish, lavarello, are plentiful. Delicious seafood of Lago di Como is paired with corn-based polenta or risotto; however, the traditions of Italy remain with handmade tagliatelle pasta kneaded into thick-cut shapes, and thin-crust pizza featuring fresh mozzarella and tomatoes from the valleys.

In the kitchen, your expert Chef will lead you in simple and fun recipes that can be prepared in your home kitchen. Under his expert guidance, you’ll slice and dice and cook up a storm. Start with an appetizer such as garlic bruschette; next a pasta, such as handmade pizzoccheri that pairs perfectly with local cheeses, a risotto with vegetables, fish or seafood, and creamy polenta served with ragù, or mushrooms and cheese.  For a main course, you may prepare freshwater fish – flash-fried or in a sweet & sour style according to local tradition.  Then, mix, create and bake dessert such as tiramisù, torta paesana, a chocolate bread pudding with amaretto macaroons and semi-freddo.  Following each cooking class, everyone enjoys the food that was made in the class with a toast of local wine, included.

Lake Como

Dreamy Lake Como!!!  Film stars, explorers, food-lovers and historians have flocked to Lake Como since the Roman Times.  The unique inverted Y shape of the lake caused towns to pop up on both the southwestern and eastern legs, each with their own unique take on all that the lake has to offer.  Set in the center of Lake Como is picturesque Bellagio, a hub for boat travel and beauty.  Its central location is ideal for exploring the lake and the ancient villas that dot the lake’s perimeter.  Visitors often hire a boat or hop on a boat taxi sailing the emerald waters and visiting the many villas.  Along the Bellagio shores is Villa Serbelloni, now owned by the Rockefeller Foundation. The hotel is still in use today, and is a beautiful addition to the Bellagio waterfront with its yellow walls, neoclassical roof and arched windows. Past Bellagio and across the lake is Villa Cortona, now preserved as a 17th-century garden with century-old sequoias and cedars, ancient camellias and Rhododendron woods.

Bellagio and the nearby towns are luxurious vacation spots for Italians and foreigners alike.  Take a swim in the lake, partake in kayaking or relax on the shore. Hiking is also available in the nearby mountains.  And when you’re not sailing or shopping, delve into any one of the excellent Bellagio restaurants!

Lake Como Accommodations

Beachfront B&B 

These modern and comfortable B&B is just 50 meters from Lake Como and set in Bellagio.  Family-owned and operated, the property has been updated to include every modern amenity and a clean, sleek style while maintaining all of charm Bellagio has to offer. Your accommodation includes a comfortable double bed, private ensuite bathroom with a kitchen and living room area.  Amenities include wifi, air conditioning, safe, and an Italian breakfast served daily at the exclusive family-owned restaurant and market.  Live like a local in comfort and style in Bellagio!

4-Star Luxury Hotel by the Lake

Our luxury 4-style hotel is dripping in elegance, and has been ever since it opened in the 1880s. Just a 10-minute walk from the Lake, this property is strikingly set against the bright green gardens and mountains behind it. Large chic rooms are pristinely decorated in warm tones with lush fabrics, evoking the property’s Victorian past but with a uniquely modern flair. Full service amenities include free wifi, air conditioning, and spacious ensuite bathrooms to name a few. Enjoy the property’s magnificent private garden, take a dip in their heated outdoor pool or Jacuzzi with a view, or enjoy the peace and quiet of the on-site library while a staff member serves you tea and pastries.  A delicious Italian breakfast is served daily and is included.

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Itinerary: 4 Days, 3 Nights

Day 1 – Arrival & Check-in

• Arrival and check in. Relax and Prosecco toast.
• A Chef’s welcome dinner featuring a tasting menu with local wine is included. Additional beverages, wine, coffee, espresso, are available at a surcharge and payable on site.

Day 2 – Shopping With The Chef and Cooking Class 1 & Local Wine Tasting

• Breakfast is served.
• Following breakfast, join the Chef for your first cooking class preparing a 3 course menu.  Lunch follows and includes the food that was prepared in the cooking class with local wine included.
• In the afternoon, enjoy a wine tasting led by a local expert and sommelier, sampling the best local wines and learning along the way.
• Dinner is on your own and suggestions are provided.

Day 3 – Cooking Class 2 & Lake Como Boat Tour

• Breakfast is served.
• Following breakfast, join your Chef for your second hands-on cooking class preparing a 3 course menu. Lunch follows and includes the food that was prepared in the cooking class with local wine included.
• In the afternoon, set off on an hour-long boat tour on beautiful Lake Como.
• Dinner is on your own and suggestions are provided.

Day 4 – Check-Out & Arrivederci!

• Breakfast is served.
• Check out & arrivederci!