There is a specific kind of magic that happens the moment you set eyes on Lake Como. It isn’t just a destination; it’s a feeling. Imagine crystal-clear waters mirrored by jagged mountain peaks, dotted with grand Italian villas that look like they’ve been plucked straight from a Renaissance painting.
While a Rhine River cruise is already a bucket-list journey through the heart of Europe, adding a Milan and Lake Como land package elevates the experience from a vacation to a cinematic event.
I have a deep, personal connection to this corner of the world. My first visit was eight years ago with my husband, and I fell in love with Lake Como instantly—the kind of love that makes you promise yourself you’ll come back.
True to that promise, I returned just last year. Seeing the lake again felt like visiting an old friend, but sharing it with a group made it even more special. There is a specific joy in watching others see those mountain-backed vistas for the first time; it reminds me why I do what I do.
The beauty of this extension is the contrast. Your journey begins in the sun-drenched glamour of Northern Italy, where palm trees and neoclassical villas set a tone of pure sophistication. From there, you transition seamlessly into the heart of Europe, trading the Italian lakes for the mist-covered medieval castles and vineyard-clad hills of the Rhine.
By starting with this “Plus One,” you aren’t just seeing more of Europe—you’re visiting five different countries in a single trip. Best of all, once you board the ship after your Lake Como stay, you’ll enjoy the effortless “unpack once” philosophy for the rest of your seven-day voyage.
Before you retreat to the serenity of the lake, you’ll experience the high-octane energy of Milan, Italy’s fashion and design capital. Milan is a city where ancient history meets cutting-edge modern luxury.
Lake Como (or Lago di Como) has been a retreat for the elite since the Roman Empire. Its unique “Y” shape was carved by glaciers, resulting in a microclimate that allows Mediterranean plants—like the iconic azaleas and rhododendrons—to thrive at the foot of the Alps.
Historically, the lake was the center of Italy’s silk industry. Today, you can still feel that legacy of craftsmanship in the boutiques of Como and Bellagio, where some of the world’s finest silk scarves and ties are still produced.
The region is a tapestry of charming villages, but a few highlights truly define the luxury experience:
If the scenery feels familiar, it’s because it is. This region has served as the backdrop for Hollywood’s most stylish films.
True to that promise, I returned just last year. Seeing the lake again felt like visiting an old friend, but sharing it with a group made it even more special. There is a specific joy in watching others see those mountain-backed vistas for the first time; it reminds me why I do what I do.
Of course, a trip to Italy is a journey for the palate. Between your explorations, you’ll find yourself tucked away in lakeside bistros indulging in:
Choosing the Milan and Lake Como as a pre-cruise extension means you don’t have to choose between the cultural depth of Central Europe and the romantic flair of Italy. You get the efficiency of a Rhine River cruise paired with the slow-paced, high-fashion glamour of the Italian lakes.
It is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful places in the world—where nature, history, and cuisine meet in perfect harmony.
The journey doesn’t end at the water’s edge. This land package seamlessly carries you from the palms of Lake Como into the heart of the Swiss Alps. Before boarding your ship, you’ll experience the breathtaking transition from Italian elegance to Swiss grandeur, often including a stay in charming Lucerne and a journey through the snow-capped peaks that define the roof of Europe. It is the ultimate way to see the continent’s most dramatic landscapes in one effortless sweep.
Have you ever walked into a ship and immediately felt your shoulders drop? That was my exact experience when I stepped aboard the Amadeus Riva recently. I often hear from my group members that they want a modern but beautiful ship. This ship delivers exactly that with its airy design and calming jewel tones. It feels like a boutique hotel that just happens to float.
I finally discovered why everyone is buzzing about Amadeus recently. The real magic happens right in the local kitchen on board. We need a little sit-down about why this food tastes so special. Many travelers often overlook this boutique line for the larger corporate names.
I am so happy to have you along for this journey through the Netherlands and Belgium with Amadeus. After a busy River Cruise conference in Amsterdam, stepping onto the Amadeus Diamond felt like a breath of fresh air.