Which Body of Water Is Called ‘Lario’ by Locals, and Is the Trip Destination for Our 2026–2027 Agent/Broker Travel Incentive?

Important Note: The Agent/Broker Travel Incentive has new requirements this program year. Please read through our updated eligibility requirements.

If you guessed Lake Como, Italy, you are correct!

We’re going all out again this year with our La Dolce Vita Awaits: Experience the Extraordinary travel incentive, rewarding qualifiers with a lavish, four-night stay at one of the most desirable villas open to guests on Lake Como—or as locals would call it, Lario.

Lake Como was formed into Italy’s deepest lake, taking the shape of an upside-down Y, nearly 10,000 years ago by a massive glacier that carved its way through the Alps. We can trace the locals’ Lario nickname of the lake to between 37 and 29 BCE, when Virgil wrote a four-book didactic poem known as the Georgics that contained the Latin phrase, “Te, Larii Maxime,” meaning “to you, Larius, the greatest.” The poem was written as a guide to agriculture, animal husbandry, and beekeeping that also explored themes about nature, human labor, and the Roman Empire. Later, in 61 to 112 CE, Pliny the Younger would write extensively about his time spent at his luxurious summer villas on the shores of Larius. Eventually, Larius blended with Como to become commonly spoken as Lario.

The property that qualifiers of the 2026–2027 Agent/Broker Travel Incentive will be staying at is also significantly rooted in Italian history. Located in Cernobbio, Villa d’Este is situated in one of the most enviable spots on Lake Como, directly on the shoreline amid 25 acres of an impeccably manicured park and gardens. This legendary five-star hotel frequently ranks as one of the top hotels in Italy and all of Europe and is a consistent heavyweight in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

Hotel accommodations are split between two mansions—one dating back to the 16th century as a noble residence and the other named after the Queen of England—with each room being uniquely decorated with period furnishings, oil paintings, and silk-brocade drapes. Balconies overlook Lake Como, and if that isn’t enough, the views from the “floating” pool are capable of tricking the mind into thinking that one is in the lake itself—but without the cold water. There’s also a beauty center and spa offering personalized treatment and an 18-hole golf course that’s one of Europe’s most charming and technically challenging par-69 layouts.

In the next issue of The Agent’s Advocate, we’ll do a deep dive into the Villa d’Este and the magnificent property’s features and services—so stay tuned.

In the meantime, get ready and start setting your sales goals high so you can qualify and join us next year for our trip to Lake Como. There are new eligibility requirements for the 2026–2027 Agent/Broker Travel Incentive, so be sure to review them and adjust your sales goals accordingly.

Legal Notice: Agents, brokers, agencies, and brokerages agree that their participation in the above-described Agent/Broker Travel Incentive is deemed to be an acceptance of all the terms herein as well as any reasonable amendments necessary to administer and manage such Agent/Broker Travel Incentive. In the event any dispute should arise concerning any aspect of the Agent/Broker Travel Incentive, such dispute shall be resolved in the sole and reasonable discretion of The Doctors Company. Wholesale brokers of The Doctors Company or TDC Specialty Underwriters are not eligible to participate in the Agent/Broker Travel Incentive.