Northern Italy IV: Lake Como

Milan is an excellent base from which to explore the lakes region to the north. You choose one or more from Como, Maggiore or Garda. You can't go wrong with any but we pick the most popular choice, Lake Como. I mean, you can't pass up the lake sharing the name with a popular singer and two New York governors (almost), and the most famous town on it which the Las Vegas hotel is named after, Bellagio.

Varenna is a convenient entry point, an hour away from Milan by train. A short ferry ride takes us to Bellagio. To me, it is not one of those places which overwhelm you with beauty or majesty at first sight. Maybe I am too jaded having seen many pretty lakeside European towns. But as you walk down from the pier along the lake and stroll to enter Villa Melzi, you begin to feel what the lakeside life is all about. Stately villas, charming gardens, a pleasant breeze from the lake - what else do you need to feel like you are on vacation?

Lake Como: the pier at Bellagio

Bellagio: catching the tail end of azalea and rhodadendron blossoms at Villa Melzi

Bellagio, Lake Como: Villa Melzi, commissioned during a brief occupation of northern Italy by Napoleon in the early 1800's

Bellagio: a lunch break just past the far gate of Villa Melzi. This variety of spaghetti comes from Gragnano, a southern Italian city known for its pasta. This excellent preparation is quite al dente.

Bellagio: a leisurely lunch ending with tiramisu fits a villa lifestyle

Villa Melzi, Bellagio: the main building with azaleas still hanging around

Villa Melzi,  Bellagio: Imagine pulling up your yacht and walking right up the steps into the house.

Villa Melzi, Bellagio

Villa Melzi, Bellagio

 With the lake dotted with many little towns, a thing to do is town hopping or villa hopping. We have time to visit Villa Carlotta which is in the little town of Termezzo. This villa is known for its spring blooms of rhododendron and azalea, which we just missed. But the gardens are still enjoyable. The princess this villa is named after was a brief owner having received it as a wedding gift but she died young. Then it is a ferry ride back to Varenna, where we say arrivederci to Lago di Como and take the train back to Milan. (We are leaving and why does the word have "arrive" in it?)

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Lake Como: Termezzo seen through a bamboo forest in Villa Melzi, Bellagio

Termezzo seen from Villa Melzi, Bellagio. Villa Carlotta, our next destination, is on far right.

Bellagio: returning to the pier to take the ferry to Termezzo

Arriving in Villa Carlotta, Termezzo: looking back at Bellagio

Entrance to Villa Carlotta, Termezzo. 

Lake Como: returning to Varenna

Varenna, Lake Como: the raised walkway by the lake is an excellent place to stroll