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It’s hard to believe that it took me SO long to finally visit Lake Como! But here we are and it’s everything and more that we imagined and dreamt of!
Breathtaking panoramas, exquisite vistas, charming towns, stunning villas and gardens, and more…la dolce vita indeed!
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(Note: I took sooo many photos on this trip and there are well over 100 in this post so please be patient while the post/photos download(s). I promise it will be worth it! Grazie!)
Once again, my Friends in Liguria, Emanuela & Anna of BeautifuLiguria, have collaborated with fellow local experts in Lake Como and together we designed and planned the perfect Itinerary!
I’ll let the photos tell the rest…we were definitely “living the dream” on Lake Como!
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Exploring Lovely Lake Como…
The next three days are filled with eye-popping, breath taking views, visits and experiences…hop aboard and let’s go!
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Lakeside in Varenna…pinch me!!
The quaint fishing village of Varenna, with only 600 residents, is absolutely picture-perfect. Known for its waterfront restaurants, pretty gardens and old castles, the picturesque lanes, walkways and sloping alleys are lined with appealing shops, cafes, gelaterie and eateries.
After we check in to our beautiful lakeside Hotel, we are led along the lake shore path to our private water taxi! Delighted, we are whisked away, all smiles, as we head for splendid Villa del Balbianello for a private tour. Along the way, some of the many splendid villas and hotels along the shore are pointed out to us…
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Villa del Balbianello
Our first Villa and what a Villa it is! Like most historical monuments, Villa del Balbianello has an interesting story dating back to the 1700’s. Originally built by a Cardinal, after his death the Villa changed ownership several times.
The last owner, Count Guido Monzino, was a prominent and very wealthy businessman from Milan. He furnished the 25 rooms, in English and French furniture and antiques, precious tapestries and chandeliers.
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An ardent collector and adventurer, he turned part of it into a private museum where he collected and catalogued his memoirs, art pieces and souvenirs of his famous expeditions including the North Pole and Mount Everest. Also among his collections, rare maps, paintings on glass, and rare and ancient objects from lost and prehistoric civilizations.
Upon his death in 1988, he left the entire estate, along with the furnishings and extensive collections, along with a trust fund, to FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano), the National Trust for Italy. Today, the Villa receives visitors, offers private tours, hosts special events, and the spectacular grounds have been the setting for several movies including “Star Wars” and “Casino Royale”.
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Our day ends on a delicious note with a scrumptious welcome dinner…mmmmm!!!
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The next day is a fabulous full day with a guided tour of Lake Como’s pearls including: lovely Varenna, the utterly stunning Villa Carlotta and the Villa Melzi gardens in Bellagio. But first, we set off for a very special olive oil tasting.
Varenna & a Very Special Old Mill…
Varenna is the perfect “home base” for our explorations.
Before our guided walk, we are driven up, up, up and then guided along a winding path to an original old mill where our local guide, Alessandra, introduces us to Fabio.
Fabio is lovingly restoring this mill that once ground flour and olives. Using the same artisan techniques from the same olive trees, today he produces award-winning olive oil at his azienda agricola.
We are totally captivated by his story – his commitment and passion – and we thoroughly enjoy a delicious tasting of his olive oil and then a pairing of local cheeses and cold cuts with his wine (yes, he also makes wine!).
The cheeses we enjoyed are latteria, taleggio and caprino. The cold cuts are salame and bresaola.
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Varenna is absolutely picture-perfect! We love the views and guided walk through this quaint village including her principal church, Chiesa di San Giorgio and the smaller more ancient Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista.
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After another delicious repast, we are off with Alessandra and Andrea for another marvelous private water taxi ride to explore more iconic villas!
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Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta, facing the peninsula of Bellagio, is a marvelous 18th century villa that became a wedding gift to Carlotta, daughter of King of Prussia, in 1843. Sadly, Carlotta died in childbirth (her 4th!) at the young age of 23 but as you visit the rooms where they lived, it’s as if they are just away for the day…
Today the three-story villa sits on 17 acres and houses a treasure trove of works by renowned artists and sculptors…which, along with the breathtaking botanic gardens – with over 150 flowering plants – and romantic vistas, all make for an unforgettably heavenly ambiance.
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Villa Melzi Gardens in Bellagio
From Villa Carlotta, we are driven to I Giardini di Villa Melzi. The villa was constructed in the early 1800’s as a summer residence in neoclassic style with the garden also reflecting the same influence in its landscape and choice of classical statues.
Today, the villa and the gardens are privately owned but the gardens are open to the public. Paths, lined with azaleas, camellias and dozens of other types of foliage and trees, follow the edge of the lake.
Paths along the lakeside path are lined with azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons and dozens of other types of foliage and trees.
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We all wish we could return in spring when everything is in full bloom but nothing dampens our delight as we saunter along the path en route to Bellagio…
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Foodie Time in Como!
Our last day and, of course, we have to visit Como! Como, is situated at the southern end of the western “leg” of Lake Como. Pedestrian friendly, it is sophisticated and urbane with a plethora of very attractive and stylish shops and tempting restaurants.
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As we are guided through this very cosmopolitan city, our morning is a perfect blend of history and foodie delights as we make stops to sample tasty local specialties…
First, freshly baked foccacia at a local bakery followed by an appetizing wine with cheese and cold cuts pairing at Pro Nobis. Our host, Carlo, pours local vino as we sample his succulent cold cuts: prosciutto crudo affumicato, prosciutto crudo, bresaola and salame; accompanied with semuda, casera and bitto formaggi. Delizioso!
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And then, it’s olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting at Teatro del Gusto with Raffaello and Sara. We learn the technique for tasting both (loved the fig balsamico) and, of course, some is coming home with us !
Lastly, it’s a full course lunch at family-owned Il Solito Posto where Filippo treats us to a flavorful antipasti, risotto and a to-die-for pasta (oh, and wine and dessert, too)! Family owned and run, we love the feel and flavors of home cooking.
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I feel like I’m waddling at this point…but, who can resist all this deliciousness!? Time has flown by and we have savored every minute together on this wonderful journey!
And then, it’s time to say arriverderci to beautiful Lake Como!
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After the tour: A few extra days in Bellagio
Some of us leave, some of us have decided to stay a few extra days in Bellagio.
Before we leave Varenna,we visit Il Giardino Botanico at Villa Cipressi next door to our Hotel. Just another exquisite day on Lake Como!
Il Giardino Botanico at Villa Cipressi
Villa Cipressi is a group of buildings and gardens built between 1400 and 1800. Of course, there is a long, involved and fascinating history of families acquiring and selling the Villa. Ultimately, in 1980, a group of volunteers from Varenna purchased the property. Today, the buildings and grounds have been lovingly renovated and it is managed by R Collection Hotels.
Take a peaceful stroll along the paths with me…pausing to just drink it the pure beauty of the place…
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Bellagio
Then in Bellagio…a room with a view (a gorgeous mesmerizing view), lake side meanderings, and a mouthwatering dinner, and lots of Prosecco! All of that adds up to my definition of bliss!
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Wish you were here?!?
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6 thoughts on “♥Fall-ing in Love with Lake Como…for the First Time!♥”
Loved this post so much, Victoria❤️Your photos are beautiful and take me right back to this serene place in Italy! I’m so happy you finally had the opportunity to visit and spend time there. Your trip with the group you brought sounds amazing! I’m sure you’ll be going back before long!
Grazie Margie!
As you know, it isn’t hard to take a great photo of Lake Como! Of course, being blessed with perfect weather helped! I did absolutely love it – we all did and it was made all the more special since we were escorted everywhere by local destination experts. Truly magical… and, yes, another boutique small group experience will be on the 2020 calendar!
xo
V.
Sounds like a dream come true….How wonderful to know you’re already planning to return in 2020!
It was and I do…with guests!
xo
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