stillLUV2go

The Villas of Lake Como  Day 3 -  This day our optional excursion is the Lake Como Cruise & Bellagio . As we make our way to Bellagio we will pass by some of Lake Como’s most famous villas, and as we do, inquiring minds will want to know - when was it built, who lived there, what is its history?   Below are some of the villas and a little bit about them. We will be cruising "up the striding man's leg"  from Como to Bellagio.  The most lavish villas  were built on the western shore to get the  most sunshine and to have wonderful  views of the mountains across the lake. Villa Olmo is in the city of Como.  Built in classic Italian style as a summer retreat for a family of nobility, it is considered the most lavish villa.  Napoleon Bonaparte was a guest.  Today it is Como's beautiful event center. Villa d'Este was once the home of a cardinal of Como and the residence of the estranged wife of Ki

Day 3 - Optional Excursion - Lake Como Cruise & Bellagio Bellagio  Many of us have signed up for the   Lake Como & Bellagio Excursion  on Day 3.   Not only will we get to see more of the lake, but we will also get to stroll around Bellagio,   "The Pearl of Lake Como".  Remember Rick Steves' "striding man" description from a previous post where the top of the 2 legs meet? That's Bellagio, and we can see it on that map, this aerial view, and on a map on a wall in Bellagio - which, to me, looks like an alligator skimming the water.    Bellagio has always been famous for its location. It sits at the northern point of the Larian Triangle landmass, looking across the northern arm of the lake, and beyond it to the Alps.     Bellagio's city center is at the tip of the promontory while its other sections and suburbs spread up the mountain behind it, all the way up to Mt. San Primo - 1,686m above sea level.   "The

Day 3 - During our free time we may choose to explore the city of Como. COMO Walk through Como with the Astral Traveler as he takes you from the cobbled paths of Piazza Cavour and Roman Baths hidden under a parking garage,  to the vibrant bars and shops of Piazza Volta. https://routes.tips/complete_como_walk Volta Museum "Life Electric" by Daniel Libeskind to celebrate physicist Allesandro Volta's invention of the electric battery. Brunate Funicular A popular excursion is the ascent by funicular from Como to the village of Brunate, once a holiday destination for noble families from Como and Milan.  The journey lasts just 7 minutes, rising 700 meters above sea level.  From the top are views of the outline of Como's historic center and fortress as well as views over the Alps. Photo credits in order: 1. Public Domain 2.   https://flic.kr/p/b141F8 3.  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Como,_piazza_volta_02.JPG#/me

 Day 2 - Transfer to Lake Como LAGO di COMO "This lake exceeds anything I ever beheld in beauty. . ."  Shelley, 1818 We all have visions of how beautiful Lake Como will be.  One of the famous Italian Lakes, with centuries of Italian history, it has been a popular resort area since the days of the Roman Empire.  Lake Como is long, slender and deep, and its shores showcase gorgeous villas, lush gardens, tranquility and glamour.   Shortly after losing his prime-ministership in the 1945 elections, Winston Churchill, stunned by the defeat, left for an extended painting holiday on the shores of Lake Como. Of his visit he wrote, "An air of complete tranquillity and good humor pervades these beautiful lakes and valleys, which are unraveled by war.  There is not a sign to be seen in the countryside, the dwellings or the demeanor of the inhabitants which would suggest that any violent events have been happening in the world." Located in the Lombar