Monday, July 11, 2011

Varenna, Lake Como, Italy 2011

I think this trip was the best vacation of all time, all time highlight of a life time.
Our trip to Italy began in Varenna, Italy on Lake Como. 
Hopping off the train, we trekked to Albergo Milano our hotel.  I wasn't prepared for the hike up the winding hills, but we made it and thank God, my son was patient.  I was happy to be there, but tired and hot.  Once we got to the hotel and could see the lake, I was overwhelmed by the view.  It was just incredible and looked like a postcard, almost surreal. We ate dinner at the restaurant in the hotel, which was fabulous and Bar Il Molo.

From what I could see, there was a whole community of stepped alleys going up and down and winding around. Amazing!  We walked to the restaurants and investigated the area.  Lots of little shops and boutiques right on the shore.  It was very peaceful and quiet and not touristy at all, at least in the area we stayed. 

Day 2 we took a ferry ride around the lake.  First we took a car ferry to Bellagio, then we went back and got the other ferry which will stop at each of the stops along the way, like Lenno, Bellagio, Tremezzo.  In Lenno, we stopped at the market and I bought a blouse made of Italian cotton, very colorful and looks like the sea.  I fell down the stairs of the boat during this trip.  No scars, just humbled.

At Tremezzo, we visited the grand hotel with its floating pool and had a glass of wine at the outdoor restaurant on the shore, and Villa Carlotta gardens. One section of the garden was all gardenias.  From those spectacular views you can see Bellagio.    It was gorgeous as you might imagine.
This was our beginning days into the Italy travels, enjoying the food, wine, hospitality and culture. Then went to Lugano, Switzerland.


Back to Varenna and from there we take a train to Venice.  Big, thank you to my son who coordinated all the logistics, being tour guide of the entire trip, photographer, happy companion, standing in line for tickets and reservations, carrying suitcases when mine would tip over and translating what was offered on the menu and for putting up with me when I couldn't keep the pace.  
Next up will be:
Day 4-6 Venezia
Day 7-9 will be Siena.
Day 10-12 will be Giaole in Chianti

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