Onto Lake Como, Italy

After our stop in Bellazona, we crossed over the Italian border and continued on to Lake Como. We stayed in a little town of Cadenabbia along Lake Como. It was perfect since the hotel was right along the waterfront. We could just jump on the ferry for 15 minutes and take it across the lake to the town on Bellagio, Varenna and Mannagio. We did eventually past thru the actual town of Lake Como and actually, we less than impressed. Perhaps we did not see the right parts of town but it was much larger than these three wonderful little resort towns along the lake.

We loved Bellagio. The town of Bellagio, "the Pearl of the Lake," is a quaint little town with windy, hilly streets and little boutique shops and cafes tucked into every nook and cranny. Tons of really nice, but reasonable stores selling Italian silk scarfs, ties, umbrellas and purses. It was such a romantic little town. I'd love to go back again, perhaps this time without kids!

One hop away by ferry, was the even smaller town of Varenna. Varenna has a romantic promenade, a few shops, tiny harbor and again, very narrow streets. There was very little to do here other than sit at a cafe along the water, drink your cappachino, watch the boats and listen to the vibrant Italian locals. What a wonderful life these people have. Even though this was still "Lake Como", it was not touristy and really gave you a feel for how rich Italians spend there pastimes.

So, all in all, we only spent Friday thru Sunday in Como. Short trip but well worth it. I can honestly say this was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.