Milan is not only the fashion capital of the world. This Italian city is full of incredible attractions. Medieval architecture, luxurious shops, narrow winding streets, delicious ice cream... And from the roof of the famous cathedral you can see the panorama of the whole city! All this attracts many tourists. But after seeing the city enough and walking through the famous shops, most tourists ask themselves: “Where to go from Milan?”
There is a lot to see in Bergamo. For five kilometers stretched historical walls surrounding Old city and medieval architecture located in it. You can also get to the upper part of the city by funicular. Here are the Cathedral of St. Mary Maggiore and the Colleoni Chapel. The surroundings of the city are also noteworthy, the hills of which stretch right up to the distant Lake Como.
This wine region. Here you can taste award-winning wines. You can even meet wine producers and they will talk about the process of making this drink. And in the boutique of the winery you can buy something special.
And if you cross the border, you can visit the Swiss city of Lugano, admiring the picturesque Alps along the way.
Garda is the largest and most famous lake in Italy. It can be reached by train, which passes through the beautiful countryside of Lombardy. Here you can not only take a cruise on the lake, but also visit the coastal cities of Sirmione and Desenzano.
Sirmione is considered the pearl of the lake. Tourists will be interested to see the fortress, the Roman villa and the caves of Catullus. And in the port of Desenzano is an impressive medieval castle.
Photo: By Janericloebe, from Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Photo: HarryFabel/pixabay (CC0 Creative Commons)
Photo: meinesterampe/pixabay (CC0 Creative Commons)
Shakespeare's Verona certainly deserves attention. Walking along the ancient streets of the city, immortalized in his play, you can see Juliet's balcony. But not only Shakespeare's heroes glorified Verona.
The Roman amphitheater, built in the first century AD, has been preserved here. And in the center of the city Mercato Square is interesting.
Genoa, the largest port in Italy, attracts tourists with its monuments and the old town, which is partly listed world heritage UNESCO.
walking along coastline, you can get to the colorful villages of Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure. Here you will see fishing boats swinging on the water.
Who would have thought that only a few hours drive from Milan are the glorious Alpine landscapes of Interlaken? Once on the train, after some time you will find yourself in another world. You will be surrounded by high peaks, mountain lakes and magnificent green countryside.
Photo: BazzaBoy/pixabay (CC0 Creative Commons)
Your own cottage on Lake Como is as prestigious as a house on Rublyovka. The first villas on the shore of the lake appeared in antiquity, for example, Pliny's dacha was not far from Virgil's dacha. Often this area is called one of the most romantic in Italy. Lake Como is the third largest in the Italian Republic and the deepest in the vastness of all of Europe. Read in the review, From Milan to Lake Como for one day.
Lago di Como
In the southwest, the town adjoins a reservoir and all this is located at the foot of the Alps, on the border with Switzerland.
Often Como is compared to a diamond, or a precious stone that frames the lake and mountains. A very old settlement, it was incorporated into the Roman Empire in the 2nd century BC. e.
In the Middle Ages, Como was the core of contention with another Italian town - Milan.
Once the Milanese ravaged the Comonian lands, and even earlier they burned the city buildings. Since the 15th century, the town has become one of the centers of printing in Europe. Now there are more than 85 thousand local people. The settlement has many interesting sights.
What to see in Como
The surroundings of Como consist of numerous villages that stretch along the coast of a huge reservoir. There are several dozen of them, among the most famous and visited are Lecco, Cernobbio, Laglio, Colico, Belagio and others. It is unlikely that you will be able to visit all the interesting sights in one day, so you should think over the route in advance.
Old town of Como
The old part of the town is in the form of a regular quadrangle, which is protected by fortifications, which are dated by historians to the 12th century. The main old streets are Lzheskalki, Pero, Vitani. It is on them that the largest number buildings that date from the medieval period, there are also earlier ones. A couple of, three centuries ago, Via Volta was the main noble street, you can visit it in our time. The main attraction on the street is the villa of a famous Italian scientist, thanks to whom it got its name. The street itself is built in a neoclassical architectural style. Nearby is the main square, which houses the three main business cards Como.
Cathedral of Como
Cathedral is adjacent to central square, which is called Piazza, which literally translates into Russian square. The second name of the cathedral is the Duomo. Construction began at the end of the 14th century, in 1396, according to other sources, in 1399 and ended only in 1740. Thus, the construction stretched for 340 years. The facade of the building is made of marble. The originality lies in the fact that it is based on a romantic style, but the gates and other elements are made in the Gothic style. The fact is not surprising, during the construction the fashion changed several times, including in architecture. The height of the dome is 75 meters. Inside, you can see a luxurious interior and paintings dating back to the year 500. The wooden altar in the cathedral has been preserved since the 16th century.
Official site
http://www.cattedraledicomo.it/index.php/en/
A visit to the cathedral is free, you can even take pictures, it is forbidden to take pictures during a religious service. You can get inside from 7:30 to 20:30 on weekdays and until 20:00 on weekends.
Piazza del Duomo on the map
Palazzo Broletto (Palazzo Broletto)
The palace began to be built in 1215 by order of the local mayor, so in the literature it is often called municipal. The old building is worth seeing if you come from Milan to Lake Como for a day. During construction, the palace adjoined directly to the cathedral, thus trying to show the equality of city-secular power and power from God. Like other city buildings that were built for a long time, at least two architectural style- Romanesque and Gothic. In addition to the two aforementioned styles, there are many details on the façade that date back to the Renaissance. Broletto has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. From the 18th century, the palazzo served as a theater, later as a large shop. The last large-scale restoration was carried out in 1927. Now here is a tourist site, as well as a center where various exhibitions and solemn events are held.
Palazzo Broletto on the map
Reservoir - Lake Como and funicular
The water surface of Como is called natural wonder Lombardy. It lies 40 kilometers from Milan. Holidays here are very popular with Italians and foreign tourists. Judge for yourself, fragments of films were filmed here: Star Wars, Ocean's 12, Casino Royale and others. Among the inhabitants of the villas are Madonna, Stallone, Ronaldini. Locals recommend visiting Como in late spring, when nature is fragrant. The destination is so popular that you can choose one of hundreds tourist routes, which are selected specifically for newlyweds, tourists with children or people of an older age. You can stop at architecture, visit museums, or outdoor activities. You can go further to combine everything at once and get the most out of your vacation. Since there are mountains near the lake, you can find a thematic route that will combine a terenkur or a full-fledged ascent. For people who just want to climb up the mountain, there is a funicular.
Official website of the local funicular
http://www.funicolarecomo.it
Opening hours from 6:00 to 23:00. The fare is from five euros. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Funicolare Como Brunate on the map
How to get to Como
It is best to get from Milan, where he works international Airport where regular flights are made major airlines, among them Aeroflot and Alitalia. The most budgetary proposal today can be considered air travel, which is carried out by Pobeda, however, it should be clarified that the plane flies to Bergamo. But along with this, there is a plus, you can immediately buy a combined plane plus bus ticket, the bus will take you directly to Milan.
Upon arrival, you need to get to railway station. Next, how to save money and get from Milan to Lake Como for one day. Hint, the bus from the airport runs to Milan Central Station - Milano Centrale.
One day trip from Milan to Lake Como: Option One
At the station, you need to buy a ticket for the local regional train, which runs to Varenna Esino (Varenna Esino). A one-way ticket costs 6.5 euros per person. Before the trip, it is better to check the schedule in advance, available on the website
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
Or download an application to your smartphone called
Locomotimes
The travel time to the point of arrival will be 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The fact is that Como is quite a huge reservoir, and the town of the same name stands at its very beginning. If you come to this point, then you will have to move on a boat to see all the beauties, which is more expensive.
Varenna is located almost in the most central point of the lake. Further, two more useful links for downloading to a smartphone are an application that allows you to get directions, including timetables for boats, ferries and other lake transport.
Link for android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.navlaghi,
Link for Apple
https://itunes.apple.com/it/artist/gestione-navigazione-laghi/id838836472
Geographically, the closest to Varenna is the town of Lenno and the famous Villa Balbianello, where episodes of the Star Wars saga were filmed.
From Milan to Lake Como for one day: Option Two
FROM central station and not only can you take a direct train.
The average travel time to the city of Como takes about 35-40 minutes. The fare varies from 5 to 6.5 euros per person, depending on the starting point of departure and the final stop.
There are almost never any discounts in this direction, as this traffic is in high demand.
For Christmas and major holidays it may turn out that all tickets are sold out if they are with indication of seats.
The first train from the Central Station leaves at 9:20 and then runs once an hour.
You can still leave from other stations of Garibaldi and Cadorna, the average interval between trains is 2 hours.
Other ways From Milan to Lake Como for one day
If you use a rental car, the journey will take you less than one hour, the distance from Milan to Como is 55 kilometers.
The price tag of renting a car for a day in Milan starts from 17 euros
The route along which you can go to the big water is called Milano Laghi, or highway and the digital index A9.
This road is absolutely free.
Its only disadvantage is the fences placed along, which do not allow you to move out to admire the beautiful views near the water.
Be careful if you decide to use taxi services
Do not forget that the Como reservoir is very large in area and also the city center of the same name. You will need to clearly explain in advance to the taxi driver where you want to go, this will directly affect the final calculation of the trip. On average, the price one way will cost from 45 euros.
Excursion to Lake Como
And the easiest way to leave Milan for Lake Como for one day is to purchase sightseeing tour. As a rule, they come in two types - 9-hour and 12-hour. You can use the services of both large travel agencies and individual certified guides who conduct excursions on their own vehicles.
As for the price of tours, they cost from 50 to 120 euros per person. Weekend tours will be the most expensive. But they include lunch at a restaurant, sailing, visiting villas and historical monuments. Such a tour can be priced up to 250 euros per person.
How much does it cost to travel on Lake Como
On the lake itself it is possible to travel by boats and ferries. They depart from different points, such as Varenna, Menanjo, Bellagio and others.
All items can be viewed in a special smartphone application, which was mentioned above, or on the official website at
http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/eng/c_illago.html
On the site you can also download a guide to water navigation. The fares are very different in one direction from 5 to 12.6 euros for the transportation of one person. The most expensive ticket, round-trip, is estimated at 23 euros, direction Como-Lecco.
Where to stay in Como
There are a lot of different hotels in Como for every taste, most of them are three-star hotels. There are both five-star luxury hotels and the most budget hostels. Many work with the most famous booking services.
The cost of rooms in hotels with a category of three stars is within 5000 rubles per night. But if you try, you can find a good option housing up to 3000 rubles. There are discounts, but to find them you have to monitor quite a lot of hotels and spend a piece of time. For example, on booking there are as many as 30 hotels that are considered the best. In total, Como has 138 different hotels and inns where you can stay for the night.
In addition to this article, I highly recommend you an article about an Italian health resort located in the Tuscany region - on my website the article about this place is the most detailed, because aviationmania Been going to this beautiful city for years now!
By beauty Lake Maggiore can be safely called the most picturesque in Italy, it is for its magnificent views and captivating beauty that it has become famous all over the world, although in Russia not all even experienced tourists have heard of it. The more famous Italian lakes are Como and Garda. Indeed, Russian speech was extremely rare in the resorts of Maggiore, we traveled all over it up and down, on water on a boat and on land on bicycles and a mountain train, admired the views of the sea surface, climbing into the mountains, and lying near the coast on sun loungers. So we had a real rest, managed to see a lot, and lazily lie by the pool.
They didn’t swim in the lake itself, it was somehow cool on our coast, although people were seen swimming on other beaches. Maggiore is the longest in Italy, but inferior to Lake Garda in area, Maggiore is also quite deep - more than 200 m deep. The climate is very mild, subtropical plants grow here. all year round. There is no intense heat in summer, although in the afternoon in July-August the air temperature reaches +30 .. +33 degrees, however, the light breeze coming from the lake is very refreshing, but there are no strong winds. The swimming season is short due to the low water temperature of the lake about +20 degrees in July-August. During the winter in the region, the lake helps maintain the warmer temperatures typical of the Mediterranean climate.
If Lake Garda is preferred by young people, then older vacationers go to Maggiore, mostly wealthy Europeans - French, British, Germans, and also a lot of Swiss, of course, due to proximity, and there are a lot of natural blue-eyed bright blondes, especially among children, t .e. they more or less successfully manage to keep the purity of the race. Also, the Italians themselves come to rest on Maggiore, their speech is melodious and emotional, pleasant to hear. In general, I concluded, especially against the backdrop of a recent trip to London, although I liked the capital of the Kingdom of Great Britain, but the Italian-Spanish countries, their cities, culture, cuisine, languages and climate are somehow closer to me for relaxation.
Lake Maggiore is located in northern Italy, on the border with Switzerland, which also captured a piece of the lake, but most of it still lies on Italian territory. It is convenient to get to the lake from Milan, from which it is only 85 km. Trains run directly from Milano Central station to Stresa station, the journey takes 1 hour. Upon arrival from Milan, we were fascinated by the beauty of the area - a picturesque greenish-blue lake, shrouded in lush fragrant vegetation and carefully surrounded by mountains. Sometimes the shores of the lake and the mountains are covered with a translucent haze, as if intending to hide its priceless treasures, and sometimes all the brightness and diversity are generously revealed to the eye.
Details Elvi Usmanova January 30, 2019 Como
Lake Como is one of the most beautiful places not only in Italy but also in the world. How to get to Lake Como? When is the best time to go? What to see in one or two days? Is it true that only millionaires rest here? Where is the best place to stay? How much does food cost? These and many other questions are of interest to tourists who are going to Lombardy for the first time.
This review gives only the first idea about the rest on Lake Como. The places and cities that I give here can be visited in a one-two-day trip.
But besides this, there are many more interesting cities, places, villas, so it’s quite possible to spend a week, a month, and a lifetime here. Here everyone can choose a place to their taste - more secluded or in a crowd of like-minded people, closer to the water or on the slopes of the mountains, from where a breathtaking view of the surroundings opens.
First of all, I will dispel the stereotype that Como is a “lake of millionaires”. True, Madonna, George Clooney (his Oleandra villa is located in Laglio, on Via Vecchia Regina 20, but he rarely comes here), Sylvester Stallone, the Versace family and others have villas here.
On the roads, brand new Lamborghini, Ferrari and Maserati are seen every now and then. However, there is no excessive pretentiousness. And along with rich and well-maintained houses, there are many neglected ones, whose owners do not have money to maintain the luxurious property inherited in order, but they cannot sell it either.
The bulk of vacationers are the most ordinary citizens, both Italians and foreigners, with the most ordinary incomes for Europe. Someone comes for a day from Milan or Bergamo, someone rents an apartment for a week or two.
And there are many cafes, restaurants, hotels with quite usual prices for Italy. Pizza costs from 8 €, soup - from 5 €, espresso will cost from 90 cents - it's even cheaper than in Verona or Bergamo, not to mention quite expensive Milan.
When to go
Best time on Como - from the beginning of April to the end of May(Azaleas bloom) and from late September to early November(leaves begin to turn red from the end of October).
In July and August it is hot, stuffy, and there are a lot of vacationers, there are queues everywhere - at the box office for tickets to villas and ferries, to restaurants and cafes. Housing and food prices are on the rise. From the end of December to the end of February on the lake - dead Season, many restaurants and hotels are closed. There are supermarkets and catering establishments for locals - Italians love to spend time in restaurants.
How to get there
Closest to the lake airports- Milan Malpensa and Milan Bergamo. The planes of the Rossiya, Pobeda and other airlines fly here. For example, in February 2019, a St. Petersburg-Milan ticket costs 4.6 thousand rubles (without luggage). Budget planes Ryanair and EasyJet fly from Tallinn to Milan Malpensa and Milan Bergamo airports. A round trip flight in May 2017 cost 90 €.
What's next, how to get to Lake Como? From Milan(train station Milano Centrale) it is convenient to take the train to the city of Como (journey time - 35 minutes, ticket costs 4.80 €). You can spend the whole day in this city or go further to the central part of the lake by boat or - a cheaper option - by bus. Electric trains do not run on the western shore of Lake Como.
Another option is to drive from Milan (Milano Centrale) by east coast to Varenna (Varenna-Esino). Travel time is 1 hour, a one-way ticket costs 6.70 €.
From Milan Malpensa Airport(terminal 2) you can also take a train with a change to the city center of Como (como Nord Lago arrival station). The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.
From Bergamo by direct train you can get to the city of Lecco, and then transfer to the train to Varenna. Travel time with a change is 1 hour 15 minutes, the ticket costs 5.50 €. But getting to the city of Como from Bergamo without a car is not convenient. The schedule can be viewed on the Trenitalia website.
How to plan a route
The central part of the lake is considered the most beautiful: it is worth visiting the small authentic Italian cities Varenna - Bellagio - Menaggio, as well as at least three villas - Melzi in Bellagio, Carlotta in Tremezzo and Balbianello in Lenno.
Moving from city to city is quite easy, so all these sights can be seen in one or two days. Moreover, it is difficult to answer the question of which villa to see first of all - they are all beautiful in their own way.
The trip from Varenna to Bellagio is worth 4,60 € one way, the farthest route - from Como to Colico - 12,60 € . If you plan to make many stops along the way, then it is more profitable to take a subscription for a day, a week or a month. The main thing to remember is which boat you are traveling on - the carriers differ in color.
Como or Garda: where to go
Difficult question, since both lakes are very beautiful. I would recommend choosing based on your itinerary and goals. Here are some differences in recreation on these lakes.
- From Venice and Verona it is faster to get to Garda, from Milan and Bergamo - to Como.
- Feature of Como - villas with beautiful gardens, it is considered the most photogenic. On Garda there are many Castello (these are castles-fortresses), archaeological zones with the remains of Roman buildings, in the south of the lake there are baths (pools with water from hot springs).
- If you want to see movie stars, then Como is the place to go. Many celebrities have bought villas here, but rarely appear.
- Prices are slightly lower on Garda than on Como.
- During the season, Garda has more crowds than Como.
Where to stay in Como
Of course, cheap rooms in hotels and guest houses should be looked for many months in advance. IN northern part of the lake and in not very popular tourist places, such as Griante (3 km from Villa Carlotta), prices are lower.
So, a cozy double room with a separate entrance, private bathroom and kitchen in guest house Casa Pini in Griante in May cost 62 € per day, in summer it costs more. Breakfast is not included, we cooked ourselves. The kitchen had two kinds of ground coffee, olive oil, sugar, spaghetti and bottled water. Grocery was bought nearby in the supermarket.
About shops it is better to ask the locals, as those located on the waterfront or in the city center have high prices. BUT locals they send them to those shops and supermarkets that they go to themselves, they are not easy to find without a hint.
Is it possible to swim and what else to do
Lake Como is rarely seen as a place exclusively for beach holiday(for this it is better to go to Garda, and ideally to the sea), but you can swim here. Entrance to organized beaches with sunbeds from 4 €, they can be recognized by the Lido sign.
There are also small wild beaches, most often stony or grassy. bathing season - from early June to early September. The lake is deep, the current is strong, the water warms up slowly.
Even if you are traveling by car, be sure to plan a trip on a tourist boat or ferry - the villas and towns are especially beautiful from the water. To do this, stock up on warm clothes - it’s cool on the water even in warm weather. May Days. If it is quite cold, you can look at the beauty from the closed part of the boat.
There are perch in the lake (a popular local dish is risotto with perch fillet), rudd, carps and others. For fishing, you need to obtain a license Licenza di Pesca (it costs 16 €, pay at any post office).
So, six of the most beautiful places to visit on Lake Como, + bonus
1. City of Como
The city of Como (84 thousand inhabitants) is considered one of the most beautiful in Lombardy. And this is absolutely true, only it is always crowded with tourists. I recommend taking at least a day to inspect it and climb up in Brunate
As I already wrote, it is not at all difficult to get to the city of Como from Milan. From here the boats go further, to the picturesque central part lakes, and many plan to see the city of Como, and then go further, all in one day.
This is not a very good plan. Must or watch city of Como + Brunate(as a maximum, Cernobbio), or, getting off the train, immediately go by boat to the villas that you want to see. Otherwise, one running around and hassle.
What to do in Como? Go to beautiful cathedral Duomo (open from 07:30 to 20:00), walk along the long promenade, go to the museum of the founder of the doctrine of electricity Alessandro Volta (entrance 2 €), ask the price of local products in a small market, go shopping ... And, of course , climb to Brunate and admire all this beauty from above.
Climbing in Brunate
From Como you can take the funicular (from Piazza Cavour to the right) climb to Brunate, a tiny town on the mountainside surrounding Lake Como. There are usually a lot of people on the funicular, but the queue goes quickly. The funicular operates from 6:00 to 22:30. A ticket in 2019 costs 3 € one way, 5.5 € round trip, the climb to a height of 715 meters lasts 7 minutes.
The views from Brunate are great and you can see the city of Como and the lake. You can take a leisurely walk along the path (if you are standing at the upper funicular station facing the lake, go to the right) along the villas surrounded by gardens. Or climb even higher to the Volta lighthouse - it offers even more stunning views. But the lighthouse is open only in the warm season, and the road to it is beautiful, but rather steep, it takes about 30 minutes to walk.
There are also several restaurants and cafes in Brunate. And to be even more inspired by this beauty, you can even climb from Como to Brunate on foot - lay about 2 hours for this.
2. Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo)
One of the most beautiful villas is Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. It was built in 1690 for the Milanese banker Giorgio Clerici.
The villa has an Italian garden with sculptures and fountains. There are several sculptures and bas-reliefs, paintings in the halls, and on the top floor - the original furniture of the last owners. In many halls, beautiful paintings on the ceiling have been preserved. The balcony offers great views of the lake and Bellagio.
The luxurious garden occupies about 8 hectares, there are about 600 species of plants. He is especially handsome during the flowering of azaleas and rhododendrons –from the beginning of April to the middle of May. Very nice in the garden mid October to early November when the leaves start to turn red.
In the summer - in July-August - there are few flowering plants, there are a lot of visitors (and queues at the box office), so if you are very limited in time and budget, then at this time you can admire it from the ship.
You can plan a visit here both for a few hours and for the whole day. Near the villa there are restaurants and cafes (there is nowhere to eat on the territory of the villa).
Ticket in 2019 is worth 10 € (includes visiting the villa and garden), children under 6 years old - free of charge, student discounts. The ticket is valid for the whole day (you can repeatedly enter the territory of the villa). At the box office, when buying a ticket, they give a booklet with a plan of the garden (including in Russian).
Time and opening hours in 2019:
from March 22 to September 29 - from 9:00 to 19:30,
from September 30 to October 27 - from 9:30 to 18:30.
from October 28 to November 3 - from 10:00 to 17:00.
Villa and garden are closed during winter(exception - December 6-8, from 10:00 to 17:00). The box office closes an hour early.
3. City of Bellagio
Bellagio is the most beautiful and one of the most visited towns on Lake Como. At first glance, it seems that he is on an island. But this is the same cape that divides the lake into two arms.
You can get here by boat from Varenna, Menaggio and others, as well as by bus from the city of Como - it will come out cheaper, but not so romantic.
The city is cute, authentic, pleasant to visit at any time of the year, although the best - from April to the end of October. Bellagio has many hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops. Here you can walk along the narrow streets going up the slope, admire the churches, meditate along the embankment.
Along the shores of Cape Bellagio there are many old houses surrounded by parks and gardens. IN good weather must visit Villa Melzi- without it, Bellagio is not Bellagio, and if there is time and money, then Villa Serbellon And. Now a little more about these two villas.
Villa Mielci garden
In Bellagio, you should definitely visit the garden of Villa Melzi (villa Melzi d "Eril). The building of the villa is privately owned and closed to visitors. From the pier, you need to walk from the city along the coast for about 1 km, the signs are clearly visible.
The villa was built in the neoclassical style in 1810 by order of the Vice-President of the Italian Republic Francesco Melzi d "Eril, it took a few more years to lay out the garden. The multi-level garden is laid out right on the lake. This is the first English (landscape) garden on Lake Como - here skillfully the natural landscape is involved, the illusion of naturalness is given to the landscape, and all the elements emphasize the integrity of the concept.
The garden is especially beautiful in April-May, when shrubs and trees are in bloom. Here about 60 plant species- cypresses, camellias, gingko, elms, cedars, elephant palm, bamboo, etc. Egyptian, Etruscan and Roman sculptures look organically surrounded by azaleas and rhododendrons. The Japanese garden is beautiful: a tiny lake with goldfish, a maple that pleases with red leaves in spring, a bridge with wrought iron railings. The famous composer Franz Liszt liked to visit the villa, here he composed the Dante Sonata.
There are many benches in the garden, there are gazebos, a free toilet. There is no cafe or restaurant. If you go through the whole garden, then at the end, already outside the territory of the villa, there will be a small free beach.
Villa Melzi is open from March 24 to October 31. Opening hours: from 9:30 to 18:30. One day ticket is worth 6,50 € , for two days - 8 € , valid during the day (you can repeatedly enter the garden). Children under 12 are free.
Villa Serbelloni
Another famous villa in the city of Bellagio - Serbelloni - is located near the pier, you have to walk 200 meters along the coast to the left (if you stand with your back to the water). This villa is clearly visible from the water when you go by boat.
Now here is the most expensive hotel in Como Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni(from 500 € per day), alas, you can only get to the territory of the garden with a guide as part of a group.
And you can do it like this: excursions are held from March 17 to November 5 every day, except Monday. Duration about 1.5 hours, cost 9 €, start at 11:00 and 15:30 from the tourist office Promobellagio on the street Piazza della Chiesa 14, tel. +39 031 951555. Information should be clarified on the official website Promobellagio, because sometimes the time of the second excursion changes. There are no tours in bad weather!
4. Villa Balbianello (city of Lenno)
Villa Balbianello is located on a promontory in the town of Lenno. This is very beautiful place with great views, charming park. When planning your itinerary, keep in mind that the villa (and the garden too!) is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays
Lenno can be reached by bus C10 or by boat, and the villa itself can be reached on foot (about 1 km, follow the green signs) or by water taxi from Lido Lenno. The entire villa can only be seen from the water (it is surrounded by a lake on three sides), so it’s worth taking a boat ride at least one way.
The villa was built in 1787 for Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, then changed owners several times. You can walk around the garden on your own, and the villa is only allowed to be visited with a guided tour, which lasts about an hour (in Italian and English).
The guide will show the secret doors and passages, tell about the collections of its last owner, Count Guido Monzino (1928-1988), who for many years headed the large Standa chain of stores, and then devoted his life to traveling, organized and led several serious expeditions, including the first Italian expedition to Everest.
Now the villa belongs to the National Fund of Italy, which makes money by holding weddings, corporate events on its territory, and rents out space for filming films and advertising. For example, in May 2018, the wedding of Finnish figure skater Kiira Korpi and Italian manager Artur Borges took place here.
A number of cult films were filmed at the villa: A Month by the Lake (1995), Star Wars. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) (Aniken Skywalker and Princess Amidala got married on the balcony of this villa), Casino Royale (2006) and others. Photo shoots for Vogue magazine are held here.
The villa is open from mid-March to mid-November, from 10:00 to 18:00.
Days off are Monday and Wednesday. Entrance to the garden closes at 17:15, to the villa - 16:30.
A ticket to visit the garden costs 10 €, to visit the garden and the villa - 20 € if booked in advance 14 € . There are booklets, including in Russian. More information can be found on the Villa Balbianello website.
5. City of Varenna
Tiny - there are about 900 inhabitants, but very nice Varenna is conveniently accessible from both Bergamo (by train with a change in Lecco) and from Milan (from the central station by train in the direction of Sondrio / Tirano)
Varenna is very quiet place, most visitors come here to relax by the lake. The marina is next to the Olivedo Hotel (less than 10 minutes walk from the train).
Lake Como must be seen at least once from a height, and best of all just at the junction of its arms. There is such an opportunity, for example, in Varenna - you need to climb to Castello di Visio ( Castello di Vezio) - the ruins of a medieval fortification.
Climbing a steep stone path, it is quite difficult to walk in the heat. Now there is a farm in the fortress where hawks, falcons and other birds are bred. Entrance is paid, it costs 4 €. If you plan to climb the mountains somewhere else, then the fortress can be skipped. Castello di Vezio has an official website.
Villa Monastero
Villa Monastero is a must-see for lovers of botanical gardens, long walks and beautiful views. Until 1567 there was a monastery here - hence the name of the villa. In the XVII century the villa was almost completely rebuilt.
The garden, which stretches along the coast for almost 2 km, is a little run down, but this adds to its charm. There are many roses, citrus, coniferous trees - more than 1 thousand plant species.
In July and August during the day it is very hot in the garden and there is practically nowhere to hide from the scorching sun. In the house - paintings, furniture made of expensive wood, household items made of marble. Conferences are held at the villa.
Monastero is open daily from March to November. The rest of the time it is closed or open on Sundays.
Opening hours in May-August - from 9:30 to 19, in other months it opens a little later and closes a little earlier. A ticket to the garden costs 5 euros, to the garden and to the villa building - 8 €. Information can be clarified on the official website of Villa Monastero.
Villa Cipressi
Next to Monastero is another beautiful villa Cipressi ( Villa Cipressi). Do not pass by - there is only a hotel sign and no announcement that you can visit the garden. The villa buildings were built between 1400 and 1800.
Luxurious multi-tiered garden of this villa descends to the very water. The garden is very compact and it does not take much time to explore it. The entrance to the garden is 4 € - pay at the hotel reception.
6. City of Menaggio
Menaggio, which is 5 km from Villa Carlotta, is a very pleasant town for a leisurely holiday. We especially liked the elegant promenade, which is considered one of the most beautiful
The old part of Menaggio perfectly preserved its medieval appearance. In a small cozy square Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi there is an information office, there are also several cafes, gelateria (gelato - ice cream, but less fat and sweeter than we are used to) and restaurants.
On Via Calvi, which departs from the square, there are many small shops with souvenirs, local goods (shoes, clothes and home accessories). At the end of the street is the church of St. Stephen (Chiesa di San Stefano), built in the 17th century. It is her pink bell tower that is clearly visible when you approach Menaggio on a boat.
The embankment stretches from Piazza Garibaldi for almost 1 km. In the end - Lido di Mennagio(entrance 5 € ), a beach holiday complex with a restaurant, sunbeds, playgrounds, two swimming pools (swimming is allowed only in a cap, it costs 3 €).
There are many more in the city interesting places, you can learn more about them on the official Menaggio tourist website. You can get to Menaggio by bus from the city of Como, by boat from Como, Varenna and other towns.
Bonus for those who read to the end
Griante, lookout
If you pass through Griante(1.5 km from Villa Carlotta, 3 km from Menaggio), there is a place on the mountain worth visiting. It was recommended to us by the hostess. This St. Martin's Church (Chiesa di San Martino), which stands on the side of a mountain.
From here one of the most amazing views of the lake opens. In Griant you have to go up to Centro Historico(10-15 minutes walk from the lake), and then follow the path with signs to Chiesa di San Martino.
The rise takes from 30 to 50 minutes, depending on fitness. The best time is in the morning when there is absolutely no one here. In May-June, berries turn red along the road, which many people mistake for strawberries and try, they are edible, but completely tasteless. Is it a dyushinea, or Potentilla indica.
P.S. All the cities and villas that were discussed (except for the city of Como - this is a separate trip), I visited in two days. Tickets were bought on the spot.
1) By train from Bergamo to Varenna (short change in Lecco)
2) Varenna - Lenno (boat)
3) Inspection of old Lenno, looked from afar at Villa Balbianello (closed on Monday).
5) Inspection of Villa Carlotta - it took about 2 hours to walk around the garden and visit the villa itself. Azaleas and camellias also bloomed.
6) Walk from Carlotta to Griante (1.5 km). Overnight at the Casa Pini guesthouse in Griante.
2-day, May 17
1) In Griant we went up to the church of St. Martin. The road started next to the guest house. The whole ascent, descent and stops for photographing took 2 hours.
2) From Griante on foot to Menaggio (3 km), the road is not the most beautiful. Inspection of Menaggio.
3) We took the ferry to Bellagio. We looked at the city, visited the Villa Melzi.
4) From Bellagio by boat to Varenna. Inspection of Varenna, walk around Villa Monastero.
5) Varenna-Lecco (change) - Bergamo (on the last train).
