Lake Como, also known as Lario, is the third largest of the Italian lakes and also one of the deepest lakes in Europe, an hour drive from Milan. Primly located at the foot of the Alps, Lake Como provides one of the most picturesque sceneries globally. The latest years, it has attracted great publicity, due to the ownership in the area of a villa by actor George Clooney and due to the filming of parts of the 2006 Bond movie ‘Casino Royale’ and other Hollywood films such as ‘Star Wars’.
Como’s mountain-backed shores create a one of a kind setting. Wander around ancient paths that will lead you to attractive villages where many of the historic palaces open their rooms and gardens for public viewing. Historic villages are framed by the magnificent backdrop of the Italian and Swiss Alps to create a small piece of paradise.
Bellagio is the most touristy village, offers a palette of vibrant restaurants and bars as well as local boutiques of high fashion. Explore the quaint villages of Grisdale taking the cable car from Argegno to Pigra, a small hillside town with amazing views of the lake and the mountains beyond. The small town of Cadenabbia is of great photographic interest, set on the side of Monte Crocione with great views of the Alps. Lenno, set along the water offers long strolls along its several scenic walking paths. It's also ideal for sunbathing and dining. For more peace and quiet, choose Lezzeno, another lakefront village.
Lake Como is not only a place of unique natural beauty; it also offers a handful of fun activities to its visitors such as boating, paddleboarding, jet skiing and kayaking.
Lombardy is located in northern Italy and has Milan as its capital which is a global hub of fashion and finance, with various high-end shops and exquisite restaurants. Its Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral is one of the most imposing masterpieces of Italy and Santa Maria Delle Grazie convent is housing Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of “The Last Supper,” a testimony of centuries of art and culture. North of Milan, famous Lake Como is an upscale alpine resort with breathtaking scenery.
The region of Lombardy shares a border with Switzerland. Stretching from the Alps to the lowlands of the Po Valley, it features diversity in landscape, including the breathtaking mountain chain that boasts the Valchiavenna, Valtellina and the Camonica Valley. So if you are a ski or winter sports lover, you are spot on! Lombardia combines the unique character of Italy with some northern influences, being a winter sports paradise with its extremely popular resorts of Tonale, Bormio, Livigno and Madesimo.
Another aspect that defines the region is its wine production of the Franciacorta area. Also the charm of the great lakes such as Lake Garda, famous Lake Como and Lake Maggiore framed by stately homes, parks and picturesque small towns. The region of Lombardy comprises the provinces of Bergamo, Brescia, Como, Cremona, Lecco, Lodi, Mantua, Milan (regional capital), Monza and Brianza, Pavia, Sondrio and Varese.
The birthplace of the Roman Empire and Renaissance, Italy, showcases many of the world’s greatest artworks, architectural buildings and over the top gastronomical proposals. This is the country where the word “style” expresses the whole nation. Italy has more Unesco World Heritage cultural sites than any other country; among them are Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera, Michelangelo’s David and Sistine Chapel and da Vinci’s The Last Supper.
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