If George Clooney likes it, it must be good, right? In 2022, we decided to find out for ourselves. We used Milan as a base to travel out to Cinque Terre and then we returned to Milan to catch the train up to Lake Como, then a ferry, to reach the stunningly beautiful Bellagio – our home for the next 3 nights.
Our accommodation, San Giacomo Central apartment, was gorgeous, overlooking the town square next to the San Giacomo church, and right in the middle of the old Town. A few flights of stairs to climb to get to our room, but the views of the Lake and over the square were worth it! Bonus, that first night, we were spoilt with a performance by a local brass band in the town square – perfect balcony seating!
When researching Bellagio and Lake Como, I was a little bit in love with all the pictures of the lakeside restaurants, dining alfresco, under a canopy dripping in wisteria. So, first order of business was to book a table for dinner in one such lakeside restaurant.
After a stroll along the flower lined esplanade, we made our way to Villa Melzi. Although, you cannot tour inside the Villa, you can explore the beautiful gardens and grounds. There was a movie being filmed there when we visited, so some of the grounds had restricted access. Was hoping to see my old friend George on set, but alas, he must have been in his trailer
Lunch that day was at another beautiful lakeside restaurant…..living my wisteria dreams! Lunch was followed by a swim in a little beach…..when I say beach it was really just a stretch of pebbles to lay a towel, but the weather was very hot that day, so was lovely to cool off.
We caught the ferry over to the village of Varenna to have a look around and visit another Villa, Villa Monastero….. stunning! You are able to tour the grounds and the interior of this Villa….take your time, lots of photo opportunities at this place!
Varenna was a pretty town, we had a walk around and a light lunch, but the weather wasn’t the best that day, so we didn’t linger.
Back onto the ferry and back to Bellagio for a spot of shopping and checking out menus to decide that nights’ dinner location. Literally, every corner you turn in Bellagio has postcard perfect views.
I am glad we got to have a taste of Lake Como, and in 3 days, it was only a taste, but I liked it. I think if traveling there again in summer, I would like to explore out of the towns a bit, go further afield and find quiet little swimming spots – there wasn’t a lot of swimming options in and around the town.
George managed to elude me, but we did sail past his residence! Next time George….. I know where you live!
