Day 20: Bellagio, Villa del Balbianello

Under a flawless blue sky and 28°C warmth, we began our day at Belagio's port, where we met our guide, Elena, and two other groups. Aboard a private wooden launch—a luxurious treat—we cruised Lake Como, passing elegant villas and circling Isola Comacina, the lake's sole island, steeped in Roman history and medieval ruins.

Disembarking at Villa del Balbianello, we explored its terraced gardens and the eclectic collections of explorer Guido Monzino, who, after leading Italy's first Everest expedition, filled the villa with artefacts from his travels before bequeathing it to the Italian National Trust. The villa's cinematic allure, featured in Casino Royale and Star Wars, was undeniable.

After strolling back to Lenno, we boarded a ferry to Bellagio. There, Elena led us to Enoteca Cava Turacciolo, a cosy trattoria nestled up a side street. Over local white and rosé wines, we savoured smoked and pickled lake fish, cured meats, cheeses, and a trio of mains: buckwheat tagliatelle with spinach, saffron risotto with sausage, and ricotta-stuffed ravioli.

Post-lunch, Elena guided us through Bellagio's quieter lanes to the opposite shore, revealing hidden corners of the peninsula. We parted ways as we entered the serene gardens of Villa Melzi, where we found respite in the shade.

Our day concluded with a refreshing shandy at a lakeside bar before catching the bus back to the campsite around 8:30 pm and prepared for tomorrow's journey to Como and onward to Lugano.もっと詳しく