Enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains on your visit to Madesimo Valchiavenna Italy

Enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains on your visit to Madesimo Valchiavenna Italy. In the high valley of San Giacomo, Madesimo is the last town you get to leaving from Chiavenna, before you get to Spluga pass. (2113m). Today this village is a renowned holiday resort, offering a wide range of modern facilities, famous for mountain excursions and winter sports.

Enjoy the view of Lake Como on a clear night from Monte Bisbino Cernobbio

Enjoy the view of Lake Como on a clear night from Monte Bisbino Cernobbio. Lake Como, also known as Lario, is a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, Italy. It has an area of 146 km². It is the third largest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. At over 400 metres deep, it is one of the deepest lakes in Europe. Lake Como weather is generally mild. It is known for its Mediterranean-like climate where tropical and sub-tropical plants can grow year-round. A famous poet once said Lake Como is a reach man's retreat or a poor man's paradise. It has many villas and palaces, such as Villa Olmo, Villa Serbelloni, and Villa Carlotta which we have already featured in past blogs.

Experience the Piazza Del Duomo during your visit to Milan Italy

Experience the Piazza Del Duomo during your visit to Milan Italy. Piazza del Duomo is the main piazza of Milan, Italy. It is named after the Milan Cathedral. The piazza marks the center of the city, both in a geographic sense and because of its importance from an artistic, cultural, and social point of view. The piazza includes some of the most important buildings of Milan, such a the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II as well some of the most prestigious commercial activities, and it is by far the busiest tourist attraction of the city.

Visit Lake Azzurro in San Giacomo Valley on your visit to Madesimo Valchiavenna Italy

Visit Lake Azzurro in San Giacomo Valley on your visit to Madesimo Valchiavenna Italy.

Visit Lake Azzuro in Madesimo Italy.

Visit Madesimo Province of Sondrio Valchiavenna 110km north of Milan Italy

Visit Madesimo Province of Sondrio Valchiavenna 110km north of Milan Italy. very popular Ski Resort just north of Lake Como. Madesimo, Italy is a small ski resort town with big visitor appeal. Located in the Italian lakes of Northern Italy, right on the border of Switzerland, the resort is at an altitude of 1550 meters, and its highest lift goes to 2880 meters. The great advantage of altitude ensures that the resort can keep all of its 29 downhill pistes open throughout the season and the views from this high altitude are simply spectacular to say the least.

Visit Pigra Cable Car in Argegno Lake Como Italy

Visit Pigra Cable Car in srgegno Lake Como Italy. This cable car is a lovely way to get up to the village of Pigra. Using the Pigra cable car, you'll quickly reach the 16th century San Rocco oratory and some of the most breathtaking views you're ever likely to see. There is a historic town centre, beautiful walks and time passes quite quickly as you are in a world of your owTARIFFE: Ordinario corsa semplice: 2.90 € Ordinario andata e ritorno: 3.90 € Ridotto (sotto 12 anni) corsa semplice: 1.70 € Ridotto (sotto 12 anni) andata e ritorno: 2.40 € BICICLETTE (al seguito dell’utente): 3.90 € Tessera 10 corse: 14.60 € CARATTERISTICHE TECNICHE DELL'IMPIANTO Lunghezza orizzontale della linea 923,7 m Lunghezza corde geometriche singole campate 1132,5 Dislivello fra gli appoggi estremi delle funi portanti 653,25 Pendenza media della linea 71 % Portata oraria in ciascun senso 180 persone Capienza di ciascuna delle due vetture 12 persone Velocità delle vetture 5 m/sec con motore principale 2.6 m/sec con motore di recupero Velocità prevista della vetturetta di soccorso 2 m/sec Scartamento delle funi in linea e nella stazione motrice 5.5 m Numero sostegni di linea in acciaio 2 Potenza max richiesta al motore principale 80 kW Potenza max richiesta al motore di recupero 55 kW Diametro funi portanti tipo Ercole 38 mm Diametro fune traente (Seale 114 fili) 19 mm Diametro fune zavorra (Seale 114 fili) 16 mm Diametro fune soccorso (Warrington 114 fili) 14 mm

Visit the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan Lombardy Italy

Visit the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a double arcade in the center of Milan, Italy. The structure is formed by two glass-vaulted arcades intersecting in an octagon covering the street connecting Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala. The Galleria is named after Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of the Kingdom of Italy. It was originally designed in 1861 and built by Giuseppe Mengoni between 1865 and 1877. The street is covered by an arching glass and cast iron roof, a popular design for nineteenth-century arcades. The central octagonal space is topped with a glass dome. It has inspired the use of the term galleria for many other shopping arcades and malls. In the central mosaic there is a depiction of the bull from Turin Coat of Arms. The tradition tells that if a person put its right heel on the bull's genitals and turn on himself three times, this will bring good luck. This practice causes damage to the mosaic: a hole developed on the place of the bull's genitals. The Galleria connects two of Milan's most famous landmarks: The Duomo and the Teatro Alla Scala, but the Galleria is a landmark in its own right in Milan Lombardy Italy.

Visit to Olio Carli in Italy

Visit to Olio Carli in Italy. One of the finest Olive Oil producers in the north of Italy based in Imperia which is on the Italian Riviera near Ventimigla and only 40km away from Nice and Cannes. Fratelli Carli S.p.a Via Garessio 11/13 18100 Imperia Italia. Customer Service opening hours: • From Monday to Friday 7.30-11.30 am and 1.00-5.00 pm (UK local time) • Service suspended from the 4th to the 19th August included The "Emporio" shop opening hours: • From Monday to Saturday, from 8.30 am to 7 pm (Italian local time) • Closed on Sundays and holidays • Closed Wednesday 15th August Company’s guided tour visiting hours: • From Monday to Friday 9.00 - 9.45 - 10.30 - 11.15 am and 2.45 - 3.30 - 4.15 - 5.00 pm (Italian local time) • Saturday closed • Suspended from Friday 3rd August to Monday 27th August included

Visit the famous Duomo in the centre of Milan Italy

Visit the famous Duomo in the centre of Milan Italy. Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) is the cathedral church of Milan, Italy. Dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente, it is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan, currently Cardinal Angelo Scola. The Gothic cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete. It is the fourth largest cathedral in the world and the largest in the Italian state territory. Basic information Location Milan, Italy Geographic coordinates 45°27′51″N 9°11′29″ECoordinates: 45°27′51″N 9°11′29″E Affiliation Roman Catholic Architectural description Groundbreaking 1386 Completed 1965 Specifications Length 157 metres (515 ft) Width 92 metres (302 ft) Width (nave) 16.75 metres (55 ft) Height (max) 45 metres (148 ft) Dome height (outer) 65.5 metres (215 ft) Spire height 108.5 metres (356 ft) Materials Brick with Candoglia marble
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Visit Lake Como Italy Photograph of a floating House Boat balcony. This image has been taken during a walk from Sala Comacina to Ossuccio.

Visit Lake Como Italy Photograph of a floating House Boat balcony. This image has been taken during a walk from Sala Comacina to Ossuccio. You really need to go off the main road to explore this rare beauty of the Lakeside.

Italian Lakes Recommended Travel Guides

Italian Lakes Recommended Travel Guides.

Amazing View of Como from the top of Monte Bisbino 1325m above sea level, a must do for all walkers and cyclists

Amazing View of Como from the top of Monte Bisbino 1325m above sea level, a must do for all walkers and cyclists. Como City, situated on the banks of the lake, is encircled by enchanting hills and couldn't be easier to visit. Travelling from Milan to Como takes less than one hour by train and even less time by car. Today Como is a dynamic, business city with an important history in textile (mainly silk) manufacturing and trading. Due to this traditional textile industry the city is commonly referred to as the Silk Capital.

View from Monte Bisbino down to the neighbouring town of Moltrasio on the west shore of Lake Como

View from Monte Bisbino down to the neighbouring town of Moltrasio on the west shore of Lake Como. The village extends from the shore of the lake to the slopes of Monte Bisbino. It is famous throughout the area for its grey-coloured stone, which was even used by the Maestri Comacini in building. It is a village of ancient origins. During the building of the lake road, in 1910, a number of findings, dating back to pre-Roman times, were made. Furthermore, the remains of a path, built in Roman times, came to light while the cemetery was being extended. The village was struck by the plague in the sixteenth century and its population was decimated.

View of Villa d'Este, Commune of Rovenna, Monte Bisbino and Cernobbio, Province of Como

View of Villa d'Este, Commune of Rovenna, Monte Bisbino and Cernobbio, Province of Como. Leaving Como and taking the Via Regina which runs along the west shore of the lake, the first village on the way is Cernobbio, a famous residential centre on the edge of the lake and at the foot of Monte Bisbino. Famous for its villas and hotels, Cernobbio is also an important industrial centre. From the village there is a scenic route which leads to Monte Bisbino which is very popular for walks and cycling.

Villa d'Este, one of Italy's finest 5 Star Hotels in one of the most desirable places, Cernobbio, Province of Como and is a Member of the leading Hotels in the World.

Villa d'Este, one of Italy's finest 5 Star Hotels in one of the most desirable places, Cernobbio, Province of Como and is a Member of The Leading Hotels in the World. Villa d’Este is a formerly 16th century residence, set on the shores of Lake Como, only 50 minutes from Milano Malpensa Airport. The villa was originally built in 1568 and transformed into a luxury hotel in 1873. The hotel offers 152 rooms all different sizes and décor, featuring antique furniture and modern technology, incredible restaurants, sport facilities, a beauty center for wide selection of massages and beauty treatments and of course the highest standard of service. Villa D'Este Via Regina 40 Cernobbio (Lake Como), Italy

Villa Erba Museum and Exhibition Centre located in one of the most beautiful settings by the Lake in Cernobbio, Province of Como Italy. Home of the annual Villa d'Este Concorso d'Eleganza

Villa Erba Exhibition Centre in Cernobbio, Province of Como Italy. Villa Erba was built in the late nineteenth century and played host to numerous important people from the cultural, political and industrial worlds of their day. In the 1920s the villa passed to Carla Erba who became the wife of Duke Giuseppe Visconti of Modrone, and thus the mother of the renowned director Luchino Visconti, who lived in the villa. Address Villa Erba Exhibition Center Largo Luchino Visconti, 4 22012 Cernobbio (Como) - Italy Phone +39 031 3491

View from the Balcony of Villa Carlotta down to the very impressive entry into the garden of the marvellous property

View from the Balcony of Villa Carlotta down to the very impressive entry into the garden of the marvellous property. The gardens of Villa Carlotta chiefly owe their reputation to the rhododendrons' and azaleas' spring flowering, consisting of over 150 different sorts. But the gardens are worth to visit in every period of the year: old varieties of camellias, century old cedars and sequoias, huge planes and tropical plants, the Rock garden and the Ferns valley, the Rhododendrons wood and the Bamboos garden, the agricultural tools museum and the wonderful views on the lake built in the ages the celebrity of this place, still today consider "a place of heaven".

Stunning View of the garden within the Grounds of Villa Carlotta considered a "slice of heaven".

Stunning View of the garden within the Grounds of Villa Carlotta. The soil's fertility, due to a particularly acid sediment left by ancient glaciers, allows an astonishing spring flowering of more than 150 varieties of Rhododendrons and Azaleas. However any time of the year is perfect and worth a visit: in one of the itineraries, among ancient species of Camellias, Citrons and Sequoias and exotic essences amazing meeting follow one another: the rocky garden, the valley of ferns, the rhododendrons, the bamboo garden, the museum of agricultural tools and mesmerizing views that justify the international fame of this place, from the XIX century considered a "slice of heaven".

View from Villa Carlotta of Bellagio. Villa Carlotta is a unique place of rare beauty with stunning gardens and sculptures.

View from Villa Carlotta of Bellagio. Villa Carlotta is a unique place of rare beauty with stunning gardens and sculptures. This splendid residence was commissioned at the end of the XVII century by the Marquis Giorgio Clerici: an imposing but solid building, surrounded by a marvellous Italian style garden with statues, flights of steps and fountains. It was built into a natural depression between Lake Como and the Mountains, in front of a breathtaking landscape on the dolomitic Grigne and Bellagio's peninsula. Villa Carlotta can be visited: From 15 March and all October long open daily 9.00 am - 4.30 pm (the building will be closed from 12.00 to 2 pm) From April until September open daily 9.00 am - 6.00 pm Ticket prices Adults: €8,00 Seniors (over 65): €4,00 Students: €4,00 Children (under 6): free entrance How to reach Villa Carlotta... By car: Highway A9 Milano - Laghi from Milan to Chiasso/Switzerland, exit Como Nord, then follow the indication for Menaggio- Tremezzo (Street n. 340). Tremezzo is about 30 km from Como. By bus: Every hour from Como, St Agostino square, direction Menaggio-Colico, stop at Tremezzo. By boat: From Bellagio and Varenna, about every 20 minutes (also with car on board). From Como, about every hour.

View from Bellagio across the lake of Villa Carlotta and Grand Hotel Tremezzo.

View from Bellagio across the lake of Villa Carlotta and Grand Hotel Tremezzo, both located in Tremezzo. Tremezzo is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Lake Como, situated on the western shore of Lario, just in front of Bellagio, with a stunning view of the central basin and the Grigne. Since 1947, the village, along with Lenno and Mezzegra, has become part of a unique commune, known as Tremezzina. The marvellous villas and huge hotels have made Tremezzo an international tourism landmark.

View from Bellagio Town Centre to the lake through the narrow cobble stone streets that make Bellagio so popular

View from Bellagio Town Centre to the Lake through the narrow cobble stone streets that make Bellagio so popular. Bellagio is accessible by narrow and windy roads from Como and Lecco. It is much safer to drive from Como up to Cadenabbia and use the reasonably priced car ferry for the quick trip across to Bellagio. The road from Como up the eastern side of the left leg of the lake is very narrow and windy. Public buses run daily from Como to Bellagio. An alternative could be to follow the four lane road on the eastern shore of the right leg of the lake, travel to Varenna and get on the ferry to Bellagio. A luxuriance of trees and flowers is favoured by a mild and sweet climate. The medium temperature during winter is never below 6-7 C°, while during summer it is around 25-30 C°, mitigated during the afternoon by the characteristic breva, the gentle breeze of the Lake Como.

Photograph of Bellagio, the pearl of Lake Como famous for its setting at the intersection of the three branches of the Y-shaped Lake

Photograph of Bellagio, the pearl of Lake Como famous for its setting at the intersection of the three branches of the Y-shaped Lake. Bellagio is situated at the tip of the peninsula separating the lake's two southern arms, with the Alps visible across the lake to the north. Bellagio called also "the pearl of Lake Como" was already famous in Roman times. Its beautiful and strategically important position has written its history.

Villa Balbianello is located on the tip of a small wooden Peninsula not far from Isola Comacina

Villa Balbianello is located on the tip of a small wooden Peninsula not far from Isola Comacina. Villa Del Balbianello is situated at Lenno at the far end of the peninsula Lavedo. The peninsula is covered with woods and reaches far into the lake . Thanks to its unique position, the view from the villa is splendid. Cardinal Angelo Durini had it built in 1787, where there was a small Franciscan monastery. The complex is formed by two square constructions and a loggia with a wonderful view of the gulfs of "Venere" and "Diana". The Villa has a delightful landingstage from where a flight of steps leads up to the garden. The garden's structure follows the natural from of the terrain. At some points there are steep rocks, that from terraces at various heights where lawns, hedges, cypresses and chesnuts succeed each other. After the death of Cardinal Durini the villa was sold to Giuseppe Arconati Visconti. He enriched the garden and the loggia. Aftern a period of neglect, the villa was bought, just after the fist World War, by the American general Butler Amos. He renovated the whole complex. After His death the property was bought with his collection of artpieces and reminders of his explorations to the villa. In 1988 the count left the Villa to the FAI, the Italian National Trust. OPENING TIMES: (the visit only includes the gardens; guided visit of the villa has to be requested) April - October: every day expect Monday and Wednesday 10.00-12.30 / 15.30 - 18.30. ACCESS: Every Tuesday , Saturday, Sun- and holiday you can reach the villa by foot from Lenno, from the boat landing stage approx. 800 m. On the other days the villa can only be reached over the water from the landing stage at Sala Comacina. At 9.45 and at 15.15 there is a motor boat every 30 Min. tel. 0344/56110

Villa Balbianello. The arguably most beautiful Villa on Lake Como Italy.

Villa del Balbianello. The arguably most beautiful Villa on Lake Como Italy. The Villa del Balbianello is a villa in the comune of Lenno (province of Como), Italy, overlooking Lake Como. It is located on the tip of a small wooded peninsula on the western shore of the south-west branch of Lake Como, not far from the Isola Comacina and is famous for its elaborate terraced gardens. The villa was built in 1787 on the site of a Franciscan monastery for the Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini. The two towers which can be seen in the picture are the campanili of the convent church. After the cardinal’s death in 1796 Giuseppe Arconati Visconti bought the villa and made improvements to its gardens and the loggia. In the nineteenth century the villa belonged to the Porro-Lambertenghi family. The writer and patriot Silvio Pellico was a visitor in 1819. By the early twentieth century the buildings had fallen into a state of neglect when an American military officer, Butler Ames, purchased and renovated the villa and its garden. In 1974 it was bought by the explorer Guido Monzino (leader of the first Italian expedition to climb Mount Everest), who filled it with rich collections, including artifacts acquired on his expeditions. Monzino, who died in 1988, left the villa to the Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano, the National Trust of Italy. Its grounds now form part of the Grandi Giardini Italiani. [edit]Film appearances A number of feature films have used the villa for location shooting, including A Month by the Lake (1995), Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones (2002), and Casino Royale (2006). Via Comoedia 5 22016 Lenno, Italy Tel. 0344 56110 Opening times - Mid March to mid November. Daily except Monday and Wednesday. Open 10am to 6pm.

View onto the Lake from Argegno just of the shore of Isola Comacina on Lake Como Italy

View onto the Lake from Argegno just of the shore of Isola Comacina on Lake Como Italy. the spot where we have taken this photo has a very good Locanda called St. Anna and also a Restaurant/Hotel called La Griglia. Both are excellent and worth a visit, espcially for Sunday Lunch. La Griglia is a comfortable country hotel, surrounded by green hills and close to Lake Como. Located on the road to Schignano, the hotel is near the Saint Anne Sanctuary. Enjoy a classic northern Italy countryside holiday, exploring the enchanting area and retreating at La Griglia, renewed in 2005. The hotel provides pleasant rooms equipped with all comforts and served by a lift. Relax in the cosy reading room, and delight on the typical cuisine served in the garden (during summer) and featuring homemade pastries and sweets, a variety of grilled meats, mushrooms and game, and traditional lake dishes. La Griglia also offers a well-stocked cellar of wines and a good selection of spirits. Hotel Rooms: 11 La Griglia sas di Martinelli Lino e C.- Localita' S. Anna di Argegno (CO) tel 031821147 fax 031821562 email info@lagriglia.it

Photograph of Benvenuto Puricelli the current owner of the Locanda Della Comacina on Lake Como Italy

Photograph of Benvenuto Puricelli the current owner of the Locanda Della Comacina on Lake Como Italy. A history which goes back for centuries. The real importance of the Isola Comacina starts in the year 569 when the Lombards invaded Italy subtracting it to the control of the Byzantine Empire. All of Italy? No. On the Isola Comacina General Francione defends the Empire for about ten years. In this time, the small island is covered with houses, churches and fortifications and is called Cristopolis as a British priest had brought the Holy Grail to the island. During the Middle Ages, the island increases its economic and political importance and starts to entertain friendly relations with Milan. In 1118, the legendary war between Como and Milan begins, with the island allied with Milan. In 1127, Como looses the war and the Isola Comacina became the biggest political center in the region. Como then rose again with the protection of the Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa. In 1169 the warriors of Como, with the help of Barbarossa, invaded the island resulting in carnage and destruction. The fortifications were demolished in order to not be rebuilt, churches are razed except one. Furthermore, the island was excommunicated by the bishop of Como Vidulfo: "The bells will not ring any more, no stone will be put upon stone, no one will ever host again someone on the island or he will die a violent death." Since then, nobody came back for centuries to build or live on the island. After the World War I, the island was given to the King of Belgium Albert I, who ordered the construction of houses for Artists. The construction of houses was interrupted by the sudden death of the King of Belgium. In 1947, regardless of the curse that hung on the island, Carlo Sacchi and Sandro De Col, contacted Lino Nessi proposing him to build a Restaurant on the island. Suddenly, Sandro De Col tragically lost his life in a speedboat accident and Carlo Sacchi was killed by his girlfriend. Lino Nessi, frustrated, was about to abandon the project, but the English writer Francis Dale suggests him the exorcism of fire. Since then, every time someone honors the table of the Locanda, the ritual of fire is hold. That's the reason for the flambeed Liqueuer Coffee you are about to enjoy on your visit to the most famous Locanda della Comacina on Isola Comacina, Lake Como Italy

Locanda della Comacina is situated in the most beautiful spot of the lake, it can be accessed via a taxi boat or just moore your own if you do.

Locanda della Comacina is situated in the most beautiful spot of the lake, it can be accessed via a taxi boat or just moore your own if you have one.The menu starts with a simple half tomato drizzled with olive oil, lemon juice and sprinkled with dried oregano, followed by a selection of 8 different Vegetables accompanied by air cured beef (Bresaola della Valtellina) and cooked and smoked ham "Prague" Style. The second course is a char grilled salmon trout simply dressed with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. The third course is a crushed oven cooked chicken on the bone accompanied by marinated salad. The fourth course consists of fresh Parmegiano Reggiano served directly into your hand to enjoy. The dessert is a spectacular Vanilla Ice Cream with fresh Orange slices and an orange liqueur. Finishing touches are applied through a Liqueur coffee with a difference where the host benvenuto flambees Brandy in a hot copper pot, then adding sugar and coffee. A final you should not miss. The wine is a D.O.C. and is included in the 65 Euro price tag. The Locanda dell'Isola Comacina is open every day in summer. It is closed on Tuesdays in spring and autumn, however the closing day may vary in case of special events. In winter the restaurant closes down from 1st November until beginning of March. Open for lunch and dinner 12:00 - 14:00 / 19:00 - 21:30 Reservations are recommended tel. ++39 0344 55083/56755 fax ++39 0344 57022

Visit Lake Como Italy Photograph of Lakeside vennel leading into the Lake in Sala Comacina

Visit lake Como Italy Photograph of Lakeside vennel leading into the Lake in Sala Comacina. We found this view by accident trying to find the Lido at Sala Comacina. The Lido means a private beach, in Sala Comacina there is a grassy area, but no sand with access to the lake if you wish to go for a swim.

Visit Lake Como Italy Photograph of Locanda Della Comacina, the only restaurant on the island

Visit Lake Como Italy Photograph of Locanda Della Comacina, the only restaurant on the island. The menu is set and has not changed since 1947 and the price as of June 2012 was 65 Euros per person.

Visit Lake Como Italy Photograph of Sala Comacina where the taxi boat leaves for the island of Comacina

Photograph of Sala Comacina where the taxi boat leaves for the island of Comacina. This is where my wife and I take the taxi boat to the island and the cost for this in June 2012 was 5 Euros return.
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Visit Lake Como Italy Photograph of Isola Comacina the only island on Lake Como Italy

Visit Lake Como Italy Photograph of Isola Comacina the only island on Lake Como, Italy.