Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Villa Melzi D'Eril
( 339 457 38 38;
www.giardinidivillamelzi.it
; Lungo Lario Manzoni; adult/child €6.50/4; 9.30am-6.30pm late
Mar-Oct)
Garden-lovers can stroll the grounds of neoclassical Villa Melzi d'Eril, built in
1808 for one of Napoleon's associates and coloured by flowering azaleas and rhododen-
drons in spring. The garden, adorned with scattered statues, was the first English-style
park on Lake Como. Other villas, closed to the public, are in this vicinity as well.
VILLA, GARDEN
Activities
Bellagio Water Sports
( 3403 94 93 75;
www.bellagiowatersports.com
)
Kayak tours (including to Villa Balbianello) and
rental are possible from this experienced outfit in Pescallo.
KAYAKING
Barindelli's
( 338 211 03 37;
www.barindellitaxiboats.com
; Piazza Mazzini; 1hr tour €140)
For a touch of George
Clooney glamour, consider taking a tour in one of Barindelli's slick, mahogany cigarette
boats. They offer hour-long sunset tours around the Bellagio headland, which are well
worth the cost for groups up to 12 people. They can also tailor-make outings around the
lake, or you could consider making a night of it and using it as a taxi service for a top-
class dinner.
BOAT TOUR
Courses
Bellagio Cooking Classes
( 333 786 00 90;
www.gustoitalianobellagio.com
; Salita Plinio 5; per person €60-75)
A wonderful way to
really get to know Bellagio, these cooking classes have a personal touch - they take you
to the local shops to buy the food and then local housewives lead the classes. Classes are
small (a miminum of two, maximum of five).
COOKING COURSE
Eating
There are loads of restaurants along the waterfront, but the best meals are to be had up in
the lanes climbing inland and further afield. Opening days of some places may be reduced
in the depths of winter.
