Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Villa Melzi
Built in 1808 for Francesco Melzi d'Eril (1753-1816), Napoleon's advisor and VP
of the First Italian Republic, neoclassical
Villa Melzi
(
www.giardinidivillamelzi.it
;
Lungo
Lario Manzoni; adult/reduced €6/4; 9.30am-6.30pm Mar-Nov)
is one of the most elegant
villas on the lake. Situated in a peerless position, the lake laps the fringes of its
manicured lawns. The neoclassical temple is where Liszt came over all romantic
and composed his 1837 sonata dedicated to Dante and Beatrice.
Lake Tours
For a touch of Clooney-esque glamour, consider taking a tour of the lake in one of
cigarette boats. They offer hour-long sunset tours (€130 for up to 12 people)
around Bellagio's headland where you can view the splendour of Villa Serbelloni
from the water. They can tailor-make longer itineraries, complete with picnic
lunches.
Top Tips
›
The gardens are at their finest between March and May when the camellias, aza-
leas, orchids and rhododendrons bloom in profusion.
›
Book guided tours of the Villa Serbelloni gardens with
PromoBellagio
(
031 95 15
55;
www.bellagiolakecomo.com
; Piazza della Chiesa 14;
9.30am-1pm Mon, 9.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-4pm
Wed-Fri)
.
›
Sightseeing from Bellagio is super-easy. Consider the one-day central lake ticket,
which gives you unlimited travel to Varenna, Tremezzo and Cadenabbia for €12.
Take a Break
Break for a cappuccino under the arcades of Piazza Mazzini with the patrons of
century-old Bar Rossi (
Click here
).
