Squeezing in a babymoon trip together with a business trip is so typically us. This time, during 25th and 26th week of pregnancy, we went to Europe for another bleisure (business-leasure) trip, and a stopover in Como is what the wife wished. Thank you Dennis for making this happen!
To reach the Lake Como area, we rented a car from Bergamo airport. It was a 1.5 hours drive, but during the drive we experienced a weird phenomenon that the road was icy for a kilometer or so. Apparently it was because of a hailstorm that happened before.
In Lake Como, we stayed at a little town called Brunate, a neighbouring town of Como (town), which is linked by a narrow, winding, steep road. Located on the top of the hill, our hotel had a wonderful view that we fell in love with.
Actually the main reason that we are in Como (ehem) was for Dennis’ sea plane course. Maybe he’ll write about that later in his PPL section. Since it didn’t take the whole day, we combined it with going around town around Lake Como. So, let’s stroll through the little town we visited, and I’ll highlight the visit!
COMO
The home of the sea plane club, perhaps the town that we spent most of our days at. Como is a town located at one end of Lake Como’s Y (see the map and you know what I mean). It was a less touristy town out of the rest of towns we visited in Como, but for sure it had a breathtaking scenery.
What to do:
– Stroll through the old town for a little shopping and eating
– Going around the lake to enjoy the scenery from War Memorial to Villa Olmo, and have a little picnic there
BELLAGIO
Bellagio is a charming little town, rich of history. It is located at the meeting point of 2 parts of Lake Como.
What to do:
– Go to the Ferry terminal as starting point of your Bellagio stroll, and take a walk along the small road towards the hill.
– Find small stores and indulge in some vintage findings
– We went here for a dinner, and the pizza (I got anchovy pizza!) was not a disappointment
VARENNA
Picturesque and romantic, no wonder so many people fell in love with Varenna. It is a small town, and everything seems to be within walking distance.
What to do:
– walk among the colorful houses that brighten the village and get to Riva Grande, the charming lake promenade of Varenna.
BRUNATE
Getting to Brunate by car is a little bit tricky from Como since the road is so narrow and steep. We were used to it after 2-3 days going back and forth there. One of the ways to reach the town is by funicular from Como.
What to do:
– Many people took the funicular and walked to the Volta lighthouse, however since our hotel was only 5 minutes from the lighthouse we didn’t go. Rest assured, the view would be breathtaking!
– One of our most memorable meals in Italy was in this restaurant next to our hotel: smoked mozzarella and anchovy, highly recommended!
BERGAMO
Our last stop in Italy was Bergamo, the city by the airport. Bergamo itself is a big city, and if you have only limited time before your flight, I will suggest you to skip it and go to the old town directly instead.
What to do:
– Park in the old town (they have dedicated parking space) and stroll around the area
– Stop by at Bergamo Cathedral and peek in, it has a breathtaking interior as well as exterior
And of course in Italy, don’t forget to indulge in some gelatos!
