Surrounded by Alpine peaks and wooded hills, Lake Como (Lago di Como) is the most picturesque of Italy’s northern lakes. This leisurely one-day drive, which takes in elegant art nouveau villas and lush waterfront gardens along the lake’s southern shoreline, is best undertaken in April and May when the area is awash with spring color.
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The obvious starting point is the town of Como itself. Once you’ve explored the charming historic center and the nearby Villa Olmo, take the swooping road up to Bellagio. Stop at this charming lakeside village to explore the grounds of neoclassical Villa Melzi d’Eril and have lunch at Terrazza Barchetta.
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Leave your car and jump on a ferry to Tremezzo, home of the 17th-century Villa Carlotta and its spectacular gardens. Back in Bellagio, pick up your wheels and strike southeast, following the scenic lakeside road down to Lecco and on to historic Bergamo, where you can rest up in style at the Hotel Piazza Vecchia.
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