enjoying the opulence of Italy's 'treasured gem', Lake Como, as described by Rick Steves
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Bellagio, nestled on the shores of Lake Como in northern Italy, is often associated with luxury travel, but it offers much more for visitors seeking authentic experiences.
Known as the "Pearl of Lake Como," Bellagio boasts a medieval compact city, winding stone staircases, and a scenic lakeside promenade. The town caters to well-heeled travelers with upscale hotels, posh boutiques, and polished cafes, but it also invites visitors to sip espresso on sunlit terraces, meander through narrow alleyways, and visit beautiful gardens.
One such garden is Villa Melzi, a botanical paradise featuring exotic and local plants, lakeside walking paths, and a Japanese Garden. Though the villa is private, the gardens are open to the public and just a 20-minute walk from Bellagio's center.
For panoramic views of the lake, consider visiting Villa Serbelloni Gardens, located on a hilltop and accessible only via guided tours.
Sailing or boat rides on Lake Como provide a scenic way to view the lake and surrounding villas. Boat rentals are available from local businesses, offering user-friendly vessels for exploring at your own pace.
For a more local experience, visiting a farmers’ market in nearby Como, such as the one at Piazza Cavour on weekends, is recommended to sample regional cheeses, wines, and fresh produce.
Strolling through Bellagio’s charming streets, with its famous main street lined with shops and cafes, and taking cooking classes to learn local culinary specialties, are other popular activities.
Bellagio is easily accessible from Milan via train to Como, Varenna, or Lecco, followed by bus, ferry, or hydrofoil boat. Staying in Bellagio can save money on transportation and parking compared to staying outside of town.
Varenna, another favourite destination of travel expert Rick Steves, is accessible from Bellagio and offers direct ferries, taking about 10 to 15 minutes.
Bellagio remains unhurried, walkable, and easily explorable in a day, despite its popularity. Visiting during the shoulder seasons (April to early June or September through October) can offer smaller crowds and cooler temperatures.
Beyond luxury travel options, Bellagio invites travelers to enjoy its historic gardens, lake activities, local markets, and cultural immersion through accessible, scenic, and authentic experiences.
[1] Bellagio Tourism Board [2] Lake Como Travel Guide [3] Rick Steves' Europe [5] Day Trips from Bellagio
- Despite its reputation for luxury travel, Bellagio invites visitors to savor local experiences by meandering through its gardens, such as Villa Melzi, and taking part in cooking classes to learn about its culinary specialties.
- For a more comprehensive exploration of the Lake Como region, consider taking day trips from Bellagio to nearby destinations like Varenna, or visiting farmers’ markets in Como for a taste of the local lifestyle, home-and-garden, and travel experiences.
