1
Tempio Volitano - Erected in 1927, this science
museum is dedicated to the famous physicist
Alessandro Volta, who was born in Como. Famous
for his invention of the early battery, the museum
showcases his life's work, early childhood and even
his meeting with Napoleon.
LAKE COMO
This jewel in the crown of Italy's famous lakes is a
haven of tranquillity, superb cuisine, majestic snow
capped mountains, courteous folk and style. In his
'Charterhouse of Parma' Stendhal described it as
an "enchanting spot, unequalled on earth in its
loveliness." Virgil called it simply "our greatest" lake.
Como is located in Lombardy, 45km North of Milan
at the tip of the south-western branch of this lake.
The mountains around the lake are 2000 m high and
the lake up to 1350 feet deep, making it one of the
deepest lakes in Europe.
2
Como Old Town - This typically Italian network
of pavements is lined with cafes, little squares
and picturesque lanes, some bustling with shops,
others empty and peaceful. The most important sight
in town is the cathedral, the Duomo. This imposing
church was built over a period of several centuries,
from 1396-1740, and shows a range of influences,
chiefly Renaissance and Gothic. Alongside the
Duomo is the Broletto, Como's thirteenth-century
striped-marble town hall. Within the old town centre
is another important church, the Basilica di San
Fedele, which dates from the tenth century.
3
Como Funicular - Take the funicular up to the
pretty town of Brunate, open since 1894. This
is the best way to enjoy stunning views over Lake
Como and to visit the lighthouse at the top of the
mountain. The views are lovely and the architecture
blends into the land. Everywhere you look you see
decorative iron gates, wonderful doors, and flower
boxes adorning the windows thrown open to take in
the light of the sun and the coolness of the breeze.
The perfect way to relax and escape.
15
Call now to book: 0800 082 2170
1
Visit Isola Del Garda - This beautiful private island
is steeped in history, 130 Gallic-Roman tombstones
found on the island prove it was inhabited during the
Roman Empire era. Abandoned to its own ends during the
centuries of the decline of the Roman Empire, it became
a game reserve at the end of A.D.879. It has now been
opened for public visitations, ceremonies and weddings.
LAKE GARDA
The beautiful towns around Lake Garda have charmed
foreign visitors for centuries. Even for the ancient
Romans, the area was a luxury summer destination; in
Sirmione and Desenzano you can visit ruins and mosaics
that record their presence. Lake Garda is located in the
north-east of Italy, dividing the regions of Lombardy, the
Veneto and Trentino Alto-Adige. The large lake is long
and slim, stretching from north to south. The southern
lakeshore is low, rolling land and fairly built-up. In contrast,
the dramatic fjord-like northern end is surrounded by
towering mountains and cliffs. Most of the lakeside towns
are popular as holiday resorts; they differ in character but
all are well-connected by boat services.
2
Visit a wine cellar - Three of Italy's 20 wine
producing regions have borders on Lake Garda
each of which uses grape varieties that are very
localised, and so a diverse range of red, white and
rose wine is available. The wine produced in the Lake
Garda region is of exceptional quality and the wine
producers love to show it off. Anyone visiting Lago di
Garda, whether an enthusiast or just with a passing
interest, should not let their holiday pass without
visiting at least one of the many wine cellars.
3
Malcesine - Take a trip to this picturesque town with
its cobblestone lanes and a striking castle situated
between the blue waters of the lakes edge and the
mountain ridge of Mont Baldo. Hop on the cable car up
to Mont Baldo for breathtaking views over the city and the
lake; visit Castello Scaligero once a regal home, converted
for military use until the nineteenth century; or stroll
through the medieval streets to the Palazzo Dei Capitani,
once the headquarters of the Venetian rulers of the area,
where you can relax in the pretty lakeside gardens.
1
Dinner on Isola Pescatori - For a truly romantic
evening, why not make a reservation at one of the
many fantastic restaurants located on Isola Pescatori?
Top Tip: If you are staying in Stresa and book dinner
at one of the islands restaurants, they will arrange a
taxi boat transfer free of charge!
LAKE MAGGIORE
The westernmost lake, Lake Maggiore, has a special
attraction: Isola Bella, the most romantic of the three
Borromean Islands, famous for their palazzi and
gardens. The main resort of Stresa has a delightful
lakeside promenade known for its flowers and views
of the lake's islands. Take the cable car to the peak of
Mottarone for an exhilarating view of the Lombardy
lakes, the Alps and the Po Valley.
2
Isola Bella & Isola Madre - The gardens of these
two Borromean Islands are bursting with flora and
fauna: camellias, rhododendrons, white peacocks,
exotic birds, tropical flowers and the largest Kashmir
cypress in Europe. The villa on Isola Madre houses
some beautiful trompe d'oeil frescoes as well as
puppets and puppet theatres. Over on Isola Bella,
a favourite part of the grand palace, is the mosaic
table, the shell-studded grottoes and the Salone
delle Feste.
3
Rocca Di Angera - The Rocca Di Angera was built
on the remains of a previous castle and inhabited
in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries by the
Visconti; it was extended and then acquired by the
Borromeo family who still own it today. Fascinating
art treasures can be seen inside the castle, among
them the frescoes of the Sala di Giustizia in the
Visconti Wing.
