Como Things to Do Tips by AnnS

Take A Boat to Varenna and Menaggio

The beauty of Lake Como is best appreciated from the water and a variety of boats run regularly between Como and other pretty lakeside towns. On the way you can admire gorgeous villas of the rich and famous.

In my opinion, the most picturesque of the towns is Varenna and if you go out of season, you can virtually have the place to yourself. Stop for lunch at one of the little restaurants right on the lakeside.

When you've seen Varenna, take another short boat ride across the lake to Menaggio, which is also very pretty and an ideal place to have a walk along the lakeside promenade, wander round the little shops and enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes.

Take A Boat To Bellagio

Bellagio is one of the best known tourist towns on Lake Como and is easy reached by boat from Como town. In October, when I visited, there were only a couple of coach parties in town so I was able to enjoy it without the crowds.

The main town is full of little cobbled streets, lined with small shops (many of them souvenir shops) and numerous cafes but it's situation at a bifurcation of Y-shaped Lake Como means there's more to the place than immediately meets the eye.

If you walk out of the main centre, up into the 'interior' and down the other side, it takes you to a beautiful place on the other fork of the lake and I don't think the coach parties discover it. It's very tranquil and a joy to walk around but as it's mainly residential, take a drink with you.

Other Contact: www.navigazionelaghi.it/italia/n

Day Trip To Milan

Milan is just 40 minutes by train from Como. Make sure you catch one to Milan Central Station though, because there are several stations in Milan and I went to the wrong one and ended up in the back of beyond.

Milan is an interesting city, although not packed full of goodies like Rome, Florence or Venice. Treasures are there but you have to seek them out.

As I only had one day there, I chose just a few things to see... the Duomo and Opera House (which were both clad in scaffolding) and the Brera Gallery (Pinacoteca di Brera) which is home to Caravaggio's marvellous painting 'Supper at Emmaus'.

And, of course, you can't possibly visit Milan without at least a quick look at the designer shops and I recommend a stop for a drink at one of the elegant cafes in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. A cup of coffee there costs you a bit more than in other places but it's well worth it, just to watch the exquisitely dressed people passing by.

Directions: Places of interest in Milan are quite widely spread so get a good tourist map to help you find them.

Como Historic Centre

The historic centre of Como is a labyrinth of tiny streets, lovely squares, restaurants, cafes and interesting little shops. It's just a lovely place in which to wander and experience 'real Italy'.

Duomo di Como (Cathedral)

In the middle of the historic centre of Como is the Duomo di Como (Como Cathedral). It first became a place of worship in 1396 and further parts were gradually added through the ages - the dome in the 18th century.

Inside is beautiful with lovely stained glass windows, paintings, works of art and the interior of the dome is magnificent.

Address: Piazza Del Duomo, Como