Your Own Excursions A day out in

Public Transport From take the ferry to , once you are in Varenna walk to the train station and take the train to Milan. The train stops at Milan Central station.

If you prefer, you can also take the fast ferry to , then in Como you take the train from either station to Milan. There are two stations in Como, the Lake station takes you to Cadorna in Milano, the Como St. Giovanni Station takes you to Milan Central Station. Guests please note that the Como stations are very good but it is not easy to get public transport up towards Menaggio after 19:00, as busses and ferries stop around that time.

Depending on what option you take if you arrive in the Milan Central station, you will need to take the yellow metro to the DUOMO! If you take the train to Cadorna, then you can just walk out and ask for and then walk to the Duomo. By Car Park your car at Lampugnano, then put in your GPS: 45°29’21” 09°07’35” Lampugnano - Milano or put Via Natta - Milano. Park your car there and take the metro to the Duomo.

In case you do not have a GPS, then drive down to , there is a 2km long tunnel, you cannot miss it in Cernobbio, right after that tunnel you will see green motorway signs towards the A9 motorway. Take the motorway and follow signs for Venezia – Milano, until you see signs VIALE CERTOSA. Then follow signs for LAMPUGNANO. If you leave the lake at 09:00, rush-hour will be over and you will have plenty of time to be back before rush-hour at around 17:00.

Sights to see People often say I’ll wait for a rainy day to go to Milan, in the end it’s just another city. Through experience I can tell you that this does not apply to Milan, a nice or good day is a must to fully enjoy it’s beauty. We highly recommend a visit to the Duomo, it took the Milanese some 400 years to build it and you will see why, it is simply stunning. You can also go on top of it, a great experience!

Visit the Galleria, right in front of the Duomo, many admire a little Toro designed in the mosaics. Also walk to the Scala, one of the best theatres in the world, but remember for those who love their , head to Via Monte Napoleone and , the fashion roads in Milan.

Brera is artist area not far from there, this includes Castello Sforzesco, a truly beautiful place and definitely wortha day. If you have the time, see the ‘Last Supper’ by Leonardo Da Vinci painted on a wall in Milan, close to the Castello. Booking is recommended as this is known to have long lines. You can visit www.milan-museum.com for tickets, normally you would need to book a month in advance. Villas and Villages There are many villas to visit on , in Bellagio Villa Melzi, Villa Monatero in Varenna and many others. However we highly recommend the below: Villa Carlotta in , has spectular views of Bellagio and can not be missed. Villa Balbianello Villa Balbianello is situated in . To get there from the Lido di Lenno, walk along the indicated path for approxamitly 25 minutes, or take a shuttle boat. One of the most magnificent places of the world. Villages There are many villages to visit, all very nice from the rural and sportive North to the natural South towards and the golden triangle in the middle to the luxurious South towards Como. There are a few you simply have to see, they are Menaggio, Varenna and Bellagio. All are easily connected by ferry.

In Varenna you can even walk up to the castle, or go to Villa Monastero, it is such a cute village, in the town, at the lakefront you will find Bar Varenna, guy called Eros, just do not miss it.

In Bellagio you can walk through the village, then go to Pescallo on the other side and walk to the gardens of the Villa Melzi. Bellagio has just opened up a disco-bar-beachclub called Lido di Bellagio, which is great for a break.

In Menaggio, just stroll around the centre, it is simply beautiful. You can go all the way to the end of the boulevard where you get to a minigolf and the public pool (Lido). Sightseeing in Venice Is it possible to visit Venice in a day from Lake Como?

Anything is possible, however this could be quite a long day. We recommend that if you want to visit Venice from Lake Como or Lake that you take two days away. Spend one night in a hotel in Verona as this is a comfortable half way point between the lakes and Venice. You can book a hotel for Verona through www.booking.com. By Car Drive towards Venezia (Venice), either along the A9, passing Milano (Milan) and then the A4 towards Venezia, or via Lecco. By Train

Head to Milan or Bergamo and then take the direct line to Venice. Verona will still be a stop on the way.

When you are in Venice, visit the Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal, Piazza San Marco and maybe even Murano, the island where glass is made. It is a fabulous city with lots to do. One recommendation, try geting off the tourist routes into the student area or where the locals live, it is amazing and quiet!

In the morning wake up in Verona, another beautiful city, well known as the home of Romeo and Juliet. Sightseeing in Bergamo It is not a very famous city, it is a hidden pearl.

Bergamo has two faces, a quite uninteresting modern city centre, ‘Città Bassa’, the lower part of Bergamo and then the beautiful ‘Bergamo Alta’ the higher city, beautiful and historic. It is also possible to park in the lower part of the city and walk up or take a little train up. By Car Drive towards Bergamo, either along the A9, passing Milano and then the A4 towards Venezia, exit Bergamo or via Lecco, driving to Bergamo avoiding Milan and the motorway/highway. By Train Head to Milan first or directly via Lecco to Bergamo. Cultural Sieghtseeing Tours in Bergamo La Rocca On the main street of the Upper Town of Bergamo, in the province of , taking a steep road, we arrive at the Fortress City of Bergamo, located on the top of the hill of St. Euphemia. Its construction dates back to the year 1330 and was commissioned by the vicar of John of Luxembourg, William of Castelbarco. It looks like a small castle with high walls, a gate that was going directly to a tower and, via steep stairs, climb on top. On the square surrounding the Keep, artifacts are on the era of the Second World War as several cannons, tank, and various commemorative plaques, celebrating the sacrifice of law enforcement and the partisans. Church of Saint Nicolo ai Celestini The church of St. Nicholas to Celestine in Bergamo is located in the village of Santa Caterina, attached to the Celestine Monastery. This fourteenth century building is adorned by wooden works that fourteenth century frescoes. The most precious among these, The Tree of Life and the Altarpiece. Both in oil on canvas of the Madonna and Child in Glory with Saints. Numerous fragments of frescoes still partially visible on the interior walls, some were discovered during the restoration work that has affected the roof and the interior of the church. There are numerous paintings, statues and stucco adorn the building. The ceiling itself is thickly painted, while the altar is adorned with a marble balustrade, stucco, frescoes and paintings. Archaeological Museum The Bergamo Archaeological Museum holds many examples of our history through several eras such as, the prehistoric, Ancient Egyptians, Roman and the Copper, Bronze and Iron Ages. It was founded in 1561 by a decree of the city that he proposed to gather in one place, all the ancient artifacts that were until now scattered in different sites. In 1960, after several previous location, this museum was established in the Visconti Palace in the Città Alta. Bormio Bormio is a cosy mountain resort just North East of Lake Como in the famous Valtellina.

It takes approximately two hours drive from the lakes, along a straight road leading past , Sondrio, Tirano. When you come to Bormio, do not get mistaken by ‘Terme di Bormio’, that is not it, you have to go to Bagni Vecchi and Bagni Nuovi.

Bormio has two natural thermal baths, the Bagni Vecchi and Bagni Nuovi. The water comes out of the mountain here at high temperatures after travelling some 50 years from its centre. These baths were used and designed by the Romans and can still be enjoyed by us even now.

Another feature is the road up to the Stelvio Pass from Bormio. Used in serval car shows, this road climbs to great heights and provides a wide and beautiful road surface for a unique driving experience. Furthermore Vatellina is very famous for it’s amazing apples and very high quality wines. Visit St Moritz Combining the visit to St. Moritz and the use of Bernina train, the highest train in .

For the best experience and ease use the organized excursion from Menaggio. This takes you to the start of the train in Tirano all the way to St. Moritz, and the bus takes you back home in the evening. Booking these two trip separately would become more expensive and time consuming.

In case you actually just want to visit St. Moritz, you can drive up. It is only 100km to St. Moritz on a nicely mixed road, along the lake, then straight to Chiavenna and then up the hill towards St. Moritz.

Just before Chiavenna, on the left side you will see a very modern bakery, called Moreschi, try it for breakfast on the way.

St. Moritz is one of the most famous and beautiful mountain resorts in the world. A very busy and upmarket ski-resort in winter, and a relaxed and beautiful mountain resort in summer. A day out in Varenna A day out in Varenna is not to be missed. Whether you arrive by private boat, ferry or you are staying in Varenna you are well placed for many gourmet rustic restaurants!

However we have one recommendation that is not to be missed. The Varenna Caffè, in the old town, right on the lake front. The owners Elena and Eros are extremely pleasant and very helpful.

This is the right place for aperativo, drinks and light food.

Remember to say you are staying in one of the ‘Happy Holiday Homes’ properties and they will be sure to make your experience even more special. (Even though they would do this any way)

Varenna Caffè: +39 0341 830459 It is just next to Ristorante Vecchia Varenna, RIGHT at the lake in the old town. Shopping With the varied shops available, that perfect something will not be hard to find

1) Locally on the lake there are some nice boutique shops in Bellagio and Menaggio.

2) Como is a real Italian city with a very big pedestrian area, with many shops of all kinds.

3) Milano, the fashion city, of course is great for high class shopping. Via della Spiga and Via Montenapoleone host all the most important trades.

4) Lugano, luxurious shopping, of course watches and gold, but there are very many beautiful shops in Via Nassa in Lugano.

5) On the motorway between Como and Lugano, there is a little village called MENDRISIO, it hosts the most important outlet of northern . Although it is not Italy but just , this is where italian buys their clothes. It is a very big outlet called FOX TOWN.

6) Only locals know the outlet of FRATELLI ROSSETTI, the best shoes in Italy for a great price, right at the factory in PARABIAGO, close to Milano. Fratelli Rossetti. PARABIAGO (MI) Via Cantù, 24. Tel. +39 0331 552226 Are you bringing your own boat to the Lakes? Boats on Lake Como and

In case you bring your own boat, we would like to give you some general information: General Information: To use your boat on the lakes in Italy you will need:

• One lifevest per person, one lifebelt and a rigid one with a 25m long rope.

• You will need international insurance and your boat documents. Above 40hp you will also need an international boat license.

• Please make sure you are at a minimal speed whilst 6-150 metres from the lake shore.

• When you are on the lake, please be aware of the red and white poles with the flashing lights. These are to make you aware of shallow water, please avoid these areas at all times.

• When you go swimming in the middle of the lake, please make sure that one person stays on the boat and that they know how to drive.

• On Lake Lugano, go slowly when crossing the boarder.

• On Lake Como, go slowly between the island and the shore. Lake Lugano In case you come to Lake Lugano: To moor your boat, the best place is in CIMA, just 2/3km by car from . You can pick up the boat there in the morning then and enjoy it in Porto Letizia and the rest of the lake all day. Also you can moore in Porto Letizia in the daytime, however it is not recommended to leave your boat here overnight. The mooring in Cima di Porlezza costs about 100 Euro to 120 Euro per week.

You can drive the boat in the water from your trailer in nearby camping DARNA, on the road from Porlezza towards Val d’Intelvi. They will ask you for 10 Euro to access their premises to load or offload. You can leave your trailer in our warehouse in Croce (Menaggio) free of charge. For Lake Lugano you will need a number plate, which we are happy to help you purchase. The below documents are required for this:

1) Registration documents of boat.

2) International License.

3) International Insurance. Please send these documents in advance to [email protected] so we can prepare the documents at the local police office. The police office charge 40 Euro, our service is free of charge.

The owner of the boat place in CIMA is called Stefano (+39 335 5272 622), it is better that communication is direct. He will ask for length, width and weight of the boat. Help with a crane can also be provided if necessary. Lake Como We have several mooring possibilities, in case you are around or North of Menaggio, then you can leave the boat in Nobiallo (Menaggio) at Navalia.

Please email [email protected], just let them know you are holidaying with us. We have a place for the trailer in Croce (Menaggio) at our warehouse, this is free of charge.

In case you are South of Menaggio, we have a boat place in , please call Danilo on +39 335 8098 237. This costs around 150 Euro for the week. You can park your car very close to the jetty and use it day and night.

In case you are elsewhere on the lake, just call us and we will try and find a mooring place for you.In case you prefer to rent a boat for an hour, half a day, a day, a week, just let us know as we have a 6.5m boat called ILVER. You will need a license for this luxurious boat, however we have 9 other boats with a 40hp Yamaha engine that do not require one. Feel free to contact us for more information. Skiing Did you ever think it was possible to ski whilst staying on Lake Como or Lake Lugano?

Well starting from the 7th December down to the end of April there are many beautiful ski resorts close to the lakes. The beauty of it is, that if you stay in a property on the lake, you can pick and choose your days.

You could have a look at the weather forecast and when it is foggy or snowing up in the mountains and little ski opportunities, just enjoy shopping, the city centre of Como or Milano, the outlets, a good film, a fireplace, you name it.

On a nice day you choose your best resort: Madesimo A very cosy and Italian resort with some blue, red, black and amazing off piste runs. Quality food and all for a great price. From Menaggio you can get to Madesimo in 1 hour by car. Meaning: if you wake up at 08:00, you could be skiing at 10:30, and if you stopped at 17:00 then relaxing with a hot chocolate, you could still be back at the lake around 19:00. St. Moritz This world class resort in Switzerland is only 1 hour and 30 minutes away. There is not much to be said about St. Moritz, I think personally, it is the best of the best. Bormio A very cosy Italian ski resort with the brilliant feature of the thermal baths to be used after skiing. This beautiful day out is 2 hours by car. On the other side of the Gotthard, you can go up to Andermatt, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Menaggio and a bit less from Porlezza.

Choose your weather and ski in fantastic Resorts!