If I’m being honest, there’s not that much to do in Lake Como. There are basically a few churches and villas, and frankly, after a couple of those, everything starts to look the same. With that being said however, the Villa del Balbianello is not to be missed.
It’s probably the one “Must Do” that I would recommend. Set on a promontory, the villa sits atop the premiere location on the lake, and will be familiar to any Star Wars or James Bond fans.
Owned by the actual ” Most Interesting Man in the World,” Guido Monzini, it houses many of his most priceless collections. And I am not exaggerating when I say they are priceless. And true to form, the Italians are so nonchalant about everything. Here you can actually see the artifacts up close and even touch some of them.
And there is a reason why Darth Vader fell in love here, and James Bond chose this place for his rehab. It’s so breathtakingly beautiful that you can’t help but believe that life really can imitate the movies.
Olivia and I ready for our tour bright and early.
We are going to see the most beautiful home on the lake-Villa del Balbianello.
You can do the tour by land or
water. Guess which one we chose?
And like always, the our Italian guide Simon is good looking as all get out. What is it about these Italian men?
We sit back and let Simon show us the sights. He takes the picturesque route to all the famous places on the lake.
This is the Villa Margherita where Giuseppe Verdi composed the most famous opera in the world, “La Traviata.”
And this is Richard Branson’s villa that is available to rent for a mere $144,000 a week.
If you take the Villa del Balbianello tour by water, you get to skip the lines and enter through the private boat landing.
The boat takes you right to the steps and your tour guide is waiting for you.
And prepare to be awed not only by the spectacular views but by the grounds themselves.
This place is very kid friendly. You can go everywhere and climb on anything.
And there are lovely little nooks and crannies with hidden gardens and secret coves to explore.
Lucky for us the day was perfect with cool breezes and sunshine.
Ahem: This is me in my other “travel dress” taking in the view.
Ha! Actually, it’s some random Japanese bride getting married. That’s right. Anyone can rent out the Villa for private parties, but it’s gonna cost you…to the tune of $30,000.
And can you blame Padme Amidala for getting swept off her feet by Darth Vader in “Star Wars Attack of the Clones” here? This place could make anyone fall in love!
Inside is just as impressive as the outside. Every room is filled with priceless collections from all over the world. This room houses rare and ancient objects from lost African, Mayan, and Aztec civilizations.
Guido Monzino, fervent collector and dedicated explorer, he never married or had children. Monzino spent his life exploring the world and completed 21 expeditions in 20 years before dying of a heart attack. After his death Monzino willed the entire estate to the public for future generations to enjoy.
Yes! That is an authentic narwhal tusk that Brian is touching. And all those maps detail the numerous expeditions Monzino completed.
This is the Smoking Room. All the panels are made of a rare wood that absorbs smoke smell. It was painstakingly dismantled from a French castle, and because the panels were too tall for the Villa, Monzino had the floor to this room lowered an entire meter to accommodate the 18th century boiserie.
Tons of priceless artifacts are strewn all over the Villa. This, for instance, is Napoleon’s clock…that is just sitting on a dresser, and that you can pick up and admire at will. Even precious Ming vases are left out in the open for guests to look at and touch.
And of course every room has magnificent views. The tour was so fabulous! We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly inside and out.
Then onto the town of Bellagio, of which I was less than impressed with. Crowded with tourists, souvenir shops, and mediocre food, it was nothing special.
The only thing I liked about it was the ferry ride. It only takes 15 minutes, and yet, they still serve you prosecco for such a short trip. Just goes to show that anytime is a good time for a drink in Italy.
Our tourist day continued with a visit to the Villa Carlotta.
This Villa was a wedding present to the bride Carlotta. Tragically she died in childbirth at 23. Her grieving husband, a gardening enthusiast, created a magnificent Botanical Garden in her honor.
He didn’t neglect the inside either. Four floors of beautiful tapestries, frescoes, and architectural workmanship make up the home.
The outside is a veritable conglomeration of plants and gardens from all over the world. This is the Amazon one with waterfall included.
Interspersed between all the gardens are blooming flowers that grow vertically in every inch of space up terraces and rocks.
And of course, the view again takes center stage-the gardens are all created to take advantage of the stunning lake.
Cocktails before dinner at the hotel bar where Brian tries to persuade me to drink Absinthe. I am keen until I remember that someone famous died from that. I stick to prosecco.
A romantic dinner together….
Not! Someone does not cooperate. Apparently Olivia hates romantic dinners!
We give up and return to our home away from home…
…And eat more candy. Family vacations-you gotta love them!