VERONA - LAKE COMO

Verona is one of the most beautiful citiesin Italy.  We approached the city through the centuries old city walls to discover medieval pink-hued buildings complete with contrasting frescos, which have remained unchanged for centuries.  Shakespeare’s tragic story of Romeo and Juliet, two ill-fated lovers from rival families is setin Verona.  You can actually see the balcony where the immortal “O Romeo, Romeo where for art thou Romeo” was reputed to have been spoken. The Roman arena is awe-inspiring as are Verona’s medieval and Renaissance squares and courtyards.

We traveled on to beautifulLake Como.  One of the most beautifullakesin the world, it was praised by the English poet, Wordsworth, as ‘a treasure the world keeps to itself.’ Long, calmand narrow, surrounded by lush vegetation, it is lined by a series of picturesque, romantic villages. 

We stayed at theGrand Hotel Imperiale (http://www.hotel-lago-como-imperiale.com/)in the charminglakesideresort of Moltrasio.

Como was used as a location for the recent James Bond film, Casino Royale, and a number of celebrities choose to makeComo their second home.

Our final day on the tour was spent just soaking up the atmosphere.  We took a shortlake steamer trip to elegantand exclusiveBellagio.

Nestled on the top of a forkin thelakeand surrounded by cypress trees,Bellagio enjoys an idyllic location. Magical, romantic and nostalgic are perfect adjectives to describe this town and its tiny cobbled streets, which lead tointimate piazzas full of colorful flowers and tasteful shops. Thelakeside is lined with restaurants – some grand and ostentatious, some casual and homey – while the aroma of fresh cappuccino drifts from the cafės.