Day Three began with a private boat trip. We left Cernobbio and passed one gorgeous villa after another. The first villa we passed the breathtaking Villa Fontanell — Gianni Versace’s former palazzo.
If you’re a guest of Gorgeous George this is where you’d be staying – notice the curtained private bridge, it leads to beautiful gardens that connect the guest house with the main house.
The Clooney’s summer residence in Laglio. It was interesting the captain of our boat told us when the family is home he wasn’t allowed to get too close. The family was home because George was recovering from a recent motorcycle accident. We wish him a speedy recovery.
To our delight, our boat slowly pulled close to the shores of the village of Nesso. It’s famous for it’s hidden waterfall and ancient Roman bridge which our guide told us is a popular place for lovers to propose. I’d say yes, wouldn’t you?
This couple came down the 34o steps to get a view of the bridge and waterfall. Lucky for us we got to see it from the deck of our boat.
We recognized the Villa Balbianello, famous for its elaborate terraced gardens and backdrop for movies such as Casino Royale and Star Wars. The gardens are perfection. I wanted to take the tour but Mr. B’s knee was bothering him so that afternoon we had a visit from a local doctor instead. It’s good to know Italian Doctors make hotel calls.
It was a treat to see this gorgeous villa from the lake but I can’t wait to go back and wander through the beautiful gardens. This was the balcony where scenes from Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones were filmed: including the secret marriage of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala. After you say yes in Nesso you can sail over to Villa Del Balbianello and get married for the beginning price of only about 6k.
It was lovely to see people enjoying the sun all around the lake. This was one classy location for a day at the beach.
The lake (known as Lago di Como in Italian), is shaped like an upside Y, and is lined with lush gardens, luxury villas and pretty villages hugging the shore.
It’s easy to see why celebrities purchase their own piece of paradise here. There is also plenty to do for the humble tourist.
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