Take a cruise or a ferry to explore Lake Como…read more We booked a day trip from Milan to Lake Como with Ciao Florence. The public ferry was an interesting experience. Our family was able to find a place to stand on the top deck and eventually find seats. Our tour guide and group were scattered all over the ferry which made it a bit disorganized. The ferry itself was amazing. The views were magical on a wonderful sunny Friday. When our guide finally located most of the group that had migrated to the top floor, he gave us a bit of insight into Villa Carlotta. The history is one with many families involved. Originally built on ancestral land by the Clerici family who became successful silk merchants. The country estate and gardens were built in the 1690s. As with many wealthy families, the great grandson spent too much money building an extravagant palazzo, the Palazzo Clerici in Milan, which forced his heirs to see their Lake Como villa sold to cover their debts. Over the next couple of hundred years, the property continued to exchange hands until it was eventually was converted to a museum and gardens by royal decree. Nice to be able to see it from the ferry. Maybe next time, we will have more time to explore the villa and its gardens.

What an amazing place! It's a museum and a garden, the bottom floor is a cool interactive museum.read more

Been here many times. The last time together with my students. It's right in the heart of…read moreBellinzona and can't be missed. You either can walk right up or take the elevator from the piazza on the bottom where you will also find a Migros in case you need some groceries for a picnic. The Castelgrande is the oldest and largest of Bellinzona's three iconic castles, earning UNESCO World Heritage status for its spectacular medieval fortifications. Perched on a rocky hill settled since the Neolithic era, the fortress was heavily expanded by the Dukes of Milan in the 13th to 15th centuries to control strategic Alpine trade routes. Its striking skyline is dominated by two massive medieval structures: the 27-meter White Tower and the 28-meter Black Tower. Today, the site features a masterful modern restoration by architect Aurelio Galfetti, housing an archaeological museum and a panoramic elevator carved directly into the bedrock. You really get some nice views from up here. You can walk some of the walls and climb a tower. All free of charge. Only the small museum has a fee. There's a big lawn to picnic right in center and another huge area just on the other side of the wall including some picnic tables. The day we went the Giro d'Italia was in town. Lots of things going on. Including some live medieval music right here on top. Something you won't see every day. It's a great place to take in some history or just to enjoy the views. The best views of the Castelgrande itself you will get from the Castel Montebello. That one is only a short walk away from here and shouldn't be missed as well.

Can't believe I'm the first to review Castelgrande in Bellinzona This was probably my fourth visit…read moreand it was just as lovely as the first. Although, I must admit that I especially enjoy it in October when the leaves are changing, the temperature has dropped and the tourists are nowhere to be found. Tip: grab a pastry or drink from Migros at the base of the castle and bring it up with you for a picnics with a view. My fondest memory from Castelgrande was sitting on the top overlooking the mountains eating a rhubarb tart with my mom. A few fun facts about Bellinzona's treasure: -it's free to visit (fee for the museum) - received unesco heritage site status in 2000 for cultural significance -there's an elevator to the top helping this spot serve everyone -there are plenty of steps to be had if you're hoping to go to the "top top"

If you want the BEST pictures and views then come here on the early train from Milan and globe…read morethere at 0930 when they open. The early morning light of the grande and lake make superb lighting for all your personal photos. Quiet and serene this is the place to pray, relax or just walk around and enjoy the fantastic views. A MUST SEE when you travel here.

Absolutely loved this garden!…read more Pros: - If you have a student ID, it's only 2 euros to get in, if not only 5 euros - The place is fairly large, we spent 2 hours here just relaxing and taking tons of photos - Bring food, wine and games for a picnic - they have benches scattered around the garden - Lots of shade so don't worry about getting stuck under the sun all day - The amount of work they put into the garden is reflected by the stunning visuals you'll see Cons: None!

A must day trip outside Milan! It's just one hour driving…read morefrom the city, and sort of near Malpensa airport. The villa-museum is a 700' mansion with baroque decoration and furniture. The owners are rich collectors that in the 1960s-1980s buy an impressive collections of conceptual and minimal american art. What it's impressive is that this contemporary art collection perfectly fit the environment, between baroque gold couches, chairs, mirrors, and african vases and sculptures. You can admire unique pieces (some made it for the villa as site-specific installations!) of Dan Flavin, Robert Irwin, and many more. Great videos explain the history of the collectors, and the artists involvement in the development of the collections. The park is lovely, with a great overview on Varese city. Few sculptures here and there made the walkthrough lovely and interesting.

It is a hard uphill climb from Varenna to the castle but it is worth it. The path is steep and…read moreprimarily made of small stones. It's not the easiest to walk so take your time and rest as needed. The castle is beautiful. It is also a garden so there are many plants to admire along the way. The plants against the old stones of the castle were something to behold. There are pieces of art throughout the castle as well. I didn't see the name of the artist, but the ghost figures hanging on the walls were haunting and intriguing. We also saw some caged birds along the way. In fact, one person was hosting a falcon show. The bird was flying off the cliff and back to the trainer throughout the show. The trainer was speaking Italian so I'm not sure what he was saying but watching the bird was very cool. The views were stunning. Climbing the tower provided the highest viewing point and the opportunity for amazing pictures. I am so glad we made this hike. It was hard but it was worth it.

Yes, it's a bit of a steep hike and yes, the view is worth it, but so unnecessary to keep an owl in…read moresuch a small cage for over 15 years. No one is hiking to the castle to see the owl. Very sad

Out of the vast multitude of art galleries selling pumped-out renditions of the locale, this…read moreunpretentious little space just a few steps off the main square in Varenna is an art-lover's delight. The artist, Paul DeMaria Guaitamacchi, has a wonderful sense of color temperature and feel for the landscape. He has a varied offering, with pieces done plein air as well as in studio. Subjects range from Sicilian landscapes to Chicago urban scenes. The original oil paintings are reasonably priced for the quality of work, and Melita, Paul's wife, is a charming hostess. Highly recommend you visit this gallery if you are in Varenna.

Amazing museum! A must go for people visiting the area! It's about the history of that area since…read morethe prehistoric time with a perfectly preserved mummy! They have original prehistoric , romans and later artifacts. It holds also temporary exhibit when we visit there was an interesting and interactive exhibit about the unification of Italy. Unfortunately we didn't have time to complete the whole tour there was another area where you could admire more more of the beautiful architecture of the palace but we will back!! The surrounding it's also gorgeous in this magnificent park that overlook the city. I also recommend to take a look at this park/gardens called giardini estensi that includes also the main palace that now it holds the city hall.