Wishbone-shaped Lake Como, created with its twin Lake Lecco, is the most romantic of all the Northern Italian Lakes. Close to Milan, this region is very crowded in peak season, but in early spring or fall it is equally magnificent.

The circular route described below starts at Cernobbio in the south west close to route A9 from Milan. You can drive around the lake in 5 hours but to truly benefit from the trip I suggest a minimum of 2 days.

Cernobbio is a pleasing lakeside village, every Wednesday there is a large market in the center, this is also the starting point for the 80 mile walking trail through the mountains.

Leave Cernobbio on Route SS 340 to Tremezzo.

One of the most attractive stretches of the whole route, the lakeside road twists and turns through a series of tunnels, on one side sheer rock and on the other, blue sparkling water.

Tremezzo is situated almost midway up the lake, the setting is magical, the most romantic spot on the lake. The town has its fair share of 'belle epoque' palaces, villas and gardens, none more so than the famous Villa Carlotta, next to the Grand Hotel Tremezzo Palace. The villa which is open daily, was built by a Prussian Princess for her daughter, it is a pink neo-classical building. It houses a fine 18th century collection of statues and a frieze commissioned by Napoleon, which was not paid for due to his exile. The glorious 14 acre garden rich with azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons should not be missed.

Continue on Route SS 340 past Cadenabbia to Menaggio.

In the center of Menaggio take the right fork, the left goes to Switzerland only 20 miles away. The scenery around the northern part of the lake is less impressive and you might wish to miss out most of the villages you pass. At the town of Dongo, is where Mussolini was captured, whilst attempting to escape in 1945.

Just after Sorico turn right on the link road (2 miles) which will take you to Route SS 37, the main road on the eastern side of the lake. This is a busy road with long tunnels. Please keep an eye out for the turning on your right to Bellano then take the road to Varenna where you can catch a car ferry to Bellagio. If you miss the turning you might have to drive all the way to Lecco without being able to turn round.

Bellagio is perhaps the most impressive of the lake resorts, with its splendid settings and atmosphere. On a hill behind the town is the 17th century Villa Serbelloni with a magnificent garden.
The Villa Melzi is also open to visitors.

One of the best ways to really appreciate the beauty and setting of Lake Como is to take a trip on the lake, the boats run often, zigzagging from one side to the other, giving you a breath taking view of the mountains and villas which abound on the hillsides.

From Bellagio my suggestion is that you follow the mountain road to Como along
SS 583. The scenery here is spectacular and as you climb up to the 2,000 feet you pass the tiny church of the Madonna del Ghisallo at Civenna, which is dedicated to cyclists.

The magic of the town of Como is its setting at the head of the lake, with the stucco villas rising from the water's edge with their beautiful gardens.
Within the town the Duomo is reckoned to be the finest Gothic-Renaissance architecture, it is also rich in paintings and tapestries. Como is also the center for the silk industry and has a museum dedicated to this subject.
Finally before leaving to take the cable railway up to Brunate, here there are stunning views as well as many popular walking trails.

Maximum miles driven depending on choice of route 170