Adventures for Anyone

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Jenn Picked One of My All Time Favorites....Iceland!

Okay guys! Let's go! Iceland is amazing and I love it there. Jenn has asked about it as a bucket list spot, and I wholeheartedly agree. Fortunately, this is one I know a little bit about. I went there in June for a couple of weeks once, and I've never forgotten it and plan on making a second trip there soon. It's right on my list for next.

First off, Iceland is one of those places that almost sits on the Arctic Circle (some islands north of Akureyri do). Therefore, when you see a beautiful sunset shot, it may have been taken around midnight (12:30 am to be exact). That's in the summer. In the winter, it does get cold, snows a lot and often there is a blue tint to just about everything as the days are short.

I'm going to dive right in. The land of fire and ice is one of the many things that Iceland is called. It's also referred to as the land of vikings, land where worlds collide, land of Leiffur Erikson, and many other phrases. What is Iceland?

Iceland is a volcanically active island nation that sits at the juncture of two tectonic plates that are separating. If you visit Thingvellir National Park, you can see the rift created by this process. In the warmer months, you can book a guided trip to go diving in the river created by the rift. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to do something like this as it is one of a handful of places that you can see where this phenomenon is happening.

Iceland was a Viking outpost, which has been referenced six ways from Sunday, so we know it to be true, but Denmark owned it until 1944 when it became an independent country. It's normally at the forefront of progress and is currently boasting the very first freely elected woman President in the world. One of the things you will find in Iceland is modernity in so many ways.

Obviously, being an island nation, we must fly or take a ship to get to Iceland. While you can take cruises with any number of companies or even book passage on a container ship, flying is the most common way to get to Iceland. The best deals will almost always be on Icelandair, which used to be very hard to connect with, but nowadays has flights from all across the country in the US.

Keflavik airport is where you will enter the country, and your trip gets interesting right there. Keflavik is a town and airport built on what used to be an American Naval Base that ran the airport and shared it with the public. Many years ago when I went there, the base was still there, and twice a day the airport was converted for the general public. Now, it's a regular airport, but it's still got an amazing runway. So, if you aren't much for runways that look like your going to die during landing, drink a lot of alcohol on the flight.

Your ride from the airport into Reykjavik is about 50 miles, but still the normal way to visit is to go into the capital to stay at least for your first night. From there, the world of Iceland is your oyster.

Reykjavik is a vibrant capital year round. It's old, it's new, it's cutting edge and it's gorgeous. The parliament building is old, the city hall is cutting edge. The shopping is amazing and comes in a wide variety of items and modes of shopping. The food comes in a wide variety and is delicious.

Entertainment is all over in Reykjavik, with old and new. The old harbor is home to a lot of food and shopping for tourists to try and a lot of boat tours to take a ride on. All of this is great to try out woolens, skyr, salmon, and lamb and get a great look at the ocean around the area. All beautiful and been a part of Iceland for hundreds of years.

Next to the old harbor is the newer part of town with high rises overlooking the harbor and the Ring Road running through town, and this is where you'll find Harpa. This lighted music hall is the pride of Reykjavik and caters to the world renowned music scene of Iceland. Their artists are known around the world as is their philharmonic, operas and musicals. Harpa is a modern venue with two theaters inside, and lights all over the outside that dance to music. It's breathtaking.

There's so much to do in Reykjavik that you may get lost in the northern city and all it has to offer. But, make no mistake, there is so much to see in Iceland that its capital is just a hopping off point. Enjoy some shopping, the Leiffur Erikson Cathedral and a show. Eat some Lamb Chinese Food and then get on with seeing the country.

From Reykjavik you can catch most any tour, cruise, ferry, bus, or rent a car and drive around the rest of the country. There is a subsidiary airport where you can fly to a few other cities such as Akureyri and save some time, but driving is something that I highly recommend as long as you stay on the Ring Road.

When you really get out and see Iceland you will find over 300 waterfalls to look at. Some of them are off the beaten path and need a good hike to reach them, some of them are along glacial lakes filled with icebergs, some are plunging directly into the Atlantic Ocean, and some of them are popular tourist attractions. Guilfoss is probably the most famous waterfall in Iceland, just ahead of Deitfoss and Skogafoss.

When in Reykjavik, you can book a day trip to go and see Guilfoss, called the Golden Circle Tour. They will take you to Thingvellir National Park to look at the rift valley, then on to the Geysirs to the north and end at Guilfoss before heading back to the city. I highly recommend it, because it's a great day tour, a great bang for your buck and amazing scenery. Don't drive. I did that, rented a car and we drove on our own, but it's out in the boonies, which is the real deal in Iceland. Save yourself and take the tour.

Now, I'm not saying that you shouldn't drive into the wilds of Iceland, but be aware before you go and pull a stunt like that. There are signs along the way, and I took pictures of plenty of them, but it's not for the faint of heart. There are mostly dirt roads once you leave the Ring Road. There are few signs. The signs you see tend to come with some directions, which is good, but there are few bridges across the rivers. That can get dangerous if you don't know what you're doing in that situation. My advice is to take a tour when you can. A tour offered in Iceland. I've never taken a tour for a whole trip.

Wherever you go, you will see waterfalls, so if you're a lover like me, you'll love Iceland. You drive by them, they're stops for the bus that goes around the Ring Road, they're on hiking trips and in the national parks. They are everywhere.

When visiting the highlands or outback of Iceland, you can camp, do a farm stay, or even rent a farmhouse. I rented a farmhouse while I was hiking in the Eldga and it was a great option. We were in the thick of things and really got a taste of the lifestyle. We did a lot of hiking and there was a hundred foot high waterfall in the back yard.

There was no driving on that trip. I made arrangements with the owners for the hiking trip. We took the bus to the assigned stop. The landlord drove us through the rivers and across the wilderness to the farmhouse and we spent several days hiking the area. No driving. Avoid driving in the wilds of Iceland when you can.

Iceland is known for its 4 X 4 activities, hiking, skiing, and so many other winter friendly activities; you might be surprised to know that the national past time is swimming. That's right, swimming; and I mean outside.

Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice for a reason, and we all know that the reason is about 129 active volcanoes. Underneath Iceland is heat, and they put it to use. In addition to tons of hot springs that are utilized around the country up to and including the world famous Blue Lagoon, the Icelanders have found a lot of amazing uses for all of this natural heat.

There are over 200 swimming pools and waterparks around the country, and for the most part they are outside. They are open all year round except certain holidays and tend to be open until late at night. This phenomenon started in the 1990's and has become a nationwide obsession. So, if you do visit Iceland, bring a bathing suit.

Even better is to take spending time in an outdoor pool or hot spring and combine it with another national past time in Iceland, to look at the Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis are visible on average 170 nights a year between September and April, making the country one of the best places in the world to see the lights. They are so bright you can even see them clearly in the city. There are several resorts that specialize in giving their guests the best views of the lights, so it's a great thing to try and book during the season.

All around the island along the Ring Road are most of Iceland's most notable towns and cities. Whether you're in the capital, Akureyri in the north, Hofn in the east or wherever; local flavor abounds. The north borders the Arctic Circle and is home of all things glaciers and pristine glass lakes.

The east is home to trees. That may seem like nothing, but Iceland was for centuries famous for not having trees. My dad was in the Navy and spent a lot of time in Iceland. The joke was that there was a available woman behind every tree.

Recent decades have brought trees back to Iceland through initiatives to regrow the flora in the country. The East has been the home to most of the efforts so that today, if you want to see a forest in Iceland, you can.

Iceland is also well known for its fjords. They are all around the country, east, north and west, but the ones on the west coast are the most famous. The western fjords are home to towns with harbors that get jammed with cruise ships in the summer. This is one of the hopping off points for a side trip to Greenland as well. Iceland is well known for ferrying people to Greenland for a visit.

In the western fjord lands, farmstays are king. You can stay on a farm, go riding on the world famous Icelandic Horses, hike and visit ice caves. There are ice caves around the country, but some of the most famous ones are in the western fjords.

One of the things that makes Iceland a conundrum of sorts is its climate. People expect Iceland to be freezing cold year round and the landscape supports that theory with its lack of trees and exposed rock. But, the truth is that Iceland sits at the end of the Gulf Stream and that makes its climate no more harsh than most of New England; it's just dark more. The Westman Islands sit off the southern coast of the country and make a great day trip by ferry from Reykjavik. The main island has a nice sized town on it and has its own subculture of fishing and old world charm. The islands are world famous for being a home for puffins, the adorable sea birds that you shouldn't miss seeing. You can take a puffin tour or an island tour or just catch the ferry in season.

As I've said, there is only one Ring Road and it circles the entire country of Iceland. There are many villages, towns and cities along the way, and Vik is one of the villages that I loved visiting. Vik is famous for its towering spire rocks and its black beach. You see that in pictures all the time. What you may not know about Vik is that it is home to one of the biggest woolens factories in the country. You can take a tour of the factory and get some great stuff at the shop after. It's a regular stop on the bus route and shouldn't be missed.

Iceland is an educational trip. Glaciers and volcanoes make the country what it is. Most of the existing glaciers are in the far north of the country. It's not that the south doesn't make glaciers, because Vatnajokull in the south has one of the largest in the country. Most glaciers are best visited by a tour or a guided hike, but they are fabulous. You can boat on the lakes around them, hike to them and on them or even ski on them in some places. It's never a good idea to take it upon yourself to go onto a glacier. Join a tour and do what your guide says.

Why shouldn't you take it upon yourself to go and walk on a glacier?

Because of the volcanoes, that's why. As we've all seen over the years, when a volcano in Iceland goes off, it can shut down the world. It happened a few years back and it lasted a long time. Air travel was disrupted all over Europe and it was a mess. The fact of the matter is that you don't want to be anywhere near one when it erupts.

Shortly after my own trip to Iceland, Vatnajokull erupted, taking out part of the Ring Road and making everyone in Hofn very nervous. Vatnajokull is home to the largest glacier in the country, but still erupted. Be careful folks. That one took out the farmhouse that I was staying in three months after our visit. You never know.

On the upside of that, volcanoes can be fascinating to tourists, and there are agencies that will take you to look at some of them. Be wise, book a tour, and do what you're told. It can be a great experience and it shouldn't be missed.

Iceland is wonderland all year round, whether it's summer and it's always light, or winter when it's frozen and blue. There are so many unusual activities that they are too numerous to name. You will find that there is never enough time to do it all. I would say, see a glacier, a volcano, some waterfalls, go swimming, maybe to a hot spring, and take a drive or a bus ride. Don't spend all your time in Reykjavik. I love it there, but there is so much else to see. If you're there in season, see the Northern Lights from a hot tub. You can't beat that. Spend some time with nature, because it's one of a kind in Iceland.

Iceland is a country that has embraced tourism like few others, and they love it when people visit. They have made it a point to connect themselves with countries in the Americas and Europe, and you can often get a cheaper trip to Europe by taking a weekend in Iceland along the way. You won't have to learn Icelandic, because almost everyone there speaks English as well. It never hurts to learn a few phrases, however, to impress the locals.

Iceland is full of ingenuity and creativity. They'll find a way to make their country great, no matter what lack of resources may come their way. Heat in Iceland is free, courtesy of an elaborate piping system created and instituted by the government to utilize the natural heat from the volcanoes. They have used that technology to heat greenhouses and farm their own produce. They got onto the fresh water craze early on and sell Icelandic Glacial Water around the world. They were a virtually alcohol free location for years, due to lack of ingredients and facilities, but those days are gone. They have made their country a world famous location to come and have an amazing visit.

They've weathered Covid-19 well with minimal cases in contrast to most countries, but always check guidelines before you go.

Also, there are thousands of websites with information about traveling to Iceland, because they are all about the tourism, but my favorites are Iceland Naturally and Iceland is.

So, I can't tell you enough how wonderful visiting Iceland is. There's nothing else like it. Choose your season, make some plans ahead of time and some when you get to Reykjavik. Be prepared for the unusual. Make sure you don't mind eating a lot of lamb and fish, whether the cuisine is European, Chinese, or Italian and enjoy!

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https://www.viator.com/Reykjavik-tourism/d905-r1115146707-s41507844?supci=-1&m=33953&supag=1115146707&supsc=kwd-76759862512869%3Aloc-190&supai=76759792854495&supdv=c&supnt=nt%3Ao&suplp=44736&supli=89&supti=kwd-76759862512869%3Aloc-190&tsem=true&supci=kwd-76759862512869%3Aloc-190&supkw=gullfoss+golden+circle&msclkid=774879dfbc3f19fbdb3918675f354059

https://www.harpa.is/en/

https://www.kensingtontours.com/travels/tours/iceland?utm_source=bing&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BING-Iceland&utm_campaign=BING-Iceland-November%202019&c3api=bing,1308419054380924,81776315975269&iv_=__iv_m_e_c_81776236903341_k_81776315975269_w_kwd-81776315975269:aud-805956192:loc-4086_g_1308419054380924_n_o_e__h_44736_ii_89_p_2_b_be_d_c_vi__&mkwid=-dc%7Cpcrid%7C81776236903341%7Cpkw%7Ciceland%20travel%7Cpmt%7Cbe%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C1308419054380924%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-81776315975269:aud-805956192:loc-4086%7C&utm_term=iceland%20travel&utm_content=-dc%7Cpcrid%7C81776236903341%7Cpkw%7Ciceland%20travel%7Cpmt%7Cbe%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C1308419054380924%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-81776315975269:aud-805956192:loc-4086%7C&pgrid=1308419054380924&ptaid=kwd-81776315975269:aud-805956192:loc-4086&msclkid=2ec257418834140cbc7536f96ab46cac

https://www.gocollette.com/en/tours/europe/iceland?cm_mmc=Bing%20PPC-_-Non%20Brand-_-[Search][Classics][USA]%20NB:%20Country%20-%20Iceland-_-iceland&campaign=301056163&campaign_type=NB&msclkid=29b16ffcdc6c103696d00e443eecf860&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=[Search][Classics][USA]%20NB:%20Country%20-%20Iceland&utm_term=+iceland%20+travel%20+company&utm_content=iceland

https://www.icelandtravel.is/

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Iceland.html

https://www.iceland.is/travel-leisure/

https://is.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

https://www.cheapfareguru.com/cheapflights.php?ref=ms-cfg-lp&arl=UA&name=United%20Airlines&source={bing}&medium={cpc}&device=c&network=o&campaign=388196660&adgroup=1141293789073748&keyword=iceland%20travel&matchtype=b-bb&creative=71330958223695&devicemodel=&feeditemid=&targetid=united%20airlines%20flights&gclid=af6dc4d244ce1d511aeda56aa667cf8c&adposition=&msclkid=af6dc4d244ce1d511aeda56aa667cf8c&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=CFG%20-%20Airline%20-%20United%20Airlines&utm_term=united%20airlines%20flights&utm_content=United%20Airlines%20Flights

https://www.icelandair.com/

https://iceland.nordicvisitor.com/?rf=m0024-24&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=iceland%20naturally&utm_content=iceland%20trip%20to%2024&utm_campaign=IS%20m0024%20iceland%20travel%20trip&msclkid=3f3136bd02381aefb8e25705e01f955e

https://www.goaheadtours.com/tours/europe-tours/iceland-tours?&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=US_Search_Europe_Iceland_BMM&utm_group=Iceland_Travel&utm_term=iceland+travel&utm_content=&mt=p&utm_device=c&invsrc=b.1403&msclkid=d3410a30d0bd1caf7c7f6b88329af10d&gclid=d3410a30d0bd1caf7c7f6b88329af10d&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.inspiredbyiceland.com/

https://www.facebook.com/icelandnaturally

http://www.leifur-eiriksson.org/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMxbJDPXvsc

https://www.smyrilline.com/

Thursday, December 9, 2021

The Most Luxurious Part of Italy....Lake Como!

I return to discussing Italy for my friend Marissa and her bucket list today. There is much to discuss about Lake Como, and for that reason, I am not discussing the entirety of Lombardy in this post. I could barely cover the lake area.

Let's start with the basics. Lombardy, the home of Lake Como, is in the north of Italy in the foothills of the Alps. The lake itself is Y shaped and was formed by a massive glacier during the last ice age. It covers relatively 146 square miles and can be over 600 feet deep in some places. The mountains and the latitude make a unique micro climate that grows lush vegetation and produces wonderful wine in vineyards, olives and even supports certain species of palm trees. It rarely snows around the lake, leaving the locals to head into the mountains to ski.

That being said, Lake Como has long since been home to the elite, and is today still one of the most luxurious places in Italy. Over the years, it has been home to royals, Romans, rulers from around the world, artists, celebrities, and today business magnates and celebrities still make up most of the crowd that lives in the massive villas in the area.

The Lake Como area has many claims to fame. They are famous for the production of silks and furniture. They also made motorcycles and now is home to the Moto Guzzi Museum on that topic. Mussolini was killed here. Battles were fought over the area. There were once great monasteries and convents along the lake. Now, it is largely a haven for the wealthy and a playground for upscale tourists.

Bellagio is one of the most famous, and reportedly most beautiful cities on Lake Como. It is an ancient town at the juncture of the Y formation of the lake. There is a fortress on the cape that divides the lake that has been used over the years by different groups to protect and take over the area. The town itself has been around at least since medieval times and has narrow streets and stone steps lined with modern shops and restaurants.

There are several churches, basilicas, and villas to see. You will find the links in this blog useful, because, there are simply too many churches and villas to talk about them all individually.

Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the rulers to conquer this area. He had a villa on the lake during his reign, that he barely used, but Villa Melzi d'Eril,was built in Bellagio during that era for a Duke that was his ally.

Historic Villas are something that you have to see while in the Lake Como area. The only thing that I can liken it to in the US is Newport, RI. There are many villas to visit, they all have something unique about them, and sometimes there are even walking and biking trails that connect more than one. They are a must see, and I will discuss a few of the most notable for various reasons.

Lenno is home to the Villa del Balbianello. Once a monastery for Franciscan Friars, it is now one of the most famous villas on the lake. It was used in James Bond Movies and the Star Wars franchise. It has changed hands several times since it was constructed in the 18th century; one of the previous owners is buried in a crypt on site. The building is open for tours and is rented out for weddings and other private occasions. It has beautiful gardens and towers and a commanding view of the lake.

Varenna is home to Villa Monastero. This was at one time a convent of Cistercian Nuns, and today is open to the public as a historic museum. There are artifacts, literature, and art on display throughout the villa. They also have a botanical garden with plants from around the world.

In Tremezzo we find Villa Carlotta, built in the 17th century, towering over the lake. One of the grandest old homes in the area, it now is home to a significant art museum and massive botanical garden.

There are tons of villas to visit. You can find selections on many different websites and there are tours devoted to visiting them. Make sure if you come to Lake Como, you take time to visit at least one. You'll be missing out if you don't.

Varenna is one of the older towns on the lake, with traditional architecture, a fishing industry, ancient villas and churches, and Vezio Castle.

Vezio Castle is an ancient tower that overlooks the lake from above the town. It has a fantastic view of the lake and on good days, the Alps beyond. There is a hiking path that goes up to the tower that takes about 20 minutes to walk. There are stairs that you can climb inside to look out of the tower during the day. If you want a real adventure, there's a jeep tour that will drive you to the top of the hill to visit the tower.

Verenna, in addition to being a great tourist spot with shopping and restaurants, is also home to some outdoor fun like hiking and biking and has one of the most unusual rivers in the world. The Fiumelatte River is the shortest white water, milk colored river in the world. It only flows only from March to September and is perfectly dry the rest of the year.

Lenno is home to Villa Balbianello, as mentioned aforehand. It's otherwise a sleepy little town rather famous for it's churches dating back sometimes to the 12th century. The church of San Stefano and San Battistero as well as the Abbazia dell’ Acquafredda are all well worth visiting.

Lenno is a stopping point for trains from Milan, and is popular with discerning tourists. It is also home of the olive industry on the lake and a great place to try local cuisine. Once you've eaten and rested at a local hotel, enjoy the beach. There are beaches on Lake Como, and Lenno is a great place to visit one.

Lecco is one of the oldest cities on the lake and lies at the south end of the east branch of the lake. It is one of the few cities that you will find that has a bridge across the lake, and it has four. Lecco has a rich culture as it has been ruled by Celts, Spanish, Austrian, Romans and others before landing in its current position as northern Italian.

There are museums, shopping, art, restaurants, and activities abounding in this ancient city.

Menaggio has a more strategic location on the western branch of the lake, not all that far from Bellagio. It is a great place to catch a boat tour or a ferry to travel more of the lake area. The downtown of this city is medieval and a fantastic place to soak up that ambience. They have great shopping and food.

Menaggio is probably most famous for its promenade. This area is one of the best spots where you can just walk and enjoy the views of the amazing Lake Como.

Como Italy is home to some magnificent things. It's the administrative seat of the area, and is a hub for coming to the region by train or bus from Milan. Once visited by Charlemagne, it has been a city for a very long time. It's home to the area's oldest church, the Como Cathedral, and a must see. It is one of the larger cities on the lake and a great point to catch a boat or ferry.

Home to the Tempio Voltiana, a museum honoring Alessandro Volta, the man who created the battery. It's a great stop for the techies in your crew and a beautiful building. The city is also home to sculpture parks and fountains dedicated to and created by modernist artists and engineers. It is a versatile city that also is home to Villa Olmo, which was a place where many notable people, including Napoleon, once stayed.

One of the things you can do in Como, that is found nowhere else in the lake area is ride a funicular. The Como- Brunate Funicular will take you from Como on the lake to the terrace town of Brunate. Brunate has old world charm and a greatly elevated view of the lake. It's a great ride.

Mezzegra is one interesting town. This is where it is said that Benito Mussolini was killed. It is home to a museum on that subject. The town is also home to the wine growing in the Lake Como area and produces a red wine called Mugnano. There are several local bars where you can give it a go.

Mezzegra has a festival every year, Palio di Mezzegra. This festival is host to several villages in the area and the medieval games in which they compete. There are costumes and games and it is a great time for all.

Tremezzo, home of the Villa Carlotta, is a great little town to visit on the western shore of the lake. There are fortresses, villas, churches and lakefront to visit. It is a great place to wind down as it is a smaller village. They have great shops and eats. There is a great view of the mountains, and they have beaches in this village.

Visiting Lake Como is quite an experience. You can hike, bike, kayak, water ski, sail, drive, and get around many ways. You can take the ferry system to different locations around the lake. You can take privately hired boats and cars. There are thousands of things to see and do.

Given all of your options, including non stop festivals and events around the calendar, you may want to consult a travel professional before you go. I'm not saying that you should book a tour, of which there are many. But, getting as much information before you go is wise. This is an area that caters to rich people from around the world, so you will find English speaking people around the lake. It's easy to get around and there are tons of different things to do.

My advice is to decide the basics that you wish to see before you go. There is no way to see it all. If you're outdoorsy, you may want to pick activities and book them before you go, particularly if you go in the summer.

This is also a place that if you aren't dead set on water skiing or laying on the beach, you may consider visiting during the winter. They have a fairly temperate climate and it's beautiful most of the year. Winter festivals can be wildly entertaining and leave you with a feeling of inclusivity. They have some of the best celebrations of the Festival season around the lake as well.

Lake Como is home to history, art, architecture, natural beauty, modern food, modern art, modern shopping, and fabulous festivals. It's location has made it what it is, being at the foothills of the Alps but not Alpine in climate. The waters of the lake are a deep blue in good weather which makes the scenery stunning.

If you visit the Lake Como area, you will want to fly in to Milan. It's the hopping off point where you can catch a train or bus to the lake region. If you visit in summer, plan ahead. If you wish to rent a car and drive, plan ahead. Some of the towns have limited access for cars because they are so old and have narrow streets. If you wish to take a tour, plan ahead. That being said, many college students have just back packed around the area just fine.

Always check for covid-19 updates before planning a trip to a foreign country. We all just saw what happened when the Omicron Variant popped up.

All that being said, be aware that this is an expensive area to visit. Lodging will be more expensive than other areas. Food may be as well. Figure out your budget, and plan this one ahead as much as you can.

All things considered, you don't have to be a millionaire to visit. Just plan well and by all means, enjoy.

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https://hand-picked-hotels.com/destinations/c-116052

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https://www.airbnb.com/a/stays/Province-of-Como--Lombardy--Italy?c=.pi2.pk380404829_1309518572759693&msclkid=6b8a1c2ce2981041edd37d9ed6237711&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=USA%3ADTM%3ADEST%3AITA%2BComo%5BBMM%5D&utm_term=%2Bvilla%20in%20%2Bcomo&utm_content=Como%3AVilla%3A%2BBMM

https://iconprivatecollection.com/historic-private-estate-lake-como-italy