The sense of beauty has its origins in Bellagio, you feel it all around you, in the splendor of its noble mansions and villas, in the elegance of its boutiques and in the slower pace of life of its inhabitants.
A peninsula in the heart of the lake, dividing the Como branch from that of Lecco and positioning at its extremity this characteristic village and also Punta Spartivento.
An enchanting place, famous for having been the love nest of renowned people like John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who spent time with his wife Jacqueline at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in June 1963, and the eminent Hungarian composer Franz Liszt who lived an intense passion with Marie-Catherine de Flavigny between 1836 and 1837.
During this unique 2½ hour walking tour we will explore Bellagio’s historic center and its marvelous and hidden surroundings. Our first stop is Punta Spartivento, allowing us to admire the superb views of the lake’s three branches against a towering alpine background. Here, depending on availability, we can meet local fishermen who can share their knowledge of lake fish. We will then walk through the picturesque and colorful steep stone alleys of the hamlet bringing us to the characteristic fishing village of Pescallo. Moving on over the hills to Aureggio, the upper part of the peninsula crossing lush gardens and olive groves we pass by noble villas and Romanesque churches descending a grassy path to the port of Loppia, home to rare examples of 19th century Larian Gondolas.
The tour continues with another highlight, the romantic gardens of Villa Melzi where our tour guide will introduce you to the history of the gardens and of the villa before taking you to our last stop, a gourmet Michelin starred lakefront restaurant located by the entrance of the gardens. Here you will be able to relax while being served a delicious lunch, that includes a typical Italian appetizer, a home-made pasta dish, a glass of fresh local wine and our world-renowned espresso. You will fall in love with this enchanting location: small elegantly set tables gathered under a wonderful pergola overlooking the lake and the small fishing port of Loppia.
After lunch you shall be free to explore the gardens of Villa Melzi, using the tickets provided by our guide, and relax while taking in the colors and atmosphere of this enchanting place.