Hair Raising Climbs and Beautiful Lake Views

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Geo: 45.9877, 9.26198

After breakfast today we walked to the ferry pier and purchased a mid lake ferry pass for the day and hopped on the ferry to Varenna.

Again it was a beautiful day and far warmer than what we had predicted. Varenna looked gorgeous as we approached from the water. Our first task after getting off the ferry was to find the way to hike up to Castello di Vezio to see the castle and view. We asked directions at a local shop and set off on our walk.

Wow, what a walk it was! I was actually quite scared at some points as the path, or track would be a better word, was only around 30cm (1 foot) wide in parts, rocky and stony and incredibly steep with no handrail whatsoever. I pretty much dragged my way up hanging on to odd trees and plants as we went and trying not to look over the side to the lake far, far below.

We finally reached the top, thank goodness, sweating profusely by this stage. The first thing we saw was a tiny cemetery. I commented to G that that was where they buried the ones who hadn't made it to the top.

After a little sit down to catch our breath and cool off we explored the castello ruins. There were some amazing views and it was quite enjoyable.

Fortunately we discovered that there was actually a much easier path which we used to get back.

After returning down to Varenna we spent some time wandering the town before heading to Cavallino Trattoria dei Pescatori for a delicious lunch of Lake Perch with Sage and Butter and Parmesan Risotto.

We then boarded the ferry again and continued on to Menaggio. We had a pleasant stroll around the town and the shops before stopping for some gelato. The gelato was delicious but melted far too quickly in the heat.

We then hopped on the ferry once again and returned to our wonderful terrace for another Aperol Spritz while watching the sun go down. Dinner than evening was a recommendation from Jenene at Bellagio Water Taxis and it was a very good one. We ate on the terrace of La Barchetta and ate Saltimbocca with an amazing purple mashed potato, followed by flourless chocolate cake.

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Photos

Castello di Vezio from othe Ferry
Castella di Vezio from Ferry 01-10-14

Varenna from the Ferry
Varenna from the Ferry 01-10-14

Castella di Vezio, Varenna
Castella di Vezio, Varenna, 01-10-14

View from Castella di Vezio
View From Castella di Vezio, Varenna, 01-10-14

Fish Risotto at Lunch
First Fish Risotto in Italy, Varenna 01-10-14

Narrow Mennagio Street
Menaggio 01-10-14

Aperol Spritz on our Terrace
Aperol Spritz on our Terrace at Hotel Metropole, Bellagio, 01-10-14

Purple Mash with Saltimbocca
Veal Saltimbocca with Purple Mash at Terrazza Barchetta Bellagio 01-10-14

Flourless Chocolate Cake
Warm Chocolate Cake at Terrazza Barchetta 01-10-14