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Published: September 11th 2023
Arcas area in Chur
A series of row houses restored to what would have been the original medieval design.Our 3 week Italy trip actually started with a Toronto-Zurich overnight AC flight. From the airport we took the train to Chur, a small town about 1 1/2 outside of Zurich, for an over night stay and to catch the Bernina Express the next day. This 4 hour rail passage through the Swiss Alps was an excellent way to shake off the jet lag and enjoy some striking scenery on the way to northern Italy.
We rented an apartment in the small town of Varenna for the 3 days we were in Lake Como area. Varenna is one several small cobblestoned towns along the shores of the lake that are connected with frequent ferry service. Lake Como is one of Italy’s largest fresh water lake (Lake Garda is the largest). It sits at the base of the Swiss Alps but surprisingly has a more temperate climate than what would be expected at this latitude. In fact, it once had significant Olive groves which is unusual this far north. (The combination of the lake affect and the Swiss Alps providing a barrier to the cold northern winds)
The scenery around Lake Como is outstanding and in the past, members of
Bernina Express
It’s not like we’ve never seen snow, but in this context it’s make for a beautiful sight. Sorry for the picture quality. It’s the reflection of the large windows on the train. the nobility and the elite built fabulous Villas on bucolic properties (George Clooney is currently one of the area’s famous resident). With a short ferry trip to the town of Lenno, we visited the Balbianello Villa which was purchased in the early 70’s by Count Guido Monzino, an Italian industrialist and adventurer. The property is now part of a trust and is used for weddings, tours and movie sets. On our visit, there were a number of either professional models or “wannabes” that were being photographed in their stylish outfits against the backdrop of this very attractive location.
On the way to Lenno, we made a quick stop to Bellagio another town on the Lake which included a lot of high end shops and a very popular destination. Our intention was to return to Bellagio and also take a ferry ride to the town of Como. Unfortunately we both came down with cold and/or flu which turned out to be covid. We both tested negative initially, however, when we got to the Villa in Tuscany, subsequent tests turned positive although Debra’s continued to be negative. We both were quite sick with cough fever etc. Thank goodness the Villa was
Balbianello Villa in Lenno
Just one section of numerous buildings and gardens on the Villa property. very large and spacious which enabled us to isolate easily from our friends who travelled to the Villa from different locations. Before arriving at the Villa, we spent 2 days in Milan. It’s disappointing that we were unable to see much and spend most of our 2 days there in the hotel room.
The weather has been superb and we’re looking forward to enjoying our week at the Villa in beautiful Tuscany once we overcome the covid challenge.
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Joanne
non-member comment
From St Maarten
Hi So sorry to hear that you guys got COVID!!! I hope you are recovering and have no lingering side effects. Please take care.