Arrivederci Bellagio and Lago di Como

Bellagio's passenger train

Friday                                                                                            October 15, 2021

Today we leave Bellagio and Lake Como and drive to an agriturismo north of Verona.  We decided to take a passenger train ride around the city to see a few sites that we didn't walk to.  Our friends Dave and Helene had just returned from Italy 2 weeks ago, and we saw that they did this train ride.  It looked like fun -- and it was!

We hopped on the train right by the corner of our hotel - so easy

Each set of passenger seats was protected with a new vinyl partition - very COVID compliant!

Villa Giulia

The botanical gardens of the Villa Melzi

The historic Lucia boat - symbol of Lake Como

Above is a photo of the typical fishing boat used for centuries on Lake Como.  It is known as a "Lucia" or "Batell".  They can be a rowing boat or a sailing boat, usually made for 2 people.  They have become the symbol of the lake - and we saw a number of wood carvings of the boat.  Unfortunately, not many are left now - this is one.

The boat is traditionally made from chestnut wood with oak oarlocks.  It began being known as a "Lucia" boat because of the famous Manzoni novel I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed), published in 1827.  It's a story from the 1600's about Renzo and Lucia and their troubled love.  They escape on one of these boats - hence the name.

Fun on the trenino  (little train)

The car ferry dock at Bellagio

Tremezzo, across from the Lido di Bellagio

Stopping for a Coca-cola before continuing on....

Sad to say good bye to Hotel Belvedere - probably our favorite of the vacation

We loved the Ristorante La Terrazza, and the head waiter, Donatello, who was there for every breakfast and dinner.

The road to the Autostrade - first to Lecco, then Bergamo, and we're on our way.