From Cernobbio to Bellagio, where even the roads have been given the name of royals
Lake Como offers a spectacular, dynamic landscape, and what seems to be an unending chain of opulent villas. Set off on the ancient "Strada Regina" road to explore the lake, making Cernobbio your first stop. Here, the beautiful Villa Erba looks out over the lake, surrounded by an expanse of parkland. Luchino Visconti, the director, was brought up here. Originally a medieval town, Cernobbio is popular with well known Italian and international personalities, who can sometimes be seen; when not inside the high-security; lavish villas, in the stylish Piazza Rinascimento.
Montrasio is charming with its network of little lanes. Do not miss the 11th century, grey stone, Romanesque church of Sant' Agata. Set in a lovely terrace garden, next to the church, is the 18th century Villa Passalacqua. There is a marvellous view from Laglio, which is also famous as the site of George Clooney's Villas Oleandra and Margherita.
At the foot of the San Bernado and Briante mountains lies the little medieval town of Brienno. The 11th century Church of San Vittore, with its 'comacino', or bell tower is worth a visit. In the oratory of the Church of Saints Nazaro and Celso is a valuable 16th century polyptic by Andrea de Passeris. Many craft studios can be found in another medieval village, Argeno. Via the Pigra cable car you can travel 900metres up to see the 16th century San Rocco oratory and take in a stunning panorama.
A few kilometres after rejoining the Strada Regina you come to Sala Comacina and its 15th century church, San Bartolomeo. Across the lake from here lies the island of Comacina with the ruins of the Church of Sant'Eufemia.
Your next stop is Ossuccio where the Church of Saints Giacomo and Filippo was constructed, on foundations sunk into the bed of the lake, in the 11th century. This and the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena have lovely campaniles. You now travel higher, to visit the Sacro Monte, a complex of 14 chapels. Here, the Sanctuary of the Maddona del Soccorso houses a statue of the Madonna and Child, which is reputed to have the power to work miracles.
Lenno is the first town in Tremezzia. The Italian Environment foundation (FAI) own the 18th century Villa del Balbianello here. This, and the Church of Santo Stefano and the Baptistery are worth seeing. The bustling lakeside town of Tremezzina is your next stop. Sculptures by Antonio Canova can be found in the 18th century Villa Carlotta, built in homage to Carlotta of Prussia.
The little thoroughfares and the churches of San Carlo and Santo Stefano make a visit to Menaggio enchanting. From here you can take the ferry to Bellagio - famous for its luxury hotels, sophisticated shops, the magnificent San Giacomo Church and the Rockefeller Foundation in the glorious Villa Serbelloni. Both Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi have beautiful parks. Delightful grounds, which are also open to the public, surround the splendid Villa Monastero in Varenna.
