Villa Galante

Eating out: Lake Como and the region are filled with wonderful restaurants. They range from the simple, family-operated trattorias which are very inexpensive and serve some of the best food in Italy to Michelin rated haute cuisine. Many of the restaurants sit right on the water with gorgeous views. Others are located in the mountains surrounding Lake Como with stunning panoramic views.
For evenings when guests feel like dressing up and enjoying a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere, Switzerland has some exceptional restaurants.

The villages around Lake Como are quaint and beautiful. Whether by car, on bike or by boat visiting Argegno, Menaggio, Bellagio, Cernobbio and Varenna is a special treat. Here are mentioned only a few but all up and down Lake Como are beautiful villages with quaint caffès, trattorias and simple shops.

One of the pleasures of vacationing on Lake Como are the literally hundreds of hikes and walks. Not far from the villa is Mount Bisbino and for those who are looking for serious exercise, the hike up the mountain is a beautiful way to accomplish an aerobic workout. Other trails, in different parts of the lake, have gorgeous views and are less energetic. Use the morning to hike and enjoy one of the many trattorias or mountain Baitas for lunch 

One has not seen Lake Como if it hasn’t been experienced from the water. There are numerous touring companies that can take large or small groups for tours of the lake which can include a refreshing swim in the lake. A wonderful day is to take the morning to explore the lake by boat. Stop for a long lunch at the Locanda dell’ Isola Comacina and return to the Villa by late afternoon.
Lake Como is an active lake used by locals and vacationers alike. There are numerous water-ski and wakeboard companies that will arrive at the Villa’s docks and take guests waterskiing. For those who enjoy swimming, nothing is quite as refreshing as a swim in the lake on a hot summer day. Guests can take boats up the lake and find beautiful alcoves next to amazing villas or villages for a nice swim in the lake.

Lake Como and the region is a shopper’s paradise. Milan has been crowned the fashion capital of the world thanks to designers such as Versace, Prada and Armani. Via Monte Napoleone and Via della Spiga with its designer showrooms and boutiques are two of the most elegant, if expensive, shopping streets in Europe. Milan also has sections of town dedicated to antiques, art and house supplies.
Como is also an interesting place to shop because of its local flavor. There are very elegant stores in Como that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Some of the world’s greatest designers are found in Como. Perhaps the nicest discount silk store (Mantero VIII) is found on the outskirts of Como.
Finally, Foxtown, just over the border into Switzerland is a world famous mall that has every imaginable brand name store (Armani, Gucci, Prada, Loro Piano, Yves St. Laurent, Ferragamo, Versace, Missoni, Bally, Bruno Magli, Dolce and Gabbana, Cerrutti……to literally name only a few) at discounted prices. The mall sells last year’s fashions at prices that seem a third of what can be found in Milan.

Biking is a wonderful way to see Lake Como. Lake Como is a bikers’ region. Lance Armstrong comes to Lake Como every year to train. Serious bikers will enjoy a day’s ride all the way around the lake and back home. Leisurely biking is also a pleasure and a means of visiting the various villages along the lake. 

Golf: Within a short distance from the Villa there are some of the nicest golf courses in Italy and moreover some of the nicest courses in Europe. The Italian Open which is regularly played by the world’s best golfers has been hosted by the Circolo di Golf Villa d’Este, Monticello, Le Robinie (designed by Jack Nicklaus), Golf Club Bergamo (Home course of Constantino Rocca), Couturbier Golf Club (designed by Trent Jones) and Castello di Tolcinasco (designed by Arnold Palmer). All these courses are ranked highly by Golf World as among the best golf courses in Europe and easily accessible from the Villa.

As a nice addition to a day of shopping in Milan is to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper. In the heart of Milan is the rose-colored marble Gothic Duomo. Not far from the Duomo is the world’s most famous opera house—La Scala. Throughout the city are symbols of Milan’s illustrious past including the 16 Corinthian-style columns from early Roman settlements. These are place just outside the 4th century Basilica di San Lorenzo. Also impressive is the Sforza Castle and Museum of Ancient Art. St. Ambrose’s Basilica and Museum is interesting as the Basilica was founded in the 4th century by the Bishop Ambrose who baptized St. Augustine here.

Como is still laid out in a grid fashion reflecting its Roman origins. The Old Town is well preserved with the three towers of the city walls still standing, as well as traces of the walls themselves and several ancient churches. The black and white ancient town hall from the 13th century still stands. Among Como’s notable churches is the 11th century Sant’Abbondio just outside town central. Of particular beauty is the 12th century San Fedele which has lent its name to the beautiful square where the cathedral stands.