Swimming in pools, swimming in lakes, taking boat trips and of course lots and lots of gelato.

My favourite thing about a European holiday is the slow morning, leisurely breakfasts and gentle walks, exploring new places without using too much energy.  We could have just stared and looked at the lake all day.  The tranquil water just pulls you right in, with birds, ducks, dogs, small boats and even sea planes providing much entertainment over morning coffee in the sunshine.  It was a very warm day, with the bluest sky, so we took a walk from Tremezzo to Leno,  all in all about a thirty minute stroll, taking in the sights and having serious house and balcony envy. If you want to really slow down, you can catch the little train which looks like something out of Noddy but all in all a fun way to get around.

The rest of the morning was taken up with games of tennis at the hotel (the boys) and serious sunbathing by the Flowers pool (the girls).  Dipping in and out of our books, the pool and of course that view. I  couldn’t resit a walk around the gardens that shelter the pool and the tennis courts,  completely amazed by the hydrangeas in scent and colour, beautiful! Puts my half dead potted one in the garden to shame.   

To refuel and hydrate from tennis and sunning (both hot work might I add) we tucked into smoothies, pizzas and Insalata Caprese’s.  Buffalo mozzarella heaven, at the T Pizza restaurant by the pool at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, before moving to the pool on the lake for a little snooze…..It’s all about the water.

 After a snooze and a few dips in the pool, we decided to indulge a little further into Lake Life and hired ourselves boat.  One of the most fun and relaxing ways to spend a few hours and surprisingly (albeit a little worryingly) very easy to do.  Literally the important three things to know about hiring a boat on the Lake 1) This is where your wine goes 2) This is where you connect your music and 3) Keep away from the ferries…..Oh okay!

We spent a couple of hours cruising around the Lake visiting Villa del Babianello, as seen in Casino Royal and Star Wars Episode II Attack Of The Clones…. Apparently! We travelled right down to Cernobbio and back up to Bellagio, sunning our selves and taking it all in on the little deck on our little white boat.  It was just simply so lovely to sail around, look into the little towns perched on the hills and watch the sun dip behind the mountains.  It felt like we were in an 80’s Duran Duran video (for good or for bad) but one of the most fun times we have had.  It most definitely washed the cobwebs away and was the most perfect way to enjoy the late afternoon sun, and the light on the water….. Oh the light!  Bella!

We spent the evening eating pasta and pizza and drinking wine and of course many flavours of  gelato, over the Italy V Republic of Ireland game, taking in the ambience of local life.   Boating surprisingly works up an appetite, so we actually ordered a pizza after our mains, when in Rome… Before going to bed feeling very rested, the perfect kind of rested that only the sun, the water (and pizza) can make you feel.

On our last morning we decided to go to Lido Di Lenno, a restaurant and beach bar, with its own little beach with soft sand, gazebos, beach umbrellas and sun beds all available for reservations.  Although we just dropped our towels down and were more than content.

A very quiet, still and perfect spot to relax, to while away the morning with sunbathing and lake swimming. The water was so clean, so clear and so refreshing. It was surreal and somewhat special to swim out and take in the view from the water, taking a million photo memories in your head.

We reserved a table at the Lido’s beach bar and restaurant, a perfect way to end our time in Italy.  Insalata Caprese, Palma Ham, breads, oils and Rose wine all made more special by the lovely setting.  This is truly lovely spot to shelter from the sun, on a laidback terrace with perfect touches and of course the perfect views.  A great place for an evening meal too. 

Of course the very last thing to do before heading to the airport was  a visit to La Fabbrica Del Gelato, in Leno.  Gelato’s all round…..Need I say more. 

Italy has never failed to impress me, having been lucky enough to have travelled around this warm, inviting and beautiful country a few times, from city stops in Rome, to a beautiful Tuscan wedding, to peaceful holidays in Puglia, Lake Como is the cherry on top of our Italian memories. Three days in Lake Como was just the most perfect start to the summer, how lucky we are to have this beautiful country on our door step and friends to share it with, confirming our love of Italy even more.

We left calmer, happier and a little bit heavier, dreaming of returning back very soon. La vita è bella.

We flew Easy Jet to Milan.  You can catch the train to Saronno from Milan Malpensa, Terminal 2, we then changed here to Lago Como, just remember to stamp your train tickets before you get on the train.  From Lago Como there are many ferries and hydrofoil’s to take you to the many different areas of the Lake.  If time is on your side, relax and take the ferry, Beautiful! You can book The Grand Hotel Tremazzo through their website http://www.grandhoteltremezzo.com/en/luxury-hotel-lake-como/ and also through https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/grand-hotel-tremezzo We hired a boat through the hotel, there are  many boat companies advertised so all very easy to do, offering lots of different options.  http://www.comolakeboats.it/?lang=en We spent the morning and ate lunch at Lidi di Lenno, which we all very much recommend. http://www.lidodilenno.com/en/home.php