EUROPE 2026 : LAKE COMO

Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th June

We made a morning stop in Bergamo. We caught the historic, crowded and slightly underwhelming funicular up to Citta Alta for a few hours.  

Lake Como is another favourite place. We drove up on the Eastern Shore and took a car ferry over to Menaggio from Varenna.

Menaggio is one of my favourite places in the Europe.

Our apartment was amazing; the converted old Hotel Principe with a palatial living room, wonderful views of the lake and the best location right on the main square.

After drinks with our view, we ate at our favourite Pizzeria Lugano. The best food at the best price is usually not accompanied by the best view.

On Tuesday we caught the ferry over to Bellagio. Over-rated and touristy but a must -do for the first timers with us.

For dinner we ate in on a balmy evening, doors flung open so it sounded like the sax-playing busker below our window was serenading us in our lounge. This is why we travel with friends; for times like this!

EUROPE 2026 : LAKE GARDA TO LAKE ISEO, ITALY

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June

The car rental pick up went smoothly and in no time we were headed to the shores of Lake Garda.

Bardolino is a busy lakeside town; just the spot for pizza with a view, a walk along the promenade and a gelato.

The Bardolino wine region is in the hills above the lake. We visited Zeni winery for a tasting.

And then it was on to the region of Franciacorte; the "Champagne" of Italy. Very nice bubblies not that well known outside Italy. We stayed at Cantine El Rocol.

Great wines and a delicious meal enjoyed on the restaurant terrace on a balmy evening. 

On Sunday we drove through beautiful vineyard countryside to Iseo on the southern shores of Lake Iseo. A local hidden gem; smaller, quieter and so much more beautiful than Garda.

We followed the Eastern shoreline up to Sale Marasino and hopped onto a ferry to Monte Isola; the biggest lake island in Europe.

We continued around the lake and past Bergamo to our next agriturismo farmstay; El Robale. Luckily we had picked up food and wine for dinner so we watched the French Open final and feasted on bread, cheeses, meats, olives and pickles. And wine!

EUROPE 2026 : VERONA, ITALY

Friday 5 June

We caught the train from Venice to Verona. When the hotel is called Lords of Verona you can't be sure what you'll get but this one is a gem right by Piazza Erbe .

We visited Castelvecchio Museum, took a quick glance at Juliet's balcony and a stroll around the Roman Arena; bigger than the Colleseum in Rome.

But the best thing about Verona is wandering the streets and piazzas and stopping for a Spritz; more choices than just Aperol these days.

Or a glass of local Amarone.

 I like that in this part of Italy you always get snacks with your drinks. And Italian salted potato chips are the best in the world!