... we moved in our new apartment, we left a free wall for watercolors from our travels). I have to say that the centre of Mantova (the three connected piazzas: Erbe, Broletto and Sordello) where completely flooded with various stalls, booths and stagework: the art fair in Piazza Sordello, a Dance ... more

... hotels of the world, the Villa d'Este ... ... of hotels close to magnificent Villa Carlotta gardens ... ... the Comacina island and Balbianello villa. A centre ... ... often surrounded by secluded celebrities villas (like George Clooney's one in Laglio, Versace's in Moltrasio, King Fahd's family in Torno). Cons: often they ... more

... the water's edge with a great outdoor dining next to the water. Not as expensive as the other villages, but fun to take a ferry (next door) to beautiful Bellagio and Varenna. Also DO SEE Villa Carlotta (museum & gardens) at Tremezzo (quick ferry ride) on your way to Bellagio ... more

... See it and many more villas and apartments to rent on Bellacomo.com. The owners of Bellacomo,Karen and Dave, are the most helpful host I have ever come across and are a mine of information on where to go, what to see and how to get to places around ... more

... wonderful vistas of lake, mountains, villas and little towns as you go. Be sure to take the normal boat service rather than the 'aliscafo'hydrofoil service as on this the view is not so good. You should be in Bellagio in time for a late lunch. Or have lunch in ... more

... of the lake as the Villa Carlotta b) you get a view of Bellagio and Varenna from Menaggio, which is lovely especially in the evening. Visiting Bellagio and Varenna is easy. c) Menaggio has the best info office on the lake d) Restaurants tend to be a bit less expensive ... more

... this year, hopefully booking a villa or apartment ... ... provided by the mountains rather then the extreme south of the lake) where would you recommend we stay if we choose not to return to either Garda or Salo? Also any recommendations for apartments/villas would be useful. Many thanks in advance ... more

... easily walk between Garhnano and Villa di Gargnano. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187801-i508-k5298383-o10-Tour_of_northern_Italy-Bologna_Province_of_Bologna_Emilia_Romagna.html#40878570 Here’s an example of a hotel listed as Gargnano when it’s really located on the hill above Gargnano, about ... more

... it easier to get a Villa/Apartment in some resorts than others. Flatness & mountain scenery are hard to combine , you can score off Riva as once you are away from the water front the streets are both steep and the cobbles make walking more difficult. The flatter resorts that are ... more