... 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

... vistas. It's elegant, quaint, charming, historical and there are plenty more superlatives to describe it. Stroll down a "Salita" and discover a restaurant, an art gallery, a designer shoe store as well as the shops that sell souvenirs. Walk along the promenade, go to the garden of Villa Melzi ... more

... stately and more expensive hotels, villas, gardens, and tour groups would attract more mature visitors. This is true of most of the Italian Lake region with the exception of Lake Garda – Lake Garda is younger at heart and has a lot to offer families. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187838 ... more

... but also use the car to reach other places, like Bergamo, Lake Como, Bolzano, Vicenza, etc? If not Sirmione, what would you recommend for ease of travel, not large, charming and picturesque, good access to the lake steamers, villas and gardens, 3-star lake-side hotel, etc. Molto grazie! Matteo ... more

... mid-lake area. All the villas in mid ... ... to see other than two villas and the village itself?) Visit Madonna del Soccorso. Spend more than one hour in Como. We have only visited the lakeside/done a seaplane ride. Not even the funicular, yet! Visit San Giovanni stop near Bellagio ... more

... a boat that goes to Villa Olna. Every year there is some type of art exhibit there that is top notch. On the grounds is an area with leather sofas and dining tables under white awnings where lunch is served. Very elegant, but quite affordable. After lunch and a glass ... more

Yes, it's very practical to use ferries to sightsee. Simply take a round trip ticket from como and you can visit all the southern tip of the lake (with the most beautiful private villas) from a small motorboat staying very close to the water. ... more

... us and we fancy a villa/apartment that ... ... by car/ferry and any suggested high quality websites to look at for villas? Good experiences appreciated, we nearly just forked out £1200 on a place that's slated on here a yr ago, so it's back to the drawing board ... more

... this May (I hope). Any reason to venture down the Lecco branch at all? Any pretty villages or is even just the boat ride well worth it? I've heard that Lecco itself is industrial. Are there villas down that side, or summer homes, etc? If not, why not? Thanks ... more