Bellagio Holidays

Bellagio tugs hard on the heartstrings. Stunningly located on a peninsula on Lake Como, at crux of the inverted 'Y' that separates Como from its eastern arm, Lecco, you'll find it hard to put down your camera.

The town is framed by steep mountains, and is home to a rainbow of century-old buildings, quaint cobbled stairways and romantic churches to create a chocolate-box world. You can stay in lakefront hotels and eat at authentic restaurants, all while soaking up the lake's famous panorama. During the day, peruse art galleries and antique shops, or walk to the tip of the peninsula for unbeatable views down both arms of Lake Como. Bellagio is arguably the most well-connected town for boat transport, so it's easy to hop on a ferry to visit other towns.

Make sure to visit the striking gardens of the Villa Melzi, 10 minutes' walk along the promenade from Bellagio. Sprawling over the hillside, the gardens are full of interest plants and sculptures, and are a wonderful place to find some peace and quiet. Later on, explore the winding steep-stoned stairways to browse shops selling silk, glass and olive wood, or settle down at a waterfront trattoria, where succulent perch and crisp local Soave wines top the menu. Once you're done for the day, take a seat in lakeside bar for a well-earned spritz as the sun goes down.

Here are some ideas of things to do when staying in Bellagio:

• Boat trips
• Lakeside path
• Bike hire
• Musem
• Art gallery
• Local ferries
• Historic villas
• Gardens