Location

Lake Como is undoubtedly the most beautiful of the Italian Lakes; surrounded by dramatic mountains, it enjoys a Mediterranean climate. The Lake, approximately 30 miles long, is renowned for its blue water and the many luxurious, baroque style, villas and parks along the wooded lakeside.

The town of Como (population 83,000) is an intriguing mixture of the ancient and modern. Founded over 2,000 years ago, it is the birthplace of Pliny the Elder (AD24 -79) the compiler of Naturalis Historia. Over the ages it has been under the control of the Romans, the Franks, the Spanish and the Austrian Hapsburgs, all of whom have left their mark on the architecture and culture of the town.

Finding Como

Como lies some 25 miles North of Milan. Milan is served by three airports, Malpensa, Linate & Bergamo. Malpensa is the closest with a drive of 30 minutes to Como; Linate is about 45 minutes and Bergamo an hours drive. British Airways operate several flights a day from Heathrow and Gatwick to Linate and Malpensa. Direct flights from the US arrive at Malpensa. Low cost airlines, including Easyjet, Ryanair and Jet2, operate to the various Milan airports, from a large number of UK airports.

If travelling from the UK by train there is an excellent service from London to Paris where you join the overnight service to Milan, through the Simplon Tunnel; arriving at Milan Stazione Centrale. Once in Milan there is a 40 minute journey by train to Como’s main station, San Giovanni. www.raileurope.co.uk

Eating Out

Como town has an abundance of excellent restaurants where you can enjoy the very best of Italian cuisine. The town is well known for its cafes and wine bars which serve a range of local dishes and snacks.

It is a tradition in many bars that, during the early evening, customers are offered an enticing selection of canapé and hors d’oeuvre, at no charge.

Elegant bars, cafes and gelateria will help you spend hours observing the action in the many beautiful piazzas.

On the days we spend sailing we ensure that we have lunch and dinner at one of the excellent lakeside restaurants, many of which have their own private moorings. We visit towns such as Menaggio and Bellagio.

Shopping

Shopping is a delight in the old town of Como which is largely closed to traffic. Como’s ancient walls and arcades allow you to stroll back through the centuries. You will find a wide range of stores and boutiques offering garments and accessories by the best known designers, as well as a fine selection of silk and cashmere, two of the areas most famous products.

Beautiful antiques can be acquired at reasonable prices at the various flea markets and antique shops throughout the town.

Accommodation

You have the choice of staying on ‘Mistral’ our luxurious cruising yacht, moored at the famous Yacht Club Como, or stay at one of the many beautiful hotels in the town, or around the Lake.