Lake Como

At the heart of Como's medieval quarter, the city's first cathedral is well worth a peek. The apse walls and ceiling are completely frescoed, as are the ceilings above the altar. — Fodor's

The polychromatic Broletto, or medieval town hall, sits right beside Como's towering duomo. — Lonely Planet

The villa itself is a hotel, but the steeply terraced grounds are open to anyone willing to part with €6. — Lonely Planet

Stop for a while at the smallest Borromean Island, less than 100 yards wide and only about ½ km (¼ mile) long. It's the perfect place for a seafood lunch — Fodor's

From silkworm litters to textile finishing machinery, this small but complete collection preserves the history of a manufacturing region that continues to supply almost three-fourths of Europe's silk. — Fodor's

If you head into Como's industrial quarter, you will come upon this beautiful church, a gem of Romanesque architecture begun by Benedictine monks in 1013 and consecrated by Pope Urban II in 1095. — Fodor's

This imposing Neo-classic development was built at the end of the 18C. Its gardens offer a lovely view over Como town and the lake. — Michelin Guide

By ferry from Bellagio it's a quick trip across the lake to Varenna. — Fodor's

The lavish gardens of Villa Serbelloni cover much of the promontory on which Bellagio sits. — Lonely Planet

If you're lucky enough to visit Tremezzo in late spring or early summer, you will find the magnificent Villa Carlotta a riot of color. — Fodor's