Lake Como

A deep, wishbone shaped glacial lake, Lake Como sits at the foothills of the Alps, just a few kilometers from the Swiss border. It's 99 miles of shoreline are dotted with dozens of idyllic Italian towns, most featuring centuries-old town centers with lightly commercialized. collections of restaurants, shops and, yes, gellaterias.

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Protected by the Alps from most major climate concerns, Lake Como's favorable year-round weather has enticed the Italian gentry for centuries. As a result, the Lake Como area has developed a rich history of splendid villas, stately palaces and grand hotels.

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And, as well earned as Lake Como's reputation is for catering to the upper class, appealing restaurants and hotels can be enjoyed at reasonable prices, especially during shoulder seasons. Even a good-weather day trip from Milan or Lugano is a pleasant and affordable way to experience Lake Como.