Bellagio is a beautiful, historic little town, situated where Lake Como separates into two branches. It has been an elegant and long established tourist resort which still retains much of its charm. It is a small town with a population of around 200 though many of its residents live in the surrounding hamlets and villages. Bellagio still has its medieval layout with stepped alleyways. The town is dominated by the Basilica of St James and the bell tower which is a fine example of Romanesque/Lombard architecture, although restored during the 20th Century, the church dates back to the 10th Century.

Bellagio has a very mild year round climate, with short winters, quickly giving way to the flower filled warmth of an early spring. The summer months are warm and long. Autumn is a nice time to visit to see the colours on the mountain sides change to a lovely yellow and golden sheen.

We caught the water taxi for the short journey from Menaggio to Bellagio which lies at the opposite side of Lake Como.