Wheels Around Europe . . . . . . . : Lovere Lake Iseo to Bellagio Lake Como

Sunday 30th June

I`ve added some photos from yesterday and Friday now I have better internet connection.

We had a peaceful night in Lovere, on the banks of lake Iseo and set off early for the iconic lakeside Italian town of Bellagio.

This prettiest of towns sits at the point in a triangle of land that occupies a dominant position on lake Como, with views down each of the three sections of the lake.

The drive here was, well, interesting, certainly not for the feint hearted.
We drove north up the eastern coast of this triangle. The road twists and turns as it clings to a little bit of cliff before the land plunges into the lake.

In parts it was ok, but other bits not so good, especially meeting oncoming cars and vans.

Some very wide Ferrari's didn't help much either.

It then occurred to me that there were no other motorhomes on the road. Humm, usually everywhere we go we have German motorhomes to accompany us.

Do they know something I don't ?

I was reassured when we met a bus, well if they can make, so we can, so I carried on with renewed enthusiasm.

Thoughts then turned to parking, Google maps shows plenty of carparks, but would they be suitable ?

In the end everything turned out ok, we got to town, avoided getting stuck in any narrow lanes, found a P&D carpark not too far from town and had a lovely afternoon wandering the cobbled streets of Ballagio.

It's a very hilly town but fortunately they run a tourist train, so for 5 euro you can hop on and see the town in comfort and save your feet.

It is very picturesque on the waterfront.

There are lots of busy restaurants serving lunch, some of them look very pricey but we chose a modest priced one for some lunch and a much needed cold drink, followed by the biggest and tastiest gelato I think I`ve ever had.
Mine was hazelnut with lots of whole nuts in, delicious.

There are lot`s of Italians here too, parading in their Sunday best as only Italians can.

There is a maze of narrow cobbled pathways up and down the steps throughout the town.

Interesting to wander, but rather tiring.

Some expensive boutiques for the well healed tourists, of which there are plenty here.

Eventually we headed back to Ed who was roasting away in the sun.

In view of our adventure getting here, I decided upon an alternative routes out of Bellagio, rather than the coast road we headed inland up into the mountains to a free overnight motorhome parking area high in the mountains above Bellagio.

We've not had a freebie night for ages so that'll be nice.

When we arrived it was full of cyclists, bikers and tourists as it seems to be a bit of a destination in its self for its magnificent views over Como and the surrounding mountains.

It's called Piazza Ghisallo Magreglio. (GPS 45.92373 9.26723)

There's quite a bit here, a chapel, visitor centre, shop, restaurant, market stalls, cafe and some statues in honour of who, I've no idea, but one is of some cyclists. (See below after some research)

The chapel is Santuario Madonna Del Ghisallo, Madonna is the Patron Saint of cyclists apparently.

What's more there is a museum of cycling here, I immediately thought of Jack Allen, Hi Jack ! he would be in his element here with everything dedicated to cycling, wish you were here Jack ! I know he reads this so I'm sure he'll email me to let me know how much he'd have liked it here.

I had a quick look in the museum, but not being a finely tuned lycra clad endurance cyclist like Jack, it was a bit above my level of plodder peddling that I do.

I'll go back later when all the tourists have gone home and we`re left with the splendid views to admire for the evening and I'll get some (more) photographs.

So a great day in a lovely town with a fascinating history and culture, a nice lunch and a nice cold beer on the fridge for tonight.

And tomorrow to plan for ...........................................

Bellagio Town

Bellagio Town - Interestingly behind the heavy dark curtains are expensive designer shops. Presumable the drapes are to keep the heat out and the sun off the pricey goods