Italy’s DMCs share with DUCO tips on gastronomy, landscapes, and secret treasures
Jennifer Virgilio of luxury DMC Queen of Clubs is delighted to share an exclusive lookout point in the Alpe di Mezzedo, high above Lake Como.
What is the local hidden treasure?
Lake Como is one of the most visited places in the world and attracts thousands of tourists every year. Como, Bellagio, Cernobbio, Comacina Island, and all the luxury villas and hotels dotting the shores are the well-known icons of this enchanting area. In addition to all these places, there are some little treasures that only locals know about, like this bench located 870 meters above sea level in the Alpe di Mezzedo: the perfect place for a rest after a two-hour hike.
How did you discover this treasure?
I discovered this sweet spot by chance: the Sentiero del Viandante is one of the best hiking trails on the less-touristic Lecco branch of the lake and offers a lot of little paradise places like this one. It’s a real gem that is difficult for tourists to find on their own, which makes it even more exclusive.
How can visitors best experience this gem?
It’s easiest to find this spot with a local hiking guide, who can show you many unique places along the trail. To make the experience even more special, pack a decadent picnic snack of typical Lombardy cured meats and fresh cheeses to enjoy with a breathtaking view over Bellagio and both the branches of the Lake!
For more information about Queen of Clubs, click here.
Lake Como has plenty of attractive spots along its coast for one to see and be seen, but luxury DMC IC Bellagio shows us another side of the lake and Il Rudere, a hidden hideaway perfect for a low-profile stay.
Tell us about a hidden treasure in this region?
Il Rudere on Lake Como, the refuge of the Como-born writer Giuseppe Guin. This house is located among the pretty, quaint and colorful villages on the lake in an old quarrymen’s toll booth from the late nineteenth century.
What makes it so special?
After years and years of renovations and restoration, Giuseppe welcomes guests to stay at his refuge on the lake accessible only via “La Trappola,” his personal wooden gozzo boat. The home is filled with vintage objects and furnishings that tell the story of the area, which, in addition to the local history and landscape, serves as inspiration for his books. This hideaway has a certain magic to it. It offers a restful place to get away and blend in with the locals, and is made even more special by Giuseppe’s tales — just ask about the history of the property, and you’ll see his eyes begin to twinkle.
How can visitors best experience this gem?
Il Rudere is so special, it’s simple to enjoy it at its best: lounging in a comfortable chair in the garden with a gentle breeze coming from the lake to the sound of the waves and ducklings, a glass of red wine in hand and an enveloping sense of peace and tranquility. In the background a few songs of local singer Davide Van De Sfroos can be heard, as the sun sets low over Como.
For more information about IC Bellagio, click here.
Luxury DMC Italy My Way gives us a glimpse into the beautiful prism of Lombardy’s fifteen lakes, which each offer unique atmospheres and even inspire some of the world’s leading fashion brands.
What makes the lakes of Lombardy so special?
From the largest and most well-known to the smallest, each of Lombardy’s lakes offer an ideal panorama for holidays. Those older and more established are famed as popular getaways for celebrities. While other smaller, hidden jewels are well-worth the discovery. All offer magnificent gardens for strolling, and the brilliant flowering colors in Spring inspire the creation of the most beautiful silks and fabrics for famous and sought-after brands.
What insider experiences can guests enjoy in this area?
Choose to walk among the flower gardens along the shores of enchanting Lake Como. Practically “painted” by garden architects, these grounds are embellished with colorful, rare, and sweetly scented plants and flowers. Lake Como is a favorite setting for Hollywood actors, and you can admire their holiday homes from across the calm waters. The area’s history of silk production stems from the 1400s, so we suggest a visit to one of the earliest silk factories where masterpieces are still created and exported all over the world. It is more than technical skill and more than fashion: The silk tradition reflects the design, art, and culture that stem from the natural beauties of this area.
For more information about Italy my Way, click here.