Cernobbia and the Secret Garden
Day 16 Continued: One of our greatest discoveries while in the Lake Como area with stumbling upon the Secret Hidden Garden in Cernobbio. It is an oasis of tranquility and so hidden, you would never know it was there. Here are a few photos we captured to share but they can hardly touch the actual experience of being there. First, the gorgeous, vibrant flowers and small trickling stream in the background! I loved the benches along the way, inviting you to stop and stay a while! My favorite of all was the… Read More
Milan – Day 15
While staying in Lake Como, we were determined to visit Milan, which we had both traveled through in the past, but never stopped long enough to explore. It is an easy 40 minute train ride from Como and well worth the time. While you could spend several days exploring Milan, it is still worth spending half a day there and getting to see a few of the highlights. I am sure we could’ve seen much more than we did, but we like to move at a slow leisurely pace and take it… Read More
Como Old Town – Day 14 Part 2
Shopping, Dining, and Cafés. Come along on this Photoblog with me as we explore the streets of Old Town Como. Let’s start with a cup of coffee. The below was one of our favorite places. Small, intimate, friendly service, and delicious drinks. We visited this café several times. Hunting in Como for kitchen goods would be extraordinarily fun. They have so many unique dishes and gadgets, not to mention how vibrant the colors are. And then there’s the clothing. Being so close to the fashion capital of Milan can’t help but elevate… Read More
Varenna – Day 13 Part 3
After the gorgeous town of Bellagio, we decided to visit the traditional and equally picturesque village of Varenna, an easy ferry ride away! I am so happy we did this on a rainy day. We returned four days later when the sun was shining and we could barely move, it was that crowded! But I’ll save that story for another day. While in Varenna, we wandered through the streets and found one of the best gelaterias! I don’t think I took a photo of it this time around, but may have one… Read More
Bellagio – Day 13 Part 2
Day 13 Continued: We ended up seeing so much on this day, I will have multiple posts to share! On this specific morning, it was raining off and on. We were supposed to enjoy a full day cruising privately on the lake but rescheduled due to weather. We decided instead to hop on a ferry and head to Bellagio, the “Jewel of Lake Como”. I have to admit that initially we were a bit disappointed with the rain until we arrived into Bellagio and realized how much less crowded the ferries and… Read More
Lake Como and Ferries- Day 13
Day 13: Lake Como – And we are finally back in Italy, one of our favorite countries in the whole world! Our original trip here was scheduled for May, 2020, but of course, we all know the story. Covid happened. Three years later, we finally made it. It was most definitely worth the wait. A few of our first glimpses of gorgeous Lake Como! While we have been to Italy many times before, we have never had the opportunity to travel to and explore Lake Como. For some reason, this particular destination… Read More
Hotel Villa Flori – Lake Como
Our home away from home in Lake Como. The Hotel Villa Flori is a 4-star boutique style resort that was converted from a 19th century villa. It is beautifully located lakeside, about an 8-10 minute drive from Como. It is one of many different accommodation options in the Lake Como area. It’s important that you make the right choice in terms of lodging, as this resort is a great fit for some, but not for others. This smaller converted hotel has four floors, a restaurant, and is in a great location if… Read More
A Photoblog on Siena, Italy
Siena is by far one of the most enchanting medieval cities we have ever visited. It is spectacular and charming and is nestled in the heart of Tuscany. I know I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it again, but the most advantageous way to explore a gem like this one is on foot for hours, over several days. Yes, Siena can definitely be seen and enjoyed in one day. It’s a relatively easy day trip from Florence. Once you realize how special it is, however, I’m guessing you’ll want to spend… Read More
Exploring Florence, Italy
Florence in a day? No way! While you can Google many sample 1-day itineraries for a visit to Florence (really, do it now), there is NO way you would even begin to scratch the surface of this beautiful city in such a short timeframe! I first visited Florence while backpacking through Europe over 20 years ago with one of my best friends. I had no idea how special Florence was, as I was not into art and architecture. I had no appreciation for it at that time. What a missed opportunity! I… Read More
A Snapshot of Venice, Italy
Venice. It’s such an extraordinary city. I’ve always thought of it as a romantic destination – so much so that when my best friend from college and I backpacked through Europe, I declined taking a gondola ride with her. I wanted my first ride to be with my husband. Isn’t that crazy? And yet…almost 20 years later, it finally happened! I got that first gondola ride, and it was indeed with my husband! Of course, this many years later, we also had our four kids with us, but it was still romantic…. Read More
Deena Gainor
Six Hearts One Journey 
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