Best Little Gift Shop(s) in Tremezzo

November 6, 2014 Marlene Iaciofano

There is never enough shopping  when I am in Italy.  So having been to Tremezzo before, I realized that most of my shopping had to be done in Bellagio.While staying at the best hotel in Tremezzo, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, I strolled down the … — There is never enough shopping when I am in Italy. So having been to Tremezzo before, I realized that most of my shopping had to be done in Bellagio.
While staying at the best hotel in Tremezzo, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, I strolled down the main hallway of the hotel and enjoyed window shopping in the display cases, several of them by the way. I asked the manager about a particular item and she told me how and where to purchase it.
The one morning we had to get to the Tremezzo ferry stop I spotted this unique store from across the street. What a gem it is!
***Fleur de Lis*** is a unique little store. It is located on Via Portici Sampietro 4. If you need to shop for those last minute gifts you will definitely find it here. It is stuffed with the finest gifts. This store is owned and operated by two sisters: Sabrina and Silvia Morganti. Sabrina is the local artist and many of her items are for sale in this gift shop. You can purchase handbags made of silk, silk ties and scarves and maybe you will find some designed and painted by Sebrina, Murano glass jewelry, venetian masks and so much more.
Go and see for yourself! You will not be disappointed. My group of ladies picked this place clean.

Don’t forget to  go next door to L’Uva Golosa  as this store is stocked with a wonderful selection of premium wines, grappas, olive oils, salts and much more for your culinary friend back home! — Don’t forget to go next door to ***L’Uva Golosa*** as this store is stocked with a wonderful selection of premium wines, grappas, olive oils, salts and much more for your culinary friend back home!

Villa Balbianello on Lake Como

October 24, 2014 Marlene Iaciofano

It wasn’t a sunny day but it wasn’t raining either the day we, the group of 20 people, boarded the ferry from Tremezzo to Lenno, then the water taxi from Lenno to Villa Balbianello. This villa has a prominent location overlooking Lake Como.

We entered from the back of the villa and strolled up the walkway through the gardens to the villa for a private tour with our guide. Having a guide was so beneficial in learning about the history of this beautiful villa and its gardens.

It is in the town of Lenno and is located at the tip of a small peninsula. You must take the ferry to Lenno and then arrange for a water taxi which brings you to the back entrance. The gardens are beautiful and it does not surprise one to know that the villa was used for its location of a few feature films.

The flowers and trees are abundant and beautifully manicured and maintained. Do take a tour of the villa inside as it is filled with many artifacts from the explorer Guido Monzino and you can learn about its history.

If you are in this area of Italy put this on your bucket list! It is well work the visit. Allow yourself about 2 hours.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo - the Best Hotel on Lake Como

October 22, 2014 Marlene Iaciofano

I may have blogged about this hotel before but let me refresh your memory. I brought a group of twenty to this divine hotel . We spent our last 3 nights of the tour here. What better place can you be on Lake Como than at this hotel!

The rooms both lake view and park view are excellent. The staff is friendly and helpful. The food is delicious and let me say the breakfast each morning was beyond your imagination.

The terraces, there are two of them, give you a front row view of Lake Como so while you enjoy your breakfast and dinner you can enjoy the sights on the lake. A great time to enjoy the vistas are later in the afternoon while you are sipping your cocktail served by the best bartender, Max, who watches over all the hotel guests staying at the hotel. If you are on the terrace about 5pm you may be lucky to hear the church bells ringing from across the lake.

Going to Milan? Don't Miss the Duomo!

September 19, 2014 Marlene Iaciofano

When I was a child I used to constantly look over the many pictures of Italy that my father took while he served in WW II. The one that stood out most was a picture of the Duomo in Milan. As a child I marveled at the architect and thought someday I am going to Italy to see that.

Years passed and my passion for visiting Italy grew and finally, better late than never, I did manage to take my first trip to Italy and I was hooked. So much so that I created Gourmet Getaways. Through the years of working with clients and putting together their itinerary I would suggest to them that they visit Milan and many of them had no desire. They felt Milan was too industrial and chaotic.

Well, two years ago I decided to take the family to Italy and travel to the northern parts, so we landed in Milan. As we were having the driver take us to Verona I decided that we had to stop to see the Duomo in Milan. Why anyone would bypass this magnificent wonder of the world I have no idea. It truly is something that should not be missed. At this point this is all we had time for and we got back in the van and headed to Verona. Since I decided at the last minute to see the Duomo I could not secure tickets to see the Last Supper this time!

Last year I was approached by a well satisfied client who asked me if I was considering creating a tour of Northern Italy and by chance I was. So I have created a wonderful tour and we are set to go in a few weeks. Cannot wait and of course I have included a visit to the Duomo. I have also secured tickets for everyone to view the Last Supper.

So remember:  Put the Duomo on your bucket list for Italy! — So remember: Put the Duomo on your bucket list for Italy!

More About Gelato in Italy

June 24, 2014 Marlene Iaciofano

While traveling with a group of travel agents in June to the Italian Riviera I did some homework before leaving. As you know I am a gelato-holic ! Since we were going to San Remo, Rapallo, Santa Margherita and Portofino I wanted to make sure I carved out a few minutes in each area to have some gelato.

I have been disappointed in some gelato while traveling in Italy but this time it I was more than pleased with the three selections.

After finishing out tour in San Remo the bus stopped not far from the hotel to let a few of us off in front of the gelateria – Gelateria Vecchia Matuzia on Corso Matuzia. Of course we all enjoyed our gelato as we walked back to the hotel.

One afternoon we took the ferr y to Portofino for lunch and a quick visit. A quick visit it was to this charming little port and of course while I was waiting for the ferry back to Santa Margherita I spotted a gelato bar. I could not resist! While making my selection I noticed the chef creating another batch and storing it in stainless steel drums. I know I was in the right place. Gelateria Bar San Greiogio has a wonderful selection and I was in heaven.

While walking back from the ferry to the hotel in Santa Margherita I spotted another gelateria and decided that I would try that one after dinner.  There were a few of us agents that decided we wanted pizza and wine for dinner that night. … — While walking back from the ferry to the hotel in Santa Margherita I spotted another gelateria and decided that I would try that one after dinner. There were a few of us agents that decided we wanted pizza and wine for dinner that night. After our dinner we walked back to the hotel and of course stopped for gelato at *Lato G.* All of us were extremely pleased so much so that one of the agents went back for another helping.
So if you are in these areas of Italy please go to these gelaterias. You will not be disappointed.

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