Bellagio (Lake Como), Italy: For our adventure today, we took a ferry across the lake to Villa Carlotta.


Built at the end of the 17th century, the estate was purchased by politician Gian Battista Sommariva in 1801 and Sommariva decorated the villa with his extensive art collection. Later the property was purchased Princess Marianne of Nassau, as a wedding gift to her teen daughter, Carlotta.
Though the villa is extraordinary (no photos allowed inside), the gardens are magnificent and after an hour or so inside the villa, we spent the rest of the morning walking around the garden. Over 2,000 varieties of camellias alone are featured, along with thousands of rhododendrons and azaleas. (Obviously, we need to return in the spring!)

we celebrated Martin's birthday today!



Below are photos of DT in a grotto with spouting gnomes, an old olive press under preservation.



and a (man made) sand beach area for hotel guests.



with Bellagio to the left and Villa Melzi on the right.



Martin enjoyed a Wonderful Birthday meal in Bellagio - and we all had too much fun (and too much food and wine). Happy Birthday, Martin!
Pedometer: 12,759; 5.44 miles. A good day.
Until my next update, I remain, your birthday correspondent.