"Villa del Balbianello, the most romantic villa on the lake,
perches on a promontory near Lenno,
facing Bellagio and overlooking Lake Como.
Built at the end of the 18th century on the remains of a Franciscan church.
its last owner was Italian businessman & explorer Guido Monzino,
who died in 1988, leaving his villa and gardens to the Italian National Trust."
Rick Steves, Italy 2018
As we approached the entrance to the Balbianello grounds, we had the option to walk the 20 minute, half-mile path ... or hop on the speedboat shuttle. We split up (some walked, some boated) and met back up at the Villa ... which wasjust as beautiful as I remembered it from my visit there in 2010. And, as luck would have it, the mist and fog disappeared and we were treated to beautiful sunshine as we strolled under the amazing plane trees (pruned to resemble candelabras) and around the elegant villa, loggia and terraced gardens.
Something new this visit was the option to watch a video history on the villa's last owner, Guido Monzino, the prominent Milanese businessman who led Italian expeditions to the North Pole (1971) and Mount Everest (1973). Interesting bit of trivia: Parts of the James Bond film, Casino Royale, and Star Wars, Episode II,were filmed at Balbianello.
perches on a promontory near Lenno,
facing Bellagio and overlooking Lake Como.
Built at the end of the 18th century on the remains of a Franciscan church.
its last owner was Italian businessman & explorer Guido Monzino,
who died in 1988, leaving his villa and gardens to the Italian National Trust."
Rick Steves, Italy 2018
It was a cloudy, hazy morning on Lake Como as we boarded the ferry "Milano" for our short ride north to Lenno. The mountains all around us look beautiful shrouded in mist and clouds. The ferry is sleek and gleaming ... and since it's slightly spritzing rain outside, we sit down below in the sparkling clean hull ... with great views out the windows of the lake villages we're passing by.
When we arrive at Lenno, we find it's Market Day there! As we walk south along the lake shore, heading towards the Villa, we pass even more vendor stands than we had in Argegno yesterday! We greeted the "fish man" who'd sold us the delicious white fish for our Butter/Sage recipe ... and had fun shopping for non-food items: Towels, tablecloths, jewelry ... Amy even purchased some very cute pants in soft, flowing material, with elastic at the ankles and Margie bought a dress!
As we approached the entrance to the Balbianello grounds, we had the option to walk the 20 minute, half-mile path ... or hop on the speedboat shuttle. We split up (some walked, some boated) and met back up at the Villa ... which wasjust as beautiful as I remembered it from my visit there in 2010. And, as luck would have it, the mist and fog disappeared and we were treated to beautiful sunshine as we strolled under the amazing plane trees (pruned to resemble candelabras) and around the elegant villa, loggia and terraced gardens. 
Getting hungry - time for lunch! The outdoor spot selected just happened to be exactly where Ann & Mike Skinner and I had lunch after our 2010 visit to Balbianello! I had a delicious Bellini in memory of that meal! Also a delicious salad with fresh tuna. It had turned into a lovely day for a relaxed, lakeside lunch and we all enjoyed every bite!
After our ferry ride back to Argegno, Margie made us delicious avocado / tomato / cheese hors d'oeuvres for happy hour on the Le Vele apartment terrace. Rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes and more delicious Salad a la Palmer for dinner.
Tomorrow: We're off to Varenna!
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