Do-not-miss things around Lake Como?

<p>I don't really want to view photography on a holiday as a checklist of things to shoot, but I also want to avoid missing wonderful things just because I didn't know they eixisted.<br>

I'm travelling to Lake Como at the end of August. Photography is not the main purpose of the trip, but I will be doing quite a bit. I'm planning to get around mainly by boat, plus bus/taxi/train where useful.<br>

What photography opportunities should I make a special effort to take?<br>

Here are my thoughts so far:</p>

<p>- Bellagio from the west side of the lake<br>

- views over Italy from a peak (I haven't decided which one)<br>

- the Duomo<br>

- maybe Villa d'Este (is it open to tourists?)<br>

- Villa Carlotta (I'll be staying fairly nearby anyway)<br>

- probably some other villas, but I don't know which <br>

- the lighthouse at Brunate</p>

<p>I notice that many images of the local landscape show distance obscured by mist. Is there a time of day when this is particularly dense or absent?</p>

<p>Morning for mists, afternoon for thunderstorms. Most days neither. I'd add Varenna to your list- its easy via the multi-leg vehicle passenger ferry linking Menaggio, Bellagio, Varenna and Cadennabia, which is I suspect close to where you're staying. Nice villa at Varenna too I also like the small town of Argegno south of Tremezzo, and the small village of Santa Maria Rezzonico , which had a nice unspoilt waterfront when Last I was there a few years ago. </p><div></div>

<p>I can't be of much help since I've only been to L. Como once. Unfortunately, I became ill shortly after arriving there for a conference, and didn't take a single shot. However, that area left me with one strong memory related to photography. After becoming ill, I decided to make my way by train back across the border to Switzerland to stay with people that I knew. </p>

<p>The colorful and highly animated locals, tourists, and denizens milling around the train station provided enough photographic material and impetus to turn the most anti-social, hermit-like landscape photographer into a rabid street photographer! I'm sure this effect wasn't limited to the train station. So, my recommendation is take plenty of shots of "things", but definitely don't forget to get plenty of shots of people, as well.</p>

<p>Have a great trip.</p>

<p>Tom M</p>

<p>James --<br>

Definitely stop by Varenna as suggested earlier. There are some nice villas and gardens (Villa Cipresi) in the area. Although smaller, I liked this garden better than the one at the Villa Carlotta. <br>

Wandering the town is interesting, too. Another possibility (although well photographed) is the Villa Del Balbianello near Tremezzo. The films "Casino Royale" and "Star Wars Episode II" were shot here. I believe that villa is open for visits, and the lake ferries actually pass pretty close to the villa. <br>

By the way, wear hiking boots or shoes with very firm support when walking in these towns. The cobblestone is very uneven and can be a pain to walk on for a long time w/o the right shoes.<br>

Here are links to a few pics from previous visits:<br>

Villa Cipresi Garden (near Varenna):<br>

<a href="

Villa del Balbianello from traghetto (lake ferry):<br>

<a href=" /><br /></p>

<p> </p>

<p>For anybody who's interested, my photos are here:<br>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/107156706376390524144/Honeymoon">https://picasaweb.google.com/107156706376390524144/Honeymoon#</a></p>

<p>Thanks for closing the loop. Those are some very nice shots. It looks like you had an enjoyable trip.</p>

<p>Cheers,</p>

<p>Tom M</p>