Day 23 and we wake up to a magnificent view from our hotel room. We look out over the lake with the mountains behind blurred a little by the early morning haze. After breakfast on the terrace (also overlooking the lake) we took a quick dip in the pool and then hit the road.
Itinerary for today - lake Como via Bergamo, then on to Torino (Turin).
Bergamo was very pretty, took a driving route via the old city on the hill and Tom Tom took us on a very interesting route along increasingly narrow cobbled streets - very picturesque if a little scary - and then via the obligatory industrial area on the way out of town.
Approaching lake Como, which is shaped like an upsidedown letter Y, we drove along the eastern edge of the right hand part and arrived at Bellagio. Yet another stunning beautiful town with jawdropping views. It was also hideously hot reaching over 40 degrees. In search of a lunch spot we therefore passed by the glamorous lakeside outdoor eating establishments and headed to the first indoor, air conditioned place for a cold beer and a salad!
After lunch we took a car ferry across to the supposedly celebrity ridden western shore (in true top gear style!) to continue our journey. Failing to see anyone remotely famous - it was far too hot for anyone to be outside - we hit the autoroute and carried on to Torino non stop. That is aside from 2 disappointing service stations in the search for a diet coke for Jen... The Italians could definitely learn a thing or 2 from the French in this regard!
Approaching Torino was the scariest driving experience on this trip to date. The locals seem to approach driving in their city in the same way I would approach the dodgems at a fairground. This was evidenced by the massive dents in the sides of many of their cars! Anyway safely to our hotel we decided to leave the parking to them so we could check in without any more driving stress.
The hotel was very impressive, 4* luxury and right in the middle of the city. Big room, massive tv and, most importantly for Jen, dessing gowns!
The city was lovely too and, although we only had one night to explore, we experienced the Turin borne italian institutions of aperitivo, breadsticks and lavazza coffee. We particularly liked the way that despite being beautiful and charming, with plenty of museums and art galleries, the city was quite understated and not at all touristy. Definitely one to visit again.
After a litre jug of cold, slightly sparkling red wine (not our favourite but at 6 euros can't really complain) we staggered back to the hotel and off to bed.
Thank you to Jack & Amy and Paul & Ros.
B&J xx