Mum and I will forever cherish those lazy afternoons relaxing in the Palazzo del Vice Re listening to the waves lap on the shores of Lake Como. The sun filtering through our window, and the memories of that morning’s activity - kayaking, cycling, breakfasting - fresh in our minds.

Lake Como has been on my bucket list for 20 years and the moment I laid eyes on the place, I knew why. We arrived in Bellagio on a sunny afternoon in early May, the day after my London to Paris Sportive.

You know that feeling when you experience a new place for the first time and it’s more beautiful than you could possibly have imagined? That was how we felt. There was nothing we wanted to do more than just sit and admire.

Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy, Adventure Travel Blog

Our invitation to Lake Como came from Michele from Bellagio Water Sports and the team at IC Bellagio. Their plan was for us to experience all the lake and it’s surrounding mountains have to offer. I always imagined Lake Como to be a fantastic place to relax, but had no idea it offered so much for an adventure enthusiast like myself! (check out my Lake Como Vlog below and also a the end of my blog)

Road Cycling

We stayed at Hotel il Perlo, a family run cycling hotel perched on the hillside with views to die for. I had the pleasure of being guided by Casey from Como Lago Bike – so much fun to climb mountains with a badass woman like her. We did a 50km loop that started and ended from the hotel. Convenient as the hotel is situated half way up Italy’s most famous climb, the Madonna del Ghisallo. They have all the kit you need for cycling and my road bike was slick! I could see myself coming back here for sure as they literally have everything I need to be happy; bikes, stunning views, great people, pizza and ice cream!

Kayaking

I am a water baby at heart and LOVE being on the water. Michele’s favourite way to explore the lake is by kayak and he was super proud to share it with me. With the snow-capped mountains in the background, it was just so beautiful. Michele announced he had a surprise and pulled out a bottle of prosecco and two glasses. “Fancy a sip and paddle?” I looked at my watch, it was 11:30, “Definitely!” I replied. After all, surely this is what holidays are for.

Eating

What I’ve always loved about Italy is the care the Italian’s take over the simple things in life. A plate of mozzarella and tomatoes, a coffee brewed just right, a scoop of chocolate gelato… ok, these are all food, but that’s a big draw for me when I travel just as much as the adventure opportunities! Our favourite restaurant was the Trattoria Baita Belvedere. I have never been to a restaurant with such incredible views! We arrived at sunset and had a lovely dinner on a balcony overlooking Lake Como. Their speciality is polenta. You need to check this place out when planning your trip to Bellagio!

Hanging Out

I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had over the last year to travel the world as part of my job. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to share these experiences with the people I love and create memoires with my friends and family that we will cherish forever. Most of all, I loved sharing these days in Lake Como with my Mum. We had so much time to hang out and chat. When life get’s crazy, stressful or tough, I close my eyes and take myself back to the places I’ve been and recall the times when I feel happy, complete, loved and in love with life.

I’ll never forget those stunning mornings waking up in the Palazzo del Vice Re, opening the windows and seeing what’s happening in the world outside before ambling down to a breakfast fit for a king. Thank you to everyone who made this happen, especially Bellagio Water Sports and IC Bellagio.

Accommodation:

I.C. Bellagio

http://www.icbellagio.com

Palazzo Del Vice Re – Lezzeno

http://www.palazzodelvicere.com

The doors of the Palazzo del Vice Re were opened in June 2014 following a 10 year restoration project by the owners. The location and the quality of the property and service provided, make this the perfect place to experience life as a local in luxury.

Located in the heart of a beautiful medieval borgo on the shores of Lake Como, it has a total of 15 beds which is split into 5 separate suites. They are all exquisite places to stay with views over Lake Como.

Hotel il Perlo Panorama

www.ilperlo.com