Lake Como | Italy 2023

For Thanksgiving 2023, we traded turkey for tiramisu and found ourselves in beautiful Italy, thanks to an amazing deal we discovered through Google Flights. Once we spotted the low fares, we booked a package on Orbitz that landed us in a two-bedroom, two-bath condo tucked away in a quiet corner of Como. While it didn’t come with lake views, it more than made up for it with charm—the condo was nestled down a quaint alley, offering town views from the windows and a genuine glimpse into how the locals live. Just a short stroll from the train station, neighborhood restaurants, and even the ferry, it turned out to be the perfect home base for exploring.

From there, our adventures unfolded. We boarded the ferry for a tour of Lake Como and made our way to Bellagio, which is every bit as picturesque as its reputation. Its winding alleys, inviting shops, cozy restaurants, and friendly locals made it an unforgettable stop, and the towering trees around the town were unlike anything we’d ever seen before. Back in Como, we rode the funicular up to Brunate, where the main square charmed us immediately. From there, we could have hiked to the lighthouse, but instead we wandered along a tucked-away mountain path that ended with breathtaking views of the valley and the lake stretched out below.

This trip quickly became one of our favorite experiences in Italy. Between the ferries, the mountain views, and the feeling of living like locals in Como, we fell in love with the region. And now, we can’t wait to return to explore even more of Lake Como’s small towns and hidden corners.