What to do with the kids: Stroll around the narrow streets and spacious piazzas along the lake Como shore or hike up to the Chiesa di San Carlo to enjoy a stunning view of lake Como. Or take a ferry from the harbour to Bellagio. Most of Bellagios attractions are located within walking distance, which makes it a perfect day trip.

Getting there: Take a train to Lugano. From there take Postauto Bus Nr. 631 (so called "Palm Express") heading from Lugano to St. Moritz. The Bus stops at the Train Station. You can get off at the bus stop "Menaggio Hotel Bellavista" in Menaggio.

Where to eat: We had some lovely food at the Hotel Garni Ristorante.

Where to sleep: The elegant Villa Giuliana offers several rooms, an elegant living room, a well-equipped kitchen, a huge terrace and a garden. It is located 5min from the city center.

Shopping: There is a very well equipped "Alimentari" right at the corner of the harbour.

What to do with the kids: There are hiking possiblities in Ponte in Valtellina but sometimes you have to share the hiking path with cars (cars pass everywhere in Italy!). But the marvellous views will make up for these inconvenience. To Chiuro it takes 20min, Trevisio is 4km from Ponte (see map in the picture gallery for hiking indications).

Getting there: From Menaggio we took the ferry to Varenna. After a short stopover (and visiting the beautiful town) we took the train to Sondrio and then to Ponte in Valtellina. From there, the owner of the Roseto del Drago di Casa Cassan was so kind to give us a lift to his superbe home.

Where to eat: In Tresivio we had a superbe lunch at ristorante Al Crap. 

Where to sleep: We slept in the lovely Roseto del Drago di Casa Cassan. It has a huge garden, medivial fresco and an a tique wine cellar.

Shopping: There are several small alimentari (grocery) in Ponte. Bigger shops can only be found in Sondrio.

What to do with the kids: In Tirano we enjoyed a tasty Cappucino at Merizzi, visited the Basilica of the Madonna and continued our trip by taking the Bernina Express to Alp Grüm train station. 

Getting there: From Tirano take the Bernina Express to Alp Grüm. There are almost hourly trains. If you are taking the panoramic train, reservation is mandatory. Luggage can be stored at the Tirano (Swiss) train station for CHF 8.- per luggage.

Where to eat: At Albergo Ristorante Belvedere right up the mountain from the train station.

Where to sleep: At Albergo Ristorante Belvedere. Shared bathroom, small rooms, no heating but real mountain feeling!!!

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Hiking at Alp Languard above Pontresina