morning visit on foot to villa melzi with its garden along the lakeside at bellagio. built by the duke of lodi, francesco melzi, in the early nineteenth century, there are extensively landscaped gardens with statues, a classic temple and orangery. well planted with mature trees and acid-loving plants. cross by boat to the lakeside town of varenna. lunch-time free. villa monastero, a villa with a superb terraced garden along the lakeside with cypress avenues, statues, and balustrading leading to a coffee house. return by boat to bellagio. free evening to discover bellagio's restaurants.
