SEAPLANE ASSOCIATIONLAKE COMO, ITALY

AccommodationsSightsRestaurants Shopping

ABOUT LAKE COMOIn the shadow of the snow-covered Rhaetian Alps, Lago di Como (also knownas Lago Lario) is the most spectacular of the lakes. Shaped like an upside-down letter Y, measuring 120km all up, its squiggly shoreline is scattered withvillages, including exquisite Bellagio, in the centre of the inverted V on thelake’s southern shore. Where the southern and western shores converge is thelake’s main town, Como. Lecco, the other large town on the lake, sits wherethe southern shore meets the lesser-explored eastern shore.

Lombard kings once took refuge from invaders on Isola Comacina, the soleisland in this beguiling 146-sq-km body of water.

AERO CLUB COMO

From Aero Club Como:“One of the services most frequently offered…by the club, is to take special guests on flight tours around the region. In general everyone who the club takes on a flight, falls in love with the region and the beauty of the scenery. These people then go on to tell of the area as they return to their home, or country, thus creating publicity and marketing for Como.”

ACCOMMODATIONS

SHERATONDiscover the captivating beauty of Lake Como,a must-see destination in Northern Italy.Sheraton Lake Como in the midst of it all,surrounded by the natural beauty of theRhaetian Alps, the blue waters of Lake Comoand flourishing gardens, is the new place toexplore this iconic location. Enjoy the greatoutdoors in a lush green park of over 11,000m², where you can sunbathe, go jogging,organize a lunch party or even a picnic on thegrass. An open-air swimming pool with asecond hydro massage bath complete the offer.

Information:# of Rooms: 153Approx. Rate: €168-180Distance from Aero Club Como:2.3 Miles

PALACE HOTELWhen it was built in 1898, this remarkableproperty was named "Grand Hotel Plinius"; theengineer Giuseppe Salvioni drew the originalproject whilst the young architect FedericoFrigerio designed the magnificent decoration ofthe top floor.A majestic palace on the lakefront, featuringthe Belle Epoque style and modern comforts,made it stand out amongst the other hotels inthe city.

Information:# of Rooms: 100Approx. Rate: €240-300Distance from Aero Club Como:0.7 Miles

BARCHETTA EXCELSIORThe city and the lake: there is no suchlandscape in the world! At the Hotel BarchettaExcelsior you are surrounded by beauty: thevillas with their gardens, art exhibitions, silkoutlets, boutiques, romantic boat trips,renowned golf clubs. Just choose what you likethe most and don't worry if your stay is short:every single moment you spend in Como will beunique and unforgettable.

Information:# of Rooms: 84Approx. Rate: €180-200Distance from Aero Club Como:0.6 Miles

VILLA FLORIThe hotel occupies an historic villa, one of themost beautiful on Lake Como. Built in the 19thcentury by the Marchese Raimondi andsubsequently the coveted residence of a seriesof noble Lombard families, it was transformedinto a hotel in 1958 and then completelyrenovated in 2011.The aim of the restructuring was to preservethe nuances of the 19th-century atmospherethrough the careful restoration of the delicatestucco work and enchanting floral frescoes, thegorgeous parquet floors and the details of theantique furnishings and fixtures.

Information:# of Rooms: 53Approx. Rate: €215-240Distance from Aero Club Como:2 Miles

HOTEL CRUISEHotel Cruise, a business & congress hotelsituated approximately 15 minutes from LakeComo, is ideal for business travelers or leisureguests travelling by car and looking for amodern and comfortable location in Como. Thehotel's 218 rooms are spacious and wellappointed with independently controlled airconditioning and heating, mini-bar, safe, PayTV and high speed internet connection.

Information:# of Rooms: 218Approx. Rate: €110-130Distance from Aero Club Como:4.8 Miles

SIGHTS

VILLA DEL BALBIANELLOA 1km walk along the lake shore from Lenno's main square, Villa Balbianello hascinematic pedigree: this was where scenes from Star Wars Episode II and the 2006James Bond remake of Casino Royale were shot. The reason? It is one of the mostdramatic locations anywhere on Lago di Como, providing a genuinely stunning marriageof architecture and lake views.

Visit:Tuesday & Thursday – Sunday10 am – 6 pmVilla & Gardens : €15Gardens Only: €8

Distance from the Sheraton:14 Miles

VILLA CARLOTTAWaterfront Villa Carlotta sits high on Como's must-visit list. The botanic gardens arefilled with colour from orange trees interlaced with pergolas, while some of Europe'sfinest rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias bloom. The 17th-century villa, strung withpaintings, sculptures (some by Antonio Canova) and tapestries, takes its name from thePrussian princess who was given the place in 1847 as a wedding present from hermother.

Visit:Monday -Sunday9 am – 7:30 pm€9

Distance from the Sheraton:16 Miles

BASILICA DI SAN FEDELEWith three naves and three apses, this evocative basilica is often likened to a clover leaf.Parts of it date from the 6th century while the facade is the result of a 1914 revamp. The16th-century rose window and 16th- and 17th-century frescoes enhance the appeal. Theapses are centuries-old and feature some eye-catching sculpture on the right. A craft andantiques market fills the piazza in front of the basilica on Saturdays

Visit:Monday -Sunday8 am – Noon3:30 pm – 7 pm

Distance from the Sheraton:3.2 Miles

DUOMOAlthough largely Gothic in style, elements of Romanesque, Renaissance andbaroque can also be seen in Como's imposing, marble-clad duomo . Thecathedral was built between the 14th and 18th centuries, and is crowned by ahigh octagonal dome.

Visit:Monday -Saturday7:30 am – 7:30 pmSunday7:30 am – 9:30 pm

Distance from the Sheraton:2.8 Miles

RESTAURANTS

AL VELUUSituated on a steep hillside with panoramic lake views from its terrace, thisexcellent restaurant serves up home-cooked dishes that are prepared withgreat pride. They also reflect Lago di Como's seasonal produce, so expectbutter-soft, milk-fed kid with rosemary at Easter or wild asparagus andpolenta in spring.

Reservations:+390 344 4 05 10 Price Range: €40- € 70Hours: Wed – MonNoon – 2:30 pm & 7 pm -10 pm Distance from the Sheraton:16.5 Miles

OSTERIA DEL GALLOAn ageless osteria that looks exactly the part. In the wood-lined dining room,wine bottles and other goodies fill the shelves, and diners sit at small timbertables to tuck into traditional local food. The menu is chalked up daily andmight include a first course of zuppa di ceci (chickpea soup), followed bylightly fried lake fish.

Reservations: +390 31 27 25 91 Price Range: €25- € 30Hours: Monday 12:30 pm – 3 pmTuesday – Saturday 12: 30 pm -9 pmDistance from the Sheraton:2.6 Miles

NATTA CAFEIt's almost as if this is an osteria for the next generation. Yes, there's a proudfocus on superb local ingredients and classic wines, but this laid-back cafe alsohas a beatnik atmosphere. So you get Chianti on the wine list, risotto with lakeperch on the menu and Edith Piaf on the sound track. One cool vibe.

Reservations: +390 31 26 91 23 Price Range: €15- € 20Hours: Tuesday – Saturday12:30 pm – 3 pm & 6:30 pm - MidnightSunday :12: 30 pm -3 pm & 7:30 pm -11:30 pmDistance from the Sheraton:2.7 Miles

RISTORANTE LA VISTAThe fabulous views from the terrace high in Varenna's old town are only halfthe story here. The fresh, inventive food is from a menu that changes with theseasons; service rarely misses a beat.

Reservations: +390 341 83 02 98 Price Range: €39- € 46Hours: Monday, Wednesday - Saturday7 pm – 10 pm Distance from the Sheraton:20 Miles

SHOPPING

A PICCIFirst opened in 1919, this is the last remaining silk shop in town dedicated to selling Como-designed-and-made silk ties, scarves, throws and sarongs. Products are grouped in price category (starting at €10 for a tie), reflecting the skill and workmanship involved.

Hours: Monday 3 pm -7.30 pm Tuesday – Saturday 9 am-12:30pm & 3 pm -7:30 pm Distance from the Sheraton:12.4 Miles

STREET MARKETSGranmercatoSun – Mon 8:30am-1pm Tue – Fri 8:30am-1:30pm & 3.30-7.30pm Sat 8am-7:30pmQui C’èMon-Sat8am-1.30pm & 3.30-8pm Sun 9.30am-12.30pmCraft & Antiques MarketSat 9am-7pm