After my sojourn at schools in Montepulciano [two weeks] and Venezia [another two weeks] my wife joined me for our now 'usual' visit to Valdobbiadene [prosecco-land, as we also call it]. After a few days there we crossed i Dolomiti and headed to Lake Como, and Bellagio.

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The crossing of the Dolomites was fun, with the [somehow] unexpected snow line we had to pass through. Quite spectacular

Dinner in Bellagio, just a wonderful setting .. prosecco too after the 'exhaustions' of the day!

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The walkway along the lake, looking back towards our Hotel Excelsior Splendide in the background

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Villa Melzi, Bellagio

The Villa Melzi gardens are preserved by the family Gallarati Scotti, the current owners. A long avenue of plane trees begins at the landing of the boats. Gardens of azaleas and gigantic rhododendrons surround the villa, enclosing small spaces such as the hidden cave or the artificial pond in Japanese style.

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Tom Roberts

Below is a copy of the painting hanging in the National Gallery in Canberra, Australia. This was completed by Tom Roberts in 1913.

.The photo below was taken after conversation with the capitain of the Com0 to Bellagio ferry on 25 May 2016.