I  simply can’t describe the drive out of the Monterosso this morning because I had to keep my eyes closed all the way. Sheer panic at the width of the road and the  drop down the cliff (on the passenger side). I have decided I’m not made for this type of touring.

But after the initial anxiety, the remainder of the trip was uneventful although we almost  drove back to France to take the turnoff to Milan as there was no quicker way to get to our destination. When you think about it where else could you drive across half a country in just four hours? Certainly not Australia. You’ll be pleased to know  Tony resisted a side trip to Monza to do a circuit of the Grand Prix track in our Citroen Picasso – unfortunately it just doesn’t have the grunt of a Ferrari F1.

But Bellagio, home of the rich and famous, is really quite beautiful and we are really enjoying these first few hours just meandering through the town and sitting looking over  Lake Como.

Stairways from the lake to the township

Bellagio’s beautiful buildings

The side streets

So much character

Life on the lake

Our Hotel Du Lac

Behind the wheel, a picture of concentration