We flew from the USA to Milan's Malpensa airport. While waiting in the customs line at Malpensa, we chanced to meet our first tour group members, Vik and Christie, and we traveled together to Varenna, where our tour was to officially begin.



We took a shuttle bus to Milan's Centrale train station. In contrast to the rather staunch and imposing main building, the arched terminals are open and inviting.














The four of us traveled together on the train to Varenna. Watching the scenery go by as we rode the train from Milan to Varenna, we knew we weren’t in Kansas anymore...



Perched on the edge of Lake Como, Varenna is a very Italian town.

There were shuttered windows and ornate balconies with over-flowing flowers gracing everything.







It was great fun to explore the many nooks and crannies of the town. The numerous narrow alleys were intriguing and picturesque. Their worn steps and pavers looked as though they saw far more traffic over the years than did the relatively few regular roads through town.










We had an excellent lunch beneath the awnings of the scenic outdoor cafe in front of this mustard-colored building by the lake. The menu was in Italian and English. We tried our best Italian but the waiter’s English was far better. We relaxed and knew this was going to be a great trip.






Later in the afternoon, we returned here, to our first hotel. The staff were exceptionally friendly and welcoming.


We wandered about the building and grounds as well. The views were enchanting. All the greenery below the hotel is their garden.






The gardens are laced with paths to explore, each one leading to another photo opportunity...



Early in the evening, our group gathered for the first time. We met Karin, our guide for the next 17 days, and each other. As we met and enjoyed getting to know the other group members during our first group dinner that evening, Lisa recalled how a friend had raved about the Rick Steves tour she had taken. Her friend exclaimed, “You will not believe how close you will come to the people in your Rick Steve’s group!” In fact, that evening we met the best random group of fellow travelers you could imagine, not to mention getting our first taste of how wonderful the food was going to be!

Click below to watch Varenna (3:10)

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