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)
