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The Marvels of Lake Como with Laura Benitti
Learn with Laura Benitti

The Marvels of Lake Como with Laura Benitti

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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Join a local Milan expert for a better understanding of Lake Como, a charming and iconic body of water that has played such a critical role in the region’s history and identity.
This conversation allows the viewer to be transported to Lake Como, just outside Milan, for a fascinating mix of magnificent landscapes, history and architecture. We’ll learn about the lake’s shape, its geography close to the Swiss border and natural surroundings of the Grigne and the Pre-Alps mountains. We’ll discuss the mild climate that favors a lush and Mediterranean vegetation, with plants and flowers such as palms, olive trees, oleanders, magnolias, flowers like camellias, azaleas, wisterias, rhododendrons and more.
“I love that you can feel like you are traveling when you physically cannot.” 
The history of Lake Como is an interesting one to note. As an important strategic location in Ancient Roman times, Como became a crucial city for trading. As more wealth came to the city throughout centuries, the lake became the perfect place for noble families to commission the delizia villas of the Milanese and Lombard fleeing the heat of Milan. Today, these villas are museums, hotels, resorts, and summer residences of VIPs like George Clooney. We’ll discuss a curated list of notable villas that are still found today on the lakeside.
“She loves what she’s discussing and draws her audience into the history.”
Led by art historian and consultant Laura Benitti, this interactive discussion will enlighten participants about Lake Como and the surrounding area. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants may come away with a desire to uncover Como and its blue waters themselves at a future date (or just marvel at it from a distance).
“So insightful and appealing in the choir of information shared.” 

Laura was born in Turin, where she studied history of art, but moved to Milan in 2002. Since her graduation, she has accumulated a long experience as an art consultant and registrar in a few museums in Turin, as well as expertise as a local Milan guide. She loves to be both an experienced and friendly local ambassador of Milan and Como area for her travelers.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 30 reviews
63%
(19)
33%
(10)
3%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
D
D.T. (New York, US)
Self

Guest did not leave comment

C
C.K. (Delray Beach, US)
Beautiful Lake Como

I visited Lake Como four years ago and missed it. Watching and listening to Laura reminded me why I loved it so much! She showed places I didn't go to while there, through video clips and pictures. It was almost as good as being there! Excellent!

S
S.M. (Brooklyn, US)
Beautiful Lake Como

As usual Dr. Benitti has me wanting to pack and leave immediately. She had us imagining we were taking a cruise up the lake and exploring all the locations and it was just lovely! Can't wait to go and see it for myself.

Reviewer avatar
Beth Ann from Michigan (Seal Beach, US)
I've been to Lake Como, but now I Must go back!

My husband and I spent an entire day touring Lake Como as part of a Tauck tour. The day was wonderful and very well planned with various stops, luncheons, and shopping time in Bellagio. What we didn't get was all the rich history behind the towns and villas that Laura Benitti provided. I really loved this presentation. I learned about the "Balcony of Italy" and the amazing views available from that nearby stop. I learned about the little village of Nesso which now I must go see. I loved the way Laura wove in the quotes of how others had described their time on Lake Como-Mark Twain - Leoonardo Da Vinci, to name a couple. Laura wove her beautiful photographs of the landscape and villas together with words, and maps for an outstanding and really charming virtual tour of Lake Como. I had an inkling that I should return to Lake Como before but now I know that I must! Thank you Laura!

User picture
A
Anonymous (Asheville, US)
Comprehensive Overview of the Como Area

As always, Laura's presentations are thorough and interesting - chocked full of useful information

123

Customer Reviews

Based on 30 reviews
63%
(19)
33%
(10)
3%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
D
D.T. (New York, US)
Self

Guest did not leave comment

C
C.K. (Delray Beach, US)
Beautiful Lake Como

I visited Lake Como four years ago and missed it. Watching and listening to Laura reminded me why I loved it so much! She showed places I didn't go to while there, through video clips and pictures. It was almost as good as being there! Excellent!

S
S.M. (Brooklyn, US)
Beautiful Lake Como

As usual Dr. Benitti has me wanting to pack and leave immediately. She had us imagining we were taking a cruise up the lake and exploring all the locations and it was just lovely! Can't wait to go and see it for myself.

Reviewer avatar
Beth Ann from Michigan (Seal Beach, US)
I've been to Lake Como, but now I Must go back!

My husband and I spent an entire day touring Lake Como as part of a Tauck tour. The day was wonderful and very well planned with various stops, luncheons, and shopping time in Bellagio. What we didn't get was all the rich history behind the towns and villas that Laura Benitti provided. I really loved this presentation. I learned about the "Balcony of Italy" and the amazing views available from that nearby stop. I learned about the little village of Nesso which now I must go see. I loved the way Laura wove in the quotes of how others had described their time on Lake Como-Mark Twain - Leoonardo Da Vinci, to name a couple. Laura wove her beautiful photographs of the landscape and villas together with words, and maps for an outstanding and really charming virtual tour of Lake Como. I had an inkling that I should return to Lake Como before but now I know that I must! Thank you Laura!

User picture
A
Anonymous (Asheville, US)
Comprehensive Overview of the Como Area

As always, Laura's presentations are thorough and interesting - chocked full of useful information

123