Sprawled out in the sun in the back of our own private boat, we are heading across Lake Como. I am enjoying another delicious gelato - raspberry this time. This is the last day of our Five Lakes tour and it has been amazing! Andrea, our tour guide, has put together a wonderful program yet we never feel rushed. The weather has been hot and sunny but very humid. Good for my suntan though! Today we are exploring Lake Como and we are all keeping a lookout for George Clooney who has a villa here. This morning we visit Villa Balbianello, a former Franciscan monastery perched on the tip of a tiny peninsular jutting into the lake. It has featured in quite a few Hollywood movies, the most recent being the secret hideaway in "Star Wars:Attack of the Clones" and where Daniel Craig's James Bond convalesced in Casino Royale. The topiary here in the garden is spectacular. I don't know how the gardeners prune the shrubs that seem to hang off the cliff without falling into the lake! The red geraniums in large pots and the bright pink hydrangeas contrast beautifully with the greenery. Sitting in the little courtyard almost surrounded by water is so incredibly quiet and tranquil. It is hard to leave but the boat is ready to take us to Bellagio, a gorgeous little town on the cusp of the lake's two arms. There are so many cafes and restaurants along the lakeside interspersed with small shops too irresistible to walk past without stepping inside. I enjoy wandering in and out of them. After our lovely long lunch break, we meet Andrea back at the jetty for our trip across to Villa Carlotta and the town of Tremezzo. The villa itself is full of works of art but for me, the gardens were a delight to stroll around. While we were too late in the year for the azaleas and camellias, (my next trip!), we still enjoy the beautiful fern garden, the ponds with their waterlilies and tropical fish, and many other shrubs and trees. The views of the lake from here are stunning. A truly delightful day out!