Chiesa Ignano and Lake Como(oooh wow!)

We’re at an agritourismo south of Bologna (Chiesa Ignano) - it’s a renovated church next to Parco Storico di Monte Sole.  Fascinating history of WWII atrocities and the Gothic Line.
Abundant wildlife, tons of birds and apparently several packs of wolves.
The agritourismo is a converted church. Brenna and I stayed in what was once the barn.
We stayed north near Bologna to have an easier drive to Lake Como the next day.

Our place was the old barn (in the middle).

Snails everywhere!

Brenna is awesome!

Roses galore

A pool, sauna and hot tub at this place. What?

A couple pans, left to right, you can stitch these two together. Such a gorgeous peaceful place - which is amazing considering its history.

Salads from the grocery store. Yeah!

Lake Como!

We had 2 nights at Hotel Helvetia in Lezenno - absolutely gorgeous!  FYI, you can totally skip the overcrowded Bellagio and go straight for Varenna, Lezenno, and other parts!  Lake Como is amazing.

Wow.  This view is on the mountain - we're looking directly north (Bellagio at the point)

Another view coming down from the mountain

View from the road between Bellagio south to Lezzeno

The. view. from. our. room! Hotel Helvetia (Lezzeno)

Yup

Wow

Noticed a strange boat on the water and zoomed in...

Yep...good views there too! ;)

Our hotel had free blues music the first evening and free appetizers (or "dinner")

Couldn't stop taking pictures...again!

The dock just down from the hotel

And a nice walk through Lezzeno

Loved loved loved the jasmine!  (Everywhere...everywhere was beautiful and fragrant)

Woke up to these sunrise colors. O.O

Sunrise from the room window.  The view did not suck!

My happy place. Breakfast on the Helvetia patio.

Parked in Bellagio and rode the mid-lake ferries 

(unlimited, although we did cut it close to catching the last one that evening!)

Bellagio Basillica San Giacomo

Hawk in flight

View from north point in Bellagio

Common coot feeding chicks

Varenna - adorbs!

San Giorgio church in Varenna

Our alley picnic in Varenna

Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo

Stunning property

Turtle pond in the gardens of Villa Carlotta

View from the top story

A walk around the gardens includes a big forest/waterfall/creek

Brenna got us tickets to see a piano performance at the Villa

Row of statues at the Villa Carlotta

Walking from Tremezzo to Lenno

Sunset on the boat heading to a late dinner in Bellagio. 

Brenna's photo of Bellagio from the ferry.