Tremezzo is high on everyone's list for a visit to one of Como's loveliest villas, whose art-packed interior is slightly overshadowed by the sprawling gardens surrounding it. Aside from Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo has pretty wisteria-draped views across the lake, though there isn't much of a village centre, and the main road goes right along the lakeshore.

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Como (aka Lario) is the most ‘James Bond’ of the Italian lakes, where shiny red Ferraris weave through narrow lakeside towns and neoclassical villas take on a whole new level of opulence. Parts of the 2006 Bond movie Casino Royale were filmed here and many of the fancy lakeside hotels have a 007 price tag.

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So, what’s left for the hoi polloi? Plenty. Como’s mountain-backed shores are furrowed with ancient paths that wind through attractive villages where for the price of a cappuccino you can while away a sunny afternoon watching beautiful people in expensive clothes.

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There is so much to offer it is often bewildering to decide what to do next. Here are a few suggestions for the undecided.

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Duomo of Como - This beautiful cathedral is something every tourist in the area should visit. Whether you are spending your holidays on Lake Como or visiting Milan, this Duomo is one of the best cathedrals you can see in Lombardy. Admissions are free-of-charge and the outside of the building creates expectations which the inside will meet.

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Jungle Raider Park - If adventure is what you seek, Jungle Raider Park is the place to be. With seven different paths based on different levels of difficulty, this park has everything you might wish to do, from ziplines to bungee jumping in nature.