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Reading Time: 4 minutesIn this post we share photos from Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy.

Bellagio is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, idyllic charm, and rich cultural heritage.

Known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio exudes a romantic ambiance. Its narrow cobblestone streets, enchanting alleyways, elegant villas and blooming gardens create a dreamy atmosphere that is perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway.

With its roots tracing back to Roman times, Bellagio is steeped in history. The town’s historic center showcases buildings adorned with ornate facades, charming squares, and quaint churches. Exploring Bellagio feels like stepping back in time.

Consider visiting Villa Melzi Gardens, Villa Serbelloni, Punta Spartivento, San Giacomo Basilica, old town, and take a funicular ride to Montanaro while in town.

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Reading Time: 3 minutesIn this post we share photos from Villa Monastero in Varenna, Lake Como, Italy.

Varenna is a charming village located on the eastern shore of Lake Como. The town’s charm is found in its architecture, cobblestone streets, quaint alleyways, trattorias serving traditional Italian cuisine, and panoramic views of the lake.

One of Varenna’s main attractions is Villa Monastero, a beautiful villa and botanical garden that spans two kilometers along the shores of Lake Como. The meticulously maintained gardens showcases diverse array of plant species and vivid blooms.

The villa dates to the 12th century when it began as a Cistercian convent. Over the centuries, it underwent various transformations and expansions, resulting in a harmonious blend of medieval, Renaissance, and neoclassical styles. The villa’s richly adorned rooms feature period furnishings, intricate frescoes, and beautifully crafted details, providing a glimpse into its noble past.

Villa Monastero serves as an acclaimed center for scientific research and cultural events. Hosting international conferences and exhibitions, the villa is an intellectual hub that fosters dialogues on various disciplines, including environmental sustainability, biology, and physics.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a curious explorer, Villa Monastero offers a remarkable experience that seamlessly blends art, culture, and scientific discovery.

Reading Time: 5 minutesIn this post we discuss what items you may consider packing when preparing for a (university) semester abroad program.

We recommend bringing the essentials and other items that may drastically alter the experience without them (i.e. medicine, electronics etc.). By starting with a less-is-more approach, you’ll have a chance to spend some time in-country and assess what additional items you may need to purchase based upon your schedule, activities, weather etc.

Note that most of these recommendations assume you are based in a place with moderate-to-high accessibility to goods. For those studying in the bush, rural areas, or an atypical setup, this post may need to be adjusted to suit your specific circumstance.

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Reading Time: 4 minutesThis is a high level overview of travel throughout Switzerland over a 14-18 day period.

We present two itineraries for intra country travel – one that begins in Zurich (east side of Switzerland), and the other from Geneva/Lausanne (west side of Switzerland). Most travelers will enter the country through one of these places, either into Zurich or Geneva by way of Paris.

Switzerland is a small country that is easily navigated by fast trains to major hubs with local trains to get to precise locations. The itineraries below use a blend of train and private car to access some of smaller villages and afford the traveler increased flexibility in their plans. We provide details around options are for those who choose to use public transport only.

We also include a third itinerary that includes travel from the Swiss Alps into Northern Italy, including Lake Como and Milan.