Hi!! Our Italy adventure through AAA and Collette came to a close in glorious Lake Como and it was the most spectacular day. As you read, we spent some lackluster time in Venice and we were all ready to go home during our full day there. Then, we arrived at the lake the following morning and ate our words – we never wanted to leave! Our single day in Lake Como consisted of a ferry ride, a walking tour, and a delicious farewell dinner to celebrate the end of an amazing trip. It went from magical to literally painful when we had to depart from the Milan airport the next day – especially when we had a view like this from our room at the Hotel Barchetta Excelsior:

After a quick break in the hotel, we boarded a ferry that took us on a one hour ride around Lake Como. It was so relaxing to look at the water, feel the breeze, and take in the beautiful scenery. This was, easily, the most leisurely activity we did on this entire trip and I think we all really needed it. We had to rally for the bon voyage bash in the evening! During our ferry ride, I was delighted to be sitting by a couple from Paris and got to put my French to the test. We had an excellent conversation and they told me I spoke French very well which was such an awesome compliment! I didn’t think it was possible for our time on the lake to get any better but that chit chat really thrilled me and I am still on cloud nine about it. 😀

Once we returned from the ferry ride, a walking tour commenced and Johnny and I decided to fly solo. We wanted some time with just the two of us before it was back to Akron, Ohio! Johnny and I strolled through the streets, popped in different shops, and enjoyed a drink on the patio of a cafe. It was the most charming afternoon and it felt so good to be feeling so good after I hit my wall in Venice. I genuinely can’t believe I ever wanted to go home lol! While our little date was a joy, it was also bittersweet because all good things must come to an end. I’m just so thankful I got to share in all of this with my main squeeze! ❤

Our day concluded at the restaurant of the hotel for the farewell dinner and it was DIVINE. In fact, this was one of my favorite meals of our whole trip. My vegetarian option was a cheesy risotto, fried eggplant, and a berry crumble for dessert. And, of course, ALL the wine! The risotto was seriously the best and I ate two helpings – I just couldn’t help myself lol and by the time my eggplant arrived, I was regretfully stuffed. What I did have of it was impeccable with crisp, fried breading and juicy eggplant in the middle. And, although I was full to the brim, I had to make room for dessert! The berry crumble was buttery, airy, and packed with juicy berries with a scoop of gelato on top for good measure. They definitely don’t make food like this in the A-K-Rowdy:

When the meal ended, we said goodbye to all of our new friends that were on the tour group with us. Then, Johnny and I returned to our hotel room with the wine we didn’t finish and had a nightcap on our balcony. It was the perfect way to end a remarkable trip and this view will forever be in my heart:

This whirlwind tour of Italy was everything I could have hoped for and so much more. Some day, I will be back. Until then, Italy will never be far from my mind!

Where is your dream vacation destination? How often do you go on vacation? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah