Farewell Varenna...

Varenna, Lake Como, Italy - my apartment at the top on the left

For the last time (this trip!), I walked down the narrow cobbled alleyway to the lakeside, and made my way to the train station. As I left Varenna, heading by train to Bergamo, the BMW r1200gs Adventure left for Rome.

No time to stop in Bergamo on this trip, instead straight on a bus which headed to Sarnico on the southern shore of Lake Iseo.

"Little known outside Italy, Lake Iseo is smaller than Lake Como but considerably quieter and more charming. With fewer sun-blotched tourists, and situated just north of the cities of Brescia and Bergamo, it is the unsung gem of northern Italy.

When people think of the Italian lakes, it is Lake Como or Lake Garda that spring to mind. Few consider Lake Iseo, so go now before this secret jewel becomes too well known." www.telegraph.co.uk

Arrived in Sarnico in the rain, but by the time I woke from my siesta (too many Prosecco late nights!) the rain had gone and I joined a guided tour of Sarnico's medieval old town, the perfect introduction to a new area for me.

That evening? More Pizza and Prosecco!!