The ones dragging you to Italy
The three of us
Gatsby, Laura and our little Gabriel. Thank you for being part of our world, we can't wait to celebrate with you on the lake.
Cari amici,
We're getting the girls together for a weekend Laura will never forget, on the shores of Lake Como. I've booked us a place on the lake, sorted the flights and the getting‑around, and lined up a few surprises along the way. All you have to do is say yes and pack a bag.
This little book has everything you need to know. It would mean so much to have you all there.
Gatsby, Laura and our little Gabriel. Thank you for being part of our world, we can't wait to celebrate with you on the lake.
A spectacular early‑1900s villa perched above Lake Como, lovingly restored and sleeping up to twelve. Set in an Italian garden of palms and azaleas, with breathtaking lake views from nearly every window. Everyone gets their own bed, and almost everyone their own room.
Bellano is a storybook village on the quieter, more romantic eastern shore of Lake Como, all cobbled lanes, pastel houses and water lapping at the edge. Framed by mountains, it has been a lakeside retreat since Roman times.
You won't need to plan a thing, I've got our days sorted, but for the curious, here's a taste of the beauty all around us.
A little of what's on our doorstep, for the curious. No need to plan; consider it inspiration.
Lake Como cooking is simple and soulful, lake fish, mountain cheeses, long lunches and slow aperitivi as the sun drops.
We're going in early October, that lovely golden edge of autumn. Days are jacket‑and‑sunglasses weather; evenings cool down, and a shower is always possible, so bring layers.
Three airports serve Milan and the lake. Pick whatever works for you, book it, and send me your confirmation so I can sort your airport pickup.
Prefer the scenic route? Bellano has its own train station, with direct trains from Milano Centrale in about 1 hr 10 min along the lake. Aim to arrive Friday: a morning flight means you won't miss a moment of the first day.
A few good nonstop options for our dates (out Fri 2, back Mon 5 October). Try to arrive Friday, a morning flight means you won't miss the first day. Prices are just a guide, so book whatever suits you and send me the confirmation.
We land in two happy little clusters. Transfers are arranged around both, so you’ll be collected and driven straight to the villa. No taxis, no figuring it out.
And one of us is taking the scenic route: a train through the Alps into Milano Centrale on Thursday, a day before the rest of us.
The Spritz Squad gets a slow final brunch before the drive; the Cappuccino Crew is off early, so say your goodnights on Sunday. And the Spritz Squad has a brand‑new addition: our tiniest guest is flying in too. A few of us are still booking, so send me your confirmation and I’ll slot you into a crew.
Consider it handled. I'm taking care of your flight, your airport transfers to and from the villa, the accommodation, and all the activities I organise. Just bring a little spending money for meals out and any small extras, and your best holiday spirit.
Not at all. Just get yourself to Milan and I'll handle the rest. Once the group chat is up, feel free to start planning bits together, and I'll fill in the gaps with activities and things to do.
Everyone gets their own bed, and most of you will have your own room.
Please do! If you'd like to organise a little surprise or dinner for her, we'll coordinate it in the group chat.
Yes. I'll set one up this week once everyone's confirmed, so we can all coordinate in one place.
Your passport or ID, it's needed to register at the villa. It's a no‑smoking house.
Our weekend soundtrack, put together by the girls.
