While I have never been to Lake Como, it is certainly high on my list of places to go. And not just because there's a high probability of running into George Clooney. But since it's not happening anytime soon for me (the trip or the date), I asked travel expert, advisor and concierge Limor DectEr of Ovation Vacations to share her 7 favorite things about the area.

Lake Como, Italy is really magical! Like heaven on earth type of magic that you want to pinch yourself and just be grateful for your vision. It is a perfect blend of natural and man made beauty. The scenery is jaw dropping. I love the charming towns and palatial villas around the lake. My list for this ultimate lakeshore vacation includes:

1. Villa de Este
Via Regina, 40, 22012 Cernobbio, Italy
+39 031 3481
Visit the iconic Villa de Este Hotel and take a stroll around the magnificent park-like grounds. Once you've worked up an appetite, sit for classic Italian lunch on the terrace overlooking the lake. The food here is second only to the view. Opt for a fresh salad, homemade pasta or a thin crust pizza and, of course, a bottle of crisp white Italian wine. There is no greater gift.

2. Villa Balbianello
Via Comoedia, 5, 22016 Tremezzina, Italy
+39 0344 56110
Accessible only by boat, the Villa Balbianello was built in 1787 on the site of a Franciscan Monastary, but by the early twentieth century had fallen into a state of neglect. An American businessman purchased and renovated the villa and its garden. In 1974 it was bought by the explorer Guido Monzino (leader of the first Italian expedition to climb Mount Everest) and today is owned ny the National Trust of Italy. Its beauty is unparalleled and if you can't make it it there, you can always watch any number of feature films (including A Month by the Lake, James Bond's Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II, Attack of the Clones) for a glimpse. But the Villa in real life is really worth the trip offering incredible views and what some say are the most spectacular gardens on the planet. Keep in mind, though, that there is no cafe on the property at all.

3. The Town of Bellagio
Hop on a boat and instruct your driver to take you to Bellagio, one of Europe's prettiest towns with the lake on one side and the snow-capped mountains on the other. Often called the "Pearl of the Lake," you'll find a typical Italian village characterized by century-old buildings, stone lanes and picturesque cobbled stairways filled with shops showcasing the finest Italian wares. And of course some of the most amazing food on the planet.

4. I Giardini di Melzi
Via Lungolario Manzoni, 22021 Bellagio, Italy
+39 339 457 3838
From the center of Bellagio, find your way to this magnificent villa where you'll see incredible sculptures, expansive manicured gardens and panoramic lake views. This park-like setting is so tranquil you might be inspired to practice your yoga poses.

5. Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Via Provinciale Regina, 8, 22019 Tremezzina, Italy
+39 0344 42491
This amazing hotel, facing the town of Bellagio and the A unique setting that combines exclusivity and proximity: this is Grand Hotel Tremezzo. The most beautiful location on the shores of Lake Como, facing directly onto Bellagio and the Grigne mountains has beautiful Belle Époque decor and a floating pool on the lake that is not to be missed.

6. Villa Carlotta
Via Regina, 2, 22019 Tremezzina, Italy
+39 0344 40405
A five minute walk from the Grand Hotel Tremezzina, Villa Carlotta, is a 17-acre garden complete with an incredible variety of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and a Japanese bamboo forest. In 1843 the villa was purchased by Princess Marianne of Nassau, Albert of Prussia's wife, who gave it as a present to her daughter Carlotta for her wedding to Georg II of Saxen-Meiningen, hence the name Villa Carlotta. Can we register for one too?

7. Al Veluu Ristorante
Via Rogaro, 11, 22019 Tremezzina, Italy
+39 0344 40510
Enjoy a romantic sunset dinner here, nestled in the hills with incomparable lake views. In true Italian fashion the owners will welcome you with open arms as they show you their beautiful gardens. The Al Fresco dining can't be beat and the thing to order is the fresh fish caught daily from the lake below.

ABOUT LIMOR DECTER

Limor Decter is a travel advisor and concierge at Ovation Vacations in New York City. She has always loved to travel and says "the world is book, and those who do not travel read only one page". Limor is a former English high school teacher and is currently using her skills writing travel articles. She lives in Lawrence, NY with her husband and three children. Follow her on Instagram @Limorbitz