We highly recommend using Google Maps to get around the city of Como. If choosing to drive to the Villa, Apple Maps will not take you to the correct location. If using private transfer, all drivers and locals know where Villa Regina Teodolinda is located. It is highly recommended to pre-schedule your transfer to the Villa using this website: https://www.mgacarservice.it/en/home-page/
Yes! However, parking is very limited. We recommend private transfer, however, if choosing to drive to the Villa please contact us so we may plan accordingly.
Since the U.S and Italy have different power outlets, we highly recommend purchasing an adaptor that operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. In failing to do so, you could potentially burn out items such as straighteners, blow dryers, etc. For Italy there are three associated plug types, types C, F and L. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side and plug type L is the plug type which has three round pins.
The Euro is the standard for Italy. Instead of using currency exchanges in airports or local banks to buy Euros prior to the trip, our suggestion is to wait until arriving in Italy and withdraw Euros from an ATM. You can also exchange currency at your local bank prior to the trip. Most places including vendors and restaurants will accept credit cards and usually the exchange rate is best.
The Value Added Tax, or VAT, in the European Union is a general, broadly based consumption tax assessed on the value added to goods and services. It applies more or less to all goods and services that are bought and sold for use or consumption in the European Union. The tax is 22%. You cannot get a refund on the tax on accommodations or food in Italy, but you can obtain a partial refund on other purchases. Keep in mind that there's a minimum amount required in order to claim an IVA/VAT refund. Currently in Italy, the minimum purchase amount to submit a VAT refund is €154.94 if all spent in one store at one time. You need to fill out a VAT refund form and have it stamped usually prior to checking into the airport. Refunds are typically issued at the airport. Look up this link at Milan's Malpensa Airport: https://www.airportmalpensa.com/tax-refund.php
Lake Como is a mountain lake, formed during the last Ice Age. Because of the way the lake formed, it’s one of the deepest mountain lakes in Europe. At its deepest point, Lake Como measures over 425 meters. Despite its extremely deep inner sections, most of the lake is slightly more than 150 meters deep. Lake Como’s depth is one reason for its remarkably blue water, which has made it one of Italy’s most naturally picturesque destinations. Lake Como’s lush vegetation and beautiful towns have made it a popular filming location for Hollywood blockbusters. The lake was a filming location for the 2004 film Ocean’s Twelve, which starred George Clooney. Other famous films to have been shot near the lake include James Bond film Casino Royale, which was released in 2006, and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, released in 2002 filmed at Villa Balbianello.