24 Hours in Lake Como (PHOTOS)

Spring in Italy's Lake Como (or Lago di Como) is an enchanting time for a visit. The crowds – which clog the roads on the lake's perimeters, and populate the water with boats – have not yet arrived en masse, the weather is gorgeous and hotel discounts are available. I recently tagged on an extra day to a week long stay in Italy, and took the time to decompress at Como's stunning Grand Hotel Tremezzo.

It's easy to see why Como maintains such a classy reputation: Palm trees are contrasted with snow-capped peaks for backdrops, historic towns have been preserved along with centuries-old palaces, and golden, pastel and cream-colored villages dot the opposite shores of the lake in most directions. A drive along the winding roads, a ride on a boat, or a trip up the funicular to Brunate all provide endless scenic overlooks and photo ops.

I snapped some photos using – believe it or not – my iPhone camera, and the images reveal that Lake Como really is as tranquil and picturesque as Clooney & co. profess it to be. Click through to see some highlights from a 24-hour escape to one of Europe's most glamorous vacation spots.