In English

La Casa de Cai a Gittana 

A guide for Casa Cai  and its surroundings…

HOUSE GUIDE: 

1. Welcome 

Dear guests 

Welcome to “Casa Cai” in Gittana – we sincerely hope that you will have a lovely and enjoyable time in our beloved  house.  

First a few practicalities:  

Keys for the house can be collected from the key box situated on the wall near the door to the repository on the seaside of the house. The code will be sent to you before arrival.

When leaving the house, locking the front door can be a tricky task, so please do as follows: Close the door behind  you and lift up the handle, then put in the key and lock the door while lifting the handle. The key cannot turn unless  the handle is lifted!  

When you arrive the garden furniture might be stored away in the repository underneath the terrace, you are of  course more than welcome to take it out.  

Duvets and pillows can be found in the closet in the bedrooms and on the beds at the loft. 

On the top glass shelf by the stairwell going down you will find a file with instruction manuals for use of the house. So  if you are in doubt about anything, you can always look here for information. You will also find hiking maps and  brochures with information about the surroundings on the very same shelf.   

We hope that you will enjoy your time at Lake Como and have a fantastic holiday.  

Yours sincerely 

Gidske Michelsen & Anders Michael Jensen 

P.S.: You are very welcome to write in the guestbook 

2. Heating 

Gas is very expensive in Italy, especially Butane gas, which is used for the Gittana gas network. So please think about  this when you use gas for daily life. 

During colder periods, the house is heated via central heating controlled by the gas boiler in the kitchen, which also  heats the water.  

Gas boiler  

To turn on the gas boiler please do as follows: Open the door on the front of the boiler. Turn the left button from  “0” to the first step ”pilot light” – if the green light doesn’t turn on, please flick the switch on the wall next to the  boiler. Then turn the button from ”pilot light” all the way right if both hot water and heating is needed or turn it only one step if only hot water is needed. 

It sometimes happens that the boiler switches off which is indicated by the light goes from being green to red. If this  happens, just repeat the above process. 

If the boiler still will not be turned on, check that the yellow handle underneath the boiler is turned to “open”. The  gas is also used for the stove.  

Then if nothing helps you can contact our caretaker Rossella. 

Thermostat and radiators 

The boiler is automatic. When the hot water tap is turned on, the boiler starts (there is not a hot-water tank). The  temperature in the house is controlled by the thermostat on the wall by the TV. The thermostat is normally set to a  program, which lowers the temperature at night, and it shouldn’t be necessary to change these settings.  

There are radiators in every room. The radiators are controlled centrally by the thermostat in the kitchen. The small  vents on the radiators must not be closed.  

Remember to turn off the boiler when you leave Casa Cai after your stay. 

The gas stove 

The gas burner on the gas stove is turned on by pushing and turning the small nubs to the big flame and then pushing  down. This will create a small spark that will light the gas. 

The oven is electric with a grill and will heat until the desired temperature.  

3. Electrical Installations 

There is a circuit breaker located in the cabinet by the front door.  

No power 

The main power switch is located outside in the distribution cabinet under the kitchen window. If too much power/electricity  is used the main switch in the relay will turn off. If this is to happen you just need to reduce the power that is being used and go outside and turn on the main switch again. Please do not use the washing machine and the oven at the same time, as this might be too much and turn off the main switch. 

Power sockets 

The Italian power is 220 volts DC and the sockets are thinner than the Danish ones so please do not try and force it,  but use the adapters that are located in various places in the house. 

4. TV and DVD 

There are several ordinary Italian TV channels not quite worth watching though. Maybe read a good book or listen to  great music instead – or watch a nice dvd from the house collection. 

Internet 

There is a good connection to the both G5 and G4 mobile network in Casa Cai. You should be able to use your own  cell phone as a router or a hotspot for further connections. 

5. Espresso Machine  

The house has a fully automatic quality coffee machine that is very simple to operate. But be sure to read the brief  instructions (next to the machine) thoroughly before you start. There is a longer version in the folder on the glass  shelf. 

If you are not completely familiar with the coffee machine, you should not use it and instead use the normal caffetiere. 

6. Washing Machine 

The water and electricity must be turned on, if not done already. 

Start: Select the program and turn on the machine. When the machine is finished washing, turn it off. Please see the  separate instructions manual that is located on the washing machine. 

If the washer is overloaded (max 6 kg), it cannot spin and will then turn off the circuit breaker panel. If this occurs, you must reduce the washing load before it will be able to spin. 

7. Waste

The waste is sorted by organic, metal and plastics and non-recyclable household waste. Please refer to the separate  instructions attached and look also at the schedule for emptying the different kinds of waste in Casa Cai. 

8. Insects 

In many places south, you’ll find “insects” that we don’t have in Denmark. In Gittana we sometimes have small black scorpions.  Sometimes they draw in from the cold, and you can then see them in the house, typically in the darker places. They  are quite harmless, but most people kill them. It is “said” that they may sting, but this is so rare that not even the local people have ever experienced it – the effect would be like a bee sting. A scorpion can be removed with the  tweezers on the bulletin board and flushed down the toilet. We haven’t seen any the last two years though.

9. Inventory 

The house has everything you need, whether you are cooking or serving good food. We think that it is very important  that the kitchen tools and service wear are in order and of good quality. We hope that you’ll get the same experience  and that you’ll be helping to look after things. 

Please also use the big Weber grill if you like, but please put it back in storage cleaned and emptied of ash before  departure. 

If something unfortunately breaks, we will very much like to hear about it so that we can replace it. 

10. Weather Conditions 

There might be quite heavy thunderstorms in the mountains surrounding Lake Como. The rain, storm, lightning and  thunder might be of an intensity that you are not used to.. It can be beautiful and fascinating, but unfortunately it can also cause damage to the house. 

So please remember to close all the aluminum shutters on the door and windows facing the lake if it looks like a storm is coming – as the rain might come in beneath the doors on the balcony.

Parasol and possibly other things left on the terrace tables can fly an amazingly long way, if the wind suddenly picks up.  So please always remember to put down the parasol and put smaller not so heavy items into the house when going to the beach or on tour. 

11. Leaving and Closing Down 

You must leave the house tidy, meaning that everything goes back to the same places as when you came. Please sweep  all floors before departure. Then the ‘housekeeper’ will do the tough cleaning and washing before the next guests arrive. 

Please remember the following when you are leaving the house: 

• Remove all food products, turn off the refrigerators – please leave the doors opened. Also, please note  that the large refrigerator in the repository room does not work at temperatures below 16 degrees. 
• All duvets and pillows to be put back in the closet downstairs or on the bed loft. 
• The water supply for the washing machine to be closed. 
• The De Longhi coffee machine to be cleaned and emptied of coffee grounds and the socket to be pulled  out. 
• Summer and winter: Please switch off the gas boiler in the kitchen – the left button to be turned to “0” Check that all outdoor lights are turned off (balcony, terrace, garden and entrance) 
• Off peak (not school holidays): Please put garden chairs and garden tables back in the storage space under  the terrace. 
• Please remember to close all shutters 
• Make sure that all windows and doors are closed – meaning that all handles are vertical. 
• Lock the front door and leave the keys with Rossella or put them in her letterbox.
• Leave 70 euros on the table for Rossella’s house cleaning and washing.

Please remember NOT to turn off the main socket..! 

Wishing you a great and safe journey home!  

12. Telephone Numbers and Addresses 

The address of the house: 

La Casa di Cai 

Via per Vernasco 8 

Gittana di Perledo (LC) 

I-23828 Italia 

Anders +45 2078 2515 

Gidske +45 2245 1498 

andersmichaeljensen@gmail.com 

Rossella, caretaker +39 0 341 815 127 

Rossella Vischi is also on WhatsApp 

Taxi 

Ongania Vittorio +39 0341 83 01 06 

Piazza Statione, 2 +39 0341 444 1084 

Varenna

La Casa de Cai a Gittana 

GUIDE TO THE AREA: 

1. Brief description of the surrounding area 

Gittana: 

Gittana is a small village with approx. 90 inhabitants, located only 1 km from the coast road along the East side of Lake  Como – just between Varenna and Bellano. Most of the houses in town are the typical old stone houses that have  been around for centuries – the village was founded anno 1100 A.C. – though several of the houses have been  restored since. The village lies on a steep mountainside by the lake with a beautiful view over the lake and the Swiss Alps. 

There is a really good restaurant in the village called “Semi di Grano” – remember to make a reservation 

Varenna: 

Varenna is the nearest town. Here you’ll find hotels, B&B’s and many restaurants. In summer time it’s a very idyllic little tourist town with many picturesque sights. From Varenna you can catch a boat or a car ferry to both  Bellagio and Menaggio. Or you could buy a day pass for exploring the central part of the lake. 

You can walk to Varenna in a good half hour. There is a path system in the area called “Sentiero Viandante”, which is  marked with orange signs with a stylistic drawing of Lake Como. To find the path and walk to Varenna you should  walk up to the church and take the little forest path – continue up the hill until you meet the Via Andante trail. From  here just remember to follow the signs and road markings. 

One can drive down to Varenna either by taking the small road directly down to the lake or by a wider road leading  to Perledo. 

Above Varenna is Vezio Castello, a very good walk from Varenna (please note it is a little steep). There are gorgeous  views, and on weekends and in summer time the castle is open, and often they have small exhibitions. Here you can  buy nice pottery at good prices. 

Bellano: 

Bellano is another town close to Gittana. Here you’ll find nice cafes, restaurants, banks, shops and the local administration. 

You can walk down to Bellano by going north through Gittana and follow the path across the brook, past the wash house and through the “hole” in the last house in town. After a little while you’ll reach the path “Sentiero Viandante”, as earlier mentioned – follow the signs and you’ll arrive in Bellano after about 35 minutes. 

You’ll also find various maps available in the house. 

2. Where to shop 

Shopping Big 

For grocery shopping you’ll find the large supermarkets Iperal and Bennet in the provincial capital Lecco (25 km from  Gittana) and Iperal also in Mandello del Lario at SP 72 and at the shopping center Fuentes – in the outskirts of Colico  (28 miles north of Gittana). These are good places to go if you need to fill the fridge! Iperal in Mandello can be used  when you come from Milan or Bergamo. Iperal in Colico is located in the large shopping center Fuentes, conveniently  located on the route from Switzerland to Lake Como. 

Both markets are open every day from 8:30 to 21:00, also the last Sunday of the month. 

Everyday Shopping 

Conad supermarket in Bellano has everything you need. Conad is located just behind the lido and is easy to find – just  take the road to the beach on your left just when you enter Bellano from Gittana. 

In summer, they are open from 9.00 to 12.30pm and from 15.00 to 20.00pm. And just opposite Conad the very nice  bakery “La Terza Generation” is located. They are open from 8.00am every morning. 

Located right by the station you’ll find a discount store called Euro Spin, which has very cheap products, and some of them are even good. Open all day long. 

In Bellano you’ll find many other shops, banks and other facilities. Many of the small shops are hidden in tiny alleyways behind the coastal road. Here you’ll also find a very commendable wine bar called “Taverna Melanotte” who serves  snacks and have outdoor seating. A new wine bar named Il Bellanasco near the church is highly recommended

In Varenna one will only find small shops, including a butcher and a greengrocer. 

In Perledo – behind Gittana – you’ll find Market Perledo – a cooperative store – which also is recommended. 

Wine & alcohol 

Can be purchased in various places, but try the Enoteca Moioli e Rizzi, Via Parodi 25 – a wine warehouse on the  square in Mandello del Lario (15 km from Gittana). Here you will find excellent wines from all over Italy but especially  from Piedmont and Valtellina.  

We recommend, for example, a Barbera d’Alba “Paiagal” from the Marchesi Barolo. And of course remember to taste  the fine wines from nearby Valtellina. 

The stores are typically open in the morning, closed from 12:30 to 15:00 and then open again until 19:00 also on  Saturday. On Sunday most shops are closed, however, some are open Sunday morning. Monday is often the weekly closing day, but some shops are open in the afternoon. Look and ask around. 

3. Where to eat 

It is not possible to mention all the good restaurants in the area, but here are a few recommendations: 

Ristorante “Olivedo” in the hotel of the same name by the dock in Varenna is also serving genuine Italian food  without frills. Right behind this restaurant you’ll find the wine bar called Orso meaning The Bear”. 

Ristorante ”La Grigna” on the main road in Mandello del Lario also comes highly recommended. Ristorante ”Il Cavallo Bianco” in Bellano make great pizzas, so do Ristorante Bernina. Ristorante La Darsena is also very good. Hosteria ”Del Platano” in Fiumelatte, 1 km south of Varenna is recommended. 

The bar ”27 m2” on the square in Varenna is a small but good watering hole! 

Ristorante ”Il Faro” and the restaurant at Hotel Risi on the waterfront in Colico is also a nearby opportunity. 

In the house you’ll find a list of recommendable slow food restaurants, but we can particularly recommend the  Ristorante Il Crotto just outside Morbegno in Valtellina. In Morbegno we would also like to recommend Osteria del  Zep on Piazza Marconi though the waiter often is drunk. 

In Chiavenna Ristorante Passerini is highly recommended. Remember to always check the restaurant’s weekly closingday and opening times before going out to dine. You’ll find business cards from other recommended restaurantsin the small green box on the shelf of the fireplace. 

4. Walks and hikes in the area 

The possibilities for short walks or long hikes are almost endless. You can walk the trails in the area – see the various  maps in the house or you can walk along the east side of the lake, please see the little book “The wayfarer’s trail.”  

Right above Varenna is an old castle “Castello Vezio”, which you can walk or drive to. On weekends they are often  open and have exhibitions and falcon shows and with a great opportunity for a little lunch. The view here is amazing.  

If you are into mountain tours you can drive up to Esino and on to Cainallo. From here you can go for walks toward  Grigna where you’ll find beautiful views and mountain stations, here you can enjoy lunch and they even offer accommodation. In the valley of Valsassina (inland from Bellano), there are several ski resorts such as Barzio which in Summer is a good starting point for fantastic walks.  

A unique trip for summer is to drive into the valley of Valvarrone from Bellano. In the north end of town, turn off  towards Lezzeno and Vendrogno. Drive up through Mosnico and turn off towards Camaggiore at 1200 meters  altitude. You can almost drive the entire way to Camaggiore, but the last part will be on a gravel road. You’ll have a beautiful view from up here and the opportunity to hear cow bells, walking and eating lunch in San Grazo retreat if it  is open. Another walk in the same area goes to Alpe Giumello where there are several restaurants and other retreats.  

Another very great place is the area around the Passo dello Spluga (or the Splügen Pass), many people go here in the  summer for walking and in winter for skiing in Madesimo. The valley of Valtellina is also known for its beauty. 

In Livigno, located 135 km from Gittana, you can buy wine, alcohol, speck, bresaola, cheese, clothes and electronics – everything completely duty-free and tax-free. It usually takes about three hours to drive there.  

You will find a list of 23 recommended activities at the end of this guide. Check it out! 

5. Where to swim 

In principle, everywhere along the lake the water is clean and fresh because it comes directly from the mountains. We would recommend the following three beaches near to Gittana:  

“Riva Gittana” meaning Gittana Beach is a 9 minute walk down the hill. Go up to “main street” in Gittana, turn left, and  a few meters ahead is a small water-wash on your left, follow the path to the left, shortly thereafter the path turns to  the left and you go straight down. Follow the road to the left, which will take you down to the beach.  

It is a nice small gravel beach, with a small beach bar, which is run by an Italian family who make nice light meals,  while serving you both prosecco, cocktails and cold beer. The good thing about the beach is – in addition to being  close by – is that it’s never going to be overpopulated due to the lack of parking facilities… 

“Lido de Bellano” is located in Bellano.  

It is a rather large beach with bars and restaurants and good swimming opportunities for both young and older  children. You’ll have to purchase a ticket to the bathing facility.  

In Lierna approx. 10 km from Gittana is a really nice beach in a small bay. There are small pebbles, a beach bar and good  swimming. Finding a parking space on weekends can be difficult though.  

And also in Colico you’ll find some good beaches, which are also great for windsurfing.  

6. Where to ski 

The nearest ski resort is in the valley of Valsassina about a 30-45 minute drive from Gittana. The resort is called Piani di  Bobbio in Valtorta with access from Barzìo in Valsassina. The area offers many great opportunities for both beginners  and more experienced skiers. 

The closest larger ski resort is Madesimo (m 1500-2884), with 30 lifts, which is open all winter. St. Moritz can  definitely also be recommended and is located about 1.5 hours by car. 

All of the above resorts also offer cross country skiing. 

Livigno is also a great place for skiing and is as earlier mentioned a 3 hour drive away. 

The possibilities are many, please see the various brochures in the house. 

7. Trips around the lake 

There are many beautiful places along the lake – drive around or take a boat. Trips to Bellagio and Menaggio are  almost “a must”. Mandello de Lario south of Varenna is a slightly bigger town with a nice area down by the lake where  the boats dock. 

Boat trip to Bellagio (the boat departs from Varenna, schedules can be found in the house, but check that it is still  valid) It is possible to buy a day pass for cruising the central part of Lake Como 

• Moto Guzzi factory and museum in Mandello del Lario (we do not know the opening hours for the season,  unfortunately) In the shop next to the factory you can buy a brand new Moto Guzzi … museum is free, but its bikes are not!  

• Kite and windsurfing in Colico – the wine bar “Porto Vino” by the port has a good selection of noble grapes.  

• Mountain trip to Alpe Giumello (drive inland towards the mountains behind Bellano and see the view over  the Lake Como and Bernina from about 1800 meters altitude and perhaps dine at one of the local mountain  refugees after taking a hike)  

• Shopping in Lecco (the town is very pleasant and the small pedestrian streets has a wide range of exciting  stores)  

• Go on a excursion to the old town Morbegno in Valtellina, about 15 km east of Colico. The city is really nice  and we can recommend visiting the old cheese and wine shop Fretello Ciapponi who has 30 year old cheeses.  Dine at Osteria del Zep where they are offering good food and interesting decor.  

• Visit Castello del Vezio in the mountains just behind Varenna and watch a breathtaking sunset over  Switzerland.  

8. Trip to Milan 

Milan is a wonderful city – and a really cool metropolis. It takes about 1.5 hours driving into Milan and 2.5 hours if you  drive home during rush hour! So it is perhaps not a bad idea to take the train in, it takes less than one hour from  Varenna and is quite cheap. The city center is located around the great cathedral. There are quite a few maps and  brochures in the house. Also a few of the many Factory Outlets found in the area (also visit FoxTown in Mendrisio in  Switzerland near Como – 122 shops!) 

10. If you are to get ill 

The Italian healthcare system seems better than the Danish one and you’ll find good doctors in both the nearest  towns. Ask Rossella about details or look for information in Casa Cai.

Top 23 activities to experience at Lake Como – in random order… 

• Try the “Funiculare” – meaning mountain lift – from Lecco to Piani d´Erna and go trekking in the area 
• Visit the old knife manufacturing town of Premana in Valsassina 
• Take the Funiculare from Barzio to Piani di Bobbio and go trekking 
• Visit the Jungle Park at Piani delle Betulle and walk in the treetops – take the funiculare from Margno 5. Go to Morbegno in Valtellina and visit Fratelli Cappolinos amazing shop offering the best delicacies in the  valley. 
• Do a short hiking tour on Sentiero Viandante to Fiumelatte and back through Varenna 
• Take the veteranboat “Milano” from Bellano to Como and return to Bellano by hydrofoil boat
• Go abroad to Lugano in Switzerland and enjoy the town. 
• And while you are abroad: Go shopping in “FoxTown” in Mendrisio, Switzerland 
• Go trekking in Val di Mello and have lunch at Rifugio Rasega 
• Visit Preda Rossa in Val Massino and take a short hike. 
• Have lunch at Rifugio Lorla at Monte Legnone 
• Take a tour to Alpe Giumello and have lunch at Capanna Vittoria 
• Experience the Passo San Marco en route from Gittana to Morbegno (3 hours drive) 
• Take the boat from Varenna to Bellagio or to Menaggio and visit the charming towns 16. Visit the old town of Chiavenna, see the “Marmitti dei Giganti” and have lunch at “Trattoria Uomo Salvatico” 17. Take a trekking tour to Rifugio Bietti-Buzzo eller Rifugio Bogani from Cainallo 
• Try the Funiculare from Moggio to Artevaggio 
• Take a tour to Abbazia di Piona, buy some liquor made by the monks and go on to have an gelato in Colico
• Visit the beautiful old town of Bergamo, elevated as an eagles nest over the new part of town. 
• Go on your bikes from Novate Mezzola to Chiavenna (19 km) and have a large beer at the piazza. 
• Go hiking to Rifugio Bellano and Monte Legnoncino 
• Go shopping in Lecco and have lunch at Ristorante Orestino across the road from the ferry terminal