Long before George Clooney moved to these shores, Lake Como was already an inspiring destination for novelists, poets and painters. The labyrinthine streets and stairways twisting through lakeside promenades offer a fairy-tale setting with voluptuous villas that attract the international jet set and gardens that seem straight out of a storybook.

For the price of a glass of Terre Lariane, you can spend an evening in one of the quaint villages overlooking the water, picturing yourself in the shoes of James Bond. Lake Como's strong tourism industry has made it a sought-after destination for those looking for luxury and authenticity.