LAKE DISTRICT- Lake Maggiore
Very near the Swiss border, the Lake District includes Lake Como, Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore, offering a truly exquisite setting of mountains, lakes, hills, villas, abbeys and towns. We suggest no fewer than three nights in the area. In the town of Como, on Lake Como, visit the Torre del Comune monument, the Duomo (a fine Gothic-Renaissance cathedral) and the 13th-century Broletto (once the city hall). Among the interesting small towns around the lake are Tremezzo and Piona. There are nice resort facilities at Bellagio, another small town on the edge of both Lake Como and Lake Lecco,
Nestled between Lake Maggiore and the Alps, Stresa is the largest town on that lake. Originally a rustic village where the locals made umbrellas, it has become, in this century, a popular summer resort. It may appear slightly on the rundown side, but the ambience and scenery more than compensate. You'll find good restaurants and cafes, shopping, parks, palm trees, pretty flowers and the garden and zoo at Villa Pallavicino. From Stresa, three small Borromean Islands nearby can be reached by boat—allow time to see the 17th-century baroque palace and grottoes on Isola Bella; the botanical garden on Isola Madre; and, on the (more rustic) Isola Pescatore (Fisherman's Island), the cobblestone streets, handsome church and numerous cats. The town is also famous for its Settimane Musicali (a summer musical festival). Take along a sweater even during the summer, as nights can be quite cool in the area. Stresa is 40 mi/65 km northwest of Milan.