The Lakes District

“Commune with nature where Italy is joined to the Alps, in the lovely Italian lakes district.” –Rick Steves

Lake Como is the better-known lake, but we had chosen
Stresa, on Lake Maggiore,
as our home base for three nights.
A thin strip of fancy hotels
(from the Grand Tour days of the late 19th century)
accompanies a few-blocks square of
traffic-free, touristy shops just a short way from the dock.

 

upper right side, with Domodossola and Locarno

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A major draw are the three islands imprinted with the Borromeo name. There is a palace, fantastic gardens, a Borromeo villa-palace,
and a surprising residential area on one of the islands.
A tour of Isola Bella, Isola Superiore (Pescatori),
and Isola Madre are a must.

 

And on our last day, we chose the full day trip.
A regular gauge train took us to Domodossolo,
close to the Swiss border; then switched to a narrow-gauge, big-windowed train crossing into Switzerland
and arriving in Locarno; and then departed
by lake boat back to Stresa. A most scenic day.

 

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two of the grand hotels

the Borromeo villa on Isola Madre

lunch on Isola Pescatore (Superiore) under the wisteria

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the Borromeo gardens of Isola Bella

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Isola Bella: Napolean's shell & stone apartment; peacocks in the garden; the greeting "lobby" of the palace

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entry to Isola Bella

view from palace on Isola Bella to Isola Pescatore

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approaching Isola Bella from the dock

choices to make at the dock

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Domodossola -almost  a two hour train ride from Stresa

Domodossola train station

interesting chimney in Stresa

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lunch at Old Town Market Square - ripoff prices

park ornament - no bull!

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A special note of appreciation
goes to Guiseppe,
Hotel La Fontana's manager/owner, for his personality, helpfulness,
and a very early breakfast
on our way to Malpensa.

grand marionette collection at Borromeo Palace