Lake region
Apr 6th, 2003, 04:45 PM
#2
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Smolly, My favorite place on Maggiore is at the northern end, near Locarno. You can take a boat to many small towns on the lake. From Locarno take the Centovalli train towards Domodossola. The entire route takes 2 hours, but if you just go part way, say to Comedo, you can take a gondola up the mountain top for fabulous views and beautiful hikes. There are also small grotto restaurants up there. <BR><BR>Also, go on past Locarno to Bellinzona where you will find 3 incredibly 12th century Roman castles. The walls stretch from castle to castle through beautiful vine convered hillsides.
Apr 6th, 2003, 05:47 PM
#4
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We went to Stresa last summer, and took day trips from there to the Borromee Islands and Switzerland. Stresa was pretty touristy, and I think if I were going to do it over, I might try one of the more unspoiled locations that I've heard about like Lake Orta or Garda.<BR><BR>Have a great time!
Apr 7th, 2003, 06:51 AM
#5
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My wife and I have spent a few weeks wondering through the lake country, and each lake is very different. I actually liked Stresa very much, although it's true that it is somewhat touristy. (But I was reading A Farewell to Arms at the time - great book for a lake country trip - and it was pretty neat to be hanging at the same bar as Hemingway, rowing on the lake, etc.) If I did Stresa, I'd probably stay at one of the grand hotels right on the waterfront and try to grab the 19th century ambiance. Take a trip out to the Borreamean Islands, for sure. The northern parts of Maggiore are lovely too, particularly Locarno and Ascona. Lake Como is probably more "Italian" than Stresa, in the sense of being more village-like. We liked Varenna quite a bit as a low-key base, and Bellagio was nice too (although a tad on the pretensous side). Lake Orta is definitely the most authentic of them all, and is certainly worth a visit. It's probably the most interesting in some ways - the little island in the middle of the lake just looks like something right out of a fairy tale - but the accommodations are a little rougher. Anyway, if you're looking for a relaxing, low-key vacation, you probably can't go too far wrong at the lakes.
Apr 7th, 2003, 07:01 AM
#6
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This question has been asked and answered countless times with the general concensus being that the Lakes are so beautiful you can't go wrong, it all depends upon what you prefer. My personal preference is for Orta and Como, staying in Bellagio, Varenna, or Menaggio to be able to steamer hop among the three little towns on Como. But I'd advise a search on such terms as Orta, Como, Maggiore, Garda and the various towns. You'll find enough info to confuse the heck out of you. Bob the Navigator is an especially well versed source of info on the area. Read his posts carefully. They contain very useful info.
Apr 7th, 2003, 11:12 PM
#7
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Hello- for a wonderful place, location, deep sleep in silence, and terrific food, go to Villa Simplicitas. It's in Karen Brown, I think. The owner is Ulla. It's high on the ridge between Como and Lugano- hard to find the first time, but she'll give you accurate directions. Got the biggest kick out of the shower. Basically, the bathroom IS the shower. Simplicitas. Enjoy the wonderful dinners out on the patio.
