Visiting gardens in the Italian Lakes Region
Jan 18th, 2015, 02:02 PM
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Visiting gardens in the Italian Lakes Region
We would like to visit renowned gardens around Lakes Como and Maggiore in early May. We have never been in the area, and plan to fly into Milan. Can anyone recommend moderate priced, conveniently located place(s) to stay and recommend tour guides who are well-informed about the gardens and horticulture? Do we make reservations at the gardens in advance? Tips on travel would also be greatly appreciated. Can we dispense with a car and rely on ferries and trains? We also would like to take a side trip to Bolzano to see Otzi, the frozen mummy. Thanks in advance for any help one can give.
Jan 20th, 2015, 04:40 PM
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Myrnago,
We visited Lago di Maggiore in mid-May and used the boats to get around. The small garden at Isola Bella was very nice, lots of roses and spectacular views. We enjoyed the tour of the palazzo too! Very unique. The grounds on Isola Madre were OK, much bigger. Not really formal gardens, but with lots of beautiful exotic birds, peacocks and pheasants.
We also took the boat up to Villa Taranto to see the botanical gardens and famous azaleas (SP?). We did enjoy Villa Taranto complete with amazing greenhouses, but missed the azalea bloom by a week. Local residents told us it had been hotter than normal for May.
We stayed at Hotel Verbano on Isola dei Pescatore. Loved it and the views. This was in 2005 but I believe it still gets good reviews.
I hope this helps. Buon viaggio!
We visited Lago di Maggiore in mid-May and used the boats to get around. The small garden at Isola Bella was very nice, lots of roses and spectacular views. We enjoyed the tour of the palazzo too! Very unique. The grounds on Isola Madre were OK, much bigger. Not really formal gardens, but with lots of beautiful exotic birds, peacocks and pheasants.
We also took the boat up to Villa Taranto to see the botanical gardens and famous azaleas (SP?). We did enjoy Villa Taranto complete with amazing greenhouses, but missed the azalea bloom by a week. Local residents told us it had been hotter than normal for May.
We stayed at Hotel Verbano on Isola dei Pescatore. Loved it and the views. This was in 2005 but I believe it still gets good reviews.
I hope this helps. Buon viaggio!
