I posted a bit earlier about Northern Italy and the Lakes, and in the end we've settled on Stresa for a pre-Stockholm wedding family trip.

We'll be flying into MIlan MXP. What's the best way to get up to Stresa with a family crowd including a few adults, a few seniors, and one child? Are there easy train connections, or is it worth it to get a private driver for that trip?

Stresa sounds wonderful, plan on staying at Hotel La Palma and really looking forward to spending time there. Thanks in advance!

It's very easy by train from Milan.

P.S. I am not a fan of Stresa.

vcoinbus.it
gives the schedule of the airporter bus direct from Malpensa airport to Stresa (50 mins. travel time). Currently, departures are at 7:30, 10:30, 14:30, 17:30 and 20:30. The service runs from 14 April through 5 October ONLY.

If the schedule is not convenient, you can always take a taxi to the Gallarate train station (15-20 Euros) and then a northbound train which stops at Stresa. Be aware that not all trains do stop at Stresa, so you must enquire.

Train schedules and fares at www.trenitalia.com

I've also made several other postings on this site about this precise topic.

If there are four or more of you travelling together, you should also consider hiring a limo or taxi to go all the way to Stresa (upwards of 80 Euro).

Thanks very much for the advice.

CMT, what's your feeling about Stresa?

Just FYI, we settled on (though not yet reserved) Stresa because we're looking for a family trip accommodating:

3 adults, 2 seniors, 1 8-year old

Italian lake setting, lovely hotel with pool, only a few easy choices for excursions (like the Isolas) so that we can relax together as a family with swimming, scenery, and gelato. Not looking to be tempted into "doing" too much, just enjoying.

I'd be happy to entertain ideas other than Stresa in the Lakes region - I've already considered Como, Bellagio, etc. - and while undoubtedly beautiful and tempting, our instincts went with Stresa.

Thanks again for your help.

I found Stresa very appealing and also very different from both Lago di Como and Lago di Garda. I would not want to exclude any of these places. From Malpensa Airport, Stresa is the closest lake resort (closer than Bellagio/Menaggio on Lake Como). I would certainly commend Stresa to you.

DeepDish, I think you will enjoy Stresa for a family vacation. I have stayed at the La Palma before. It is very comfortable, and has an admirable situation on the lake front. The swimming pool, built right into the edge of the lake, is not large, but is a very pleasant spot.

If the weather is clear, be sure to take the aerial tram to the top of Mottarone. Only ten minutes ride up. A super panorama over the lake, islands, Alps from NE far to the NW.

All the lakes have special beauties, but Stresa is very convenient. For a family group, to go from Malpensa directly to Stresa, I would consider hiring a mini-van and driver. This would take much less time than any form of public transportation. Try contacting Air Pullman Malpensa. Or, the Malpensa airport web site has several other car/driver hire companies listed. Buon Viaggio!

Deepdish, we stayed at La Palma and found it quite delightful! I LOVED Stresa BTW, probably my fave town on our Italy trip last year. IMO you will love it too! Judy