Here are some images of my favorite destination[s] in Italy---the Lakes.

http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripw...c-00f0-c599?lb

Very nice bob! Brings back good memories. I've got to make it to Orta San Guilia on one of these trips.

Ciao

Stunning images, Bob! Longing to return. Thanks for sharing.

Great pics. Thanks for sharing them.

Beautiful, Bob, a thank you from me too. Now I am missing Italy more then ever as I have been to every location you visited. Your slideshow brought back some very wonderful memories.

Prego !

Bob, are you by any chance familiar with Varenna?

Somewhat---have not stayed there but have visited twice.
How can I help?

Wishing I was there-at any one of the lakes.

I was thinking about going there next year and I needed a list of medium priced hotels around 140 Euro or decent apartment around 130 Euro per night.

We, my daughter and I, plan to stay there for 4 or 5 days..

I am not too familiar with that area..

Again, Bob, gracias for sharing. Love the Lakes, especially the palm trees on the Swiss side...

So what is your next destination, if I may ask?

We are going back in May---a week in south Tuscany from Montepulciano, and another week on the Ligurian coast.

As for Varenna, The hotel Du Lac gets great reviews but I would also consider Villa Cipressi. Do not overlook Bellagio for location--here is the best value in town:
http://www.residencelalimonera.com/

Thanks Bob, we will be traveling by train..how far is the hotel from the station?Do we need to take a taxi?

We've been to Lake Como, Lugano, and Stresa so I enjoyed your photos. A good represenattion.

Unfortunately, we were in Lugano in the gray and rain, so that didn't go so well. Stresa was so commercial and crowded so that didn't go so well either.

But now for Lake Como....We loved it. Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, all fantastic. We stayed in Tremezzo at The Grand Tremezzo Hotel next door toi Villa Carlotta. What a lovely hotel.

The absolute best was (as I've stated on Fodors before) dinner at "Al Veluu" in the hills overlooking the lake close to Tremezzo.

I seem to have my birthday dinner in Europe every year just because that is the time that we travel. My birthday dinner a few years ago at "Al Veluu" was so memorable. I'll never forget it. If you are in that area, don't miss it.

The station is a :10 walk downhill to the town center---obviously uphill upon return. The lakeside is then another 3 minutes from there. You will be lucky to find a taxi--it is a very small station and not manned. Be sure to buy tickets for RT when you buy. Or, return by ferry to the city of Como and then train into Milan from there for a different experience and to avoid the uphill walk.

Thanks for the photos Bob, they are lovely. I have also been to Lake Como and Stressa, and now we are looking to go to Lugano in a couple weeks. Where did you stay in Lugano, the balcony overlooking the lake looks really nice!

Gorgeous photos and nifty presentation, Bob. Is there a limit to the number of photos one can do?

Also, FWIW, I was able to easily walk up the hill to the train station with one bag on a roller. It wasn't too strenuous and I was working on asthma problems at the time. We were there in 2001 so I can't say how the following info has changed:

We spent a night (because train left before holiday ferry times allowed) in Varenna at Albergo Olivedo. It is right across from the ferry. The owner, Laura, was born in the hotel and does more things than a person should have to. I can't find a receipt but do remember that Laura would not take credit cards and there was no lift. She showed DH how to unlock the door as we had to leave early to catch the train.

The restaurant there was very good. We ate pumpkin gnocchi, ravioli with spinach and cheese, grilled beef and grilled veal. With wine-poached pears and lemon sorbet for dessert. We had eaten a 7-course Easter meal at our Bellagio hotel and begged Laura not to give us too much food but she would not be denied.

Room had new bath and creaky floors but we were comfy and glad to get a place for the night. A place with quirks that we enjoyed-not for everyone.

We stayed at the Stella d' Italia hotel in San Mamete, about 10 miles east of Lugano on the lake--we have stayed there twice---25 years apart. They also have great food.

Thanks Bob, I sent them an email this morning and unfortunately for me they are already closed for the season. It looked so nice.

Thanks for the info.Bob..I would have hated walking uphill with my Bad back lugging luggages.

Taking the ferry back to the train station will be indeed a good idea.