Which Lake is best?
Mar 26th, 2003, 05:45 AM
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Which Lake is best?
For our upcoming trip in May, we'll be spending the final 3 days of a 16 day vacation in the Lake area of Lombardy. We are looking for accomodations in the range of 150 - 200 Euro per night, and there seem to be a fair number of possibilities...on Garda, Como, Maggiore, and even Lugano.<BR>Any opinions on which lake areas provide the best combination of scenery, activities, side trips, etc? <BR>Thanks.<BR>
Mar 26th, 2003, 06:05 AM
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We spent 3 days each, on Lake Como and Lake Maggiore last year. Both had enough sights, scenery, good restaurants and such to easily keep you occupied for 3 days. My personal preference was Como. It was more laid back, quieter, and I thought it was prettier. We stayed in Varenna which was very relaxing. In Maggiore, Stresa felt like more of a touristy place, a little more crowded, more car traffic. but you really can't go wrong either way.
Mar 26th, 2003, 01:29 PM
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And don't forget Orta and Iseo. These are the smallest of the northern Italian Lakes but both are very rewarding. I especially like Lake Orta and Orta San Julio. Do a search here on Orta and see the many recommendations. It's my second favorite lake--after Como.
Mar 26th, 2003, 03:16 PM
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We've been to Como, Garda and Maggiore. It's hard to choose because they're all special, but I'd highly recommend Bellagio and the Hotel Florence (lakeview rooms are beautiful and in your price range). I'd also recommend Stesa on Maggiore. There's 2 hotels I'd recommend: the Villa minta, which is a splurge (about E240) or the Hotel Du Parc (about $100+). The views of the Borommeo islands in Stresa are unforgettable and you can take a boat trip out to visit them.
Mar 27th, 2003, 06:47 AM
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I have enjoyed the Lakes of Italy on numerous trips and have stayed on all 5 of the major lakes at least twice each.<BR>I agree that Como is the most spectacular scenery, but I find Lago Orta to be the most serene. If you are driving--and returning to Malpensa for departure--I prefer staying at Orta and day tripping to Stresa and Maggiore. If you are training, then I suggest staying at Varenna on Como, but getting to the airport is more difficult. So, as in many cases, it really depends.
