One of Stresa’s grand hotels on the waterfront Looking to stretch my legs, I decided to follow an “easy walk thru charming villages” up the hill towards Mount Mottarone suggested by my town map. I gave it 4 miles, to just above the town of Levo, then turned around. It was steep (as always) up … Continue reading Italy Day 3: Stresa

Stresa anchors the western end of beautiful Lake Maggiore.  I spent the day on its waters visiting first the gardens at Villa Taranto, then 2 of the Borromeo Islands close to Stresa. Early bird beats the crowds! A leisurely hour’s ride on a ferry brought me to Verbania, and the 20 hectares garden: Villa Taranto.  A … Continue reading Italy Day 2: Lake Maggiore