The LOMBARDY/ITALIAN LAKES / LAKE MAGGIORE

The glorious lakes of the north of Italy are surrounded by picturesque ornamental gardens, ancient villas steeped in history and breathtaking backdrops of majestic snow-capped mountains. From bustling Lake Garda to splendid Lake Maggiore, scenic Lake Como and the characteristic Lake Orta, this region offers a range of experiences and stunning scenery.
LAKE MAGGIORE
It is said that the translucent quality of Lake Maggiore's water is from the teardrops of unrequited lovers and romantic poets. Much appreciated by Byron and Shelley, a temperate microclimate made this region a preferred hideaway for 19th century aristocrats who built palatial villas with landscaped gardens on its pristine shoreline and panoramic hills.
Sights: The Borromean Islands, The gardens of Villa Taranto, Isola Bella and the Settimane Musicali Festival.
LAKE COMO
For sheer variety of activities and attractions Lake Como definitely has the edge on its’ two rivals Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda. Swimming in fresh water lakes,with no waves to bother you, is surely an experience not to be missed. The third largest of the north Italian Lakes and the deepest in Europe, has rugged beauty, soaring mountain peaks, gentle foothills and lakeside towns that have attracted scores of composers, artists and poets from Verdi and Lizst to Shelley and Byron.
Lake Lugano
Nestled between the peaks of the pre-alps and straddling the Italy - Switzerland border, its position is of storybook tales. The quality of life is excellent. Leisure activities are abundant: Golf, tennis, horseback riding, water-skiing, and snow-skiing. Water-ski on Lake Lugano in the morning, lunch at a lakeside café and snow-ski in St. Moritz in the afternoon. And the region is as well known for its secure investment climate as it is for its weather!

LUINO / BREZZO DI BEDERO area

The local town of Luino is just 5mins drive away from the apartment. It is a lovely, busy lakeside town with many bakeries, shops, supermarkets and good restaurants. Hotel Camin is highly recommended, especially for romantic dinners or celebrations. Luino is well known for its weekly market, currently held on Wednesdays, which is purportedly the largest of its kind in Europe - you'll be amazed by it! It is surrounded by impressive scenery, a combination which makes the town a popular destination for tourists. Don't miss the 'Hundred Valley Tour' by boat from here which includes a train ride into the Swiss Alps and back by boat into Italy - it's a lovely day out. In the summer season you can hire boats and boards in Luino for use on the lake.

There is a ferry terminal for the lakeside ferries (regular, high speed catamaran & hydrofoil services) which have frequent connections to the many towns and villages around The Lake. Stresa is well worth a visit, posing beautifully under the majestic peak of Mottarone, just across from the mystical Borromean Islands. It is a town celebrated for its architecture, cosmopolitan lifestyle, elegant boutiques, bustling cafes and gourmet restaurants. Garden lovers will appreciate the fabulous colourful gardens that adorn Stresa's promenades and other promenades around the Lake, thriving in the areas mild climate producing a fabulous feast for your eyes! Villa Taranto is a favourite, designed in the 1930's by Captain Neil McEachern, a Scotsman, who bequeathed his botanical garden to the people of Italy. These are open to the public and ferries stop here.

Further day trips may be made to other Italian Lakes including Lake Como, which features the beautiful town of Bellagio (and George Clooney's villa!) or Lake Garda. We recommend the 'AA' Guide to The Italian Lakes' and its Top 10 Places or (ask your local travel agent ) - all of which are easily reached from the apartment. We are also only 20mins by car from the Swiss border and a little further to the Swiss city of Lugano.

Lake Maggiore is a magnet for water sports enthusiasts and hosts a number of water-based activities the kids will enjoy such as, windsurfing, boating, sailing and fishing. Take the kids down to the shoreline with the nets provided in the apartment, the Lake is teeming with fish - they'll love it! It's deep waters also provide good diving conditions in clear alpine waters. Pebble beach areas line the shoreline around The Lake, so you may like to bring some jelly shoes, but it is safe to swim in The Lake and some do - all year round! The Lake is just 5mins away by car, walking takes a little longer, but the return walk is super exercise!

Other pursuits include, horse riding, mountain climbing, cycling, walking, golfing (there are six prestigious courses within 40km) and even skiing. In winter skiers can enjoy the small ski lift at Alpe Forcora which is a 30 minute drive away, or travel to other ski resorts also within driving distance of the apartment such as Andermatt, San Berardino and Airolo. We are about an hour by car and ferry from the cablecar to the summit and ski resort of Mottarone on the west side of the Lake.

And finally, not to be missed by art lovers. A short train ride or taxi brings you to the monastery of Anta Maria delle Grazie and Leonardo da Vinci's world famous 'Last Supper'. Book your tickets in advance to spend 15mins of quiet contemplation with this amazing painting. Milan is not to be missed either both for its shopping or to treat yourself to an opera at La Scala.

There truly is something to choose here for everyone all year round whether you are looking for an action packed holiday for the family or seeking quiet rest and relaxation. This area has it all! Have fun!!

How to get there

Milan's Malpensa airport is the nearest, approx 75 mins drive.
Car hire is readily available from both milan airports - please ask for details on booking.
An inexpensive train service from Milan Central Station will take you to Luino in 1-2 hours depending on the time of day you are travelling. (Commuter trains are quicker and non-stop).

Nearest Travel Links

• Nearest airport: Malpensa (Milan): 70km
• Nearest ferry port: Luino: 3km
• Nearest railway station: Luino: 3km
• Nearest beach: Lake Maggiore: 3km

Activities near LUINO

Sports:

• There is a golf course within 30 mins drive
• Watersports nearby
• Horse riding nearby
• Fishing nearby

Great for:

• Walking holiday
• Rural / countryside retreats
• Beach or lakeside relaxation
• Cycling holiday
• A winter sun break