... blooming in July, are at Villa Taranto ( Verbania Pallanza). - On the other side of the lake you can reach Santa Caterina del Sasso, an amazing monastery built at the foot of the cliffs on the lake shore. - Visit Orta San Giulio, a medieval village on the Orta Lake, half an ... more

... and Valgrande), but the Islands, Villa Taranto, Santa Caterina del Sasso can all be reached by the boat service on the lake, ( http://www.navlaghi.it/eng/m_orari.asp ) and the Mottarone peak may be reached by cable car ( http://www.stresa-mottarone.it/orari_tariffe_estive.htm ) . For ... more

... stately and more expensive hotels, villas, gardens, and tour groups would attract more mature visitors. This isn’t just my perception.... Apparently that was your perception as well in this earlier thread when you stated that the lakes ‘tend’ to attract a more mature crowd – “All of the Italian lakes ... more

Thanks, VillaS, I will defenitely check out the villages that you named. As I'll be traveling alone, I prefer to have a few activities and some potential company at times. I'd like to find a small walkable town, that has plenty of dining, walking and shopping possibilities, and ... more

... visit Lake Como. The hour train ride in each direction will not make that much of a difference and the scenery is gorgeous. Fjord Lake Como is stunning with its villas and gardens and tiny towns dotting its shores. Varenna is peaceful and relaxing. Enjoy whichever lake you visit… Vagabonda ... more

... want to check the Slow Travel web site, they have an extensive list of holiday rental reviews. The people seem to know what they're talking about. Many of the reviews are for agriturismo, apartments, and villas. You can search by location: http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/vr/reviews.asp ... more

... we rented small fully detached villas/chalets/houses, some of which were in the gardens near the owners’ homes. (As you might gather we love Italy !) Ideally we would like similar in Stresa, lake view a bonus !! Do you know of any such that you would recommend in Stresa ? Failing ... more

... or catered affairs in exclusive villas. You cannot make a blanket judgment that weddings in Italy have fewer "frills" than those in the US. Whether your DIL chooses to have one with frills or without is her choice. She will also tell you how formally she wishes guests to be ... more

... Lake Como is stunning with its villas and gardens and tiny towns dotting its shores and with such easy access to and from Milan, it’s very convenient. Lake Como: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/lakecomo/ www.initaly.com/regions/lombardy/como.htm Bellagio: http://www.bellagiolakecomo.com/ Enjoy! Vagabonda ... more