Day 5 - A full day to enjoy Stresa on market day or continue exploring
After a few days of exploring, you have a full day stretching
out to enjoy as you wish. Friday is market day in Stresa, and the
town comes to life - with residents, day visitors, and the stalls
of local vendors who offer an array of fresh produce, clothing and
gifts. You could take a walk along the lakeside promenade, for
wonderful views of the dazzling lake and its glorious islands,
following in the footsteps of historic guests, such as Ernest
Hemingway and Princess Margaret.
There are other interesting villas along the lakeshore and
islands of Lake Maggiore which you might like to visit by boat. It
is possible to join a ferry from the pier, or maybe take a tourist
boat from the Villa Pallavicino, in Stresa, which has an abundant
English garden and a zoological park. On a sightseeing cruise you
could visit the nearest town of Baveno, west of Stresa, noted for
its pale pink granite buildings. Further along the gulf is
Pallanzo, which has several palaces and monuments, including the
stunning Villa Taranto with world-renowned terraced gardens,
overflowing with colourful plants and flowers from many parts of
the world. Another island you might like to visit is Isola Madre,
the largest of the Borromeo archipelago which rises from the lake
like a dazzling green gem - a magical haven of exotic plants and
birdlife.
This evening you are also free to dine independently, maybe
starting with a drink on the hotel's sun terrace, soaking up
spectacular views.
Includes