Europeo Vacanza

Living la dolce vita
(the sweet life) in the Lake District of northern Italy is just that. Scattered
Alpine villages and lakeside resorts abound with crisp clean air and
kaleidoscope sunsets in this area, making for an idyllic getaway. Local
transportation is everywhere, making for easy exploration. A day trip on the
taxi boats to explore any of the three islands is like taking a step back in
time, to older, simpler times. The atmosphere is simple and amazing. A trip to
the top of a local peak on the Mattarone cable car allows for incredible
birds-eye views of the region. The lakeside is mostly rocky, but a few beaches
can be found. When the sun is shining and the weather warm, you can be sure
you’ll be sharing it with a few hundred of your closest friends. Italians
haven’t come around to recreational cannabis use; however, cannabis is widely
tolerated and has been decriminalized for personal use. While walking lakeside
it’s not uncommon to smell the sweet leaf burning. As always, use discretion
while traveling.

Fun-Filled Facts

Isola Bella was built in 1632, housing the Borromeo Villa
and its grand gardens, considered by some to be a “wonder of the world.”

Ernest Hemingway’s novel Farewell
to Arms is, in part, set at the baroque Grand Hotel del Iles Borromees,
stemming from his 1948 visit to the hotel.

Held in late August, The Settimane Musicali has been
entertaining Italians since 1946 and is one of Europe’s most prominent
classical music festivals.

Lake Maggiore is Italy’s second largest lake located in the
north bordering Switzerland and extends 43 miles south.

IF YOU GO

Lake Maggiore is a region where Italians and other Europeans
go to summer vacation. As all things Italian you can expect the ubiquitous
pizza and pasta, though not the best, hidden gems are easily found among the
summertime tourist restaurants. Take a stroll up a windy road and you’re sure
to find a great local’s restaurant. The region plays host to various music
festivals throughout the year, from classical, jazz and rock, there’s something
about music breezing through the air as lake softly blows by while sipping some
Italian red. The northern neighbor, Switzerland, is a short drive or train ride
allowing day tripping for some of that smooth Swiss chocolate an easy venture.

Time to Go: Summertime, May through September

Weather: Mild with intermittent summer showers

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Budget: $$$$$