What a glorious day!! The beautiful blue sky and balmy October weather couldn’t have been better for the day trip to Lago Maggiore and two of its beautiful little islands, Isola Bella and Isola Pescatori.
First glimpse of Lago Maggiore
Our route
On the road to Stresa
Upon arrival in Stresa, a private boat was engaged for the day, beginning with the 5-10 minute ride to Isola Bella (aptly named: “beautiful island”), home of the magnificent Palazzo Borromeo.
Arranging the schedule
Sailboats on Lago Maggiore
View from near Stresa
Approaching Isola Bella and the Palazzo Borromeo
Lago Maggiore
The tour through the palace was very interesting…
Ready for our tour
Armor in the entrance of the palazzo
Borromeo Coats of Arms
Painting Gallery
…and afforded stunning views of Lago Maggiore and/or the park and gardens around the palazzo.
Gardens of the Borromeo Palace
Upper and lower terraces
View from the palazzo
View of the upper terrace
View from a palace window
The lower level of the palazzo (the grotto) was fascinating and beautiful. Cobblestone and shells made for a cool place for the family to retreat to in hot weather.
The grounds on the east side of the palazzo were very… interesting. Quite decorative. Edith Wharton devoted an entire chapter in her 1904 book on Italian villas to the palace and its unique gardens.
Exiting
Photogenic garden resident
Walkway in the gardens
Enjoying the gardens
East end of the gardens
From there the group walked back to the waiting boat for the five-minute ride to little Isola Pescatori (fisherman’s island).
Back onto the boat
Looking from Isola Bella to Isola Pescatori
Heading toward Isola Pescatori
Approaching Isola Pescatori
A lovely lunch was enjoyed on the terrace of the Ristorante Unione Superiore.
Serving the table’s appetizer
Gnocchi
Waiting patiently for the food to arrive
Ravioli
Pasta
Lunch at Isola Bella (Lake Maggiore)
Grilled veggie plate
Beautiful lunch spot
Swimming by
From there the boatman made a circle the long way around Isola Bella for a good look at the island and the Palazzo, then it was back to Stresa, where the coach was waiting for the drive back to the villa.
West side of Isola Bella and the palazzo
The northwest corner of the Palazzo
Chatting with the captain
View of the palazzo
Gardens of the Palazzo Borromeo
Taking the boat back to Stresa (Lake Maggiore)
The group arrived home in time to enjoy some lovely late afternoon sun before another wonderful dinner at the villa.
Lovely pic of lovely ladies
Emerging one by one for some late afternoon sun
