Hi everyone, we are a family of 4 incl children 16 and 23. 16 year old gets bored a bit (too) easily. We will be leaving Grindelwald on 4 Sept and are flying out of MXP after lunch on 9 Sept. We had initially thought about staying at Stresa and/or Como, before heading to Milan for the final night. The distance between Stresa and Como doesn't seem that great, but now looking at train times I'm not so sure whether there might be more interesting places to visit. We don't have to go to Milan. We've been to Venice a few times so not an option but not been to Italian lakes. Any thoughts about itinerary ideas or even places to stay would be awesome!
Posted by
7070 posts
To me the lakes are about nature and relaxation, though of course you can suss out other things to do. What kinds of things does the teen like to do?
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
9765 posts
If you stay in Stresa you wouldn’t have to go to Milan
There is a direct bus to MXP from Stresa
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Do you think 5 nights in Stresa is a bit long? Or would the day trips keep everyone entertained. My teenager (unsurprisingly) likes shopping although her bags are already full!
Posted by
Chicago
230 posts
We had initially thought about staying at Stresa and/or Como, before heading to Milan for the final night.
This past July, my family stayed in Stresa then drove to Milan for the flight. It's less than a 1 hour drive and there are buses that will take you to the airport.
Do you think 5 nights in Stresa is a bit long?
We stayed four nights and squeezed in a day trip to Milan for The Last Supper. There's a lot to do around Lake Maggiore.
- Borromean Islands
- Alpyland - alpine coaster right up the mountain from Stresa
- Funivia Del Lago Maggiore - bucket cable cars up the mountain in Laveno; 90 minute ferry ride
- road trip to Cannobio/Locarno
- Milan might hold more interest for a bored teen than the lake towns. If your teen is interested in shopping, have them research some stores they'd like to check out. Lots of vintage shops and fashion-related stores in Mialn, of course.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks so much for the info, did you have any recommendations for good areas/hotels airbnbs to stay without it costing a fortune? The Grand Hotel looks pretty fancy but I'd rather not spend that much if possible. Ideally we'd like to walk to town and have a view and would prefer 2 bedrooms. Not asking for much I know!