Stresa and Orta San Giullo

Tour the islands on the lake. Drive to Switzerland as it is a nice drive.

The town has a nice promenade to walk. Have not been there for a while, so cannot recommend a hotel,or restaurant. Nice place to spend a day or two.

Terri,

The best way to get from Stesa to San Giuliio.....

• As I recall, there's a Bus that goes from Stresa to Orta, but I can't remember how often it runs.
• You could also travel by train to Orta-Miasino (about 1.25 hours, one change in Cuzzago, limited departures). When you arrive at Orta-Miasino, it will be a bit of a walk into town if there are no Taxis available.
• Using a Taxi from Stresa is also apparently an option, as it's not that far.

Some things to do in Stresa? I assume you don't have the RS Italy guidebook, as there's lots of information there. A few suggestions.....

• Tour the beautiful Borromeo Islands, especially Isola Bella which has a large palace and ornate gardens (complete with Peacocks). Isola Madre has gardens and you can also visit Isola dei Pescatori (Isola Superiore) which is very small but the only inhabited island. There are lots of restaurants fronting the lake and having a meal there is great.
• Take the Cable Car up Mount Mottarone. There's an Alpine Gardens at about the half way point, and you can see those and then continue to the top via chair lift. Providing the weather is clear, there are incredible views from the top.
• Take a day trip to Locarno (CH) via the scenic Cento Valli railway, returning to Stresa in the evening by boat. You'll first travel to Domodossola via "regular" train, and then connect with the FART railway for the trip to Locarno. Once you arrive in Locarno, you can explore the town, visit the Casino, or if you have a "generous budget" you can shop for a new SFr 10,000 Rolex Watch in the Bucherer jewelry store. You can also take the Funicular uphill to the impressive Madonna del Sasso Franciscan Monastery and then continue via Cable Car to the alpine nature area of Cardada & Cimetta (incredible views!). There's a restaurant next to the top cable car station, and it's wonderful to sit on their outside patio with a "cool one" and a fine meal and watch the Paragliders sail by.

You should easily be able to keep busy for a few days. Where are you staying in Stresa?

Thank you for all the suggestions! We are staying at Hotel du Parc.

All good suggestions but I would like to add: We enjoyed lunch at the island off Stresa that has the restaurant (Pescatori, I think). It was a wonderful location and good food sitting on the terrace overlooking the lake. I would also recommend spending some time in Cannobio. I love that village.