I am trying to plan out a few days in Stresa. I would like to visit the islands. Would a private tour be best or do it on my own? I have yet to order the book, but is there an itinerary to do the islands in RS’s book? I read somewhere (maybe here) that someone missed the last ferry. I am an early riser so i thought I could make a day of them. Any thoughts?
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4177 posts
By the islands , I assume you are referring to the three Borromean islands . From Stresa , they comprise an easy day . The boats come and go from the town quai , and the schedule is easy to follow , so you need not worry about swimming back . You can do this easily without a tour . I frankly find tours tedious and restrictive , and always do my own planning and preparation , but that choice is up to you - http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/eng/m_orari.asp
Posted by
OP
248 posts
Thanks Steve. Any good restos with a view? Want to make it a good day.
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4177 posts
One day , after a nice long walk , we stopped here for a campari soda , late one afternoon . The lanterns had just been turned on , and the atmosphere was quite romantic . Since we didn't eat there , I can't comment on the food . It looked decent though . - https://www.google.com/maps/place/Daniel's+Bar/@45.8875827,8.5325696,17z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x47867586f9c41ead:0x4090145507e5d219!2sDaniel's+Bar!8m2!3d45.8875827!4d8.5325696!3m4!1s0x47867586f9c41ead:0x4090145507e5d219!8m2!3d45.8875827!4d8.5325696 We will be back in Stresa this coming October , a favorite place for us .
Posted by
OP
248 posts
Thanks Steve . Just what I am looking for - lots of views. I appreciate the comments.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7958 posts
We took the 9:00am (approx.) ferry to Isola Bella and walked through the lovely villa and gardens. Then went to Isola Pescatori nearby for a late lunch and sat on the bench at the end of the island for awhile. I don’t see a need for a guide for either island.
I’m going back to Stresa this year for three nights and planning to also take the ferry to Caterina del Sasso and Villa Taranto. I’m actually staying overnight on Isola Bella one night at Boutique Hotel Elvezia - if you’re interested in the chance to be on the island overnight.
Also, consider taking the Mottarone Cable car up for some terrific views.
Posted by
OP
248 posts
This sounds perfect. I am trying to decide if I should go up the cable car too.
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4177 posts
In addition to the Mottarone cable car , another really nice place on the lake ( same boat that goes to the islands ) is Cannobio - https://www.google.com/maps/@46.0619837,8.7003449,3a,75y,175.52h,90t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sX0tI2ONt1jG8for6TJxNGg!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DX0tI2ONt1jG8for6TJxNGg%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D176.89052%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656
Posted by
OP
248 posts
How to get all of this in in a few days! I am so excited.