Lake Maggiore

A Monday, so most museums closed. Therefore we went for a second consecutive lakes day, this time taking train to Stresa for Lake Maggiore. And compared to the day before at Como this was almost deserted!

A little stroll along the promenade and we found the ferry kiosk. Bought tickets to be able to hop and off to visit all three of the Borromeo Islands, Isola Bella, Isola Maduro and and Isola Superiore.

First and definitely best is Isola Bella. This genuinely is an example of saying what it is on the tin. Isola Bella is just that - a beautiful island. Gorgeous in fact. I will let the photos do the talking.

Although what it is most famous for are the terraced gardens, we first headed to visit the palace, Palazzo Borromeo. This was much much more extensive than I had imagined. It lacks any great artworks, but the general appearance of the rooms is quite stunning. An amazing place to live.

However lovely the interiors, there are also views to the outside. Definitely a place from which you might want to stare out the windows

Model of the island, which is essentially a model of the palace and grounds, as intended.

A goldfinch in micro mosaic

There is a puppet collection. (Puppet theatre was big when no TV.)

And then there is a suite of grotto rooms. I like a good grotto. But six rooms? 

And finally a long gallery of exotic tapestries

 which leads out into the gardens. They are just so photogenic. So forgive the number of photos. I gave into temptation.

This fountain and terraces of statues leads up to a flat "patio" at the top, and then another terrace leading down to the end of the island, so really for show approaching the island by water.

Mike waiting patiently in the shade while I take some more photos. I feel if there is one thing I have taught Michael over the years, it is patience!😁

Yes they have peacocks. But only white ones....

After that marathon session we were ready for late lunch. And found just the most perfect place, good food, lovely views. And dry. As while we were eating the heavens opened. And cleared up again by the time we were done.

We finished of by a walk to the other end of the island.

So, farewell to Isola Bella

And onto Isola Superiore, also know as Isola Pescatore, island of the fishermen. Now it is really island of the restaurants

Last stop was Isola Maduro. Mike was done now so we didn't go into the house and gardens, just had a little mooch round the perimeter and waited for next ferry back to Stresa.