The lure of the ITALIAN LAKES
Duration
28 nights (part of a two-month trip to Italy)
When
June
Why?
Fabulous villas in exquisite lakeside settings, with an alpine backdrop
Meandering along on our approach to the Italian Lakes, our view of Switzerland’s alpine peaks was suddenly enhanced by the stunning beauty of Lake Maggiore.
At 212 sq km, this is the second largest lake in Italy, with a distinctive beauty to the natural features surrounding it. It was the perfect start to our summer tour of northern Italy.
The winding roads led us to the breathtakingly beautiful town of Cannobio, on the shores of the lake. As the morning sun broke over our sosta, or aire, on the banks of the River Cannobino, we took to our bikes to join an adjacent cycle path, embracing the romance that the incredible surroundings had to offer.
We were quite simply smitten – this was our first time in Italy and it was love at first sight!
Finding the perfect pit-stop, we parked the bikes on the café-lined promenade, where elegant buildings stood before a pretty harbour. Compact cobbled streets led us through the old town, away from the lake, bringing the historic character of the fine buildings and the tempting artisan shops to life.
Refreshed and back on the bikes, we arrived at Sant’Anna Gorge, crossed by two stone bridges and watched over by the pretty church, the Orrido di Sant’Anna. Here, we
