LAGO MAGGIORE
The shores of Maggiore are flatter than the other lakes and good for walks and visiting some of the stunning gardens. This is often the first glimpse of Italy for overland travellers as it is very close to the Swiss border. Most people go to the western shore.

Stresa
This town is popular with touring Germans and English. Hemmingway actually visited here and one of his novels is set in Stresa - A Farewell to Arms. Stresa is commonly used as a base to visit the Borromean Islands.

Giardino Alpinia
There are 700 different Alpine species in this botanical garden. The garden is situated on the slopes of Monte Mattarone. Entry is free. Open 9am-6pm Tues-Sun, April-October.

Monte Mattarone
Ride a cable car (http://www.paginegialle.it/funistresa, Piazzale Lido, open 9.20am-5pm daily) from Stresa to the summit (1491m) for a view over the lake and islands. The cable car takes 10 mins to Giardino Alpina (adult/child 5.79/4.15 return) and 20 mins to Mottarone (adult/child 10.25/5.70 return). On the summit is the Parco del Mottarone where you can bike or walk the trails. Mountain bikes can be hired at the Stresa cable-car station. Tel. 0323 30399 or 338 8395662. Email juriol@tin.it

There is a 25km descent from Mattarone to Stresa by bike, or several 2/4 hour walks from Stresa to the top of Mottarone.

From December to March skiing is possible but limited to green and blue slopes. Gear can be hired at the top of Mottarone or in town at Via de Vit, 4. A one day ski pass costs 6.70, for cyclists 8.80 (6.20 for hired bikes) for one way. Motorists pay 3.60 to use the private road to the park.

Villa Pallavicino
This huge garden has a zoo where animals are relatively inhibited. There are also great views of the lake and mountains. Open daily 9am-6pm Mar-Nov. Tel 0323 32407, www.parcozoopallavicino.it. Entry adult/child 6.20/4.65

Arona
This town is 20km south of Stresa and could be used as an accomodation base. Sights in the town include the ruins of the 9th century Rocca di Arona, an early Romanesque chapel and old storehouses.

Verbania
Verbania is the biggest town on the lake and offers some of the best ranges of accomodation. The 19th century Villa Taranto is the main attraction in town. The villa is closed to visitors but the gardens are spectacular and considered among Europe's finest. In 1931 a Scottish captain bought the villa from the Savoy family and planted 20,000 species of plants in 30 years.
Open daiily 8.30am-sunset April-Oct. Entry adult/child 6.20/5.15. Tel. 0323 404555. www.villataranto.it

Cannero Riviera
This village has a population of just 1150 people so it's small and quiet. The tiny islets off the coast were taken over by the Borromeo family in the 15th century but also served as a den of thieves in the 12th century.

Cannobio
Cannobio is a slightly larger town just 5km from the Swiss border but retains a village atmosphere with cobblestone streets, pastel-coloured houses and old stone houses. There is a small beach where you can surf or sail (www.tomaso.com, tel. 0323 71212).

Brissago
This town is 8km north of Cannobio along a scenic lakeside route (S34). Visit the Galleria Amici dell'Arte for sculptures and paintings. Via Leoncavallo 7, open 10am-11.30am and 3pm-5.30pm Tues-Sat. Entry free.

Borromean Islands (Isole Borromee)
Stresa and Baveno are the best departure points for the four islands - Bella, Madre, Pescator (or Superiore) and San Giovanni (off-limits).

Bella
This island has courted famous holidaymakers like Wagner and Byron. It is named after Charles III's wife Isabella. The main attraction is the Palazzo Borromeo, the rest of the island is unfortunately becoming quite touristy as it is probably the best known of the four.

Palazzo Borromeo
This palace was built in the 17th century for the Borromeo family. It contains works by Giovanni Tiepolo, Anthony van Dyck, Flemich tapestries and Canova sculptures. It has also provided a home to Napoleon and Mussolini. Other features include the palace grottoes (one displays a fossilised boat said to be 3000 years old) which are studded with pebbles from the lake, and magnificent gardens. Open 9am-12.30pm, and 1.30pm-6pm daily. Entry adult/child 8.25/3.60

Madre
The main feature on the island is the Palazzo Madre, a tasteful 16th century palace with period furnishings, wonderful gardens, two theatres and a doll collection. Open daily 9am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-5.30pm. Entry adult/child 7.75/3.60

Pescatori
This is a popular lunch spot for day trippers with fresh fish from the lake the feature on all menu's. You will also be pleased to note it was Hemingway's favourite island. The village still retains a fishing atmosphere. The only thing to see is the Chiesa di San Vittore which features an 11th century apse and 16th century fresco.

San Giovanni
This is the fourth island and extremely small. The villa is closed to the public.





LAGO D'ORTA
This small lake with its island is one of the most beautiful of the Lombardy lakes. It is however popular with weekend trippers and for package holiday companies.

Orta San Giulio
This romantic town could be a good base for accessing Lago D'Orta and Maggiore but you would need to have a vehicle. Cobbled streets feature between the colourful houses. The two major piazzas are Piazzetta Ernesto Ragazzoni and Piazza Motta. Both open to the lake and provide a view of Isola San Giulio.

Isola San Giulio
This small island is named after a Greek evangelist who apparently cleansed the island of snakes and monsters. It features a white seminary and a 12th century Basilica di San Giulio (try to attend the mass at 11am on Sundays), tiny beaches good for sunbathing, a walking path around the island (La Via del Silenzio) and the Museo del Regio Esercito Italiano. This museum is open 9.30am-6pm daily, adult/child 5.15/2.60. Email - museo_regio_esercito@libero.it.Tel. 0322 905224.
Regular boats ferry passengers to the island, either 3 return with a public motorboat or 1.80 with Navigazione Lago d'Orta.

Omegna
This lakeside spot is accessible by the Navigazione Lago d'Orta ferry (3.20/4.65 single/return). On Thursday there is a market in the town.

Pella
Pella is also accessible by the Navigazione Lago d'Orta ferry (1.55/2.85 single/return). It has a factory that makes taps and valves. Ferries run less frequently over the winter months from October-midApril.

Sacro Monte
This town is located behind Orta San Giulio. The most interesting attraction is just above the town where there are 20 small chapels erected to St Francis of Assisi over a 200 year period from 1591.

Armeno
This town is at the foot of Monte Mottarone. The drive from either Stresa or from the peak to Armeno is splendid, but do take care on the perilous bends.





LAGO DI COMO
Lake Como is a 51km long upside down "Y" shaped lake with numerous waterside villages. It is porbably one of the more beautiful lakes with tall peaks rising from the shores good for hiking and walking. There are also numerous villas and palazzi to explore in the towns.

Como
This town is the main access route to the lake. The town is particularly busy on weekends as it's only 50km from Milan and attracts day trippers or weekend visitors. It also expands for an antiques market held on the last Saturday of the month.
Cathedrals and Basilica's
The cathedral on Via Plinio was originally built in the 14th century, was altered continually until the 18th century. It has Baroque, Gothic, Romanewsque and Renaissance design. The Basilica di San Fedele on Via Vittorio Emanuele II is from the 6th century but some recent changes include a bell tower in the 20th century.
Town Halls and Palazzo's
The town hall was last altered in 1435 and sits next to the cathedral. There are two Palazzo's in Via Vittorio Emanuele II - Palazzo Giovio and Palazzo Oliginati. One house the Museo Archaeologico.
Museo Archaeologico
This is housed in the 18th century Palazzo Govio in Piazza Medaglie d'Oro. It contians prehistoric and Roman remains. Open 9.30am-12.30pm and 2-5pm Tues-Sat, 10am-1pm Sun. Entry adult/child 2.60/free. Email musei.civici@comune.como.it. Tel. 031 271343
Museo Alessandro Volta
This museum is dedicated to Alessandro Volta, a pioneer in electricty and who gave his name to the volt. Some of his instruments are inside.
Open April-Sept Tues-Sun 10am-12pm, 3-6pm, Oct-March 10am-12pm and 2-4pm.

Brunate
This village overlooks Como and provides good views especially from San Maurizio, a short walk from the furnicular station. To reach here go to Piazza Cavour in Como and take the Funicoloare Como-Brunate funicular from the waterfront for adult/child 2.10/1.40 one way or 3.70/2.30 return. The funicular has made the journey since 1894 and runs every half hour between 6am and midnight, but less in the winter.

San Maurizio
The lighthouse in San Maurizio was built to mark the centenary of Alessandro Volta's death (who invented the battery. There is also a bus that links San Maurizio to Brunate if you don't want to take the short walk.

Isola Camacina
The 17th century Villa Carlotta is the major attraction here with splended gardens and the house which was named after a Prussian princess who was given the place as a wedding present by her mother in 1847. Riva Garibaldi, open 9am-6pm daily Apr-Sept, 9am-11.30am and 2pm-4.30pm daily Mar-Nov. Tel. 0344 40405. www.unicei.it/villacarlotta

Menaggio
This town is a good base for hiking and cycling in the mountains or sunbathing and swimming by the lakeside. Swimming in the lake is safe here and the cafes and eateries all bustle along the waterfront. You can also try water skiing and other water activities. Go to the Centro Lago Service on Via Lago Castelli, tel. 0344 32003.

Tremezzo
Scenes from Stars Wars Episode II were filmed near Tremezzo which is today a quiet, resort town mainly for middle-aged visitors. Take the ferry across to the Isola Camacinca where the 17th century Villa Carlotta is the major attraction here with splended gardens and the house which was named after a Prussian princess who was given the place as a wedding present by her mother in 1847. Riva Garibaldi, open 9am-6pm daily Apr-Sept, 9am-11.30am and 2pm-4.30pm daily Mar-Nov. Tel. 0344 40405. www.unicei.it/villacarlotta

Bellagio
This pretty town is a good base from which to explore the western and eastern sections of the lake. Many people also come here to shop for silk, particularly in Via Centrale.
Villa Serbelloni
You can visit the lavish gardens here for 5.15/2.60 (adult/child). Open 11am-4pm, Tues-Sun, April-31 Oct, visits by guided tour only. Tel. 0319551
Villa Melzi d'Eril
This is another good spot for garden lovers. It is known for its spring time azaleas and rhododendrons. Open 9am-6pm daily Apr-Oct, entry 5.15/2.60 (adult/child).

Varenna
This town is shaded by pines and relatively non-touristy. The Castello de Vezio is a good walk for views. It is possible to vist the gardens at Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero. Both are signposted from the main village square.
Villa Cipressi
This 19th century villa is now occupied by a hotel. Via IV Novembre 18. Open 9am-7pm Mar-Oct. Email villacipressi@libero.it, tel. 0341 830113, fax. 0341 830401.
Villa Monastero
Piazza Venin I, open 9am-6pm, Mar-Oct. Tel. 0341 831281





LAGO DI GARDA
Garda is renowned as one of the best windsurfing and sailing spots in Europe but you may have to share it with the rest of Europe unfortunately.

Sirmione
This town is popular with tourists, particularly as a bathing spot and can often be very busy.
Grotte di Catullo
These Roman baths and villa are now in ruins and are a 15 minute walk from Sirmione. Open 8.30am-7pm daily Mar-midOct, 8.30am-5pm daily midOct-Feb. Entry 4.15/free (adult/child), tel. 030 916157.
Lido delle Bionde
This small beach is on the way to the Grotte di Catullo. You can rent deck chairs and pedal boats.
Castello Scaligero (Rocca Scaligera)
The castle no longer has much to see inside but you can climb the tower for views. Open 8.30am-7.30pm Tues-Sun. Entry 4.15/free (adult/child). Tel. 030 916468.
Terme di Sirmione
To relax with a massage or sauna go to Piazza Virgilio 1, www.termedisirmione.com, tel. 030 91681, toll free 800 802125.

Desenzano del Garda
This town is the largest on Lago di Garda and 5km west of Sirmione. There is not a lot to do here for tourists.

Salo
There are a lot of good walks and access to the rifugi (mountain huts) from Salo. Contact the APT office for more details -
APT office, Palazzo Comunale, Via Pietro da Salo, tel/fax. 0365 21423

Gardaland
This is more child oriented than Disneyland. Open 9.30am-6.30pm daily 31 Mar-30 Sept, 9.30am-midnight daily mid-June-early Sept, 9.30am-6.30pm Sat and Sun Oct. Entry adult/child 19.65/16.55. Tel. 045 644 9777, www.gardaland.it.
To get here go to Peschiera del Garda train station. Free shuttle buses will take you to the park.

CanevaWorld
Features a medieval zone, aqua park and cafe dedicated to rock music.
Open 10am-7pm daily midMay-midSept, medieval zone open midApr-midSept. Entry to the aqua park adult/child 16.55/13.95, entry to medieval zone adult/child 19.65/12.90
To get here go to Peschiera del Garda train station. Free shuttle buses will take you to the park.

Gardone Riviera
A very elegant spot somewhat jaded by the tourist development.
Il Vittoriale
Piazza Viottoriale, www.vittoriale.it, tel. 0365 296511.
Grounds open 8.30am-8pm daily Apr-Sept, 9am-5pm daily Oct-Mar
House and museum open 10am-6pm Tues-Sun Apr-Sept, 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm Tues-Sun Oct-Mar. Entry adult/child 5.15/4.15 grounds, plus 5.15/3.60 to the house, 2.60 to the war museum. Visits to the house are by tour only.
Open-Air Theatre
Ballets, plays and operas are staged in July and August. Tickets cost10.35 to 31. Tel. 0365 2965 for details or email teatro.vittoriale@tiscalinet.it
The box office is outside the Vittoriale entrance.
Giardino Botanico Fondazione Andre Heller
Join the famous people that have walked through these gardens (David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, Sigmund Freud etc). The gardens are in Via Roma. Open 9am-3pm daily midMar-midOct. Entry adult/child 5.15/3.10. Tel. 336 410877
Rifugio's
Monte Spino and Monte Pizzicolo are two of the rifugio's available on some of the easy walks from Gardone. Contact the APT office for details -
APT office, Corso Repubblica 8, open 9am-12.30pm and 3.30pm-6.30pm. www.bresciaholiday.com. Tel/fax. 0365 20347

Riva del Garda
This is the most popular of the resort towns around the lake. It has a historical centre with cobbled stone paths and pleasant piazzas. Riva was actually part of Habsburg Germany until the end of WWII so you may also notice some links with the German world. Germans and Austrians can usually be noted above all other tourists.
Museo Civico
This is inside the Rocca di Riva castle and the photographic exhibitions change regularly on the ground floor. The other levels contain an art gallery and archaeological finds from Arco and Magna Greece. Open 9.30am-12.30pm and 2.30pm-6.30pm Tues-Sun. Entry adult/child 2.10/free. Tel. 0464 573869
Cascata Varone
This 100m water drop from the Lago di Tenno is a 3km stroll (45 mins) north of the town. However there is an entrance fee.
Open 9am-7pm daily July and Aug, 9am-6pm daily Sept and Oct, 10am-12.30pm and 2-5pm Sat and Sun Nov-Feb, 10am-12.30pm and 2-5pm daily Mar-June. Entry adult/child 3.60/free. Tel. 0464 521421
Watersports
To try your hand at everything from windsurfing to surfing there are schools that run courses and hire equipment. Try Nautic Club Riva (Lungolago del Pini 7, c/o Hotel du Lac, www.nauticclubriva.com, tel. 0464 552453) or Surf Segnana Windsurf, Lungolago del Pini 19, c/o Campeggio Bavaria, tel. 0464 505963). You can also hire paddle boats in front of the Museo Civico or go to Speedy Gonzales near the castle, tel. 0464 552089 for boat excurisons.
Mountain Biking
To rent bikes go to Fiori e Bike, Viale dei Tigli 24, pedre@dnet.it, tel. 0464 551830
Monte Rocchetta
This is a good area for walking. Go to the APT office for details of the walks available - APT office, Giardini di Porta Orientale 8, open 9am-12pm and 3pm-6.15pm Mon-Sat, plus Sundays June-September from 10am-12pm and 6-6.30pm. www.gardatrentino.it, info@gardatrentino.com
Tourist Kiosk, Lungolago d'Annunzio 4c, April-October 9am-12pm and 3pm-6.15pm daily.





LAGO D'ISEO AND VALLE CAMONICA
Iseo
Numerous camping sites and other accomodation choices make this a popular spot. But it's not as beautiful as other places on the mainland.

Monte Isola
This island is not very large and as vehicles are restricted bicycles are more commonly used. There is one camp site and the village remains quiet and peaceful.

Sulzano, Marone and Zone
Sulzano is on the mainland and a stop on the ferry ride to Monte Isola.
Marone and Zone are further up into the mountains where walking is the main activity.

Riva di Solto and Sarnico
These are two other choices for basing. Riva di Solto has just 800 inhabitants and is largely untouched by tourism. Sarnico has more hotels and restaurants.

Valle Camonica
This area incorporates two national parks (Parco Naturale Adamello-Brenta and Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio) and takes in the better parts of the Lombard Alps. There are walks and many rifugi.
The Parco Nazionale delle Incisioni Rupestri features rock engravings from as far back as the Bronze Age. Open 9am-6.30pm Tues-Sun insummer, 8.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri and 9am-4.30pm Sat and Sun in winter. Entry adult/child 4.15/2.05, tel. 0364 42140
Skiing, Walking, Camping
North of Edolo you can ski in the winter, near Ponte di Legno and Passo del Tonale. For walking and camping and rifugi info contact Brescia's APT office - Corso Zanardelli 34, tel. 030 43418, fax. 030 293284, www.asm.brescia.it. Open 9am-12.30pm and 3pm-6pm Mon-Fri and 9am-12.30pm Sat.