If you go WHERE TO EAT
WHERE TO STAY
Tofino Expeditions 800-677-0877 tofino.com/italy/kayaking-theitalian-lake-district This U.S.-based outfitter works with local guides to offer allinclusive, small-group paddling tours around the world. Currently, it is the only company offering multi-day kayaking tours of the Italian Lake District. No experience required. $4,650 for a nine-day trip. Locanda della Maria Via Ludovico Moretti 522021 Bellagio, Lake Como 011-39-031-414-7448 locandadellamaria.com/index— eng.html Historic rooms and modern apartments in a quaint lakeside village, where the cobblestone streets through the neighborhood are too narrow for cars. Downtown Bellagio is a 25-minute walk. Rates start at $99 and include breakfast. L’angolo dei pescatori Via dei Pescatori, 2 21014 Laveno Mombello-Cerro, Lake Maggiore 011-39-033-266-8342 langolodeipescatori.com Be sure to ask for one of lake view rooms at this eight-room boutique hotel, which is a short walk away from a pleasant public beach. Two rooms offer outdoor terraces overlooking Lake Maggiore. Rooms from $99. Four Seasons Milan Via Gesa, 6/8 20121, Milan 011-39-027-7088 fourseasons.com/milan This repurposed convent, dating from the 15th century, is in the heart of Milan’s fashion district and has the same unaffected, easy stylishness of Lake Como and the largest courtyard gardens in Via Montenapoleone. Rooms from $726. The Winery of Villa Crella Via al Crotto, 26 22021 Bellagio, Lake Como 011-39-031-414-7448 villacrellabellagio.it/index—eng. html Groups, including Tofino Expeditions, reserve the private dining room of this historic family villa overlooking the lake. Individual travelers can buy a bottle of Casa Della Maria olive oil, made from olives grown at the estate, from $15. Gelateria Riva Contrada dell’Oste, 14, 23829 Varenna Lake Como 011-39-338-348-0334 Recipes with nothing but the freshest natural ingredients make this the best of Varenna’s three lakeside gelaterias. Scoops from $2.50. La Lampara Via Dalmazia, 5 Laveno-Mombello, Lake Magiorre 011-39-033-266-7428 When you want the best pizza on Lake Maggiore — rather than the best views — come to this locals’ favorite away from Laveno’s Lido. Pies from $12. Trattoria Milanese Via Santa Marta, 11 20123 Milan 011-39-028-645-1991 Few waiters at this hidden, neighborhood trattoria speak English, but finding the location is more difficult than finding an entree. Lunch options from $13, dinner options from $18.
WHAT TO DO
Castello di Vezio Frazione Vezio, Perledo LC 011-39-348-824-2504 castellodivezio.it/inglese This castle-fortress, which spans several hundred feet above Varenna. was built in the 11th and 12th centuries and still has commanding views of Lake Como. It also has gardens and a collection of birds of prey. Adults $4.40, kids ages 4 to 12 $2.20. Museo del Ciclismo (Madonna del Ghisallo) Via Gino Bartali 4
22030 Magreglio 011-39-031-965-885 museodelghisallo.it At the top of one of the most famous climbs in professional cycling and next to the 17th-century chapel of the patroness saint of cyclists, this modern museum is interesting even to non-serious cyclists and totes a collection of more than 200 bicycles, including models dating to the early 20th century. Museum also has a wall of windows that looks down over Lake Como. $6.50 for adults, children age 10 and older $3.30, younger free. Travelinkayak Riviera Xplore Various locations. Company can arrange hotel pickup. 011-39-349-776-2051 travelinkayak.blogspot.com Guided, private one-day kayak trips on Lake Lugano and custom multi-day trips on other area lakes. Trips from $100. Church of Santa Maria del Sasso Sentee da la Gesa, 6922 Morcote, Switzerland 011-41-91-996-1250 morcoteturismo.ch/en Paddling into Morcote, this renaissance-baroque style church, built in the 15th century, is the first thing you see. It spills down a hillside, almost to the lake. Stretch your legs and get expansive views of Lake Lugano on the short walk up to the church. Free. Funivia Stresa-Mottarone Piazzale Lido, 8 Stresa VB, Italy 011-39-393-605-8906 visitstresa.com/Stresa—Mottarone— Cable—Car.htm The cable car to the top of 4,892 ft. tall Mt. Mottarone takes 20 minutes from the shore of Lake Maggiore. But the view from the top, looking down on Maggiore and six other lakes, is worth it. Adults $19, kids ages 4 to 12 $11. INFORMATION Lake Como tourism: lakecomo.org/en Lugano Tourism: luganotourism.ch/en Lake Maggiore Tourism: illagomaggiore.com/en—US/home