This summer was my second trip to Italy, and while some of the familiar things from last year were incorporated in to the journey, it was important to me to add on some new experiences as well.  I knew our intrepid group would be flying into Milan, and then three of us would have a few days that weren’t otherwise booked, before heading to Tuscany to pick up our fourth traveling companion.  We were up for anything, but the planning was going to fall to me.

I started mapping out what was do-able from Milan, and would still allow us to get to Tuscany timely.  Given our time frame, we would need to stay in northern Italy.  There were lots of ideas floating around, but I knew we were missing something.  So I put the call out to my circle of experts via Twitter as well as using a couple of other media services.  I asked people what I should do and why.  Basically, I wanted to be persuaded about what I should see and do in northern Italy.

Lots of ideas came in, and I sifted through them all.  I looked at the transportation requirements (we eventually decided to rent a car in Milan), travel time, what there was to do (we were looking for a combination of relaxation and sightseeing, but there had to be good food around), as well as a chance for us to see things we had not yet seen.  I did a lot more research, because one way to help ensure your vacation is a great one, is to do your research before making your decision.

The commune of Maccagno is on the northeastern part of Lake Maggiore, Italy

Finally we decided to spend a few days at Lake Maggiore.

We chose Lake Maggiore because of it’s low-keyed, relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.  I liked getting away from Milan, and the high-fashion demands of the city.  Kicking back lake-side, strolling along the promenades, spending a little time on the lake, and recharging after nearly 24 hours of traveling, sounded absolutely perfect.  Plus, and this really weighted heavily in its favor, Lake Maggiore was partially in Italy and partially in Switzerland.  That meant I could easily make a trip across the border, checking off an additional country visit for the Century Club.

With the location decided, I continued to ask for information and recommendations about what to do and see.  A visit to the Borromeo Islands was on everyone’s list, so this went onto ours, too.   Other than a quick trip across the Swiss border, we left the rest of our time there unplanned.

How did it turn out?

Fabulous!

Check back for a report about our stay at Golfo Gabella, located right on the lake in the small town of Maccagno on the eastern side — and a mere five and a half miles from the Swiss border!

Photo credits:  personal collection

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