We left Trento after a great week and drove to our final destination, the town of Stresa on the Western shore of Lake Maggiore. Our apartment is in the centre of Stresa , a short flat 2 minute walk to the lake and on the 4th floor with luckily a lift and 2 balconies where we have a glimpse of the lake!

Stresa has many luxurious hotels and villas along the waterfront and since the 19th century has been renowned for “its sophisticated atmosphere and genteel visitors”! So you are asking why are we here?😂

The first night we had a number of recommendations from our host for dinner, and whilst having an aperitivi, we decided to have dinner at Trattoria Piccioni, basically because it was 100 meters from our pre dinner drinks and we couldn’t be bothered walking any further!

The meal was delicious. We started with a shared selection of lake fish, followed by by an eggplant ravioli and a tagliatelle with game ragu washed down with a bottle of Arneis white wine. Delicious all round.

Stresa is famous for the 3 Borromean Islands that lie in a wide gulf surrounded by mountains. They take their name from the Borromean family who took ownership of the land in the 16th and 17th centuries. Only the best architects and gardeners were called on by the famous family. The 2 islands of Bella and Madre were transformed into luxurious residences while the 3rd island, Pescatori was left to continue its traditional way of life of fishing. We took a boat ride to check them out. Needless to say we enjoyed Pescatori the most.

Pescatori, or Fisherman’s Island, is one of the most picturesque locations on the lake. It has been a fishing community for centuries and we loved its narrow streets and in particular our restaurant we went to for lunch recommended again by our host.

We specifically went to this restaurant to order the risotto with lake fish as we have enjoyed this dish every time we have come to the Italian Lakes. At the recommendation of our host Rhonda ordered the lemon cake and Gregory had to have the pana cotta.

After lunch we jumped back on our motor boat and visited Isola Bella with its stunning Baroque palace and gardens, even though we didn’t go in!

Being Sunday we needed our Brunettis breakfast so we headed to Il Gigi Bar for our coffee and cakes. It was a nice stroll walking round the quiet streets as the weather was rather inclement.

So the bags are packed and tomorrow we head to Geneva airport to say goodbye to Harley and make our way home.

It has been a great trip, Greg’s knees have thankfully stood up to the strain. The waistlines need some attention when we return home and tonight we are heading out for one last bowl of pasta!

For those interested Harley has clocked up over 10,000 kms with only one slight dent!

So until next year it’s ciao ciao for now and see you all on the other side.

Lots of love

Greg and Rhonda.

xxoo