Lake district Italy, some advice?

[Karen]

I'm off to Italy for 3 weeks in September and could use some advice. My husband and I plan to stay in the lake district for the first week, followed by a bunch of running around the country for the other 2 weeks. Can anyone recommend a place to stay somewhere in that area? Also, what do we HAVE TO SEE during our other 2 weeks. We plan to visit Cinque Terre, stay in Rome etc. Any advice would be appreciated. Can't wait to go.

Karen

[james]

We stayed in Stresa on Lago Maggiore a couple of times. There is a row of elegant older hotels on the west side of the lake that bring back the feeling of a quieter, gentler time. Good food, cool weather, great views.

If you are ready to rough it with the fishing ship crowd, Genova has the world's best seafood stew. Fresh off the boat, with great tomatoes and olive oil. The area can be a little gritty, but it's authentic. :-) North of Cinque Terre.

James

[Karen]

Thanks James. We love "gritty", staying in more rustic places, seeing places off the beaten path and carrying backpacks instead of suitcases. A friend of ours grew up in Genova. We'll have to talk to her about it. Do you think it's necessary to book accomodations for every night ahead of time in the month of September? We love stumbling upon things but were told not to count on that in Italy. Do you agree?

Karen

[pizzaziggy]

There is a Restaurant in Stressa , I think it's called Papaggalo...it translates to Parrot that inspired me to do my oven
Just perfect 1 minute pizza's coming out of a wood oven.
It's worth going to Stressa just for the three Borremeo islands, in the lake.
There is an amazing cavern room on one of them, with millions of hand lake river rocks from floor to ceiling.
My oven design is an homage of sorts to the Borremeo's and Stressa.
I used black river stones for the top and back and italian mosaic inlays for the front and landing.
It's still a work in progress..maybe 2 more weeks

[RCLake]

Ten years ago we went there and loved the Lake Como area, it was in June before the crowds. Stayed at a lovely place overlooking the lake but don't remember the name. Went to a fishing village called Bellagio (I think) and was impressed.
If you go say hi to George for me.

[pizzaziggy]

We were in Cernobbio on Lake Como the last 2 years.
Stressa was the add on last year.
George lives just down the road from Cernobbio, he's just one of the locals there and his place is just beautiful.
You can tell when he's in town, the girls all hang outside his gates.
Hell, I'm a happily married guy and I think he's cute.

[Karen]

I love your black river stone idea. We may have to add the Borremeos to our itinerary. I'd also like to visit Papagallos to have some pizza. I have a parrot so I even like the name. I'll do some searches on places to stay in Stressa. One friend recommended Villa Selva au Lac in Muralto LOCARNO on Maggiore. I think it's on the Switzerland side. Anyone heard of this place?

I'm starting to think 3 weeks isn't enough time to see everything everyone recommends. Our only son heads off to his first year of college and we're celebrating the empty nest in Italy. Karen

[james]

I'm of the "don't do too much" camp of travelers. We don't like the feeling of running from one must-see place to another. Sometimes it's really fun getting to know something a little off the beaten path -- and giving it the time it needs. :-)

James

[Karen]

James, do you think it's a "must" to have reservations ahead of time in September?

[pizzaziggy]

Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees is featured in 1000 places to see before you die, as are the islands
Not inexpensive, but even if you don't stay there, be sure to walk through the lobby.
One picture is of an elevator !
The other is just a run of the mill floor mosaic that is just spectacular
I'm still trying to imagine how all that marble work was done by hand..perfectly.
Each floor of the hotel is actually a private art gallery with sculptures and beautiful art everywhere.
The town is a 5 minute stroll and the islands are just in front.
I'm also sending my youngest off to college in the fall.
Like I tell her when she's being difficult...I'm going back to Italy to spend your inheritance.
When she's really ornery I threaten to get a really big suite.