The Borromean Islands

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17 October 2018

A superb day on Lago Maggiore visiting the beautiful Borromean Islands, named after the family who own three and since the 17^th have developed them with palaces and gardens.

We took the bus northwards along the road which hugs the shore to the town of Stresa. From there we jumped on and off the regular ferry service and spent the day visiting three islands. Isola Bella at first disappointed us with its rows of stalls selling tourist ware to the crowds coming ashore from the fleet of small boats, but on a return visit in the late afternoon, we enjoyed looking round the palace and the spectacular 10 tired gardens. Isola Superiore or Fishermen’s Island is not owned by the Borromeos, but has many restaurants. In Albergo Verbano we had an outstanding lunch of the most delicious food since we have been in Italy eaten on an idyllic terrace. Isola Madre has another palace and a botanical garden but we only had time for a quick stop there.

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