Monday, September 11, 2017

A dream vacation...Switzerland and Northern Italy - Part 2

More from the city park along Lake Lugano

Beautiful Lake Lugano

We took a boat trip to a small little city called Gandria, around the coast from Lugano- we were told it had MANY steps, and we learned quickly!

Walking the Olive Oil Trail along the water line

MANY, MANY steps!

Finally made it to the top of the city for lunch

Looking back down at the boat dock

Fresh fish from the lake

Walking the Olive Oil trail

That's Gandria- the boat dock at the bottom and the building one down from the top was the restaurant we ate at

Last gelato before Italy

We took a train to Milan, Italy and rented a car for our three days in Northern Italy

Our first stop (a little out of the way) was the Ferrari museum

And then we drove across the highway to the Lamborghini museum and tour

We took a 45 minute walking tour of the lamborghini factory - it was very interesting! Close to 100% of the car is assembled by hand- the leather is chosen by hand. Each person who spends alot of money for one, pays for it before it ever hits the assembly line (and you can request to come the week it is to be assembled so you can see it on the factory floor).

No pictures allowed! Only one is of the earphones they gave us :)

We arrived in Stresa, Italy very late that evening. Staying at very elegant and fancy hotel called Villa Aminta

The hotel from the boat on the Lake Maggiore

BORROMEAN ISLANDS

Situated on the western side of Lake Maggiore, directly opposite Stresa, the three Borromean Islands lie in a wide gulf surrounded by mountains. The islands take their name from the aristocratic 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 members of the family—themselves art lovers and botanists—to breathe life into their ambitious projects. The islands of Bella and Madre were transformed into grand, luxurious residences, while the third island, named “dei Pescatori” after its age-old fishing community, was left to continue its traditional way of life.
Despite their alpine setting, the three Borromean Islands share a pleasant climate, but each offers a very different experience. Isola Bella was completely transformed by its occupants, and its palace and gardens are the epitome of opulence and luxury. In contrast, the Isola dei Pescatori, with its village unchanged by time, offers a fascinating simplicity. Finally, the exotic atmosphere of the lush and tranquil Isola Madre can be ascribed to the gardens that almost totally cover it.
The Borromean Islands are easy to reach from the main ports and are a must-see destination for every visitor to Lake Maggiore.

We took an all day boat trip to the three Borromean Islands

First stop: Isola Bella (320 x 180 m), perhaps the most admired destination on Lake Maggiore, derives its fame from its stunning Baroque palace and elaborate Italian gardens. It was the crowning glory of a group of famous Italian architects in the 17th century who, thanks to generous sponsorship from the Borromeo family, were able to create a unique masterpiece.

Those are shells and lava rock lining the "summer" basement rooms

Isola dei Pescatori (350 x 100 m) is regarded as one of the most picturesque locations on Lake Maggiore. Its characteristic old village has been a fishing community for centuries and is still home to around fifty people, some of whom preserve their traditional way of life. The village is also celebrated for its well-preserved architecture and old-fashioned characteristics. The narrow streets and simple buildings recall the spartan but animated lives of local fishermen in times gone by.

Lunch with Limoncello as a dessert

Isola Madre (220 x 330 m) is the largest of the islands on Lake Maggiore and boasts a 20-acre park that is considered one of the most impressive and well-preserved in Italy. The rare plants and exotic flowers in these English-style botanical gardens have been enchanting visitors for over a century.
The island was first cultivated at the beginning of the 16th century, when the Borromeo family, impressed by the exceptionally mild climate on the island, began to introduce citrus trees and vines. During the nineteenth century, the orchard gradually evolved into landscaped botanical gardens. The unique character of the park can be largely attributed to Count Vitaliano IX Borromeo, who was a passionate botanist. Over fifty years, he spared no effort to expand his collection of valuable plants from every continent in the world.

In 2006, a tornado uprooted Isola Madre’s massive rare Kashmir Cypress planted in 1862. The ensuing struggle to save the now reinstated tree is credited as a major success, who worked with a cadre of botanists, engineers and technicians. They brought in cranes and helicopters by boat to upright the tree. It's believed to be one the the only remained trees of this species and size.