From Italy with Love
- Tina Hill
- 2 days ago
- 12 min read
Stresa, Italy on Lake Maggiore is filled with old world charm, beautiful architecture, amazing food, and of course, romance. The town has a charming center adorned with restaurants and shops. Within walking distance of your hotel, you can find ferry tickets to the neighboring islands Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola Pescatori. Stresa was the beautiful setting for the wedding of our dear friends' son. I have traveled to Italy before but not to the lakes' region. Lake Maggiore offers soft breezes, pastel villas, and the Alps rising in the distance across the lake, giving you extraordinary views. This would be the beginning of a fabulous and unforgettable week visiting new places, seeing old friends, and being a part of an exquisite Italian wedding.
Hotel La Palma Rooftop with Swiss Alps in the background
JetBlue offers overnite nonstop flights to Milan, which was perfect for our Stresa, Lake Maggiore wedding. We used our JetBlue points and upgraded our seats. Upon arrival at MXP and a sleepless nite in the air, I decided a private car vs. a train would be the best decision for us. The cost for our airport to hotel transfer was 130 euro, and our driver met us in the airport...easy peasy. This is the way to go unless you are looking to save a little money. The distance from Milan to Stresa is 60 minutes #jetblue #isolabella #milan #italytravel #italywedding #italyvacation #hotelastoria #hotellapalma #ristorantedelfino #delfinoisolabella #stresa #stresalakemaggiore #milanairport #mxp
**Milan is an easy airport to navigate. Drivers are waiting in hall by exit.
I booked the Hotel Astoria, a gorgeous 4 star hotel - Deluxe Balcony overlooking the lake. The hotel is across the street from Lake Maggiore, and it is both elegant and welcoming. Next door, you'll find Hotel La Palma - 4 star modern hotel, where most of the wedding party was booked. After spending time at Hotel La Palma, I would make this my first choice in Stresa for the following reasons. Hotel La Palma has a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views and a pool with plenty of outdoor seating. I loved the vibe here. We enjoyed food and drinks at their rooftop. Also, this hotel offers an additional pool and bar on the lake...again, with outstanding views. Our hotel had lake views from our balcony, but the pool is in the back terrace, and although it's lovely, it's very quiet and there is no rooftop terrace. Our friends said their bedding was very comfortable, while our mattress was firm and our pillows were flat. I would recommend asking for a pillowtop for your mattress and extra pillows ahead. I will say, the customer service at Hotel Astoria was outstanding. The staff goes out of their way to make you feel special.
If you want an even more elevated/upscale experience, the Boutique Hotel Stresa - 5 stars - is a few steps away, and it also has a rooftop terrace and pool offering incredible lake views $$$$. All three of the hotels I mentioned are 0.2 miles from the town center, where you will find shopping (Leather Company by Cizia has good deals) and restaurants. We made our way to the center each morning to grab a cappuccino and visit the local merchants.
Hotel Astoria - Deluxe Balcony
Hotel Astoria
Day 1:
Our wedding festivities started on the day we arrived with a pre wedding dinner celebration in the evening on Isola Bella at Ristorante Delfino. If you can imagine a Mama Mia vibe but in Italy instead of Greece, this was it! The food, atmosphere, Prosecco, and company were amazing. The speeches made were heartfelt and the bride and groom were radiant. We sat outdoors under the stars with views of the lake. We ate incredible Italian food, sang to Italian music, and made new friends. It was an evening I will never forget. https://terreborromeo.it/en/experience/delfino-restaurant
An enchanting evening on Isola Bella
Delfino Restaurant
A Memorable nite at Delfino's on Isola Bella
Day 2:
Today was a nice leisurely day before our afternoon wedding at Villa Muggia, https://www.villamuggia.com. We walked along the promenade in Stresa, shopped a bit at the piazza, and had our daily afternoon cappuccino. #villamuggia
The wedding ceremony on the grounds of Villa Muggia was an outdoor, intimate gathering framed by gardens and centuries-old stone. The wedding party, guests, flowers, and outdoor setting were absolutely stunning. After the ceremony, we had an elegant dinner inside a glass greenhouse like structure. Our tables were filled with candlelight, fresh florals, and the warm glow of Italian hospitality. We were honored to be invited to such a beautiful event.
A Charcuterie for the Ages...truly legendary!
Villa Muggia
Mother of the Groom Looking like a Rockstar
Ricotta and Spinach Tortello with a Sprinkle of Beetroot Powder
Day 3:
On our last full day in Stresa, we decided to go back to Isola Bella to tour the Palazzo Borromeo and gardens. The 17th century palace is rich in art, history, and Baroque extravagance. It feels like you've stepped into a entering a floating palace from a fairy tale. It is a masterpiece of Italian Baroque architecture and theatrical design.
There are three islands close to Stresa: Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola Pescatori. https://terreborromeo.it/en/isola-bella
Taking the Water Taxi to Isola Bella
Isola Bella Palazzo Borromeo and gardens
Day 4:
Today we departed for Santa Margherita in the Italian Riviera. We ordered a transfer thru our concierge...a comfortable Mercedes van that we shared with our friends. It was spacious and made for a relaxing 3 hour drive. Dave and I booked Hotel Metropole, a beautiful 4 star hotel that sits on a hill overlooking the Ligurian Sea and its cerulean waters. Nestled along the edge of the Italian Riviera, this boutique gem offers old world sophistication with luxury. From the minute we walked in the door, we were met with friendliness and enthusiasm. Concierge was 5 star. #hotelmetropole #hotelmetropolesantamargherita #italianriviera
**If bedding is too firm, request a mattress topper & extra pillows
Our Deluxe Balcony room had breathtaking views of the sea. I will consider an upgrade for clients going forward for even better views and more space. The hotel grounds are surrounded by lush, beautifully manicured gardens that include palm trees and vibrant flowering flowerbeds. The back terrace has views of the water, and the private beach is just a short walk from the hotel's back door. The stone terrace beach area is fabulous!
After check in, I got the Trofie Al Pesto at our hotel outdoor terrace. This is a popular dish in this region as pesto originated in Genoa. This was the best pesto I have ever had.
Amenities at Hotel Metropole include:
A luxurious on-site spa with lots of great extras, a pink salt massage, a sauna, an indoor saltwater pool, and top tier treatments designed for the ultimate relaxation https://www.metropole.it/en/wellness-center
A daily complimentary breakfast with seating on the terrace
The hotel is a 5 minute walk from the train station
A short scenic walk to the vibrant seaside piazza. **I purchased gorgeous leather pocketbooks from Isabella Campana, https://www.isabellacampana.it
I am so glad our friends found Trattoria dei Pescatori. Locatd in the town ceter, this is an authentic Italian trattoria with fresh seafood and homemade pasta. It has great reviews for a reason. Our table got a combo of pasta and seafood, and my spaghetti and white clam sauce dish was spectacular.
The Seaview Terrace at Hotel Metropole
Santa Margherita Center - Let the Shopping Begin...Leather and Linen Great finds!
Semplicemente Cuoio - has beautifully handmade leather
Santa Margherita Cathedral
Santa Margherita - Octopus Salad, Pesto Lasagna, and Traditional Lasagna
Day 5:
Today was a chill day with our friends at Hotel Continental's pool, and later in the evening, family and friends broke bread at Blue Santa for a fabulous private Italian dinner. #bluesanta #bluesantarestaurant #hotelcontinental #hotelcontinentalsantamargherita
Hotel Continental Seaview Terrace
Hotel Continental
Dinner at Blue Santa in Santa Margherita - Chef is holding a nice bottle of wine
Blue Santa
Day 6: Today was our day in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cinque Terre. We visited all five villages, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Monterosso, and started from the furthest making our way back to Santa Margherita. The trains run from village to village continuously, and there are stunning coastal hikes connecting all five villages. The Train station In Santa Margherita is a 5-minute walk from Hotel Metropole (bonus) #unesco #cinqueterre #santamargherita #riomaggiore #manarola #corniglia #vernazza #monterosso #portofino
After a little browsing in Riomaggiore on the main street of Via Colombo and a walk around the harbor, we bought our National Park tickets and started our 20-minute breathtaking walk on Via dell' Amore to Manarola. Buy your National Park Tickets outside the train station. Cinque Terre is divided into four sections which connect the five villages. The walk from Riomaggiore to Manarola is the shortest walking distance of the five villages, and it has a nice wide walkway. The remaining villages' distance are hours apart. It was easily 85 degrees, so walking/hiking was not in our game plan.
Ticket Office for admission into Cinque Terre National Park
A photographer's dream, Manarola is the setting of a village built on a cliffside with the Ligurian Sea just below. Pastel colored houses, narrow streets, and a small fishing harbor with breathtaking views make this famous clifftop one of the most photographed landscapes in the world.
Manarola
Ciao Bello
The Famous View of the Colorful Cliffside in Manarola, Cinque Terre
Our next train stop was Corniglia. The most important tip I can give you is to take the shuttle bus from the train to the town center. The smallest of the five villages is perched on a hill. When you get off the train, you will have to climb the Lardarina staircase, 365-382 steps or 33 flights of stairs. In the heat, this was rough! When you finally make it to the tiny village, there are just a few shops and cafes. We walked towards the panoramic views of the sea and found Cecios, A real gem. Our lunch was outstanding. I had the Spaghetti alle Vongole (spaghetti and white clam sauce) #cecios #cecioscinqueterre
Cecio's Ristorante in Corniglia
Our fourth village, Vernazza, was a beautiful surprise. It had all the charm of the other coastal villages and their colorful houses, but it also has a small beach, cafes, a natural harbor, a central piazza, and a large concrete pier that serves as a nice resting and people watching spot. I loved this village.
Vernazza
Monterosso
Monterosso is the largest of the five villages and offers a lively beach scene with clear emerald waters and reef. Boutiques, bars, and cafes surround the promenade. There are 3 and 4 star resorts with a long stretch of beach, and you'll find public and private beach clubs. A flat promenade along the beach makes for enjoyable walks and a good bet for families/strollers.
Monterosso (The South Beach of Cinque Terre)
Day 7: We spent our last morning in Santa Margherita visiting Portofino before taking an afternoon train to Milan for the last leg of our trip. The ferry to Portofino is right in the town center, easy to find, and inexpensive. It's a quick 15 minute ride, and Portofino is a stunning coastal town. You'll find high-end designer shops, a magnificent cathedral, cafes, and beautiful scenery. I wouldn't miss this iconic village.
Portofino View from Ferry
Portofino Cathedral
Afternoon Hugo Spritz in Portofino
Enjoying my last few hours at the pool before our train to Milan
*For our return to Milan, I purchased all rail tickets ahead. You can get them onsite, but I'm pretty structured when I travel, and I like to have all arrangements confirmed ahead.
Enjoying a bite at Hotel Metropole pool terrace
Day 7: After arriving into Milano Centrale, we checked into Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a gorgeous 5-star property. We enjoyed a cocktail and a few apps at their stunning rooftop and then called it a nite in preparation of a full day of sightseeing the following day. This hotel is pure luxury. The air conditioning worked perfectly, and the rooms are noiseproof. The location, mattress, pillows, amenities, concierge, and restaurants make this my top choice for Milan. #excelsiorhotelgallia #milanocentrale #milancathedral #milanduomo #galleriesvittorioemanuele #milangalleries #thelastsupper #renaissance #leonardodavinci #davincislastsupper #milanshopping
**The hotel also offers free shuttle service to the Cathedral and Galleries area.
**Excelsior Hotel Gallia, Luxury Rooms & Suites | Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan
Milano Centrale Rail Station
Day 8:
Our morning started with a stop at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This is the most famous and luxury, high-end fashion center in Italy, with brands such as Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Ferragamo, and many more. Even if you are not a shopper, the structure is an architectural masterpiece set in the heart of the city.
Designer Central!
Best Shopping Day Ever!!
Milan Cathedral
We had a 1:30p admission to the Milan Duomo, which is right next door to the Galleria. Our voucher included rooftop and interior entrance. Our tickets were purchased a few months in advance. *If you have mobility issues, purchase this excursion within included elevator. There are a lot of steps.
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Our next tour was a 3:00p viewing of The Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie. Leonardo DaVinci painted this famous mural in the late 15th century. The painting portrays the last meal before Jesus's crucifixion when Jesus tells his twelve apostles that he will be betrayed by one of them. Jesus is at the center of the composition, while the apostles react with confusion, surprise, and emotion. This is one of the greatest masterprieces of the Renaissance.
Reservations must be purchased months in advance, as this sells out. They allow about 30 minutes inside and our tour guide gave us a great briefing on the history of the painting. For me, this is a 'Do Not Miss' tour.
After our tour, we made our way to Via Monte Napoleone to see Milan's premiere luxury shopping street, where you will find the world's biggest luxury names. This is the most iconic & expensive street in the world. Afterward, we walked to the Brera district for dinner, known for it's artsy vibe and great food scene. There are quaint cobble stone roads with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. This is a unique Milan gem, and I'm glad we had time to enjoy it. We had a great meal at Bacco Di Brera. #breramilan #baccodibrera #viamontenapoleone
@baccodibrera
Brera District
Bacco De Brera
Day 9: Bergamo - Dave had a European Radon Association Conference, ERA and IR Soils, to attend while I visited the UNESCO World Heritage site that sits in upper Bergamo, the ancient part of the city. Easy enough to reach from lower Bergamo via the funicular (3 euro r/t). #bergamo #funicular #upperbergamo
Upper Bergamo
Piazza Vecchia
Duomo di Bergamo is one of my favorite cathedrals of all time. I actually broke down and cried when inside. I'm not going to say I felt a divine presence, but I definitely felt something. The cathedral has a breathtaking interior with a grand dome and many great works of art on display. There is one masterpiece after another.
At the Excelsior Gallia #zimmerman
Milan - Dinner at Osteria Papa Nicola - Highly Recommend!
Departure from Milan - More Designer Brands - EES
Departing from Milan Airport is something else. Let's just say you forgot to buy something extra special. No worries. MXP has you covered. The interior of the airport is a shopping destination carrying most major luxury brands, i.e., Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and many more.
**Before you check your bags for your flight, DO NOT FORGOT to drop off your Tax Free Envelope at the specfied booth, so you can get reimbursed for taxes spent on purchases.
So...let's talk about the new border security entry/exit system know as EES. This is the biometric-based system replacing stamped passports. Currently, there are only a few countries (Sweden & Portugal) allowing a preregistration questionaire on an APP. Beginning the last quarter of the year, all of Europe will supposedly have the EES APP in place...allowing for a speedier process. (We shall see).
Personally, I have no complaints. Our EES experience at Milan Airport was easy peasy. We got to the airport three hours ahead, with plenty of time to spare.
This is the process:
Show your passport at the kiosk.
The kiosk will read your passport information (name, nationality, travel document number, etc.).
A live photo (facial image) is taken.
You’ll place four fingers (two on each hand, or otherwise specified) on a fingerprint scanner.
The system logs your entry into the EES—no ink stamp, just a digital record.
Border/Passport Control:
Look into the screen and walk thru using facial recognition and fingers on the scanner. There is no longer a passport agent asking you questions. #ees #eeseurope
Upon entry in the US, we exited our plane and walked straight thru to baggage claim. We have Global Entry, and all that is required is facial recognition. I cannot stress enough the importance of getting Global Entry. Even if you travel out of the country just once a year, it is totally worth the $120 expense.
I hope you found this post helpful. If you would like my expertise in planning your trip to Europe, please contact me at thill2@aaanortheast.com or call 978-208-3196. I work at the AAA Newburport, MA Branch. Ciao for now! Tina
**Tina's Tips:
Purchase your euros at an AAA Branch at least one week ahead of travel (members only) or a bank (non members)
Get Global Entry - https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry
Keep photos of passports in your cell
I recommend getting your rail tickets ahead
Buy Vacuum seal bags with small rechargeable pump - maximizes your packing space
Extra Adapters - I keep leaving mine behind in the hotel room!!
Dual Voltage Flat Iron
Bring Carryon and backpack - better for trains (checked bags are too big to manage)
XL Backpack - https://www.amazon.com/Backpack-Women%EF%BC%8CCarry-Approved-15-6inch-Weekender/dp/B09MQWWP87?th=1 This doubles as a carryon!
Dr. Scholls Time Off Sneakers - still my fav! https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Scholls-Shoes-Womens-Oxford/dp/B094C82V9P
Ship your olive oil and wine home
Make sure shoulders and knees are covered for Cathedral visits
Check excursions to see if your passport is required for entry
Check all Viator reservations for your actual VOUCHER
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