Italian lakes

morning walk in Margozzo

This was our day to explore several of the lakes--Maggiore, Orta, and Como.  We started with a morning walk in Margozzo north of Stresa.  Rob remembers walking this town in 1996 though I drew a blank on that.  By the end of the day, having viewed 15 or 20 lovely lakeside towns as we rode, I doubt that I could identify any for certain.  Towns on the route of the Giro d'Italia race were decorated with pink balloons, flags, and street markings.  We successfully stayed out of their way.

Orta, the small lake to the west of Maggiore, provided us with another walk and lunch in Orta San Giulio, watching the Italian tour groups board the ferry to explore the nearby island.  Then a twisty ride to the top of Mount Mattarone with fine views, though becoming somewhat hazy.  Down from the mountain and on to the autostrada for 45 minutes to Lake Como.

approaching Varenna on the ferry

Traffic was heavy up the west side of the lake but the views made up for it.  At Menaggio we took the ferry across to Varenna where we had booked a room based on Rick Steves' suggestion that the town was worth exploring.  We were disappointed initially but later found a lakeside walk that improved our impression, though I would not consider it a highlight of the day.  

The lake district is quite stunning and the fine weather today made it even more memorable.