Lago Maggiore & Stresa, Italy Attractions

Count Vitaliano Borromeo began building his magnificent palace on the island of Isola Bella in 1632. Today, the home and gardens of the Borromeo family are open to tourists. Ferry service can be taken from Pallanza, Laveno, Stresa, and Intra to reach Isola Bella, which is one of the most popular attractions in the Lake Maggiore region. To learn more, visit www.borromeoturismo.it/scripts/home.php

The Eremo Santa Caterina del Sasso Church is the result of three separate chapels, which were built separately and have since been joined together. Singularly unique, the three structures each hail from different periods ranging from the 14th to the 19th centuries to form one church, which features a striking bell tower. To learn more, visit www.santacaterinadelsasso.com/it/leremo

Isole Borromee is the collective name given to the islands of the Borromee family. The most famous of the islands is Isola Bella, which takes its name from Isabella, the wife of Carlo III. Visitors may reach Isole Borromee from the boats which depart at Stresa's Piazza Marconi every 15 to 30 minutes in high season. Boat also depart from Verbania. To learn more, visit www.borromeoturismo.it/scripts/home.php

Rocca di Angera (also known as the Castle or Rock of Borromeo of Angera) is an unusually well preserved medieval fortress. The castle is home to a magnificent series of frescoes and important collections of dolls and children's clothes. Reached by ferry, the Rocca di Angera also offers exceptional views of Lake Maggiore and the Alps. To learn more, visit www.borromeoturismo.it/scripts/loc.php?lang=en&loc=rocca.

Borromeo Palace was built by Carlo III (1538-84) as a wedding present to his wife, Isabella in 1632. The magnificent baroque palace and terraced gardens are located on Isola Bella. The Borromeo palazzo is open for touring usually from March to October. To learn more about visiting this noted Italian palace, visit www.borromeoturismo.it/scripts/home.php?lang=en

The Villa Pallavicino Park (or Parco della Villa Pallavicino) in Stresa is one of the most beautiful parks in the Lake Maggiore area and best places for an outing. Stretching for 20 flower-filled hectares, the park features a playground, picnic area, botanical garden and zoo with more than 40 species of animals and birds, including zebras, kangaroos, llamas, and flamingos. To learn more, visit www.parcozoopallavicino.it