Italian Lakes - adult orientated
Discussion
No, not like that, sewer rats!
MrsC and I thought that for this year's holiday we might drive down to the Italian Lakes, base ourselves there, and then maybe take a short trip by train mid-holiday to Venice for a couple of days. Never been to the Lakes, so we're looking for somewhere half-decent (ie not bargain bucket, but not G. Clooney prices) where we won't be overrun by noisy children (not our idea of a holiday treat - in fact actively child-free would be a bonus). Also need somewhere to stash the car safely away from continental parking types whilst we're there (eg underground/closed garage).
Since we know nothing of the area, any hints tips or suggestions would be very helpful!
MrsC and I thought that for this year's holiday we might drive down to the Italian Lakes, base ourselves there, and then maybe take a short trip by train mid-holiday to Venice for a couple of days. Never been to the Lakes, so we're looking for somewhere half-decent (ie not bargain bucket, but not G. Clooney prices) where we won't be overrun by noisy children (not our idea of a holiday treat - in fact actively child-free would be a bonus). Also need somewhere to stash the car safely away from continental parking types whilst we're there (eg underground/closed garage).
Since we know nothing of the area, any hints tips or suggestions would be very helpful!
I've stayed in Desenzano Del Garda in the past, in particular because of it's rail links, being on the main line between Milan and Venice.
It's also well served by the lake ferry services, and isn't perhaps as touristy (but equally not quite as pretty) as some of the other towns.
Sirminone, quite nearby is arguably prettier, with a nicer castle and quaint(er) streets, but very busy with tourists.
It's well worth visiting Verona while you're in the area, on 25mins on the train.
The hotel Nazionale in Desenzano always looked good when I was there, Tripadvisor reviewers seem to think so too.
It's also well served by the lake ferry services, and isn't perhaps as touristy (but equally not quite as pretty) as some of the other towns.
Sirminone, quite nearby is arguably prettier, with a nicer castle and quaint(er) streets, but very busy with tourists.
It's well worth visiting Verona while you're in the area, on 25mins on the train.
The hotel Nazionale in Desenzano always looked good when I was there, Tripadvisor reviewers seem to think so too.
6 of us had a fab holiday in May 2012 for a week at Lake Como. We stayed at the Metropole Hotel, Bellagio. This is an ideal location with lots of ferries for exploring the mid section of Lake Como. There's other ferries to parts further away such as Como itself. Lots of good restaurannts in Bellagio and also in the towns lakeside nearby. The Metropole is also very close to the ferry stops in Bellagio. It does not have any parking facilities I'm aware of, but there's on street parking nearby. Be aware that taking the car on ferries across Lake Como is expensive, although you can get a weekly ticket.
If you like simply walking around small lakeside towns. villas and their gardens etc, and alfresco dining then you'll find plenty to do in the Bellagio and mid Lake area.
We also did the Bernina Express. It's a day trip and well worth it.
R.
If you like simply walking around small lakeside towns. villas and their gardens etc, and alfresco dining then you'll find plenty to do in the Bellagio and mid Lake area.
We also did the Bernina Express. It's a day trip and well worth it.
R.
I got married in malcesine, Lake Garda in June last year.
I would reccomend anywhere around the Lake, plus you get to take a ferry to the other lakeside towns.
Lots of Germans though, which is good as there is plenty of decent German beers on tap alongside the Peroni's
We took a coach trip to Venice too, didnt take too long so a car should be quick.
Great place too go, and if you like mountain bikes you will love it.
I would reccomend anywhere around the Lake, plus you get to take a ferry to the other lakeside towns.
Lots of Germans though, which is good as there is plenty of decent German beers on tap alongside the Peroni's
We took a coach trip to Venice too, didnt take too long so a car should be quick.
Great place too go, and if you like mountain bikes you will love it.
Varenna on Lake Como, far, far nicer than Lake Garda. I know a lovely lakeside hotel that I've usedb several times, with secure parking. PM if you want more details.
Hotel Lake Como
Hotel Lake Como
If you do choose Lake Como, I can also help with places to visit and a fantastic route. Varenna also has a station.
Hotel Lake Como
Hotel Lake Como
If you do choose Lake Como, I can also help with places to visit and a fantastic route. Varenna also has a station.
CAPP0 said:
No, not like that, sewer rats!
MrsC and I thought that for this year's holiday we might drive down to the Italian Lakes, base ourselves there, and then maybe take a short trip by train mid-holiday to Venice for a couple of days. Never been to the Lakes, so we're looking for somewhere half-decent (ie not bargain bucket, but not G. Clooney prices) where we won't be overrun by noisy children (not our idea of a holiday treat - in fact actively child-free would be a bonus). Also need somewhere to stash the car safely away from continental parking types whilst we're there (eg underground/closed garage).
Since we know nothing of the area, any hints tips or suggestions would be very helpful!
Nowhere round the Italian Lakes then MrsC and I thought that for this year's holiday we might drive down to the Italian Lakes, base ourselves there, and then maybe take a short trip by train mid-holiday to Venice for a couple of days. Never been to the Lakes, so we're looking for somewhere half-decent (ie not bargain bucket, but not G. Clooney prices) where we won't be overrun by noisy children (not our idea of a holiday treat - in fact actively child-free would be a bonus). Also need somewhere to stash the car safely away from continental parking types whilst we're there (eg underground/closed garage).
Since we know nothing of the area, any hints tips or suggestions would be very helpful!
Chock full of families and grockles from April to October. If you insist on going though, then top top actively and utterly avoid Como unless you really want to feel like stabbing, shooting and punching someone.
Imagine Ambleside but busier. And more expensive.
And dont think ooo great driving roads around the lakes. Its nose to tail traffic, usually caravans all day, every day.
I have friends round the Lago D'Iseo, stunning, friendly and cheap, cheaper than Spain ! Much friendlier too IME.
Lago di Como and Garda are known tourist traps, I have not been there, but the roads around Iseo are pretty good for a blast, plenty of hairpin action, have not been stuck in traffic there. I stay in a nice hotel in Darfo Boario Terme, right by the spa, out of fashion, so plenty of space and quality to enjoy in the area.
The food is exquisite, Mas in Lovere is recommended, or, for a drink, Rebel8 in Pisogne, the owner is a friend, he spent years in London, a great guy, but the trip is worth it just for the quotes in the floor...
Lago di Como and Garda are known tourist traps, I have not been there, but the roads around Iseo are pretty good for a blast, plenty of hairpin action, have not been stuck in traffic there. I stay in a nice hotel in Darfo Boario Terme, right by the spa, out of fashion, so plenty of space and quality to enjoy in the area.
The food is exquisite, Mas in Lovere is recommended, or, for a drink, Rebel8 in Pisogne, the owner is a friend, he spent years in London, a great guy, but the trip is worth it just for the quotes in the floor...
Edited by 998420 on Wednesday 9th January 17:54
The Leaper said:
DJRC describes a Lake Como experience far removed from mine last year. For us it was relatively quiet, mostly adult tourists, no children, nice and peaceful. Maybe that's because we went in May. However, Sundays did get busy with locals visiting lakeside towns.
R.
Our experience mirrors yours - we've been to both Como and Maggiore quite a few times now, always in May or September, and apart from Sundays being busy with largely Italian tourists, we've found it a lovely destination. Relatively few children - largely as there's bugger all to keep them amused in general. R.
The Leaper said:
DJRC describes a Lake Como experience far removed from mine last year. For us it was relatively quiet, mostly adult tourists, no children, nice and peaceful. Maybe that's because we went in May. However, Sundays did get busy with locals visiting lakeside towns.
R.
I last went in April and it was heaving!R.
Im in Italy about once a month and talking to my Italian colleagues everybody they all say that basically if and when possible everybody either heads to the beach or to the lakes.
Anywhere on Garda's a good choice (lots of hotels in Riva, but that's right at the far end from Venice, Bardolino or Limone - a lovely spot, but quite small), but I'd get a car personally as you'll want to travel out to make the most of a stay there.
As well as the obligatory couple of days (a day isn't enough) in Venice, go to Verona too, lovely place.
As someone said lots of Germans (German speakers anyway), but they're almost on home turf, so usually quite polite and well behaved - I expect it's overrun with rude Russians these days, everywhere seems to be.
M.
As well as the obligatory couple of days (a day isn't enough) in Venice, go to Verona too, lovely place.
As someone said lots of Germans (German speakers anyway), but they're almost on home turf, so usually quite polite and well behaved - I expect it's overrun with rude Russians these days, everywhere seems to be.
M.
James1760 said:
I got married in malcesine, Lake Garda in June last year.
On top of a tower at the castle? My brother's wedding was there in 36C mid-afternoon early September sun, was a really good day despite us all melting in our suits (and the local wedding organiser from Riva they hired was really attractive 
, Anna I think was her name, used to be a professional skier).None of which helps the OP, just an excuse for some reminiscing
go to lake garda
stay here: http://eng.villadelsogno.it/home/main/Hotel
don't forget to visit verona.
to date, the best holiday we have ever taken
stay here: http://eng.villadelsogno.it/home/main/Hotel
don't forget to visit verona.
to date, the best holiday we have ever taken
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