Romantic Villages of Alpine Europe

Stresa, a peaceful little town on the banks of Lake Maggiore, is an ideal place for relaxing for a few days (which may be why Hemingway chose to convalesce in this picturesque locale during WW1). You can take a boat ride to nearby Isola Bella (the ‘beautiful island’) to view its breathtaking palace and terraced gardens. And Stresa’s meandering lakeside promenade makes for an ideal passeggiata (afternoon stroll).

Nestled along the banks of its namesake lake, Como is an elegant and deeply historic town, originally founded by Julius Caesar as both an Alpine garrison and Roman holiday getaway. Como's natural and man-made beauty beckons travelers to this day—verdant, steep mountains plunge into the water on all sides while luxurious villas line the shore.