There are a series of islands on Lake Maggiore owned by an old Milanese family, called the Borromean Islands . They are isolated from the mainland expect for the over the top family palaces and gardens and the small local communities that have spawned around them over the centuries.
The islands and palaces are all closed for the summer so we didn’t like our chances of getting to see them up close but always pays to ask. The tour operator Andrea instead offered us a private boat charter around the islands for a looks. Very special ! Rounded out with some lake trout for lunch from the one fisherman’s restaurant that was open!
Last minute plan to catch up with Vincenzo and family got dinner in Varese . Lovely to see the kids getting to know each other better – thanks to Olivia’s wonderful communication skills!
Ciancios on Tour 