Water, water, everywhere – The Italian Lakes & Beyond
Oh yes, fuelled by the F1 GP and bratwurst of Bavaria
Our Lakes and Lederhosens road trip around the Italian Lakes and Bavaria, certainly lived up to our expectations. It actually ended up feeling like 3 trips in one.
We spent 6 nights around the stunning Lakes of Maggiore & Como, 2 nights enjoying the thrill of a Formula 1 Grand Prix at Monza.
Then 5 nights exploring the regions in southern Germany.
To try and condense these adventures, I have put together our favourites bits. So, after prepping our car for the 2 weeks ahead we hit the road for foreign shores.
The scenery around the lakes is amazing, you can see why people return time and again.
The high peaked mountains peering down onto the lakes below makes a stunning backdrop.
Touring around the shores of the lakes is great fun, at times you feel like you are on a movie set.
Winding tunnels arched along the banks of the lake and weaving through small towns.
The Borromean Islands just off of Stresa in Lake Maggiore are certainly worth the little boat trip. Isola Bella has fantastic Baroque gardens and even white peacocks.
If you are in Bavaria spend a day visiting the magical fairy-tale castles of Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau just outside Füssen, Germany.
You may recognise King Ludwig II’s Neuschwanstein from the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Whilst based in Füssen we spent a day out and about touring and visited Lindau which is on the banks of Lake Constance (or Bodensee in German).
Another amazing lake and this one borders 3 countries Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Very popular for water sports.
Another highlight of the trip was picking up sections of the “Romantic Road” through Germany, this route takes you through some stunning towns and villages.
One of which we revisited at Christmas 2016 and that is Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
One of the great pleasure of the trip was going to the F1 Grand Prix at Monza. The Italians really know how to celebrate and Ferrari only came 2nd.
Our fellow countryman Lewis Hamilton won and was presented the trophy by George Lucas (no less).
One of our abiding memories of this trip, was the day Gary and I hired a motor boat and spent 6 hours cruising Lake Como.
It really was fantastic, you get a different perspective of the lake and also the chance to see some of the amazing palatial villas that border it (I didn’t see George Clooney).
As it was Gary’s birthday, we did stop the engine & pop a bottle of Prosecco open.
Whilst out and about on Lake Como we spotted a couple of James Bond’s filming locations from Casino Royale, this was beginning to feel like an Ian Fleming tour.
In Stresa we stayed at the luxury Regina Palace Hotel, our room was lovely but the balcony and lake view, was amazing.
One night as we returned, the ornate front terrace was awash with elegant local couples, tangoing the night away to sultry Argentine melodies. That memory will always remain.
Point of Note
We really enjoyed our Lakes and Lederhosens road trip, and will definitely venture back to this region of the world again someday.
If you get the opportunity to visit Milan and are able to add a few days onto your trip. We would highly recommend you hire a car, and take a tour around the lakes, you won’t be disappointed.
Have You?
Toured the lakes? what’s you favourite, and do you have an secrets you’re willing to share?
Inspired to visit the Italian Lakes?
To plan your own road trip?
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