Kate & Andrea
Things To Do
Milan
Andrea's hometown, Milan is only a little more than an hour's drive from Lago Maggiore. One of the most fashionable cities in the world (try Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and/or Quadrilatero della Moda if you're in the mood to shop!), Milan is also home to the Duomo (the third largest church in the world), Castello Sforzesco (a 15th century castle), and the Santa Maria delle Grazie where guests can see da Vinci's "The Last Supper", just to name a few. If you plan to spend time in Milan, please let Kate and Andrea know - we'd be happy to recommend restaurants to try, neighborhoods to explore, or other additional ideas that fit your interests!
Borromean Islands
Isola Madre, the largest of the three, is noted for its gardens (one of the oldest botanical gardens in Italy). The second island, Isola Bella, boats both a 17th century palace and beautiful gardens. The third, Isola dei Pescatori, is now the only inhabited of the three. It has a fishing village, where guests can wander the narrow streets then visit a local restaurant to enjoy the fresh seafood. Regular ferries to and from various lakeside towns make the islands easy to explore!
Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees
Even if you don't stay here at all, Hemingway fans might want to stop by for a cocktail. This is where Ernest Hemingway stayed for a time in 1918 after being injured in the war; he would later fictionalize some of that time in his novel "A Farewell to Arms". The hotel bar has a signature Hemingway drink, as well as photos and a signed copy of the guestbook. "The Grand Hotel & des Iles Borromées was open... I knew the barman and sat on a high stool and ate salted almonds and potato chips. The Martini felt cool and clean." - Federic Henry, A Farewell to Arms Ernest Hemingway, 1929
Monte Tamaro
Monte Tamaro (on the Swiss end of the lake, about an hour's drive from the wedding venue) is full of things to do for the adventurous types - take a cable car to the top where you can soak in the views, visit the Church of the Santa Maria degli Angli or the mountain bar/restaurant, or choose an activity like paragliding, mountain biking, tobogganing, zip-lining, or try the ropes course.