Second honeymoon Lombardy Italy, activity vacations on Lake Maggiore
by Paul Herbert, Author, artist, broadcaster
SECOND HONEYMOON LOMBARDY ITALY, ACTIVITY VACATIONS ON LAKE MAGGIORE, HOLIDAYS FOR COUPLES NEAR LUINO, ROMANTIC BREAKS IN LOMBARDY NORTHERN ITALY IN AN APARTMENT SLEEPING TWO WITH VIEWS OVER LAKE MAGGIORE
Spending our second honeymoon in Northern Italy
We spent much of our time just driving round the lakeside exploring the pretty little towns that inhabit Lake Maggiore. There are no shortage of coffee bars and pizzerias overlooking the lake and we found plenty of little romantic interludes en route. Luino and Laveno are particularly pretty and for those of you who like the water there are regular ferry trips across the lake to the other side.
There is a huge market in Luino on a Wednesday that takes over the whole of the centre of the town. We wandered around most of the stalls but it was the food section that grabbed most of our attention. Salami, cheeses, sun dried tomatoes, olives, copious amounts of bread and just about everything you would need for a picnic or to be eaten back at the apartment can be found there.
SECOND HONEYMOON IN LOMBARDY ITALY
As I sit and look out of the window whilst writing and regard the magnificent view of the lake, I know that our second honeymoon will be coming to an end tomorrow morning and we will be winding our way back through the Alps to our home in France. This has been a memorable holiday for many reasons; the food and wine, the friendly Italians, the drives up through the mountains, the lake and the incredible views. One week was not enough but work pressures meant that even during this one week I have had to have meetings with work colleagues who drove down from Switzerland and email contact with my various European offices where decisions could only be made by me.
Such is the nature of my business; I am never able to get away and relax 100% but our second honeymoon in Lombardy has been the most restful break I have been able to have for some time. I have managed to get a little painting done; nothing I would hang on my wall but at least I got my paints out. I have finally finished reading a book I started four months ago and actually started another and I have slept in the lap of the gods. In fact, if they handed out medals for sleeping, I would have won the gold this week. It has been a gentile holiday; I couldn't put my finger on anything in particular that my wife and I have done. We didn't take any boat trips, cable car rides or plan any trips; we have simply spent a week doing very little and relaxing. Perfect!
ACTIVITY VACATIONS ON LAKE MAGGIORE
That is not to say that there is little to do around Luino and Lake Maggiore if you have a mind to. There are plenty of things to do if you are looking for an activity vacation. Yachting, wind surfing, scuba diving, speed boating, fishing, hang gliding, microliting, paragliding, golfing, mountain and rock climbing and just about any and every activity you can think of can be found here. Just the thought exhausts me; I was exhausted just setting up my easel but then it takes all sorts to make a world. The point is that Lake Maggiore is magical in every sense, holidaymakers can make this holiday destination anything they choose; they just won't find pubs and fish and chip shops on every street and they won't be rubbing shoulders with the sort of people who are looking for that type of holiday.
HOLIDAYS FOR COUPLES NEAR LUINO LOMBARDY
Luino is the perfect destination for couples looking to spend time together and the apartment at Casa Lunga is ideal for anyone looking for tranquillity and stunning views. Frankly, I would be prepared to pay just to sit in the garden and watch the view. I have stayed in some of the best hotels in the world but given the choice between a 5 star hotel and this apartment I would choose the apartment.
It is the simplicity of it all; no intrusive staff wanting to turn down or make up your bed, no noisy guests in the corridor or outside your bedroom window, no fixed meal times, no having to sit in a hotel lounge or lobby and be engaged in conversation by someone who thinks you ought to hear their amusing story and no large bill at the end of the week.
This was a holiday where we did what we wanted and pleased ourselves. We got up when we awoke, wandered out when we felt like it, ate out when the mood took us and dined in when we felt the need to just be together. And Anna and Ruth were there to help and advise if needed.
This was our first trip to Lombardy but it won't be our last. We will return!
