The Duffs Travels

Today we took a bus to Orta San Giulio, a charming town on the banks of Lake Orta. The town was a maze of cobbled streets and alleys, which gave it a very picturesque vibe. While exploring the town, we stumbled upon a lovely coffee shop which served the most delicious pastries. The owner of the shop was very hospitable and proud of his little establishment, which added to the overall charm of the experience.   After our time in the little coffee house we took our time strolling the narrow streets around the lake. It was a quint little place with lots of little alleyways and stunning churches. Our little boat bobbed gently on the tranquil waters as we approached the Silent Island. It was just a stone's throw away from the bustling Orta square, but it felt like a world apart. The island's inhabitants were nuns who had taken a vow of silence, and as we wandered through the narrow passageways, we were reminded to be still and meditate by the peaceful signs scattered about. Accordin...

 We caught the ferry from Baveno to Stressa at 9.30 and again the day looked rather miserable but very atmospheric. Stressa is a hidden gem nestled in the northern region of Lake Maggiore. The town is bursting with charm and character, with its colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. It can also get rather busy . The views of the Borromean Islands are simply breathtaking, and there are plenty of spots where you can sit back and take it all in. The numerous shops dotted around the town are perfect for souvenir hunting, and there are plenty of cafes where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a refreshing drink. We spent a wonderful morning exploring the winding streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the town.  We then caught the ferry to the Villa Taranto and Botanical Gardens, which was on the west side of the lake. The gardens were simply stunning, boasting 16 acres of flowers, waterfalls, and water features. We started our visit with a delicious lunch, which energized us...

Today we visited Isola Madre, which is the largest of the Borromean islands. As we approached on the ferry, we could already see how magnificent the mansion and acres of gardens were going to be. Inside the mansion, we were not disappointed. The rooms were full of exquisite artwork, Murano Chandeliers, and Venetian furniture, showcasing Italian Baroque style.                                          Although not as grand as the palace we saw yesterday, some people might find it disappointing, but we really didn't. One of us found the hall of Battles particularly interesting. We also visited the vast puppet theatre, which had a large collection of puppets, scripts, clothes, and backdrops.   The gardens are extensive, with a variety of species of plants and trees. Although we went in early September, so not everything was still in bloom, it was still worth a wander. After our enjo...

 It was an early morning start today and the weather looked a little cloudy. By the time we arrived over the other side of the lake at Laveno the sun had started to shine and my surprise for Tim could go ahead, not till we had had our morning cappuccino though. We were both a little apprehensive when we saw what the bucket lifts were like but we still jumped on one without a roof. We started the assent up Mount Sasso del Ferro which was 3484ft which took you just below the summit. The open top bucket lift gave us unparalleled views of Lake Maggiore, Po Valley, and the Lakes of the Lombardy region.  It is a popular spot for hand gliding but unfortunately didn't see any today. We took the small walk to the top and rested while taking in the mountain range. It was a lovely relaxing morning. We spent the afternoon  looking around the little alleyways and enjoyed  a sandwich and drink taking in this small town atmosphere. We caught the ferry back to Baveno and it is such ...

   This morning we caught the ferry to Isola Bella we could see this island from our hotel and were eager to visit. This Barque Palace was dedicated to Isabella D' Addao the wife of a Borromeo and where the island gets its name. It took almost 400 years to be completed by a highly skilled team.  It is so easy to lose yourself in this magnificent place and you soon realise how special it is. You soon understand the reason so many famous and influential people have visited this Island from Neapolitan to Princess Diana. The gallery Berthier was full of stunning pieces of art. The following rooms were also just as beautiful with amazing art and fine furnishings. Each room had a grand central chandelier and ornate plasterwork. the Murano glass chandeliers were so exquisite and are worth a visit just to see them. The throne room was very ornate with a beautiful silk hanging with embroidered mottos and badges of the Borromeo family. The colossal carved wooden figures were quite ...

We've decided to return to Italy and explore more of the country. Although we loved Lake Garda, it was just too soon to return. So we decided to visit a less touristy lake that has won the hearts of many locals:                                                              Lake Maggiore! Our journey began with an early morning flight from Birmingham, which went smoothly just like the last time we flew. As soon as we landed in Italy, we were filled with excitement. The coach ride to our small town of Baveno offered us a magnificent view of the lake.    The views were stunning in the late afternoon, and we could see why Lake Maggiore is a favorite among many. It's peaceful and quiet, and we enjoyed strolling along the lakefront.   Later in the evening, we discovered a beautiful church which we had heard chimes every hour a...