Trip to Locarno

We went to Locarno on the narrow guage Centovalli railway.

It was very hot - so we had a long lunch in the cafe on the far right of the photo.

Villa Taranto - more spectacular!

Here's a few photos to round off our trip to Villa Taranto - what a place!

Return boat trip

Amazing lillies

Just had to give a whole post to these lillies.
Unfortunately I don't think they would be as good in England - even if they could survive.
Might be worth a try though?

Villa Taranto

On one of our free days we took a boat right across the lake to Villa Taranto with its spectacular gardens.

Stained glass window inside a small chapel.

Gardens on Isola Bella

I don't really need to comment. Monty Don said it all when he visited! Spectacular.

Isola Bella

On Isola Bella - everywhere you turn, there's another photo opportunity!

Lunch!

Isola Madre

Trip by boat to Isola Madre

The villa - no photography allowed inside, although many people seemed to be ignoring that!

This tree was toppled during high winds several years ago but has been re-planted and seems to be recovering

Leaving Isola Madre

Alpine gardens

We stopped at the middle station of the cable car on our return journey and went to the alpine gardens which were very interesting, good value, and had some marvellous views.

Mount Mottarone chapel

This is the chapel on Mount Mottarone. As you will have seen, there are some amazing views from here.

Very modern paintings (click to enlarge)

Mount Mottarone

We did the usual tourist thing of taking the cable car up to Mount Mottarone. We went early (for us!) in the morning when it wasn't too misty.

My obligatory photo of the cable car coming the other way!

View from the top.

At the hotel

The swimming pool which SWMBO enjoyed

View of the lake from the swimming pool area

Isola Bella

Local inhabitant