Recommendations
Sacro Monte di Varese (Unesco site)
One of the nine sacri monti in the Italian regions of Lombardy and Piedmont which were inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 2003. A really beautiful place to visit with nice cafes and great views.
Campo dei Fiori
A mountain located in the northern part of Varese. On the Eastern side of the mountain, facing Varese, sits the now-vacant (since 1968) Grand Hotel Campo Dei Fiori, which looks super creepy so is perfect for a pre-halloween visit (it features in the horror movie Suspiria).
Lake of Varese
Not sure if we're recommending enough lakes so eccoci
The Premiata Gnoccheria and Risotteria
Does what it says on the tin - the best gnocchi and risotto, and you can even order multiple mini-plates to try out more. Super cute setting too.
Al Borducan Restaurant
An especially romantic spot <3
Premiata Pizzeria della Motta
You will be in Italy after all, why not get some pizza!?
Lake Como
No explanation needed!
Crotto del Sergente
A Como institution by all accounts (including various locals')
Chiavenna
Beautiful town in the mountains behind Como, especially lovely in Autumn.
HERMAU Vini Bio - Agriturismo Ca' Pianazöla
Gorgeous ecotourism with natural wine made on site at c. 700 metres above Chiavenna. Rooms are super luxurious and the owners are lovely. The drive up is a bit scary though.
Villa Giade
Not going to lie, half of me wishes I found this before booking our venue because the restaurant served some of the best food I've had in Italy in a gorgeous setting at a good price. Hotel looks nice too.
Lake Maggiore
The second largest lake in Italy and the largest in southern Switzerland (Switzerland has a lot of lakes so go figure)
Brissago Islands
The Brissago Islands are a group of two islands located in the Swiss part of Lake Maggiore. Go to San Pancrazio, which is larger and is well known for its botanical garden.
Milan
One of our favourite cities, for reasons that are obvious when you visit it! Also extremely close to our venue and easily accessed without a car.
Paper Moon Giardino
Alice's favourite in Milan, in beautiful Montenapoleone. Also, they gave the dog a bag of organic dog biscuits and took him for a walk last time we visited...
Lugano
We live here, and even then it's hard not to be struck by the surrounding natural beauty every single day... it's much like Lake Como but safer & cleaner (good) and more expensive with less varied food options (bad). Great hiking in the surrounding areas. Let me know if you need any recommendations.
Grotto della Salute
Our favourite restaurant in Lugano, in fact only a 5 minutes' walk away from our flat!
Tabla Indian & Asian Restaurant
For those sick of Italian food (trust me, it is possible). Expect to pay c. 35 francs for a curry but it will be a fantastic curry and the setting is stunning.
Ristorante Grotto del Pep
The best ribs in Ticino, according to many including Tom. The best value in Lugano according to me (1 litre of wine for 30 chf). Book in advance, even in October it is always fully booked!
Garda Lake
What can I say... another nice lake...
Gardaland park
For the thrill-seekers among us who wish the wedding was being held in Florida