Italian lakes - what is there to do? Other holiday suggestions welcome!

[Platypus]

Me and 'er usually take 7-8 days summer holiday, but we're a bit stumped this year. The Italian Lakes came to mind, as we both like Italy, but what is there to do? A look on Trip Advisor suggested that it's mostly looking at villas with spectacular gardens, or cathedrals, etc.

We like to:
- See some villas with spectacular gardens, maybe 1-2
- Go for some quite long walks (we generally walk 7-10 miles, maybe 2-3 times)
- Explore the nearest town/city
- See some sights
- Enjoy the warm weather

We're not beach or pool bums; topping up the tan isn't high on the list. Nor is any type of "adventure" holiday e.g. bungee jumping, canoeing, skiing, horse riding, white water rafting, caving, etc.

e.g. Amalfi coast, Madeira, Sicily, Santorini were all excellent. Shorter breaks have included Porto, Florence, Rome, Palma, Venice, Barcelona. Again, all good.

GFP still doesn't want to go long haul so somewhere within 4-5 hours max is our probable range.

So... what's is there to actually see and do in the Italian Lakes, or does anyone have any other suggestions? (along with the inevitable abuse, some serious answers would be really appreciated).

Ta muchly.

[FatLazyContractor]

GFP still doesn't want to go long haul so somewhere within 4-5 hours max is our probable range.

I'd suggest you dump her. She is pulling your inner man back.

[Bee]

Me and 'er usually take 7-8 days summer holiday, but we're a bit stumped this year. The Italian Lakes came to mind, as we both like Italy, but what is there to do? A look on Trip Advisor suggested that it's mostly looking at villas with spectacular gardens, or cathedrals, etc.

We like to:
- See some villas with spectacular gardens, maybe 1-2
- Go for some quite long walks (we generally walk 7-10 miles, maybe 2-3 times)
- Explore the nearest town/city
- See some sights
- Enjoy the warm weather

We're not beach or pool bums; topping up the tan isn't high on the list. Nor is any type of "adventure" holiday e.g. bungee jumping, canoeing, skiing, horse riding, white water rafting, caving, etc.

e.g. Amalfi coast, Madeira, Sicily, Santorini were all excellent. Shorter breaks have included Porto, Florence, Rome, Palma, Venice, Barcelona. Again, all good.

GFP still doesn't want to go long haul so somewhere within 4-5 hours max is our probable range.

So... what's is there to actually see and do in the Italian Lakes, or does anyone have any other suggestions? (along with the inevitable abuse, some serious answers would be really appreciated).

Ta muchly.

Açores sounds perfect for you. For me it's a paradise on earth

Açores, São Miguel Island

Visit Azores | O que fazer em São Miguel and Ponta Delgada - Actividades | Visit Azores | Visit Azores

[WTFH]

Fly to Turin, pick up a car and head up the Aosta valley. Drink wine.
Spend a couple of nights in the village of Champoluc at the Rascard Frantze. Eat shed loads of great food and go for hill walks from there to other restaurants - such as the Refugio Belvedere.

[DimPrawn]

Spend the week listening to Suity tales. A dream come true.

Tourism — Love Luton

[MarillionFan]

Try searching for Nazi Gold or Mafiosi victims.

[Old Greg]

West of Ireland? Base yourself in Galway.

[Platypus]

Açores sounds perfect for you. For me it's a paradise on earth

Açores, São Miguel Island

Visit Azores | O que fazer em São Miguel and Ponta Delgada - Actividades | Visit Azores | Visit Azores

^ Very interesting.... would you explore different islands or generally stay in the one place?

[eek]

How about Adults only Caribbean resorts - Barbados adults only - The House

Oops sorry that's me (as a freebie) in March next year....

What about doing two places... Florence and Milan would be a good bet, plenty of flights to both places and an easy connection by train... https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_...e_Tuscany.html (stayed there for the past 3 years) is a very good hotel I can provide my Milan research if you want as well

[Old Greg]

Stretch to St John's Newfoundland? Just under 11 hours round trip?