10 day itinerary for North Italy, Lake Region

Itinerary

A 10-day adventure in Northern Italy's Lake Region sounds like a fantastic family trip! With your little ones in tow, we’ll focus on family-friendly activities, scenic spots, and comfortable accommodations. Let’s dive into your itinerary!

## Day 1: Arrival in Lugano, Ticino

• Morning: Depart from Geneva and enjoy the scenic drive to Lugano (about 4 hours).
• Lunch: Grab a bite at Ristorante Pizzeria Al Portico, which has a lovely terrace and a kid-friendly menu.
• Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Parco Ciani, a beautiful park with playgrounds and plenty of space for the kids to run around.
• Evening: Dinner with your friend at their place or at Ristorante La Cucina di Alice, which is family-friendly.
• Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Pestalozzi, which offers family rooms and is centrally located.

## Day 2: Explore Lugano

• Morning: Visit Monte Brè. Take the funicular up for stunning views and enjoy a picnic at the top.
• Lunch: Have lunch at the Ristorante Monte Brè.
• Afternoon: Head to Lugano’s lakeside promenade for a leisurely stroll and let the kids play at the nearby playground.
• Evening: Dinner at Grotto della Salute, a casual spot with local dishes.
• Accommodation: Stay another night at Hotel Pestalozzi.

## Day 3: Day Trip to Bellagio

• Morning: Drive to Bellagio (about 1.5 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive along Lake Como.
• Lunch: Have lunch at Ristorante La Punta, which has a lovely view and is kid-friendly.
• Afternoon: Explore the charming streets of Bellagio. Visit Villa Melzi and its gardens, which are stroller-friendly.
• Evening: Dinner at Trattoria San Giacomo before heading back to Lugano.
• Accommodation: Return to Hotel Pestalozzi.

## Day 4: Lugano to Varenna

• Morning: Depart Lugano and drive to Varenna (about 1 hour).
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Ristorante Il Cavatappi.
• Afternoon: Visit Villa Monastero, which has beautiful gardens and is stroller-friendly. The kids can enjoy the open spaces.
• Evening: Dinner at Ristorante La Vista with a view of the lake.
• Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Olivedo, which is family-friendly and has a lovely lakeside location.

## Day 5: Varenna to Menaggio

• Morning: Take a ferry from Varenna to Menaggio (about 15 minutes).
• Lunch: Have lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Il Rigoletto.
• Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Menaggio’s beach. There’s a playground and shallow water for the kids to splash around.
• Evening: Dinner at Ristorante La Darsena.
• Accommodation: Stay at Grand Hotel Menaggio, which has family rooms and a pool.

## Day 6: Day Trip to Como

• Morning: Drive to Como (about 30 minutes). Visit the Como Cathedral.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Ristorante Il Pomodorino.
• Afternoon: Take the funicular to Brunate for panoramic views. There’s a small playground at the top.
• Evening: Dinner at Trattoria da Antonio before heading back to Menaggio.
• Accommodation: Return to Grand Hotel Menaggio.

## Day 7: Menaggio to Stresa

• Morning: Depart Menaggio and drive to Stresa (about 1.5 hours).
• Lunch: Have lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Il Vicoletto.
• Afternoon: Visit the Borromean Islands. Take a boat trip to Isola Bella and explore the gardens.
• Evening: Dinner at Ristorante LaStoria.
• Accommodation: Stay at Hotel La Palma, which is family-friendly and has a pool.

## Day 8: Explore Stresa

• Morning: Visit Villa Pallavicino, a park with animals and playgrounds.
• Lunch: Have lunch at the park’s café.
• Afternoon: Relax at the Stresa beach or take a stroll along the promenade.
• Evening: Dinner at Ristorante Il Borromeo.
• Accommodation: Stay another night at Hotel La Palma.

## Day 9: Stresa to Lake Orta

• Morning: Drive to Lake Orta (about 30 minutes).
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Ristorante Il Cucchiaio di Legno.
• Afternoon: Visit Orta San Giulio, a charming village. Take a boat to Isola San Giulio and explore the island.
• Evening: Dinner at Ristorante Villa Crespi (make a reservation in advance).
• Accommodation: Stay at Hotel San Rocco, which is family-friendly and has beautiful views.

## Day 10: Return to Geneva

• Morning: Depart Lake Orta and start your journey back to Geneva (about 4 hours).
• Lunch: Stop for lunch along the way at a family-friendly restaurant.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Geneva and relax after your adventure!

Tips for Traveling with Kids:

• Always have snacks and drinks handy for the little ones.
• Plan for plenty of breaks during drives.
• Consider bringing a stroller for the younger child, especially for exploring towns and parks.
• Look for hotels with family amenities like pools or play areas.

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories with your family in Northern Italy! Enjoy your trip! 🌟