Isola Bella

Isola Bella- Translation Beautiful Island. It is every bit that, although name is after Isabella, countess of Borromeo. The Islands of Stresa and Verbania were the things that made me go wow many years ago when I visited the area, but it wasn't until this trip that I visited them.

Today was our last full day in Stresa and Kylie was really looking forward to visiting Isola Bella after seeing that the gardens of the Island featured in the Worlds top 10 gardens and after today's visit it is easy to see why.

First stop on the Island was the Palace which dates back to the mid 1600s and we were blown away. The rooms and flooring was sensational but for me it was the grotto rooms that were like nothing I had ever seen. The floor, walls and roof were decorated with small rocks set into concrete. It was just amazing and mind boggling thinking how long it must of taken to complete the rooms (about 6 of them). All the rooms in the palace were filled with art works and relics. Kylie thought the saddles dating back to the 1500s were great. It was interesting to walk around rooms that have housed the Queen Margherita, Napoleon, Mussolini and more recently Princess Diana had visited.

We were lucky that the rain held off and we could explore the terraced gardens with its architecture. Anyone who has seen my house will attest that I am not much of a gardener, but it was easy to admire how much work was put into these gardens. As the island is rock all of the soil was brought in 100s of years ago. I can't believe that it had taken me so long to visit the island. Sorry dad for not going out there when we lasted visited.

The afternoon was spent wandering and of course getting our gelati. The evening finished with our best dinner of the trip at Cafe Torino. It was sensational. Kylie had freshly cooked rabbit and my ravioli was topped of with Tiramisu- yum.  It was a great way to finish our time in Stresa. This area is stunning, it is a pity for Kylie and the kids that a lot of its beauty was hidden by clouds for the majority of the trip. Tomorrow Venice and the kids can't wait to go for a ride in a Gondola, but the bank balance can.