About Stresa and
Lago Maggiore
Lago Maggiore is a stunning, glacier-formed lake in Northern Italy (extending into Switzerland), known as the second-largest Italian lake after Lake Garda. It is renowned for the luxurious Borromean Islands (Isola Bella, Isola Madre) just off Stresa. Lago Maggiore is also the place where Giorgia and Alex first met!
Internationally recognised as the jewel of Lago Maggiore, Stresa is one of the most exclusive tourist destinations on the lake. It is home to historic palaces and exquisite gardens, with a lakeside promenade and numerous Art Nouveau villas. From Stresa, visitors can ascend Mount Mottarone to enjoy sweeping views of the lakes and the Alps beyond.
How to get there
The best airport for all international flights is Milano Malpensa. It is a 50 minute drive by rental car, or a 90 minute train ride.
TAxi
50 min. The most expensive option, we recommend trying to prebook a car service online which will be cheaper than at the airport.
BUs
50 min. The "ALIBUS" for Stresa. The service has time slots to choose from and needs to be booked the day before during a weekday arrival; or on Friday for a weekend arrival. For more information about the time sheets click here.
Car
At the airport you will find different companies to rent or pick up your car. We recommend booking beforehand online.
Train
There are multiple trains per day, but there isn't a direct train from the airport to Stresa station (there is a change in Gallarate). From the terminal, take the Malpensa Express that stops at Gallarate. From Gallarate, take any train for Domodossola and get off the train in Stresa.
Chiesa parrocchiale dei Santi Giuseppe e Biagio - via Alessandro Volta, 10 Stresa (VB).
The church doesn't have private parking but there are few places directly in front of it or in the streets around it. The church is not too far from the Villa Muggia where we going to celebrate after the ceremony. There will be private parking inside the villa to leave cars.
We kindly ask that all guests arrive at 3pm, ready for the ceremony to start at 3:30pm.
The
Wedding
the church
reception
Villa Muggia: viale Siemens 3, Stresa (VB). This is the Villa where will we continue to celebrate and party all together. The Villa is 4 minutes away from the church by car. It is 3 minutes away from the Centre of Stresa, or a 10/15 min walk.
HOTEL:
AccoMMoDATIoN
If you are looking for specific hotels or bed and breakfasts, the suggestions below are all within a 15-minute walk of the two wedding locations (the Villa and the Church).
- Hotel La Palma: 5 stars. From the church: 2min by car, 15 min by walk. From the Villa: 2min by car and 8 min by walk
- Grand Hotel les borromes: 5 stars. 5min walk from the centre but on the walk path and right in front of the lake. From the church: 2min by car and 12 by walk. From the Villa: 2min by car and 10 min by walk.
- Grand Hotel Bristol: 5 stars hotel. 8/10 min walk from the centre but right in front of the lake and on the walk path. From the church: 2min by car and 10 by walk. From the Villa: 3 min by car and 13 min by walk
- Hotel Flora: 3 stars hotel. 3 min far from the centre by the car and 13 min walk from it. Right close to the church only 4 min by walk and 1 min by car. From the villa: 4min by car and 15 min by walk
- Hotel Astoria: 4 stars hotel. Close to the centre of Stresa. From the church: 3min by car and 16 min by walk. From the Villa: 2 min by car and 8 min by walk
- Hotel Boston: 3 stars hotel. Close to the centre. From the church: 3min by car and 15 min by walk. From the villa: 2 min by car and 6 min by walk.
- Hotel Du Parc: 3 stars hotel. 5 min walk from the centre. From the church: 4 min by car and 22 min by walk. From the villa: 2 min by car and 10 min by walk.
Bed and Breakfast:
- Vespucci boutiques: from the church: 3 min far by car; 15 min by walk. from the Villa: 2 min by car and 7 min by walk. Super close to the centre (downtown) of Stresa.
- Al san Michele: super close to the centre of Stresa. from the church: 4 min by car, 20 min by walk. From the Villa: 3 min by car and 15 min by walk.
- Villa Isabella: close to the centre of Stresa, 5 min walk. From the church: 4 min by car or 15 min by walk. From the villa: 2 min by car and 4 min by walk.
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Day trips to Milano: Milano is a train ride away from Stresa, or a 1 hour, 15 minute drive. Visit the global capital of fashion and design, as well as the famous Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral!
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Arona: a delightful town on Lago Maggiore, where Alex and Giorgia will live during the WNBA off-season! Arona is a 30 minute drive from Stresa. The "Rocca Borromea" is a park and cliff front with an incredible view over the entire lake.
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Lago d'Orta and isola San Giulio: another beautiful lake close by with delicious restaurants and historic medieval streets. There is a small island in the centre of the lake where nuns still live! Orta is a 30 minute drive from Stresa. Fun fact: the pier of Lake Orta is where Alex proposed!
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Borromean Islands: The 3 islands in front of Stresa are called Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori. To get on the islands, there are different boats called "battelli" departing from the centre of Stresa all day long. All 3 islands are incredible, but to get an aperitivo or a nice lunch or dinner, l'isola dei pescatori and isola Bella are the best places to go.
Explore the town of Stresa: the centre and lakefront are stunning. Small shops are found all over the town as well as many award-winning restaurants.
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Things to Do in the
Area
HOneymoon
We are so excited to celebrate our special day with you! No gifts are necessary, but if you want to contribute towards our honeymoon, if would be warmly appreciated. Please send any contributions to Giorgia Tassini.
