Stresa, Italy

When you think about the Italy itinerary, you are probably imagining yourself marveling at the magnificent Colosseum, riding a gondola in one of the most romantic cities in the world, and uncovering the mysteries of Pompeii. When you are out of sights to explore, you start thinking how amazing will it be to just wander around the charming historic alleys along a cobbled street, take the first bite of the authentic Italian pizza in a small cafe, and to take a long walk along the water coast under the bright Italian sun, while eating an ice cream and enjoying one the most incredible countries in the world. And if fulfilling the first half of this scenario will involve quite a lot of traveling, all you need to bring the second part to life is one small town.

Welcome to beautiful Stresa, nestled on the shores of the breathtaking Lake Maggiore. The scenic town's history goes back to the 10th century, but it wasn't particularly well known until 1929 when the one-and-only Ernest Hemingway put Stresa on the international map by using this picturesque place as a setting for his "A Farewell to Arms" novel.

The author loved the town and always referred to it as his "home from home". Stresa is a perfect place to have a brief break from the bursting with life and noise favored Italian cities, taking in the unique beauty of Italian nature in all its vast variety, before heading back to join the party.

And one of the best places to do it during Stresa travel is the Park of Villa Pallavicino. This breathtaking 19th-century Neoclassical mansion and the property's 16-hectare park attracts nature lovers from all around the globe and is believed to be the most beautiful garden in Italy.