Lido di Venezia, a barrier island facing the Adriatic Sea, offers a serene escape from the crowds of Venice. A short ferry ride away from Piazza San Marco, the Lido boasts private and public beaches, providing a perfect retreat from the summer heat. Once a jet-set oasis in the 1950s and 1960s, the Lido continues to attract celebrities, especially during the Film Festival in late August-early September. The historic Excelsior Hotel and other luxury accommodations make it an ideal base for exploring Venice.
Lake Maggiore, located in Piedmont and Lombardy, offers a quieter alternative to the popular Lake Como. With its stunning villas, gardens, and lake activities, Lake Maggiore provides a picturesque setting without the crowds. Stresa, a charming town on the lake, is home to the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées and the enchanting Borromean Islands. Verbania and other lakeside villages offer a peaceful retreat for travelers.
