Sometimes the journey is as good as the destination. Such is the case on the long boat ride from Stresa to Locarno on the Navigazione Laghi ship Verbania. These people are enjoying the view from the lower deck, just about at water level. Upstairs are two restaurant decks, one casual and one a bit nicer, and more seating, the top deck in the sunshine. The trip from Stresa to Locarno takes just under three hours, making several stops along the way including Cannobio, Luina across the lake, the Brissago Islands on the Swiss side of the lake, and Ascona, before Locarno. It is also often the boat part of the Lago Maggiore Express route.

There is no better way to get a sense of the scope and size and true beauty of the lake than by being on it. A very relaxing ride indeed...