Magic in Italy: Lake Iseo
Trip Report Index:
Introduction
Getting There
Hotel Review: St. Regis Rome
Hotel Review: Hotel De Russie
Visiting Rome
Hotel Review: The Westin Europa & Regina
Visiting Venice
Hotel Review: St. Regis Venice San Clemente Palace (previously reviewed)
Driving around Lake Garda
Hotel Review: Hotel Sirmione
Day in Sirmione
Dinner in Sirmione
Hotel Review: Hotel Ideal
Night in Verona
Lake Idro
Lake Iseo
Lake Maggiore
Hotel Review: Sheraton Milan
Retrospect
Starting off on the right foot this time, I looked carefully at the map to confirm the lake that we were headed to was the right one. Yep, Lake Iseo. After a twisty road, we came to the lake.
Now this was a lake! Expansive, with little towns along the shoreline and the majestic Italian alps rising in the distance.
Parking in a metered spot for a few hours, we just started walking towards the largest buildings.
The 10 minute walk was pleasant, right along the water.
No one was actually swimming in the water but there were steps down for anyone wanting to.
The views of the mountains surrounding the lake were peaceful, and there was enough wind for sailboats out on the water. I could see vineyards in the distance, along with monasteries and medieval towns.
The calm water and quiet lapping sound of the lake water was punctuated occasionally by the quack quack quack of ducks.
I hadn’t brought any bread but they seemed occupied with the grasses and bugs anyhow.
Once we reached the buildings we looked at the map and saw that we were right at the tip of the town. An old church and a wide street with lovely buildings invited us to walk further.
The amazing part was that there were almost no tourists. Many flock to the busy Italian lakes of Como and Maggiore, but this town seemed like a secret spot for soaking up Italian culture and cuisine.
Sun bleached buildings, monuments and small shops dotted the streets.
It was a perfect day to stroll around the little streets aimlessly.
In a piazza, children raced their bikes while a couple old men read the paper and drank Espresso at a cafe.
The local grocer was open for business, and a few ladies with their shopping bags were picking out some fresh items to bring home.
Ending up back along the water, there were Gelaterias and restaurants. We could have walked another 10-15 minutes to get to Forno Di Porta Del Campo, which has deliciously crispy crusted pizza. We wanted a view of the lake though, so we just walked until we found something that had a great view.
Il Bruco was the winner. It was almost empty, but the man who greeted us assured us that even in the late afternoon they were still serving all items on the menu. Some Italian restaurants stop serving between lunch and dinner, or cut down the selection to simple sandwiches or pasta.
We chose a corner table that had a beautiful view of the lake.
Menu
The city offers diving, fishing, and sailing. We also saw the ferry pass that goes to Monte Isola, an inhabited lake island with just over 2,000 residents and no cars.
A handful of tourists just outside the restaurant was taking in the view on a quiet bench, and enjoying some conversation.
A few minutes later, that all came to an end as a guy with a deafeningly loud leaf blower chose that particular spot to start his cleaning. The group moved to another area.
I ordered spaghetti, and it took a bit to arrive but I wasn’t in any hurry. When it came it was pretty good. Not great, but tasty and hot and with a good portion.
After lunch, we took to the side streets again to see more of the town.
The path eventually led back to the water.
On the way back to the car I had even brought a few pieces of bread to share with the lake ducks who were most appreciative.
What a great little town, tucked away in the Italian alps. I would definitely visit here again!
