One Day In Monte Isola and Hotel Rivalago
The second part of our journey to Lake Iseo in Italy we spent in amazing Rivalago Hotel. Beautiful blue mansion in the classic style nestled in lush vegetation just a few steps from the lake.
The hotel
Photography by me and Philippe Reifenrath.
The lobby is elegant and very cozy and has a small bar – perfect for taking an apéro before dinner.
The hotel has a swimming pool, a jacuzzi and a direct access to the lake. Despite the water was already quite chilly, we actually saw some guests swimming. The lake’s water is pristine clean and transparent and if you like snorkeling, taking a mask and fins with you could be a great idea.
The surrounding landscape is just incredible and you can spend hours gazing at water and mountains.
In sunset hours the sky looks dramatic and colours all surroundings in a gorgeous pink colour – one of the most romantic places I have ever been!
The room has all facilities for a comfortable and relaxing stay – a bed with luxurious linen, wifi, tv and a spacious bathroom. The view from the window looks like a postcard and when you see it for the first time, all that you can say is simply “wow”.
Lake Iseo has a large mountainous island right in the middle of it called Monte Isola. Sulzano town, where Hotel Rivalago is located is the nearest point to get it. It will take only around 5 minutes by regular ferry boat to reach it.
Gastronomic experience
Aperol Spritz is perhaps the most popular cocktail in Italy. Despite the recipe very simple, the taste may vary greatly – depending on what kind of prosecco and sparkling water is added. The one that we tried at Rivalago was one of the best we had in Italy.
The buffet breakfast was sumptuous and delicious and included the best Italian delicacies including Prosecco and famous Italian cakes. You can enjoy it in a glass pavilion in front of the hotel with the breathtaking views on the lake.
Dinner in the hotel is an amazing romantic experience – with evening lights and candles in the garden it is served in an incredible idyllic atmosphere.
Activities
The little town where the hotel is located is called Sulzano. Its narrow neat streets are coloured in warm yellow and orange hues – it is nice just to ramble around and take pictures of its cute corners.
From its dock, you can take a regular transfer boat to Monte Isola. This is the biggest inhabited lake island in the whole of Europe.
There is no car traffic on the island, so you can safely walk on the roads. The whole island is bathed in greenery. Relaxing atmosphere and characteristic Italian streets make you fall in love with them at first sight.
On the island, you can taste the specialty of the local cuisine – the lake basses and sardines.
They are usually served with polenta. Another delicacy of the island is homemade salami and local cheese.
The island is surrounded by a road, its length is about 9,5 km. So if you are planning to go for a walk, recommend you to take a comfortable pair of shoes. Strolling around the island you can enjoy the magnificent views and countless olive groves.
Lake Iseo is perfect for water activities such as kayaking and sailing. The water is very tranquil and clean while surrounding nature is fascinating.
The island has two castles – Rocca Martinegno and Olfredi. And at the very top of the island, there is the church of Santa Maria Della Ceriola with the marvelous wooden statue of Madonna. The temple is decorated with frescoes of the XVI century.
The sunset is probably the main attraction of the island. And I couldn’t resist the temptation to make a photo of it borrowing for the picture one of the local boats:
Read also about our trip to Bologna and Venice.
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