Exploring Northern Italy's Lakes and Scenic Beauty

After a long hiatus from writing about summer vacations, I recently returned from Northern Italy, a region that has left me with a sunburn and a belly full of homemade tiramisu. This stunning area, much like Tuscany, Rome, and Venice, deserves a spotlight.

Our travels primarily revolved around Lake Garda and Lake Como, located at the top of Italy's boot, before plunging into the depths of its cultural wonders.

However, our vacation began with some unnecessary complications that nearly derailed our plans.

Rental Car Woes

Upon arriving at Milan Airport, we approached the Avis rental counter, weary but excited to pick up our car, which we had prepaid for 16 days, including full insurance. Yet, instead of receiving our vehicle, we encountered a frustrating roadblock.

The Avis employee informed us that the system required my wife’s credit card PIN to hand over the keys. Despite our explanations, he remained unyielding.

“Your number doesn’t work. No car for you. Goodbye.”

This was particularly disheartening, as my wife had recently been issued a new card due to fraud, but we had been assured that her old PIN would still be valid. Unfortunately, the Avis system did not share this sentiment.

We made frantic calls to the bank and other services, but the situation remained unchanged.

“Your number doesn’t work. No car for you. Goodbye.”

Despite presenting all our identification and proof of payment, the response was the same. As frustration mounted, I offered various alternatives, including cash guarantees, but to no avail.

“Your number doesn’t work. No car for you. Goodbye.”

My wife was in tears, and our son was on the brink of distress. I insisted on speaking to a manager, hoping for a resolution, but the employee remained obstinate.

In the end, we had no choice but to seek another rental service. Finding a company willing to rent us a car without a credit card proved challenging until we discovered Sicily by Car. They took my debit card without issue, and we were finally on our way.

Enchanting Lakes: Garda, Ledro, Tenno

Having only swum in bathtubs, pools, or the ocean before, I was pleasantly surprised by how refreshing it was to swim in a lake. The sweet waters of Italy's lakes are not only safe from dangerous sea creatures but are also typically warm and crystal clear.

However, building sandcastles was replaced with stacking stones, as the rocky shores presented a challenge. My son managed to navigate the stones with ease, while I opted for sandals to ease the discomfort.

From our accommodation near Lake Garda, we explored smaller lakes, including the stunning Lago di Tenno, which is a hidden gem surrounded by mountains.

Another highlight was Lago di Ledro, where I even braved a swim in the rain. We also visited the impressive waterfall, Pascata Varone, where visitors can experience refreshing sprays from the cascading water.

On our way to our hotel at Lake Como, we stopped by the picturesque Lago di Levico, where I observed adventurous locals leaping from makeshift high jumps into the lake. Instead of joining them, we opted for a 15-kilometer hike around the lake, where we encountered some friendly locals.

Lake Como: A Nerd’s Paradise

Lake Como, arguably even more beautiful than Lake Garda, offered breathtaking scenery and experiences that resonated with my nerdy inclinations.

From our hotel room, the view was idyllic, and the charming streets of nearby villages, like Varenna, beckoned us to explore.

One of the highlights was a visit to Patello di Vezio, a castle ruin that provided stunning vistas of the lake. While wandering the grounds, I encountered some playful ghosts, adding an unexpected thrill to our visit.

Another excursion took us to the renowned Villa del Balbianello, famous for its appearances in Star Wars Episode II. Despite a lengthy wait due to rain, we were rewarded with spectacular views and beautiful gardens.

While many visitors seemed more interested in capturing the perfect Instagram shot than enjoying the scenery, the villa's beauty was undeniable. The experience was a reminder of the balance between savoring moments and sharing them with the world.

Ultimately, our trip to Northern Italy, despite its rocky start, was filled with memorable experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and a newfound appreciation for the charm of the Italian lakes.