For our 11th Anniversary on the 11 August 2001, we spent a week in the Northern Italian lake district.  We stayed at a lovely hotel, the Villa Madrina.  We flew into Milan and rented a car for the 2½hr drive to Lake Garda.  The countryside is very beautiful and the lake area itself, being in the mountains is very spectacular.

Balcony View - 121K
The view from our balcony.  Not too shabby!!  The lake in the background.  It is about a 10 minute walk to the shore and the restaurants. 		Balcony View - 219K
The very inviting pool, especially when it is around 30°C.  We spent quite a few relaxing hours around the pool, just reading and relaxing.
Waterfront - 138K
The shoreline is very attractive, with lots of shops and restaurants.  There are many boats in the local marina.  The ones I really liked were the type that "If you need to ask how much it is to buy one of them, then you can't afford it!" 		Lunch - 101K
Mmmm...  Insalata Caprese beside the lake.  A nice bottle of Pino Grigio and Lemon Veal....
Doug & Beer - 106K
Just what the doctor ordered!  Again down near the lake. 		Lake Como - 86K
One day we decided to go to Lake Como, all the way back past Milan and then up to Lake Como.  The day was a little grey, but at least it wasn't full of tourists!  This is part of the main church in the town square.  We did a little shopping and then went into Switzerland for dinner!  Not a bad day!!
Verona Amphitheatre - 163K
What an place to experience Opera for the first time!  About 1hr from the Lake and we made sure we arrived early to get our tickets.  But it is really tricky as the ticket collection office is very hard to find.  Click here to go to the Opera's homepage. 		Aida - 182K
The show is also quite amazing!  I now know I do not really enjoy Opera, but what a spectacle!