IT seems only right that I finish 2015 with this post.

About our family holiday to Lake Maggiore in Italy.

Because it was a stand out holiday for many reasons.

It was our first holiday abroad, through this blog. It was the first time we’d been to Italy with Elsie. It was also the place where I had the biggest health scare of my life.

It was a time for relaxation, contemplation and family in my favourite country in the world. So ending the year on this blogging high, seems only right and makes me feel incredibly fortunate!

And at a time when most of us are busy thinking of making exciting plans or holiday arrangements for 2016, I thought some inspiration might come in handy too.

We visited the stunning Lake Maggiore back at the end of October, as guests of Italian luxury villa specialists, Bookings For You.

Our accommodation was simply stunning and had the most breathtaking views! It was also the perfect base from which to explore the area and even pop over the Italian border to Switzerland.

If you’re looking for a calm, relaxing holiday in Italy, then I can well recommend it. And if you still need convincing, here’s a mammoth collection of photos to tempt your wanderlust.

Lake Maggiore is a beautiful Italian lake with the most incredible views…

In October, out of peak season, it was quiet but not too quiet and the weather was still warm enough to be pleasant, with glorious sunshine.

I’ve visited Italy numerous times and this time of year, has always struck me as one of the best times to visit, as the natural beauty and scenery is just breathtaking.

The autumnal colours and stunning light that Italy is famous for, really is something else.

Our nearest town was Luino, a lovely, charming place that featured everything I adore about Italy such as the architecture and plenty of fabulous places to eat.

It was also the place to catch one of many boats to explore the lake…

And even make new Italian friends!

We all loved the short boat rides across the lake, particularly Elsie, to nearby places.

With our favourite place on the lake being the absolutely stunning town of Cannobio.

We spent many a day here during our week stay, eating…

Browsing the shops, admiring the local food, wine and fashion goods as we walked off our delicious lunches…

Every so often stopping to just take in the historic architecture (and pose for a picture!)

The light in Cannobio was incredible!

I mean, just look at this photo. I think it’s the best one I have ever taken with my smartphone.

Besides Cannobio, we also took a short drive over the Italian border to the large Swizz city of Lugano, an elegant and sophisticated place that’s often referred to as the ‘Monte-Carlo of Switzerland.

To rest our feet and give Elsie a little break, we took the ‘train’ around the city. A lovely way to get to grips with the place in a short space of time.

On our final day we stayed in Italy and visited Laveno-Mombello.

We admired the harbour and took a cable car to reach the (very!) high summit and admire the alps.

I don’t like heights, so in all honesty, it wasn’t one of my favourite moments, but thankfully the spectacular views just about it made it all worthwhile!

(Not for the fainthearted!)

Our week long stay in Lake Maggiore really was a perfect family break and just the relaxing ticket for one tired family, eager for a beautiful change of scene and an injection of laid back Italian culture.

It’s a stunning place with bags of charm. A place I just know you will absolutely love. (Whether you’re brave enough to try the cable car or not.) ;-)

A VIDEO: OUR WEEK IN TWO MINS

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Many thanks to Bookings For You for kindly inviting us to stay at their gorgeous property on Lake Maggiore.

If you’re looking for an Italian holiday or luxury Italian villa, please do check them out. They know everything there is to know about this magnificent country.

With love and the very best wishes for a happy and magical 2016!

Kate