While the Lake region has some of Italy's best museums, cathedrals and villas, an alternative to sightseeing is to spend an afternoon or evening picnicking lakeside. It's an awe inspiring experience and will give you a different perspective on the area's graceful and unspoiled beauty. Many establishments sell wonderful wine that's produced locally, so if you have the room, add a bottle to your list as well. Another great way to spend a portion of your day is to rent a boat and view the mountain peaks, hillsides and villages from the water.
Many resort areas offer boat rentals with or without a private guide.
Food connoisseurs from all over the world agree that the best truffles are found in Italy's Piedmont region. This rare and expensive food is actually a fungus that grows underground near the roots of trees. Truffle hunters from Piedmont, accompanied by their dogs, search for truffles during the Fall, making the season the best time of year to enjoy this delicacy. While most restaurants in Piedmont offer truffles on their menus in the Fall, you can also buy them at the truffle market, which welcomes visitors during the annual October truffle festival in Alba. Also, ask at your hotel if there are hunts that permit guests.