The Regina Palace

While unable to claim the same Hemingway fame as the neighbouring Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées, the Regina Palace Hotel has nevertheless seen its fair share of royalty, artists and writers over the years, as well as hosting the delegates of the 1935 Stresa Front.

With the race nerves barely in check, the breakfast view overlooking Lago Maggiore was unbeatable, and after a morning walk along the waterfront, I am now ready to set off for those 21.1 kilometres over to Verbania.