Italy #2 - The Borromean Islands

The Borromean Islands (It. Isole Borromee) are a group of three small islands and two islets in the Italian part of Lago Maggiore, located in the western arm of the lake, between Verbania to the north and Stresa  to the south. Together totalling just 50 acres (20 hectares) in area, they are a major local tourist attraction for their picturesque setting.

Their name derives from the Borromeo family, which started acquiring them in the early 16th century (Isola Madre) and still owns some of them (Isola Madre, Bella, San Giovanni) today.

Isola Bella, named for Isabella, countess Borromeo, was originally a largely barren rock; after first improvements and buildings, opened by count Carlo III between 1629 and 1652, his son Vitaliano the 6th built an attractive summer palace, bringing in vast quantities of soil in order to build up a system of ten terraces for the garden. The unfinished building displays paintings by Lombard artists and Flemish tapestries.

Facts from Wikipedia.

PS: That is my brother entertaining all the tourists by doing a Rocky imitation, 
complete with humming the music and everything!

PS II: That is my bonus sister with the awesome tattoo.

PS III: That is me slacking in the shade.

More from day 2 later! And please do tell me if I am 
killing you with holiday picture overdose here :)

 All pictures © SignePling