Northern Italy Where to stop

[jan]

We land at MXP around 9:30am. Will be renting a car and driving to a 4 night apartment stay in Iseo. Here's the glitch--the check in for the apartment is not until 5:00pm!!! I have written and asked for an early check in but they have said they cannot tell me until it gets closer (Sept.18 is the date). I pretty much begged them for a 2:00 check in but have not heard back yet, of course.
So--where might be a nice place to stop on the route and have lunch and a nice walk about. And...leave our luggage in the car.

 

[Ian Sutton]

For aparthotels (multiple apartments managed and let out) it's usually feasible to drop bags off & explore, before checking in later.

It sounds like even that isn't possible here. In which case what about finding a small rural restaurant where you can have a long lunch and a stroll afterwards. Such places often feel 'safer' and relaxed, which is often ideal after a long flight.

Alternatively, there may be some nice walks near to Malpensa in Parco Naturale Valle Ticino- Piemonte. We've not explored that, but have wondered whether it might be worth doing so.

 

[Tina]

They probably can't tell you yet because it will depend if they've got guests leaving that day or not, at what time they will leave and how long it takes to clean the apartment and prepare it for you. I would specify your problem. They may well allow you to leave the luggage there while cleaning is in progress or indicate a safe place to leave your car and luggage. The Lake Iseo area is generally very safe but I would not leave anything important or in view in a parked car anywhere and don't open the boot to advertise the fact you've got cases. Coming from Malpensa, you could drive to Sarnico/Paratico and park in Viale Garibaldi along the lake in the pay parking spaces (blue lines), or somewhere similar. Lots of nice places to eat and it will be reasonably quiet on a weekday in September. Then have a walk along the lake. The Paratico side also has a pleasant park where you can sit and rest.

 

[jan]

Thanks, Ian and Tina. Yes, I totally understand about previous guest and clean up. I like Tina's suggestion of Sarnico and that's likely what we'll do. I just imagine us crashing on a park bench like a homeless couple. Actually, I always manage to stay awake through the first day but Ken... We'll see.