Experiences
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore, Italy's second largest lake is characterised by deep blue water, green parks, high mountains, wild chestnut groves and picturesque villages. While the northernmost tip, surrounded by the Ticino Alps, belongs to Switzerland, the shoreline of the middle and southern parts of the lake are divided between the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. Idyllic mountain villages cling to the slopes and beckon one to embark on journeys of discovery.The Mottarone mountain above Stresa, provides a breathtaking view of the lake and the cities which adorn its shoreline. The former wealth of the inhabitants on Lake Maggiore can still be felt today, as the lakeside roads are lined with sumptuous palazzi and villas, surrounded by lush parks and gardens. The Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto and the Villa Pallavicino are open to visitors, whilst the Borromean Islands, among then Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori, are one of the ‘pearls’ of Lake Maggiore attracting many travellers each year to marvel at their beauty. It is no wonder then, that Lake Maggiore has become such an internationally renowned holiday paradise for sophisticated travellers with a sense of romanticism.
Some sample experiences to enjoy as a private or small group tour:
Stresa and the Borromean Islands: Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori
During this excursion you can admire blossoming gardens, magnificent buildings, elegant villas and subtropical vegetation. You will reach the famous Borromean Islands by private boat: Isola Bella impresses with its sumptuous Baroque palace and a beautiful garden with plants and flowers of various origins. A picturesque fishing village with original dwellings is located on Isola dei Pescatori.
Afterwards you will have time to stroll through the famous health resort of Stresa with its elegant promenades and picturesque historic district.
Three lakes excursion
You will travel along the lovely west coast of Lago Maggiore over Locarno to Lugano. During a stop there you will see the beautiful shore promenade, the city park of Villa Ciani as well as the centre with its splendid foliage and the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli, which is richly a dorned with frescoes. Afterwards the tour will continue to the ‘silk city’ of Como with its imposing cathedral and pretty little streets and squares.
The fascinating lakes with their well-known holiday destinations beckon one to linger and the ride alone is an experience with its diverse landscapes. You will travel back to your hotel past the southern portion of Lago Maggiore.
Lake Orta
Lake Orta is considered an insider tip, the smallest pre-Alpine lake. The picturesque hilly landscape, in which small villages are embedded, radiates peace and quiet and enchants with its Mediterranean flair. In the village of Orta, located on the shores of the lake, you will wind across the old market square and through the narrow, medieval alleyways and along the way see romantic, secluded gardens. You will reach the island of San Giulio by boat, there you can visit the oldest church of this region. In the interior you will find precious frescoes dating back to the Renaissance.
Stresa and the Santa Caterina del Sasso Hermitage
In the 19th century Stresa was the most sophisticated health resort in Italy, and today it still radiates some of the flair of the ‘Belle Époque’. Take a walk along the lakeside promenade with palaces in the art nouveau style and luxury hotels. In the afternoon the tour continues to Santa Caterina del Sasso. The hermitage is reached by a 20-minute boat ride from Stresa. It literally ‘hangs’ between two rocks and the sea. As you approach, you will recognise its magic and make out its different buildings: the southern monastery, the small monastery, the wine press from the year 1759 and the church.
Centovalli Train and Locarno
You will travel through the wildly romantic ‘Val Grande’ national park to Domodossola, a mountain village with an idyllic location. Here you will climb aboard the Centovalli train for a ride through the fascinating ‘valley of one hundred valleys’. During the ride you will pass by tranquil, stony mountain villages and chestnut forests and over dizzying bridges, which spandeep ravines, on the way to Locarno. From Locarno you will depart on a 3-hour boat
trip to Stresa, which will cross the entire lake.
