Discovery Italy

Day 1: THE OLD MILAN, SFORZESCO CASTLE, BRERA DISTRICT, NAVIGLIO GRANDE
Traditional ice cream tasting
Arrival at the airport and transfer to 3* - 4* Hotel or B & B in air-conditioned buses. Refreshing welcome drink and free time to begin to immerse yourself in the fascinating atmosphere of Milan.
During the late afternoon you are going to start exploring the historical Milan: a tour of Piazza del Duomo, the magnificent gothic-lombard Cathedral with its beautiful terraces, the Baptistery of San Giovanni alla Fonti and the Archaeological site of the Dome Cathedral.
We recommend you to continue then towards Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, built in an eclectic style typical of the second half of the nineteenth century, a dear place to all Milanese people and where can be found designer shops, bars and restaurants.
A typical macchiato coffee, a delicious cappuccino and a typical milanese cake must definitely be tasted during a stop in the Gallery.
You visit then the charming old Piazza Mercanti, the symbol of the city, created in medieval times.
We also recommend you to visit Sforzesco Castle and the old Brera district, populated by artists and celebrities.
Ice cream tasting in a famous old gelateria in Milan.

Evening: Dinner at one of the oldest and charming trattoria in the suggestive atmosphere of the ancient vicolo dei Lavandai along Naviglio Grande.
You immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the old canals of Milan and the wide variety of ancient lombard cuisine: you can choose among many delicious dishes such as “risotto alla Milanese”, cottoletta, mozzarella, tomato and basil with a glass of Barbera, Garda Cabernet or Franciacorta.

Day 2: MILANO – SESTO CALENDE 57 km by train
Your morning begins with a journey by train to Sesto Calende, the charming village located at the south of Lake Maggiore.
You visit the beautiful old Oratorio San Vincenzo, a wonderful place of worship since prehistoric times and the Abbey of San Donato.
Lunch at “La Biscia o Tre Re”, a charming lakeside restaurant where you can taste culinary delights.
SESTO CALENDE – ARONA 9 km by train + trekking (according to preferences)
Tasting of local wines and local cheeses
You continue along the western shore of Lake Maggiore with its beautiful scenery and picturesque landscapes on a level path.
You are going to pass through beautiful scenery, castles, colorful flora and a culture rich in culinary history.
Once in Arona, you visit the beautiful old town, Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Nascente, the ancient Church dei Martiri and Colosso di San Carlo Borromeo, the statue overlooking Lake Maggiore.
You can also visit later the largest family of Italian cheese refiners, the company Luigi Guffanti, for an afternoon of delicious cheese tasting, at the renowned cellar ... seasoning cheeses, flavors and delicious aromas accompanied by delicious local wines will be in store for you

Evening: Stroll and relax by the lake and dinner in a local restaurant.
Accommodation in 3* Hotel, B & B or a Factory farm

Day 3: ARONA – STRESA 18 km by train or bus + trekking (according to preferences)
Leaving Arona, a town surrounded by green hills we recommend you to continue by train or bus to Lesa, a village nestled in a small creek and then you continue in the direction of Stresa, the famous tourist resort of Lake Maggiore and the Borromeo Gulf Islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola Pescatori.
Lunch in a lakeside trattoria, tasting culinary delicacies of the lake and then walk along the lake promenade, lined with trees and full of liberty style hotels and prestigious villas that distinguish Stresa.
You can embarked then for a trip to the islands, visiting the pearl of Lake Maggiore, Isola Bella, located a few hundred meters from the shore, reachable in only a few minutes by boat. You visit its great Baroque Palace from the seventeenth century, rich in history alongside a lush Italian garden, laid out on terraces, rich flowers and rare exotic plants.
Later you reach Isola Madre, covered with a very interesting botanical garden and with beautiful boulevards that run along the rivershore.
Isola Pescatori with its picturesque village inhabited by fishermen and the spectacular tangle of picturesque lanes…is also on the itinerary schedule.

Evening: Return from the itinerary and the tour continues by bus to the village of Vedasco of Stresa, where from a quiet and panoramic position the lake can be seen from above.
Dinner at Osteria "Vecchio Tram" that offers Mediterranean cuisine.
Accommodation in 3* Hotel, B & B or Factory Farm/ Agriturismo

Day 4 : STRESA - THE MOTTARONE 20 km by cableway + trekking (according to preferences)
After a rich breakfast you take the cable car leading from Stresa Lido to Mottarone.
You cross the scenic Botanical Garden and enjoy a breathtaking view: the gulf is going to be beneath you.
Once climbed to the top, you have the chance to enjoy a beautiful scenic view, considering that the view is at 360°.
Lunch with sandwiches
MOTTARONE - BAVENO 28 km by train or bus + trekking
BAVENO - VERBANIA by boat
You travel towards Baveno crossing beautiful forest landscape, soft hills and breathtaking views.
In Baveno you stop for a while for refreshments and a quick visit of the old town and then by ferry heading towards Verbania.

Evening: Accommodation in 3* Hotel , B & B or Farm factory

Day 5: VERBANIA
The morning starts with a tour to discover the charm of the nineteenth-century villas: Villa S. Remigio, Villa Giulia and Villa Taranto, the beautiful scenery of flowers and the beautiful lakeside, Piazza Castello and Piazza San Vittore.

Evening:
VERBANIA - INTRA 3.5 kilometers by bus or train (according to preferences)
continue your journey towards Intra where you take the boat and reach the opposite shore of Lake Maggiore, Laveno.
INTRA - LAVENO by boat
Dinner in Trattoria tasting the best lake dishes.

Day 6: LAVENO - ISPRA 15 km by bus or trekking (according to preferences)
Wine and local products tasting
The day begins with a lakeside walk among stunning sceneries and hills towards Ispra, making a quick stop at the monastic complex of Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso on the beautiful cliff.
This is almost a balcony to the Borromee islands.
Lunch and visit the historical center of Ispra.
Enoteca Forni located in Via Piave can also be visited for wine tasting.
ISPRA - ANGERA 5.5 km by bus or trekking (according to preferences)
We recommend a trekking route, enjoying the wonderful smells of the area.
In Angera you can visit the Rock of Angera. With its tower and laces is a beautiful evidence of old battles and old times.
The Doll Museum, with its beautiful collection belonging to the old Borromeo family, is also on the itinerary schedule.

Evening: Dinner in a restaurant that offers typical dishes of the lake.
Accommodation in 3*Hotel , B & B or Farm factory

Day 7: ANGERA – SESTO CALENDE 9 km by train or bus + trekking
Wine and local food tasting
You cover the last part of your journey along the beautiful shores of Lake Maggiore.
We recommend to spend the day at the farm factory “La Fattoria”, surrounded by green and among animals.
Lunch with typical products of the farm.

Evening: Lakeside walk, accommodation in 3* Hotel, B & B or Farm factory.
End of the itinerary.