THE ENCHANTING ATMOSPHERE OF LAKE ORTA

Depart from the hotel by private coach for the short drive to Lake Orta, the ancient “Cusius”, situated west of Lake Maggiore, and rich in history and monuments. Free time for lunch and shopping followed by a guided tour of this charming medieval village: Piazza Motta, on the lakefront just opposite the island of San Giulio, the heart of the town with its “Palazzotto” dating back to 1582, and narrow lanes lined with elegant sixteenth and seventeenth-century townhouses with their characteristic wrought iron gates and balconies, testimony to the local artisans of the period. The tour continues by small private motorboat across to the island of San Giulio, known for its Romanesque basilica founded, according to tradition, by the saint at the end of the fourth century. It was then enlarged several times and completely rebuilt between the XIth and XIIth centuries. The adjacent nineteenth-century building houses a community of Benedictine nuns. 

Back to the village for a visit to the Sacro Monte di Orta, designed and built between the late 16th and early 17th centuries, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2003 and Special Nature Reserve since 1980. Free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, on to Ghemme (about an hour by coach), production area of famous Nebbiolo-based DOCG wines: Ghemme, Gattinara, Sizzano, Fara and Boca. Tour a local winery and enjoy a guided tasting, each wine paired with a typical product from the area, including the well-known gorgonzola cheese. 

Return to the hotel by coach.