The Best of Lake Maggiore Walking Holiday

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    [title] => Arrival Day
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Welcome to Lake Maggiore. Once you arrive, settle in and get acquainted with where you’ll stay for the week.
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    [title] => Belgirate back to Stresa
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
The Chestnut Route as it is known locally. We follow old mule trails dating back to Roman times, passing pretty churches, small hamlets, and the zoological gardens of Villa Pallavicino.
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                            [title] => Chesnut Walk via Calogna
                            [content] => 
Distance: 7½ miles (12km)
Ascent: 1,300ft (400m)
Descent: 1,150ft (360m)
Taking the same route as option one until the church of Saint Paolo, we’ll then venture off on another mule trail uphill to the hamlet of Calogna. Crossing moorland to a beech forest, we’ll pass by old shepherd huts while glimpsing the lake down below. Once we reach the village of Magognino, we’ll start descending through Passera to the gardens of Villa Pallavicino.
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                            [title] => Chestnut Walk
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Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 800ft (240m)
Descent: 900ft (280m)
From the shore, we’ll walk up to the Romanesque church of Santa Maria to see the views and the frescoes. Then following a mule track, you’ll see how farming used to be before we arrive at the church of Saint Paolo. Step through a chestnut forest, passing the ruins of Sanin Albino, to the village of Passera and the gardens of Villa Pallavicino.
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    [title] => Suna To Cavandone Or Lake Mergozzo
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Suna is a charming medieval village linked by arched passageways. Cavandone with its’ breathtaking views and traditional stone houses has a centuries old yew tree as the symbol of the village. Verbania is described as the gem of Lake Maggiore for its splendid views and historic villas.
Lake Mergozzo is a small, yet very beautiful lake situated at the beginning of the Ossola Valley. It takes its name from the small town of Mergozzo located on the northern tip of the lake. The areas on these walks are known for medieval villages, stunning villas, chestnut tree groves and ancient mule tracks
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                            [title] => Suna to Cavandone
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Distance: 4.5miles (7.5km)
Ascent: 900ft (260m)
Descent: 1,150ft (360m)
We start from Suna from where we’ll follow an ancient trail past the chestnut wood and medieval tower, climbing further for impressive views of Lake Maggiore below. At Cardavone, you’ll see a 400-year-old yew tree.
                        )

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                            [title] => Lake Mergozzo
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Distance: 7½miles (12km)
Ascent: 1,200ft (360m)
Descent: 1,200ft (360m)
We’ll take the bus to Verbania to set off on a path that hugs the eastern shore, passing through chestnut woods and meadows that open out onto views over Lake Mergozzo. Stop for lunch in Mergozzo before taking the Sentiero Azzuro (Blue Path), pausing at Montorfano for far-reaching views of Lake Maggiore and the Toce River. We’ll visit the Romanesque church before descending to Verbania where we’ll catch the bus back.
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    [title] => Cannero Riviera and Cannobio
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Cannero Riviera is a picturesque lakeside town on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, and it is known for its tranquillity and natural beauty. There is a promenade from which there are stunning views of the lake and the Catelli de Cannero castles. Cannobio is one of the prettiest towns on Lake Maggiore. It has a historic centre and features narrow streets with pastel-coloured houses. Both these towns are in Italy’s Piedmont region. Both walks today start from Cannero Riviera and end in Cannobio.
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                            [title] => Carmine Superiore
                            [content] => 
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Ascent: 1739ft (530m)
Descent: 1197 (365m)

From Cannero Riviera, we walk on an old mule track. We will spot the legendary castles of Cannero on a gentle uphill walk. Halfway up we will encounter the castle-like Carmine Superiore cut into the rock this Romanesque church has frescoes and a breathtaking view over the lake. Late winter into spring camellias are in bloom while the blossom on chestnut trees can be seen in May and the holly blooms from early spring into summer. October sees the arrival of stunning autumn colours. Our path leads down to Cannobio where the two groups meet and enjoy some time exploring this delightful village.
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                            [title] => Chestnut Wood and Viggiona Village
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Distance: 7.4m (12km)
Ascent: 2395ft (730m)
Descent: 1772ft (540m)
From Cannero Riviera, famous for its citrus groves, our walk takes us through chestnut woods and on a sealed road past beautiful villas until we reach the village of Viggiona, with its breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding hills it is just a short distance from the Swiss border. The village has a well-preserved rural character and is known for its picturesque alleyways and terraces. We take time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before joining an old mule track heading downhill. We pass Molineggi, where there used to be mills to ground rye. We reach some shepherd huts from where we can take in the panoramic views. From here we head down to the medieval village of Cannobio, meeting up with the other group. There is time to explore its arcades and promenade.
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    [title] => Free Day
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    [description] => 
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Maggiore by taking a hop-on, hop-off boat from Pallanza to one or more of the Borromean Islands. The largest is Isola Madre considered to be a botanical garden on water. Here you will find rare plants from around the world and at the highest point the elegant Palazzo Borromeo, a family home from 1563, while today it is a museum.  The world-famous Isola Bella has an Italian-style baroque garden with superimposed terraces and grottoes, statues, obelisks and two water-wheel towers. To add to this astonishing display white peacocks spread their tails as they saunter around the island. If you are a member of the Royal Horticultural Society of UK, the gardens on both islands are open to you free of charge. Don’t forget to pack your membership card to enjoy these stunning gardens.
 
If you would like to go further afield and don’t mind an early start, trains travel from Pallanza to Milan a centre of fashion, design, art, architecture and culture where history and modernity sit comfortably side by side.
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    [title] => Lake Orta
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
Today we head over to Lake Maggiore’s little sister, Lake Orta. Both walks start in the hills above the lake and finish in Orta San Giulio, one of the most beautiful towns in Italy.
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                            [title] => Armeno to Orta San Guilio 1
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Distance: 6miles (9km)
Ascent: 450ft (140m)
Descent: 1,150ft (360m)
We’ll start in the town of Armeno following trails through farms and meadows, crossing a Roman bridge, and entering another village called Armeno. We’ll head down through lush parkland to Vacciago, once a rich retreat away from the lake. We’ll descend to Legro and from here to the lake with time to explore Orta San Giulio.
                        )

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                            [title] => Armeno to Orta San Guilio 2
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Distance: 8½miles (14km)
Ascent: 700ft (220m)
Descent: 1,450ft (460m)
Following option one from Armeno to Armeno, we then ascend to Monte Mesma and the Franciscan convent of the same name. We’ll get a wonderful view of Lake Orta, then after circling the small peak we’ll head down into the village of Vacciago and onto the painted village of Legro. A final descent takes us to Orta San Guilio with time to explore.
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    [title] => Anzasca Valley And Mont Rosa
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Today we head into the mountains and the Anzasca Valley to Macunaga, home to the Walser people. This small region still has its own language and keeps to its historic traditions. After both walks, we’ll take you to the village of Macunaga sitting below Mount Rosa.
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                            [title] => Piedimulera to Castiglione
                            [content] => 
Distance: 3½miles (6km)
Ascent: 1,250ft (380m)
Descent: 500ft (160m)
We start in the pretty village of Piedimulera, which sits at the mouth of the Anzasca Valley looked over by Torre Ferreiro. Our path takes us out of town, through the valley, following the course of the Anza river. Passing chestnut woods, fruit trees, and old watercourses, we’ll see ancient settlements and traces of old trades. We’ll finish in the hamlet of Castiglione before heading to the Walser village of Macuanaga.
                        )

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                            [title] => Piedimulera to Molini
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Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 1,850ft (560m)
Descent: 1,100ft (340m)
From Piedimulera we’ll follow the same route as option one. After the village of Castiglione, we’ll head along the valley and into the deep forested hills as we follow the old road with occasional glimpses of the cobalt blue torrent. We soon enter the outskirts of the village of Molini, which clings to the hillside flanked by the river. Finally, we’ll have time to explore Macuanaga.
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    [title] => Departure Day
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    [description] => 
We’ll leave Lake Maggiore for our flight back home.
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    [title] => Arrival Day
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
Welcome to Lake Maggiore. Once you arrive, settle in and get acquainted with where you’ll stay for the week.
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    [title] => Belgirate back to Stresa
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
The Chestnut Route as it is known locally. We follow old mule trails dating back to Roman times, passing pretty churches, small hamlets, and the zoological gardens of Villa Pallavicino.
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                            [title] => Chesnut Walk via Calogna
                            [content] => 
Distance: 7½ miles (12km)
Ascent: 1,300ft (400m)
Descent: 1,150ft (360m)
Taking the same route as option one until the church of Saint Paolo, we’ll then venture off on another mule trail uphill to the hamlet of Calogna. Crossing moorland to a beech forest, we’ll pass by old shepherd huts while glimpsing the lake down below. Once we reach the village of Magognino, we’ll start descending through Passera to the gardens of Villa Pallavicino.
                        )

                    [1] => Array
                        (
                            [title] => Chestnut Walk
                            [content] => 
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 800ft (240m)
Descent: 900ft (280m)
From the shore, we’ll walk up to the Romanesque church of Santa Maria to see the views and the frescoes. Then following a mule track, you’ll see how farming used to be before we arrive at the church of Saint Paolo. Step through a chestnut forest, passing the ruins of Sanin Albino, to the village of Passera and the gardens of Villa Pallavicino.
                        )

                )

        )

)
                    

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    [title] => Suna To Cavandone Or Lake Mergozzo
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
Suna is a charming medieval village linked by arched passageways. Cavandone with its’ breathtaking views and traditional stone houses has a centuries old yew tree as the symbol of the village. Verbania is described as the gem of Lake Maggiore for its splendid views and historic villas.
Lake Mergozzo is a small, yet very beautiful lake situated at the beginning of the Ossola Valley. It takes its name from the small town of Mergozzo located on the northern tip of the lake. The areas on these walks are known for medieval villages, stunning villas, chestnut tree groves and ancient mule tracks
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                            [title] => Suna to Cavandone
                            [content] => 
Distance: 4.5miles (7.5km)
Ascent: 900ft (260m)
Descent: 1,150ft (360m)
We start from Suna from where we’ll follow an ancient trail past the chestnut wood and medieval tower, climbing further for impressive views of Lake Maggiore below. At Cardavone, you’ll see a 400-year-old yew tree.
                        )

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                            [title] => Lake Mergozzo
                            [content] => 
Distance: 7½miles (12km)
Ascent: 1,200ft (360m)
Descent: 1,200ft (360m)
We’ll take the bus to Verbania to set off on a path that hugs the eastern shore, passing through chestnut woods and meadows that open out onto views over Lake Mergozzo. Stop for lunch in Mergozzo before taking the Sentiero Azzuro (Blue Path), pausing at Montorfano for far-reaching views of Lake Maggiore and the Toce River. We’ll visit the Romanesque church before descending to Verbania where we’ll catch the bus back.
                        )

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    [title] => Cannero Riviera and Cannobio
    [introduction] => Today’s walks begin in Cannero Riviera, a lakeside village known for its citrus groves. Both options follow old mule tracks through the hills to Cannobio, passing chestnut woodland, Mediterranean planting and traditional villages, with beautiful views across Lake Maggiore.
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                            [title] => Carmine Superiore and Cannobio
                            [content] => 
Distance: 5.5 miles (9 km) 
Ascent: 1,200 feet (360 m) 
Leaving Cannero Riviera, we follow an old mule track with views towards the Castles of Cannero, which rise from the lake. We climb through camellias, holly and chestnut trees to Carmine Superiore, a stone-built village with a Romanesque church and historic frescoes. We then descend to Cannobio, where medieval streets, waterfront arcades and cafés await
                        )

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                            [title] => Viggiona and Cannobio
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Distance: 7.5 miles (12 km) 
Ascent: 1,770 feet (540 m) 
Our longer walk climbs from Cannero Riviera through chestnut woodland and past elegant villas to Viggiona. After time to explore its colourful houses and narrow lanes, we descend along an old mule track through Molineggi, once home to rye-grinding mills, and past traditional shepherds’ huts. We finish beside the lake in Cannobio.
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    [title] => Free Day
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Maggiore by taking a hop-on, hop-off boat from Pallanza to one or more of the Borromean Islands. The largest is Isola Madre considered to be a botanical garden on water. Here you will find rare plants from around the world and at the highest point the elegant Palazzo Borromeo, a family home from 1563, while today it is a museum.  The world-famous Isola Bella has an Italian-style baroque garden with superimposed terraces and grottoes, statues, obelisks and two water-wheel towers. To add to this astonishing display white peacocks spread their tails as they saunter around the island. If you are a member of the Royal Horticultural Society of UK, the gardens on both islands are open to you free of charge. Don’t forget to pack your membership card to enjoy these stunning gardens.
 
If you would like to go further afield and don’t mind an early start, trains travel from Pallanza to Milan a centre of fashion, design, art, architecture and culture where history and modernity sit comfortably side by side.
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    [title] => Lake Orta
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
Today we head over to Lake Maggiore’s little sister, Lake Orta. Both walks start in the hills above the lake and finish in Orta San Giulio, one of the most beautiful towns in Italy.
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                            [title] => Armeno to Orta San Guilio 1
                            [content] => 
Distance: 6miles (9km)
Ascent: 450ft (140m)
Descent: 1,150ft (360m)
We’ll start in the town of Armeno following trails through farms and meadows, crossing a Roman bridge, and entering another village called Armeno. We’ll head down through lush parkland to Vacciago, once a rich retreat away from the lake. We’ll descend to Legro and from here to the lake with time to explore Orta San Giulio.
                        )

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                            [title] => Armeno to Orta San Guilio 2
                            [content] => 
Distance: 8½miles (14km)
Ascent: 700ft (220m)
Descent: 1,450ft (460m)
Following option one from Armeno to Armeno, we then ascend to Monte Mesma and the Franciscan convent of the same name. We’ll get a wonderful view of Lake Orta, then after circling the small peak we’ll head down into the village of Vacciago and onto the painted village of Legro. A final descent takes us to Orta San Guilio with time to explore.
                        )

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)
                    

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    [title] => Anzasca Valley And Mont Rosa
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
Today we head into the mountains and the Anzasca Valley to Macunaga, home to the Walser people. This small region still has its own language and keeps to its historic traditions. After both walks, we’ll take you to the village of Macunaga sitting below Mount Rosa.
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                            [title] => Piedimulera to Castiglione
                            [content] => 
Distance: 3½miles (6km)
Ascent: 1,250ft (380m)
Descent: 500ft (160m)
We start in the pretty village of Piedimulera, which sits at the mouth of the Anzasca Valley looked over by Torre Ferreiro. Our path takes us out of town, through the valley, following the course of the Anza river. Passing chestnut woods, fruit trees, and old watercourses, we’ll see ancient settlements and traces of old trades. We’ll finish in the hamlet of Castiglione before heading to the Walser village of Macuanaga.
                        )

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                        (
                            [title] => Piedimulera to Molini
                            [content] => 
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 1,850ft (560m)
Descent: 1,100ft (340m)
From Piedimulera we’ll follow the same route as option one. After the village of Castiglione, we’ll head along the valley and into the deep forested hills as we follow the old road with occasional glimpses of the cobalt blue torrent. We soon enter the outskirts of the village of Molini, which clings to the hillside flanked by the river. Finally, we’ll have time to explore Macuanaga.
                        )

                )

        )

)
                    

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    [title] => Departure Day
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
We’ll leave Lake Maggiore for our flight back home.
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