Walking at Lakes Orta and Maggiore
Experience Overview
Profile
— Hotel-to-hotel accommodation staying in 3* hotels — All continental breakfasts — Luggage transfers between hotels — Transfers to the start of the walks on days 3, 5 and 7
At a Glance
— Hotel-to-hotel accommodation staying in 3* hotels — All continental breakfasts — Luggage transfers between hotels — Transfers to the start of the walks on days 3, 5 and 7
Trip For You
Activity level: Easy/Moderate
Terrain and route: The walks are on hillside tracks, lakeside paths and country lanes, many with a large number of steps and cobbles. Walkers should be confident and relatively fit. Walking boots and poles are recommended.
This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, at your own pace, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with GPS route notes so that you can walk at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader, but a representative will be on call throughout the trip should you need. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local agent will provide a briefing at the beginning of the trip to go through the routes and point out particular places of interest.
Transportation
Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you.
Joining Instructions
The tour normally begins at the start hotel in Orta San Giulio.
Weather Information
The trips run from May through to October. In the early and late departures you will need to be prepared for slightly lower temperatures, with highs of 23 degrees in May and 20 in October. There is more chance of rain in October, but the trip only runs into the early part of the month. In July and August the temperatures are likely to reach highs of 28/9 degrees celcius, there will still be the chance of rain, but it will be reduced. Facilities in some of the hotels such as the pools may not be available for early and late season departures.
Highlights
— Discover the tranquillity and romance of Lake Orta - medieval villages, ancient chapels, spiritual San Giulio Island — Explore shimmering Lake Maggiore - verdant mountains, crystal clear waters, the fascinating Borromean Islands — Immaculate botanical gardens, impressive Baroque villas, colourful villages with impossibly panoramic lakeside promenades — Walks are optional with plenty of time to discover each destination
Trip Details
Product Code: 35414
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: for you.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: W08LM
Starts: Orta San Giulio, Italy
Finishes: Orta San Giulio, Italy
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— Hotel-to-hotel accommodation staying in 3* hotels — All continental breakfasts — Luggage transfers between hotels — Transfers to the start of the walks on days 3, 5 and 7Accommodation
These are the standard hotels for our '' trip. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking. Early bookng is advised as during busy times we may have to substitute individual hotels for one of an equal or superior standard.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,050 ($339 /day)
Itinerary
Explore this gorgeous village with its medieval centre, labyrinth of cobbled streets and 16th century town hall, before settling into your comfortable 3* hotel overlooking the lake, with stunning views from the hotel's terrace and from Headwater's allocated bedrooms!
Ascend Sacro Monte along a pilgrimage trail lined with 20 frescoed chapels dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi and drink in the superb vistas over Lake Orta. There's time in the afternoon to head to the spiritual island of San Giulio with its Romanesque basilica and cloistered abbey which is still home to Benedictine nuns. Circumnavigate the island along the evocative and peaceful Via di Silenzio. Alternatively, for a longer walk, head to the historical hamlet of Legro, famous for its colourful murals, then follow a woodland path to Corconio via the ancient Buccione Tower from where there are spectacular views over the lake. Continue along Via dei Canneti, named after the reeds that are home to many species of lake birds, before a lakeside path with stunning views of the island of San Giulio, takes you to the charming village of Pella. Hop on one of the convenient ferries (or taxi boat in low season) to return to Orta San Giulio.
We take you to Coiromonte, from where it's a short climb to Monte Falo with truly amazing views over the surrounding mountains as well as Lakes Maggiore, Orta, Varese and Monate. Then descend along a muleteer's path to the little town of Gignese, with its unusual umbrella museum, before continuing to the vibrant town of Stresa, lapped by the crystal clear waters of Lake Maggiore. A shorter walk option is available.
Renowned as the Pearl of Lake Maggiore, there is much to explore in colourful Stresa. There are regular ferries to the renowned Borromean islands: visit Isola Madre, with its lush botanical gardens, resplendent with magnolia, wisteria and camellias. Discover Isola Bella with its imposing Baroque palace and terraced Italianate gardens - home to white peacocks! - and wander along the narrow winding alleys on the Isola dei Pescatori. The beautiful gardens at Villa Taranto are also only a short boat ride away. Alternatively, follow the chestnut trail along a muleteer's path with superb views of Lake Maggiore to unspoilt Belgirate, with its prestigious 18th and 19th century villas where Hemingway and Wagner once stayed. Return to Stresa by ferry (or bus in low season).
We take you to lakeside Cannero Riviera, a gorgeous village sheltered within a natural inlet and famous for its multi coloured camellias, lemon and palm trees which thrive in the village's sunny position. From here, set off along the superbly scenic Via delle Genti, an ancient path through shady chestnut woods, terraced gardens and pretty villages, to Cannobio, the last Italian town on Lake Maggiore's shores. Admire its bright porticoed palazzi, stepped alleyways and old fishermen's houses before returning to Cannero Riviera by ferry (or bus in low season).
Today's walk takes you past fertile vine terraces to the tiny village of Trarego, a cluster of houses perched on the slopes of Monte Carza, with enviable views over Lake Maggiore. Descend through woodland back to Cannero via panoramic Oggiono. Alternatively, take the ferry to Cannobio then make your way to the Orrido Sant'Anna, a ravine where the waters of the Cannobino stream have carved through the rock to form a natural oasis - perfect for a cool dip. A picnic lunch with a view in the village of Sant'Anna, known as the 'balcone sul lago' for its vistas over Cannobio, Maggiore and the Ticino mountains beyond, before returning to the centre of Cannobio and your ferry (or bus in low season) back to Cannero.
Leave Italy today and head over the border into Switzerland! We take you to the Lido di Crodolo, where you can take a dip in Maggiore's clear waters, before ascending to the village of Ronco sopra Ascona, with the vistas opening up over the glittering lake below. Cross the hillside before descending into chocolate box Ascona via Monte Verita, with its expansive parkland, tea plantation - the only one in Switzerland! - and zen garden with stunning lake views.
The small town of Ascona is simply picture perfect with its brightly painted houses, plane tree lined promenade and colourful fishing boats bobbing on the luminous waters. Visit the Castle of San Materno and wander the maze of alleyways filled with cafes, boutiques and art galleries. It's a 15 minute boat trip to the Brissago islands - blessed with a subtropical climate, the larger of the 2 is home to the only botanical park in Switzerland, containing over 2000 different plant species. Or head to neighbouring Locarno, with its evocative Old Town and vibrant Piazza Grande. For the more active, it's a gentle walk to neighbouring Locarno, with its evocative Old Town and vibrant Piazza Grande. Or for superb mountain walking, take the cable car from Locarno to Cardada and follow a superbly panoramic path via Cimetta and Alpe Vegnasca back to Cardada.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
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