The Northern Lakes
Snaking through the lakes and mountains of Piedmont, the route starts at Stresa on Lake Maggiore, a genteel resort whose streets are lined with Art Nouveau buildings, overlooking the enchanting Isole Borromee. Nearby, the gardens of Villa Pallavicino and Villa Taranto are botanical delights and the panoramic view from the top of Monte Mottarone should be savoured. Continue then to the jewel-like Orta San Giulio, following the “Way of Silence” on the town’s own little island in the midst of Lago d’Orta. The route continues to Varallo, site of the amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sacro Monte high on the hillside, before heading up through Walser country to picturesque Alagna, dotted with traditional wooden houses.
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ACTIVITIES
Stroll along the waterfront in Stresa
Take a boat trip to the three wonderful Isole Borromee from Stresa
Pet and feed the goats in the lovely gardens and zoo at the Parco della Villa Pallavicino
Take the cable car from Stresa to Monte Mottarone for gardens, stupendous views and pleasant walks
Wander the winding medieval alleys of flower-filled Orta San Giulio
Go shopping in the Alessi factory outlet, north of Lago d’ Orta to bag some designer household articles
Walk the trails of the Walsers in the Valsesia
PLAN YOUR DRIVE
Start/finish: Stresa to Alagna Valsesia.
Number of days: 3 days.
Distance: Approx. 119 km (74 miles).
Road conditions: Generally good with some steep terrain around Alagna. The scenic roads at lakes Maggiore and Orta can get very busy in high season.
When to go: May, June and September are ideal months. July and August are busy and best avoided. Alagna’s roads are prone to high snowfall in winter.
Opening times: Shops tend to open Mon–Sat 9am–1pm and 4–7pm or 8pm (city supermarkets often stay open for the siesta). Churches and museums vary enormously but usually open 8 or 9am–noon and 4–7 or 8pm. Many museums are closed on Mondays.
Main market days: Stresa: Fri; Verbania: Sat; Omegna: Thu; Orta San Giulio: Wed.
Shopping: There are boutiques in Stresa near Piazza Cadorna and local gourmet treats in Orta San Giulio, near the main piazza. Omegna’s centre has some good shops, however, most visitors to the area are drawn to the town’s factory outlets of designer kitchenware and to those in nearby Crusinallo. Look out for woodcarving around Pettenasco, just to the north of Orta San Giulio.
Major festivals: Stresa: Stresa Festival, classical music Jul–Sep (www.stresafestival.eu); Pallanza: Camellia Festival, end Mar; Orta San Giulio: World Fireworks Championship, last two weeks of Aug.
DAY TRIP OPTIONS
Spend a day exploring Stresa’s sights and the beautiful Isole Borromee of Lake Maggiore. Or enjoy Ameno’s art museum, beautiful Orta San Giulio and calm Isola di San Giulio. See the Sacro Monte at Varallo before heading into the mountains and pretty villages, where the Walser people settled after a long migration. For full details, see Day trip options.
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