Flavours of lake and mountain
A tour of flavours to delight the palate and rediscover traditional recipes, a journey from the lake to the Alps to taste the regions typical specialities
Excellent wines and delicious risottos await in the Novara hills, cheese and game will delight us in the Ossola valleys and the neighboring Switzerland while on the waters of Lake Maggiore we will enjoy the traditional fish dishes in Stresa or on the islands.
Day 1: Arrival in the hotel, check-in and dinner.
Day 2: Discovering the Po Valley in the area famous for rice production. We will visit a rice mill to learn the secrets of rice cultivation and processing, discover the dedication of the producers to their land and their ancient craft. Of course, lunch with local recipes is not to be missed. After lunch, the trip continues in the direction of Novara, to admire the historical centre, the medieval Broletto complex, and the Basilica San Gaudenzio with its Dome, built to a design by Antonelli, the architect of the Mole di Torino. Return to the hotel.
Day 3: the mountains of Piedmont: polenta and game.
After a rich breakfast you start your journey towards the mountain of Lake Maggiore together with an expert guide. Todays destination is the romantic "Painter's valley". From Domodossola you will take the scenic Centovalli train which will take you through vineyards and chestnut forests until you reach the town of Re. You will surely be mesmerized by the Sanctuary Santuario Madonna del Sangue. Here you will enjoy a typical lunch of polenta and game stew. The journey continues by train across the valleys, passing gorges and viaducts until you reach Locarno. Visit of the Swiss lakeside town before you return to the hotel.
Day 4: The fish of Lake Maggiore.
Today you will enjoy a short cruise in the Borromean Gulf, accompanied by a guide.
You will reach the monastery of S. Caterina del Sasso on the other side of the lake, one of the iconic landmarks of Lake Maggiore. It appears as if it's hanging on the cliff wall, which is why the sight is so spectacular. You continue to Isola Bella for a typical lake lunch and a visit to the majestic baroque palace and Italian gardens (the palace and gardens are open from March to October). At last, you will reach Isola Pescatori where you will be able to enjoy a stroll through the small fisherman's village.
In the afternoon you will return to Stresa for some free time in the quaint town centre.
Day 5: Breakfast at the hotel and return home.
Price starting from Euro 446,00 per person / minimum 25 participants
Duration: 5 days/ 4 nights
The package includes:
- N. 4 nights with half board in a 3* hotel in the lake area
- N. 3 full day guide services as per programme
- Visit of a rice mill
- N. 3 lunches/tastings as per programme
- Train ticket Domodossola-Locarno
- Transfer with private motorboat Stresa-Santa Caterina del Sasso Hermitage/Isola Bella/Isola Pescatori
- Entrance ticket to palace and gardens of Isola Bella
- Entrance ticket to the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso
