Lake Maggiore: hidden hikes and pristine nature in the Alps
8 days
About this Tour
Day 1: Arrival & Sacro Monte di Varese
Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to Lake Maggiore. Explore the charming village of Sacro Monte di Varese (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and walk the Via Sacra (Sacred Way), with its 14 chapels dating back to the 17th century. Dinner and overnight stay in the area.
Day 2: Canoeing on Lake Varese
After breakfast, paddle through the lakeside landscapes of Lake Varese in comfortable Canadian canoes. This 15 km² protected area is home to rare marsh plants and countless aquatic birds. Your guide will share insights on the lake’s wildlife, geology, and the evolution of these ephemeral ecosystems. Canoeing provides an exclusive, quiet view of habitats few people have the chance to explore. Dinner and overnight stay in the area.
Day 3: Overlooking Lake Maggiore & Wild Valleys
Visit a historic hermitage (12th–14th centuries) built into the cliffs overlooking Lake Maggiore. Descend through breathtaking scenery, then drive along the coastal road with photo stops at scenic cliffs and villages. Reach the heart of the wildest valley in the Varese area, exploring ancient villages and abandoned stone mills. Discover ancient rocks predating the Alps. Dinner and overnight stay in the area.
Day 4: On the Ridges Among Wildlife
A full day dedicated to nature, photography, and contemplation. Hike along the crests of a wild valley, home to deer, chamois, and golden eagles, among birch and beech forests and golden meadows. Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Maggiore and the Ticino Valley, reminiscent of Nordic fjords. Dinner and overnight stay in local accommodations.
Day 5: The Colorful Rocks of Canton Ticino
Travel to the Verzasca Valley in Italian Switzerland. Explore deep gorges carved by the turquoise Verzasca River, with opportunities to cool off in natural pools. Wander through lush vegetation, multicolored rocks, ancient stone bridges, and mountain pastures. Learn about the geological forces that shaped this stunning Alpine paradise. Dinner and overnight stay back in Italy.
Day 6: The Mountain with a Heart of Granite
On the Piedmont side of Lake Maggiore, hike at the entrance to the Ossola and Grande Valleys. Discover white and green granites and learn about the “picasas,” who mined these precious stones by hand. Take in panoramic views of the valley, the lake, and the mouth of the Toce River. End the hike with a rest at Lake Mergozzo, one of Italy’s youngest and cleanest lakes. Dinner and overnight stay in local accommodations.
Day 7: Alpine Pastures and Flora
Reach a secluded valley near Lake Orta. Hike through alpine pastures, deciduous and coniferous forests, and learn about the remarkable adaptations of high-altitude flora. Observe glacial imprints on rocks and the landscape from millennia ago. Return to the village to stroll its charming streets and admire traditional stone houses. Dinner and overnight stay in local accommodations.
Day 8: Orta San Giulio & Return to Varese
Drive to Lake Orta for a walk through Orta San Giulio, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, with medieval alleys, lakeside views, and a charming promenade. Take photos, enjoy the scenery, and shop for souvenirs. After lunch, return to Varese.
Highlights
- Beautiful excursions in the Varese Prealps, exploring landscapes of exceptional natural value and traversing the habitats of chamois, deer, roe deer, and golden eagles, all framed by the Alps and Apennines.
- A canoe excursion along the lakeshore offers a unique and exclusive perspective on the lake’s flora and fauna, while providing an exhilarating adventure on the water.
- We explore enchanting villages, from the sacred paths of Sacro Monte di Varese to abandoned hamlets where the echoes of a hard, traditional peasant life still linger.
- In the heart of the Alps, we explore the striking rock formations of Switzerland’s Verzasca Valley, shaped by glacial rivers whose marks are still visible today, now filled with crystal-clear waters and stunning natural pools.
Suggested Season
Spring, summer and autumn
Suggested Airport
Milan Malpensa
