A beautiful blend of lakeside charm, gardens, history and local cuisine awaits around Lake Maggiore’s Italian shores. Each day’s program (morning to evening) mixes scenic towns, cultural sights, nature and food, with something for families, couples, solo travelers and seniors. Ferries link the lakeside towns (Arona, Stresa, Verbania, Cannobio, etc.), making travel relaxing. Roads can be narrow and busy in summer, so allow extra time and consider parking or boat for longer hops.
Day 1: Arona & Stresa – Lakeside Charm and Islands
Morning: Begin at Arona on the southern Piedmont shore. Stroll the Piazza del Popolo and lakeside promenade. Don’t miss the Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo – a 35 m copper statue of the saint (behind Arona). It’s open to climb, offering a panoramic lake view. The old town is flat and walker-friendly.
- Lunch: Ferry or drive north to Stresa (boats run regularly to all main towns). In Stresa’s elegant center enjoy an alfresco lunch (fresh persico perch or lake trout are local favorites).
- Afternoon: Visit Villa Pallavicino Park (on Stresa’s lakefront). This family-friendly estate has beautiful gardens, farm animals and play areas – fun for kids and relaxing for adults. Then wander the Stresa promenade; sit in Piazza Cadorna for a gelato and people‑watching.
- Late Afternoon: Take a short ferry ride from Stresa to the Borromean Islands. On Isola Bella, tour the Baroque Borromeo Palace and its terraced Italian gardens (white peacocks in spring). Then hop to Isola dei Pescatori (only inhabited island) for a lakeside aperitivo or early dinner, sampling local risotto alla luganese or grilled whitefish. (Isola Madre’s botanical gardens are another option if time allows.)
- Evening: Return to Stresa. Enjoy dinner at a lake‑view trattoria (try formaggio di Bettelmatt cheese or tapulone venison stew), and watch the sunset over Isola Bella. Tips: In summer, arriving early avoids crowds. All ages can enjoy Stresa’s flat waterfront; ferries are an easy way to hop between sights.
Day 2: Verbania & Baveno – Gardens and Relaxation
Morning: Cross to Verbania (Lombardy shore) by ferry or car. Head to Villa Taranto (in Pallanza), one of Europe’s great botanical gardens. In spring–summer its trails wind through exotic plants, colorful tulips and tranquil ponds. (The gardens are wheelchair/stroller‑accessible on wide paths with benches.)
- Late Morning: Walk Verbania’s pretty Pallanza lakefront promenade; you’ll even spot the tiny private Isolino di San Giovanni across the bay. Explore the old town’s shops and gelaterias. Then stroll into neighboring Intra – a colorful old quarter of Verbania. Its narrow streets open into charming piazzas with cafés, and the Renaissance Basilica di San Vittore. Browse local crafts and produce at Intra’s market if it’s Saturday.
- Lunch: Enjoy a lakeside lunch in Intra or Pallanza – try polenta con formaggio (polenta with melted local cheese) or a sandwich of prosciutto crudo and local toma cheese.
- Afternoon: Short ferry or drive to Baveno (just south of Stresa). Baveno’s tranquil pebble beaches and palm‑flanked waterfront are perfect for an easy afternoon. Rent a deckchair at the family‑friendly lido, swim, or rent a canoe. Walk the scenic lake promenade – you can see Stresa’s islands across the water. Baveno also has the ancient Chiesa dei Santi Gervaso e Protaso (1000+ years old) by the Piazza delle Chiese.
- Evening: Sip an aperitivo by the lake and dine on the terrace of a Baveno restaurant (fresh lake fish risotto or braised beef cassoeula). Enjoy the orange glow over the Borromean Islands at sunset. Tips: Verbania’s and Baveno’s promenades are flat and easy for seniors. Villa Taranto closes in winter (Nov–Mar). If you visit on a Wednesday morning instead, consider taking a ferry to Luino on the eastern shore for its famous weekly market (500+ years old) of cheeses, crafts and produce.
Day 3: Santa Caterina & Rocca d’Angera – History and Views
Morning: Set out early to the Lombardy shore to visit Santa Caterina del Sasso, a hermitage spectacularly perched on a cliff above the lake. You can reach it by boat from Stresa or by foot (nearly 400 steps down from the road) – an elevator is also available for those with mobility issues. This 12th‑century sanctuary has three chapels decorated with medieval frescoes. Enjoy the peaceful lake and mountain panorama from the terrace.
- Lunch: Return to Arona. In Arona’s old town piazza, have lunch of minestrone alla piemontese or a panino of local salame d’oca.
- Afternoon: Take the short car ferry from Arona across the lake to Angera. Climb up (or take the funicular) to the Rocca Borromeo d’Angera, a medieval castle overlooking the lake. Explore its ramparts and the Museum of Dolls and Toys (charming for kids and adults). The frescoed “Hall of Justice” and the Italian garden are highlights. Wander the castle grounds for sweeping views back toward Arona.
- Evening: Return via ferry to your base. Relax at a café on Arona’s waterfront promenade. Dine on grilled trout or polenta with melted local cheese and honey. Tips: The ferries across the lake give you fine views of Angera’s castle. Note that Arona–Angera are very accessible by boat; the castle has some uphill stairs but the main halls are reachable.
Day 4: Cannero Riviera & Cannobio – Nature and Lakeside Villages
Morning: Head north along the lake road to Cannero Riviera (northern Piedmont shore). This sun‑dappled village is rimmed by palm and citrus trees, giving a Mediterranean feel. From the waterfront you’ll see the two tiny Castelli di Cannero islands with ancient castle ruins. Rent a kayak or take a short ferry ride to paddle around the islets. Stroll the shady harbor with views of the Val Grande mountains.
- Lunch: Have lunch in Cannero – perhaps trout al forno (baked) with herbs or tome cheese from Ossola, and a glass of local red.
- Afternoon: Continue to Cannobio on the lake’s western shore. Cannobio’s broad lakeside promenade is one of the prettiest on Maggiore – perfect for a gentle stroll or grabbing a gelato while watching sailboats. Seniors and families will appreciate the flat, promenade with benches and a grassy lido for picnic or swimming. Explore Cannobio’s medieval center with its pastel palazzi and churches. If you’re feeling energetic, follow the signs just before town up to the hamlet of Carmine Superiore. It’s a 15‑minute uphill walk to the 14th‑century Chiesa di San Gottardo, whose frescoed walls reward the climb.
- Evening: Relax at Cannobio’s Piazza Risorgimento, where you can enjoy outdoor seating and local lake fish dishes. Try the regional sweet Baci di Arona biscuits with coffee for dessert. Return at your leisure. Tips: Wednesday? From Cannero you can cross to Luino by ferry for the famed market (open till ~4pm). Otherwise, Cannobio’s lido and promenade are ideal for unwinding. The day’s drive is scenic but give way to buses; parking lots are available by the waterfront.
Each day blends nature (lakes, gardens, parks), culture (castles, churches, villas) and food (fresh fish, cheeses, pastries). Travel by ferry adds relaxation and scenery. The itinerary is paced gently – most towns have flat promenades suitable for seniors, with optional hikes or cable-car rides for the energetic. Bring comfortable shoes for cobbled streets, and be sure to leave time simply to relax by the water and savor the dolce far niente.
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Tucked away in the peaceful hills above Lake Maggiore, just 10 minutes from Stresa, Hartmann Feel at Home offers more than just a room—it offers a feeling.
Our charming guesthouse, located in a restored 1930s villa in Gignese, invites you to slow down, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy the natural beauty of northern Italy, between lake and mountain.
A Home Away from Home
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a solo adventure, or a family holiday, you’ll find the comfort and quiet you need here.
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Rooms with Soul and Character
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All rooms are decorated with natural materials and calming tones, offering views of the garden, forest, or valley.
Between Lakes, Trails and Golf Courses
Hartmann Feel at Home is perfectly located for exploring the region. In less than 30 minutes, you can reach:
- The town of Stresa and boats to the Borromean Islands
- The scenic Mottarone mountain for hikes, skiing, and breathtaking views
- The romantic Lake Orta and the village of Orta San Giulio
- Two of the most famous golf clubs in the area
- Botanical gardens, heritage villas, and peaceful walking trails
Why Choose Us?
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📍 Address: Salita Rognoni 10, 28836 Gignese (VB)
📞 Contact: +39 372 67 50
🌐 Book now directly on our website below