Three days at Lake Maggiore is the perfect amount of time to fully immerse yourself in its essential beauty. Time enough to discover its icons, savor its silence, taste its flavors, and be changed—quietly but profoundly—by the light of the lake.
This itinerary is designed for travelers who seek more than a checklist of sights. It’s for those who long for a complete, slow, and deep experience—where every stroll becomes a memory, every village a discovery, and every vista a moment of reflection.
Your base for this journey is Hartmann Feel at Home, a refined and welcoming guesthouse just minutes from the historic center of Stresa and the enchanting Alpino Golf Club. Nestled in a peaceful setting with views of the lake and the mountains, Hartmann offers the perfect balance of privacy, comfort, and understated elegance.
After each day of exploration—whether through gardens, mountaintops, or lakeside towns—you’ll return to a place where everything is designed to make you feel at home. Wake up to birdsong, enjoy your breakfast in the garden, and sleep in silence under the stars.
Hartmann Feel at Home is not just where your trip begins and ends—it’s an essential part of the experience. A quiet retreat that mirrors the spirit of Lake Maggiore itself: timeless, authentic, and unforgettable.
Day 1 – Stresa and the Borromean Islands
Morning: A Stroll Through Stresa and the Lakeside Promenade
Your journey begins in Stresa, often referred to as the “pearl” or “lady” of Lake Maggiore. This elegant lakeside town has charmed visitors for centuries with its aristocratic atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and magnificent views.
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at one of the historic cafés along the Lungolago, such as the Caffè Torino or one of the stylish hotel terraces. Sip an Italian espresso or cappuccino and enjoy a fresh croissant as you soak in the serene ambiance. The promenade is a feast for the senses: flower beds in seasonal bloom, graceful palm trees, and Liberty-style villas line the way. The shimmering lake stretches before you, and just across the water, the silhouettes of the Borromean Islands begin to emerge as the morning mist lifts.
Take your time strolling along the lakeside path. Notice the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées, a jewel of Belle Époque architecture that once hosted Hemingway, and admire the well-maintained parks and sculptures that give Stresa its refined character.
Late Morning & Afternoon: Exploring the Borromean Islands
Next, head to the small pier in Stresa and board one of the boats that shuttle visitors to the Isole Borromee—a trio of enchanting islands just a short ride away. Each has its own personality and charm.
- Isola Bella
Your first stop is Isola Bella, perhaps the most opulent of the three. Dominated by the baroque Palazzo Borromeo, the island was transformed from a rocky outcrop into a stunning showcase of 17th-century grandeur. Take a guided tour through the palace’s lavish halls, adorned with tapestries, antique furniture, and fine artwork. Don’t miss the grottoes—decorative underground chambers designed to offer a cool respite during hot summers.
After the palace, wander through the Italian-style terraced gardens, a botanical wonder that cascades down toward the lake. Statues, fountains, rare flowers, and white peacocks contribute to a fairy-tale atmosphere. - Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island)
In contrast, Isola dei Pescatori offers a more rustic, authentic charm. This narrow island is home to a small fishing village with cobbled streets, artisan shops, and houses that seem to rise directly out of the water.
Here you can stop for lunch at a lakeside trattoria, where the specialty is freshly caught lake fish—think lavarello, persico (perch), or agone. Enjoy a dish of perch risotto or grilled fish with a chilled glass of white wine, while watching boats drift by on the water. - Isola Madre
Your final stop is Isola Madre, the largest and perhaps the most peaceful of the three. This island is famous for its extensive English-style botanical gardens, filled with rare plants, ancient trees, and exotic birds such as peacocks and golden pheasants roaming freely.
The quiet, meditative atmosphere here offers a perfect break from the grandeur of Isola Bella and the bustle of the Fishermen’s Island. If time allows, visit the palazzo here too, smaller than that of Isola Bella but equally rich in history and charm.
Evening: Back to Stresa for Dinner and a Moonlit Walk
As the afternoon fades, return by boat to Stresa. The golden light of sunset casts a magical glow over the lake, and the view from the water is unforgettable.
In the evening, dine at one of Stresa’s panoramic restaurants or lakeside terraces. Sample regional specialties like risotto al pesce persico (perch risotto), polenta concia, or a selection of antipasti with cured meats and local cheeses. A glass of Ghemme or Nebbiolo wine pairs perfectly with the meal.
After dinner, take a gentle walk along the promenade once more. With the moonlight dancing on the lake and the silhouette of the islands now gently illuminated, Stresa becomes even more romantic. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or solo, it’s a moment of peace and wonder you won’t soon forget.
Day 2 – Verbania and the Hermitage of Santa Caterina
Morning: Villa Taranto and Its Dreamlike Botanical Gardens
Begin your second day with a short journey to Verbania, a refined town on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, directly across from Stresa. Known as the “garden on the lake,” Verbania is home to one of Europe’s most extraordinary botanical treasures: Villa Taranto.
These gardens were created in the 1930s by Scottish captain Neil Boyd McEacharn, who transformed the property into a living encyclopedia of the plant world. Today, Villa Taranto hosts over 20,000 plant species from around the globe, beautifully arranged across terraced paths, water features, and themed areas.
As you walk through the gardens, you’ll pass by centuries-old trees, collections of azaleas and rhododendrons in spring, lotus flowers blooming in summer, and elegant greenhouses housing tropical plants. The scent of flowers fills the air, while the sound of water gently flowing from fountains and streams provides a calming soundtrack. Benches placed in panoramic spots invite you to pause, reflect, and admire the harmony between nature and design.
Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or simply a lover of beauty, Villa Taranto is a place that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Lunch in Pallanza: Lakeside Calm and Local Flavors
A short walk or drive from Villa Taranto takes you to Pallanza, one of Verbania’s most picturesque districts. Nestled along the lakefront, this peaceful village-like quarter is perfect for a leisurely lunch.
Choose one of the restaurants with outdoor seating along the promenade and savor the view—Lake Maggiore stretching wide, the Borromean Gulf in the distance, and the Alps standing proudly behind it all.
For your meal, try some of the region’s culinary specialties:
- A creamy risotto alle erbe di montagna (with wild herbs),
- A rustic serving of polenta con formaggi locali (with melted alpine cheeses),
- Or a light starter of lake fish marinated in lemon and herbs.
Pair it with a crisp white wine from the nearby Ossola Valley or a refreshing glass of Erbaluce di Caluso. Dessert? A slice of torta di pane or a gelato with a view.
Afternoon: A Spiritual Pause at the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso
After lunch, set off on a scenic boat ride—or a short drive followed by a descent down a dramatic staircase—to reach one of Lake Maggiore’s most awe-inspiring sites: the Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso.
Clinging to a sheer cliff above the lake’s eastern shore, this centuries-old hermitage appears as if suspended between sky and water. Founded by a wealthy merchant who survived a storm at sea and dedicated his life to prayer, the monastery consists of a series of chapels and cloisters carved into the rock.
As you enter the complex, you’ll be struck by the silence and stillness that surround it. Inside, you’ll find medieval frescoes, votive offerings, and panoramic arches that frame the lake like a living painting. The atmosphere invites contemplation and calm. It’s a place where time seems to stop—and where even the most hurried traveler feels the need to pause, breathe, and simply be.
Take a moment to sit by the balustrade overlooking the water. Let your eyes follow the horizon and your thoughts wander. Santa Caterina is not just a religious site—it’s a spiritual experience, open to all.
Evening: Return to Verbania or Back to Stresa for a Restful End
As the sun begins to set, return by boat or car. You may choose to enjoy a relaxing evening in Verbania, perhaps with a final stroll along Pallanza’s quiet promenade or a drink at a lakeside bar. Alternatively, head back to Stresa, where the familiarity of your stay welcomes you once again.
Whichever you choose, take the evening slow. Reflect on the richness of the day—the gardens, the food, the silence carved into stone—and let Lake Maggiore’s tranquil rhythms lull you into rest.
Day 3 – Arona or Mount Mottarone
Your third day offers two equally captivating directions: southward to the historic town of Arona, or upward toward the panoramic heights of Mount Mottarone, with a magical detour to the hidden gem of Lake Orta. Choose based on your mood—urban elegance or alpine adventure.
Option 1: Arona – Culture, Charm, and Lakefront Leisure
Morning: The Colossus of San Carlo and Lakeside Gardens
Begin your day with a visit to Arona, a lively and elegant town nestled on the southern tip of Lake Maggiore. Its rich history, vibrant atmosphere, and easygoing charm make it a perfect half-day destination.
Start with the Statue of Saint Charles Borromeo, known locally as “San Carlone”. This 23-meter-high bronze statue—once the largest in the world—honors one of the region’s most revered saints. Climb the internal staircase (if you’re feeling adventurous) for a unique panoramic view through the eyes of the saint himself.
From there, enjoy a walk in the Parco della Rocca Borromea, a peaceful hilltop park offering beautiful views over the lake and the Alps beyond. The ruins of the ancient fortress add a romantic touch, perfect for a quiet pause among centuries-old trees.
Late Morning: Strolling and Shopping in Arona’s Historic Center
Return to the town center for a pleasant stroll along Corso Cavour, Arona’s main shopping street. The boutiques here are small and stylish, selling everything from Italian leather goods and fashion to handmade jewelry and regional delicacies. The atmosphere is relaxed and authentic, far from the crowds of larger tourist centers.
Stop for a coffee or aperitivo in one of the lively piazzas, and take your time soaking in the local rhythms.
Lunch: Lakeside Dining
Choose one of the many elegant lakefront restaurants for lunch. Sit on a terrace with views stretching across the water to the far shore, and enjoy dishes like tagliolini al limone, grilled lake fish, or gnocchi al gorgonzola—a nod to the famous cheese produced just a few kilometers away. Pair it with a local white wine, and let the gentle waves be your background music.
Option 2: Mount Mottarone & Lake Orta – A Day of Alpine Vistas and Hidden Villages
Morning: Ascent to Monte Mottarone
If you’re craving nature and vast horizons, head upward. Drive or take the cable car (when operational) toward Monte Mottarone, the gentle mountain that separates Lake Maggiore from Lake Orta. Standing at nearly 1,500 meters, it offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama.
From the summit, you can see seven different lakes on a clear day—Maggiore, Orta, Varese, Monate, Comabbio, Mergozzo, and Biandronno—framed by the snow-capped Alps to the north and the Po Valley to the south. It’s a place that inspires silence and awe.
Lunch: Mountain Flavors in a Chalet or Rifugio
Enjoy lunch in one of the cozy rifugi (mountain huts) or small alpine restaurants scattered near the summit. The menu here is heartier, often featuring local cheeses, pizzoccheri, homemade polenta, wild mushrooms, and cured meats. Warm hospitality and a fire in the hearth complete the experience.
Afternoon: Orta San Giulio – A Timeless Jewel
After lunch, descend toward Lake Orta, often described as Lake Maggiore’s quieter, more poetic sibling. At its heart lies Orta San Giulio, one of Italy’s most beautiful and atmospheric villages.
Explore its cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and baroque palaces. Visit the stunning Piazza Motta, where cafes line the edge of the lake, facing the tiny Isola di San Giulio, home to a mystical Benedictine monastery. A short boat ride will take you to the island, where a silent path circles the monastery in hushed reverence.
Whether you wander slowly through the village or simply sit by the water with a gelato in hand, Orta offers a peaceful, almost spiritual kind of beauty.
Evening: Return to Stresa
As the day winds down, return to Stresa by car or transfer. The journey back will be filled with memories of mountaintop views, ancient stone alleys, and peaceful waters.
End the day where you began—perhaps with a final dinner on the terrace or a glass of local amaro to toast to three days of discovery, beauty, and tranquility on Lake Maggiore.
Where to Stay to Enjoy Every Day: Hartmann Feel at Home
There’s a place where you return each evening and instantly feel at peace. It’s called Hartmann Feel at Home, nestled in the hills of Gignese just minutes from Stresa.
It’s not a hotel. It’s not a typical B&B. It’s a home—designed to make you feel truly at home.
Hartmann Feel at Home is a villa surrounded by peaceful nature, restored with attention to detail and premium materials. Every space is designed for comfort and harmony. The rooms, inspired by chakra energy, are spacious, bright, and open onto the garden, with wooden floors and private bathrooms. Guests can unwind in the outdoor hot tub, read by the round fireplace in the lounge, or reconnect through yoga in the dedicated room. Each morning, a fresh, thoughtful breakfast awaits—including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Six rooms, each different and welcoming:
- Swadhisthana – with hot tub and garden access
- Manipura – bright and simple double
- Anahata – triple with lofted bed
- Vishuddha – quiet and intimate
- Ajna – two separate areas, ideal for families
- Sahasrara – tower room with lake and mountain views
Also available:
- 24/7 yoga room access
- generous, natural breakfast with no time limits
- outdoor hot tub among the trees
- garden, books, light, and true hospitality
We look forward to welcoming you in Gignese. Book directly on our website to enjoy Lake Maggiore at its most beautiful.
Because Hartmann Feel at Home isn’t a hotel. It’s home—yours, for a while.
Book here directly from the website: