Infos
Cosy hotel in the town centre of Baveno
Boat trip to the Borromean Islands included
Scenic hike at foothills of Mount Rosa
- Arrival
- The chestnut route from Belgirate to Stresa
- Historic route from Suna to Cavandone and Borromean Islands
- Anzasca Valley and Mount Rosa
- Lake Orta
- Departure
Tour Details
Programme & inclusions
1 Arrival
2 The chestnut route from Belgirate to Stresa
Boat transfer from Baveno to Belgirate and back from Stresa. From Belgirate, we walk up to the beautiful Romanesque Church of Santa Maria, where we can enjoy a stunning view of the lake and admire frescoes from the 14th century. The path begins with a gradual climb uphill and continues through a serene chestnut forest. We walk along an ancient mule track, which once served as the main connection between the villages around the lakes and dates back to Roman times.
Though agriculture in the area has been abandoned, remnants of rural life remain visible in the terraced fields, drystone walls, and mountain huts. The path crosses a small torrent and leads to the Romanesque Church of Saint Paolo. Continuing through the chestnut wood, with more evidence of terracing, we reach the historic Church of Saint Albino, featuring an old belfry and a beautiful lake view. Passing through the village of Passera, the mule track takes us to Stresa, where we pass the zoological garden of Villa Pallavicino. We conclude our hiking excursion with a visit to the elegant town centre of Stresa before returning to Baveno by boat.
- 1 x boat transfer from Baveno to Belgirate
- 1 x boat transfer from Stresa to Baveno
- 1 x FD hiking tour guide
Effective walking time: 3,5 hours
Vertical height difference: 260 m
Degree of difficulty:460 m
3 Historic route from Suna to Cavandone and Borromean Islands
The hike begins in the picturesque, colorful village of Suna (accessible by a short walk), where we follow the medieval mule track (bridleway) leading up to the charming, historic village of Cavandone. The path ascends through a chestnut forest, passing a medieval tower and camellia horticulture, offering stunning views of Lake Maggiore.
Upon reaching the village, we will be greeted by a 400-year-old yew tree and may meet some local inhabitants, such as the ceramic artist and the beekeeper. This hike provides a glimpse into a well-preserved stone village, showcasing old symbols and carvings on the stones—trees, crosses, faces, and cup-marked stones.
Afterwards, we return to Suna and take a boat to explore the beautiful Borromean Islands. A stop at the charming Isola Madre allows time to visit its magnificent gardens before heading back to Baveno by boat.
- 1 x boat trip to Borromean Islands
- 1 x visit of the Gardens of Isola Madre
- 1 x FD hiking tour guide
Hiking time: 3 hours
Vertical height difference: 260 m
Degree of difficulty: easy
4 Anzasca Valley and Mount Rosa
A scenic path winds through the Anzasca Valley, passing chestnut woods, fruit trees, terraced fields, small villages, and watercourses. Along the way, we encounter traces of ancient settlements, including evidence of old trades and shared structures such as ovens, wine presses, and wash houses. This route follows an ancient mule track, which was the only access to the area until 1854, serving as a vital connection between the Ossola Valley and the Walser community of Macugnaga.
The hike takes place in the morning, followed by an afternoon visit to the alpine village of Macugnaga. Starting in Piedimulera in the Anzasca Valley, we walk to the village of Molini. After the hike, we take a bus ride to Macugnaga, a charming alpine village at 1,400 meters above sea level, nestled at the foot of the imposing east wall of Mount Rosa (4,637 meters high). In the afternoon, we have the opportunity to explore the village and visit the Museum of the Mountain Landscape and Smuggling.
- 1 x visit to the Museum of the Mountain Landscscape and Smuggling in Macugnaga
- 1 x FD hiking tour guide
Hiking time: 4 hours
Vertical height difference: 560 m
Degree of difficulty: moderate
5 Lake Orta
This pleasant hike begins in the village of Armeno and ends in the medieval village of Orta San Giulio, situated on the shores of Lake Orta. The trail offers a variety of landscapes, starting with rural views of farms and meadows, passing a Roman bridge on the way to the village of Ameno (distinct from Armeno). As we continue, we pass the park of an old manor house before reaching the hamlet of Vacciago, known for its noble villas. The path then descends to Legro, where we see frescoes painted on the walls of the houses, eventually leading us to the beautiful medieval village of Orta San Giulio. Here, we have time to explore the charming town, nestled by the lake.
- 1 x FD hiking tour guide
Effective walking time: approx. 3,5 hours
Vertical height difference: 250 m
Degree of difficulty: easy to moderate
6 Departure
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