The queen of Lake Maggiore, rich in villas, splendid parks and gardens full of plants and colorful flowers, is definitely one of the places not to be missed. Walking along the romantic lakeside of Stresa admiring the view of the Borromean Islands and the mountains is a truly extraordinary experience in every season.

Consisting of three small islands and two islets the Islands collectively boast lush gardens, palaces and a small town. Boats that operate a hop-on/hop-off style service can be caught from the shores of Verbania or Stresa. Isola Bella was first inhabited in the 17th century and here you will find a grand baroque palace and delightful tiered gardens. On neighbouring island Isola Madre, there are wonderful botanical gardens to explore and a palace offering superb lake views.

Villa Taranto, located on the western shore of Lake Maggiore in Verbania, Italy, is a botanical paradise renowned for its exquisite gardens. Established in 1931 by Scottish Captain Neil McEacharn, the estate spans over 16 hectares and features a remarkable collection of over 20,000 plant species from around the world. Villa Taranto’s gardens offer a serene and captivating retreat, showcasing botanical artistry against the stunning backdrop of the lake and surrounding mountains.

The Rocca di Angera is a place of timeless charm that rises between the Lombard shore of Lago Maggiore and the sky. The perimeter walls are characterised by swallow-tailed battlements that make it recognisable from a distance, as you climb towards the rocky cliff it sits on in a panoramic position. Today the castle contains historic rooms, towers and romantic courtyards, a museum and a garden in the style of the period, but above all it is a rare example of a perfectly preserved medieval fortress.

Arona is a picturesque town nestled on the western shore of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy's Piedmont region. One of Arona's most iconic landmarks is the colossal statue of Saint Charles, affectionately known as "Sancarlone." Standing approximately 35 meters tall atop a hill about 310 meters above sea level, this monumental statue was completed in 1698 and was the tallest statue in the world for nearly two centuries.

Experience Italian arts at Teatro Sociale in Como, where you can attend opera, ballet, or theater performances in an elegant historic setting. This venue provides an immersive cultural experience and an opportunity to see a different side of Italian heritage.

evocative ruins perched on two rocky islets in Lake Maggiore, just off the shore of Cannero Riviera in northern Italy. Despite their name, these islands belong administratively to the municipality of Cannobio. The remnants visible today are of the Rocca Vitaliana, a fortress constructed between 1519 and 1521 by Ludovico Borromeo to defend the upper lake region.

The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso is a captivating monastic complex perched dramatically on a rocky cliff overlooking the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, in Leggiuno, Lombardy. Its origins trace back to the 12th century, when, according to tradition, a wealthy merchant named Alberto Besozzi survived a storm on the lake and vowed to dedicate his life to solitude and prayer. He established a chapel on this secluded spot, which later evolved into the present-day hermitage.

The mountain con be visited ali yeor-round by nature lovers: there are countless paths and trails to be explored on foot, by bicycle or on horseback.

Lake Orta, nestled in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, is a serene and lesser-known gem among the Italian lakes. On the eastern shore lies Orta San Giulio, a medieval village renowned for its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.