Micaela's guided tours of Lake Orta 

Hidden to the west of lake Maggiore, this little gem reveals all of its charms as we approach it, especially when arriving from south. Sorrounded by gentle hills, woodlands and tiny villages, lake Orta is "that little something special" that once discovered is hard to be forgotten. The only island of this lake is called San Giulio, after a Greek saint who arrived in this region as early as the IV century AD and probably built the first Christian church on this small island which emerges from the crystal waters of the lake. Old villas are still sharing this picturesque island with an Abbey where a community of cloistered nuns lives all the year round. A beautiful church can be visited on the island. It dates back to the time between the 11th and the 12th century and houses remarquable frescoes and a precious treausure: an ambo dating back to the 12th century. Following the only path on the island, the way of silence and meditation, a complete tour of the island can be made. Another interesting sight is the Sacro Monte, dramatically sited on a hilltop. 

Micaela's itineraries:

A 2-hour itinerary

Guided tour of the old town of Orta San Giulio and its island. 

Meeting point: 

• Orta San Giulio car park

• Orta San Giulio hotels

• Stresa or another location upon request 

• Transportation to Orta San Giulio can be arranged if you do not have a vehicle

Start time:

• you can decide the start time you prefer that can be in the morning or in the afternoon from 2 pm on

What we will visit:

• the old town of Orta San Giulio with its narrow alleys and traditional buildongs

• the charming island of San Giulio with its 11th-century frescoed church ( unless there is a service and the church is closed to the public) and its path of silence

A 3-hour itinerary

Guided tour of the old town of Orta San Giulio, its island and the Sacro Monte

Meeting point: 

• Orta San Giulio car park or Sacro Monte car park

• Orta San Giulio hotels

• Stresa or another location upon request 

• Transportation to Orta San Giulio can be arranged if you do not have a vehicle

Start time:

• this tour can start in the morning until 10 am or in the afternoon from 2 pm on.  If you prefer to start later in the morning,  this itinerary can be done between morning and afternoon with a break for lunch in between

What we will visit:

• the old town of Orta San Giulio with its narrow alleys and traditional buildongs

• the charming island of San Giulio with its 11th-century frescoed church ( unless there is a service and the church is closed to the public) and its path of silence

• the Sacro Monte, a Unesco heritage site on top of the hill behind the town with gorgeous views over the lake. In the Sacred Mount we will find twenty chapels decorated with terracotta statues and frescoes showing the life of saint Francis of Assisi.