Holidays in Stresa

Lake Mergozzo is a hidden lake in the Ossola Valley. From Mergozzo train station, you'll head to this quiet lakeside village. You'll then walk along the Sentiero Azzurro (the Blue Path), stopping in the medieval village of Montorgano and take in the marvellous views over Lake Maggiore. We guarantee they'll will remain etched in your memory!

• Grade: Easy-Moderate (a decent fitness level is required)
• Distance: 5km
• Duration: Half day (walking time approx. 2 hours)
• Ascent/Descent: 150m
• Terrain: Asphalt, dirt tracks, natural trails
• Useful information: The walk is reached by train and/or bus, you will take the train from Stresa to Mergozzo on the way to the walk, and back from Verbania-Pallanza to Stresa. There is a local cost for the train from Stresa to Mergozzo which is approx. €4.60 return, and for the train from Baveno to Mergozzo and back from Verbania-Pallanza to Baveno which is approx. €3.90 return.

For summer 2025, this walk will run on the following Fridays: 16 May, 30 May, 13 Jun, 27 Jun, 11 Jul, 25 Jul, 8 Aug, 22 Aug, 5 Sep, 19 Sep.

For summer 2026, this walk will run on the following Fridays: 15 May, 29 May, 12 Jun, 26 Jun, 10 Jul, 24 Jul, 7 Aug, 23 Aug, 4 Sep, 18 Sep.

The walk begins in the colourful village of Suna where the path will take you to the medieval village of Cavandone. Along the walk you'll pass a chestnut wood, a medieval tower and of course wonderful views of Lake Maggiore - make sure to pack you camera! Once at Cavandone there's so much history and culture to enjoy including; a 400 year old yew tree, ceramic pottery and a well preserved stone village. The walk ends in Suna, where you can wander along the lakeside promenade.

• Grade: Easy-Moderate (a good fitness level is required)
• Distance: 8km
• Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 4 hours)
• Ascent/Descent: 260m
• Terrain: Asphalt, dirt tracks, natural trails
• Useful information: The walk is reached by bus, from Stresa to Verbania-Suna and the return is by bus from Verbania-Pallanza. There is a local cost for the bus which is approx. €6.80 return. You'll have the opportunity to stop for lunch in Verbania-Pallanza towards the end of the walk (payable locally).

For summer 2025, this walk will run on the following Tuesdays: 20 May, 3 Jun, 17 Jun, 1 Jul, 15 Jul, 29 Jul, 12 Aug, 26 Aug, 9 Sep, 23 Sep.

For summer 2026, this walk will run on the following Tuesdays: 19 May, 2 Jun, 16 Jun, 30 Jun, 14 Jul, 28 Jul, 11 Aug, 25 Aug, 8 Sep, 22 Sep.

Starting at Belgirate you'll walk up to the beautiful Romanesque church of Santa Maria, where you can enjoy some fantastic lake views. Continuing uphill to the chestnut forest you'll get a feel for rural life in the terraced fields and mountain huts. You'll get even more fantastic views as you pass by the village of Passera and the gardens of Villa Pallavicino, which are a real highlight.

• Grade: Moderate-Challenging (a good fitness level is required)
• Distance: 12km
• Duration: Half day (walking time approx. 3 hours 30 mins)
• Ascent/Descent: 360m
• Terrain: Asphalt, dirt tracks, natural trails
• Useful information: The walk is reached by bus, from Stresa to Belgirate. There is a local cost for the bus which is approx. €3.20 one way. If you're staying in Baveno you can get the bus from Baveno to Belgirate which costs approx. €3.40 one way.

For summer 2025, this walk will run on the following Fridays: 23 May, 6 Jun, 20 Jun, 4 Jul, 18 Jul, 1 Aug, 15 Aug, 29 Aug, 12 Sep, 26 Sep.

For summer 2026, this walk will run on the following Fridays: 22 May, 5 Jun, 19 Jun, 3 Jul, 17 Jul, 31 Jul, 14 Aug, 28 Aug, 11 Sep, 25 Sep.

The walk starts at Domodossola, which is the main town of the Ossola Valley with its quintessential market place, stone houses and a rustic centre. A real highlight of this walk is visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Sacred Mount of Domodossola. On the descent towards Domodossola you'll have the opportunity to visit the town with its arcades, cafés and different shops selling typical products from the region.

• Grade: Moderate-Challenging (a good fitness level is required)
• Distance: 8km
• Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 3hrs 30 mins)
• Ascent/Descent: 340m
• Terrain: Asphalt, dirt tracks, natural trails
• Useful information: The walk is reached by train or bus, from Stresa to Domodossola. The train costs approx. €9.60 for a return ticket. If staying in Baveno you can get the train or bus from Baveno to Domodossola which is approx. €8.80 for a return ticket. You'll stop off along the walk to have your lunch in the open air. Make sure you come prepared with a packed lunch and snacks.

For summer 2025, this walk will run on the following Tuesdays: 13 May, 27 May, 10 Jun, 24 Jun, 8 Jul, 22 Jul, 5 Aug, 19 Aug, 2 Sep, 16 Sep.

For summer 2026, this walk will run on the following Tuesdays: 12 May, 26 May, 9 Jun, 23 Jun, 7 Jul, 21 Jul, 4 Aug, 18 Aug, 1 Sep, 15 Sep.

A very pleasant walk between two of Lake Maggiore’s most popular resorts providing fantastic views over the beautiful Borromean Gulf with it's famous islands which can be done in either direction.

• Grade: Easy
• Distance: 3.5km
• Walking time: approx. 1 hour 20 minutes

A lovely easy walk, mostly on the flat, combining two unspoilt lake side villages, harbour and lake views. The walk will take you from Belgirate lake front heading along the lake front promenade, passing through the little ‘Passeggio Giuseppe Serafini’ garden and the beautiful prestigious villas that overlook Lake Maggiore.

• Grade: Easy
• Distance: 3.6km
• Walking time: approx. 1 hour, 30 minutes

A trip up to the mountains where the cooler, fresh mountain air and spectacular views await you. The walk will take you to the beautiful Lago delle Fate where the water is always a gorgeous blue and its shores are perfect for taking a relaxing break, and past an historic 13th Century oratory.

• Grade: Moderate
• Distance: 6km
• Walking time: approx. 2 hours

Experience the stunning hidden gem, Lake Orta. You'll head along the lakeside to Arona and will stop at the enormous statue of St Charles Borromeo. Then you'll drive through some fantastic countryside all the way to Orta, an old picturesque village which is full of art and historic architecture. You'll have the option to visit the island of Saint Giulio and its 4th Century Basilica.

Details: Departs on Mondays. You can book this excursion locally with your Destination Expert.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our Terms & Conditions.

Don't miss this opportunity to get a taster of Zermatt and the iconic Matterhorn mountain that dominates the landscape. You'll take a bus over the Simplon road and into the Ossola valley where you'll get some fantastic views of the Simplon pass. Once you reach Zermatt you'll be at about 5,300 feet above sea level. It's known as the 'Queen of the Alps' because of it's many surrounding mountains, which are amongst the highest in the Alps. You'll get some time for lunch before heading back to Lake Maggiore (payable locally).

Details: Departs on Thursdays. You can book this excursion locally with your Destination Expert.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our Terms & Conditions.

A photographer's dream, Visit the elegant Swiss town of Ascona, home to an attractive lakeside promenade and interesting boutiques before heading to the sleepy Italian village of Cannobio - its picture postcard setting is a favourite with local artists.

Details: Departs on Thursdays. You can book this excursion locally with your Destination Expert.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our Terms & Conditions.

Make sure you don't miss the Villa Fedora public park. Lake Maggiore's known for it's botanical gardens and the 18th Century Pallavicino park's no exception.