The romantic village of Orta San Giulio with a tour guide

Lake Maggiore , Italy

The romantic village of Orta San Giulio with a tour guide

Active

(14 reviews)

3h - 4h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Visiting the most romantic village in Piemont.

Wandering in the narrow streets.

Sailing on the lake to the Island of the silence and the meditation.

Available options

The romantic village of Orta San Giulio with a tour guide

What's included

Local guide

Detailed itinerary

The small town of Orta San Giulio is a one of the top destinations for tourists visiting our region.

A favourite place for romantic souls, the village is a maze of picturesque streets and little squares with craft boutiques, antique shops and lively cafés.

At the center of the town you will find Piazza Motta, pulsating heart of the life of the village, from which the connections for the Island of San Giulio begin; it overlooks the Broletto or Palace of the Community (on the facade you can admire the city crest), in which in the Middle Ages the power was exercised.

In front of the Broletto begins an uphill road called 'Motta' from which you reach the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta (1485).

The pearl of Orta is the island of San Giulio:

the little Island of San Giulio is dominated by its Romanesque basilica.From the church you can walk along the narrow street that goes round the whole of the island: the “way of silence and meditation”.

We will visit San Giulio Island and the beautiful Church with the medieval pulpit.

We will walk in this magic place.

we will meet for the visit in Orta San Giulio

What's not included

Transportation to/from attractions

boat 5 euro per person to the Island

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

11 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

via Panoramica 26 Orta San Giulio

In front of the mini Golf

Important notes

• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

About Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is a picturesque lake in northern Italy, known for its stunning landscapes, elegant villas, and lush botanical gardens. It's a popular destination for outdoor activities, cultural exploration, and relaxation, offering a blend of Italian and Swiss influences.

Top Attractions

Isola Bella

A stunning island with a historic palace and beautifully landscaped gardens, known for its unique shape and elegant architecture.

Historical 2-3 hours €18-€22

Isola dei Pescatori

A charming fishing island with colorful houses, narrow streets, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free (ferry costs apply)

Villa Taranto

A beautiful botanical garden with a vast collection of plants from around the world, offering stunning views of the lake.

Nature 2-3 hours €12

Alpino-Caprone Cable Car

A scenic cable car ride up to the summit of Monte San Salvatore, offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Adventure 2-3 hours €15-€20 round trip

Santa Caterina del Sasso

A historic hermitage built into the cliffs above the lake, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and religious history.

Historical 1-2 hours €5

Must-Try Local Dishes

Risotto al pesce persico

A creamy risotto made with local perch, a specialty of the lake region.

Main Course Contains fish

Missoltino

Dried and salted fish, typically served with polenta, a traditional dish from the region.

Main Course Contains fish

Panettone

A sweet, fluffy bread with candied fruit and raisins, originally from Milan but popular throughout the region.

Dessert Contains eggs and dairy

Vin Brulé

A warm, spiced wine, perfect for cold winter evenings.

Drink Contains alcohol

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Skiing Sailing Water skiing Sunbathing Swimming Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather, clear skies, and plenty of outdoor activities. It's ideal for swimming, boating, and exploring the lake's attractions.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

CET (GMT+1), CST (GMT+2) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Lake Maggiore is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
• Use reputable taxis and restaurants

Getting there

By air

Malpensa International Airport • 45 km from Arona (northern shore)
Aeroporto di Milano Linate • 80 km from Arona

By train

Arona Station, Laveno-Mombello Station

By bus

Arona, Laveno-Mombello

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are a convenient way to get around, with frequent services and affordable fares.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Stresa Arona Laveno-Mombello Pallanza

Day trips

Locarno

50 km • Full day

A charming Swiss town on the southern shore of Lake Maggiore, known for its historic center, beautiful gardens, and the famous Locarno Film Festival.

Macugnaga

60 km • Full day

A picturesque mountain village in the Val d'Ossola, known for its stunning views of the Monte Rosa massif and excellent hiking and skiing opportunities.

Cannobio

30 km • Half day

A charming town on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, known for its historic center, beautiful churches, and the famous Sunday market.