An exclusive food and wine tour on Lake Maggiore
Active
7h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The surroundings of lake Maggiore are the homeland of some of the most prestigious Italian gastronomic specialties: varieties of cheese like the "Bettelmatt" are the natural match for elegant yet full-bodied wines like Nebbiolo, the king of Piemontese vines. This exclusive tour will lead you to discover some of these mouth-watering treasures: starting form Stresa, where you'll have an espresso or a cappuccino, together with a sweet specialty in a historical tea room. The following stage will be a cheese seasoning cellar, where you'll have a tasting matched by some varieties of wine. Finally, you'll reach Gattinara, a charming small town which has given its name to a fine red wine based on Nebbiolo grapes: the Gattinara DOCG. A guided tasting of this nectar will be held in an historical local winery.
Available options
An exclusive food and wine tour on Lake Maggiore
What's included
Private transportation
Exclusive tasting of typical pastries, served with espresso or cappuccino
Qualified private guide
Guided wine tasting, with an accompaniment of cold cuts; visit to the cellar
Exclusive tasting of cheese, matched with local wine, and visit to the seasoning cellar
Detailed itinerary
1
This small town, standing on the Western coast of Lake Maggiore in the so-called Borromea Gulf, is one of the most visited touristic sites of entire Piemonte. Its territory includes three of the four Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola Superiora, also named Isola dei Pescatori. The first recorded file about the town is dated 998, but even in the Roman age, the way leading from Milan to the Sempione pass ran by this site.
2
Stresa is well-know for its sweet called "Margheritine", soft biscuits created in 1857 in the pastry shop of Pietro Antonio Bolongaro. The shop still exists in Stresa today, with its art-nouveau style pieces of forniture. It overlooks Lake Maggiore. here you will enjoy an expresso or a cappuccino together with these delicious biscuits dedicated to princess Margherita di Savoia, who would become the future Italian Queen Margherita
3
This small town was founded in 1242 by the Municipality of Vercelli as a brand new settlement, a so called "Borgo Franco": that is to say, free from feudal bonds. Since the Napoleonic age, Gattinara has gone through a progressive economic growth, especially linked to the industrial sector.
The city is also well known for the production of a prestigious DOCG red wine (Controlled and guaranteed origin).
4
When great-grandfather Luigi Guffanti, in 1876, began to season Gorgonzola cheese, his brilliant intuition was to purchase an abandoned silver mine in Valganna, in the Varese province. n the mine, with its temperature and humidity constant year-round, the cheese matured so well that Luigi quickly cornered the markets: his sons, Carlo and Mario, at the beginning of the 1900′s, exported as far as Argentina and California, lands of Piedmont and Lombard emigration.
Maximum attention to the handcrafted quality of the cheeses and passionate care taken in the refinement process mark the proud Guffanti Fiori family tradition handed, down for five generations.
Experience gained by processing the Gorgonzola has gradually been transferred to the Tomas of the Ossola Alpine pastures, the Reggiano Parmesan, all the cheeses, Italian, French, English, Spanish, Portuguese.
What's not included
Lunch
Dinner
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
ES
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
Festivals
Lago Maggiore Music Festival • July
Festa di San Carlo Borromeo • November 4
Cannobio Sunday Market • Every Sunday
Pro tips
- Visit the Borromean Islands early in the morning to avoid crowds
- Take a boat tour to see the lake from a different perspective
- Try the local specialties, such as risotto al pesce persico and missoltino
- Explore the lesser-known towns and villages for a more authentic experience
- Visit during the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and pleasant weather
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
