Northern Lakes & Lake Como

Lake Maggiore is also a privileged venue for national and international cultural events. It hosts festivals, concerts, and exhibitions annually, celebrating music, art, literature, and cinema, attracting a cosmopolitan audience.
Lake Maggiore remains a top-tier cultural hub where art and landscape blend to create unique experiences, from grand symphonic repertoires to jazz, literature, and street theater.
A wedding in such a setting is not just an event but an experience—one that blends history, beauty, and the timeless romance of Italy

• Stresa Festival
  ‍ Great Music on the LakeOne of the most prestigious events is the Stresa Festival, founded in 1961. This festival brings world-class classical and contemporary musicians to the lake. It combines top-tier music with breathtaking scenery and is held in exceptional venues such as the Stresa Convention Center, the Borromean Islands, and the Santa Caterina del Sasso Monastery.
• Ascona Music Weeks
  ‍On the Swiss side, Ascona Music Weeks features internationally renowned conductors and soloists performing a repertoire of Baroque masterpieces and great symphonic works.
• Jazz Cat Festival - Moon&Stars in Locarno
  For jazz and pop-rock enthusiasts, the Jazz Cat Festival (in Lugano and Locarno) and the Moon&Stars Festival (featuring international music stars) are two must-attend events.

Lake Maggiore is a scenic wonder and a land of culinary excellence. Its dishes blend lake and mountain traditions. Its geography profoundly influences local cuisine, featuring freshwater fish and inland specialties.

• Golden perch, often served with risotto
• Grilled whitefish (lavarello)
• Carpione, a marinated fish dish with vinegar and spices
• Char, a prized freshwater fish
• Notable cheeses include Bettelmatt, known for its intense flavor, and Toma del Mottarone, perfect when paired with local honey and walnuts.

On the Piedmontese side, the Novara Hills produce excellent wines

• Ghemme DOCG and Boca DOC – noble red wines made from Nebbiolo, aged in wood barrels for a complex bouquet
• Colline Novaresi DOC – lighter and fresher wines, ideal for local pairings

Lake Maggiore offers a fascinating blend of cultural and natural wonders, making it an ideal destination for those exploring northern Italy.

• Stresa and the Borromean Islands•
  Isola Bella – Home to the majestic Borromeo Palace and Italian-style terraced gardens•
  Isola Madre – Famous for its English botanical gardens and historic palace•
  Isola dei Pescatori – A charming fishermen’s village with quaint alleys and traditional restaurants
• Arona and the Statue of San Carlo Borromeo
  Arona is South of Stresa. It is home to the towering San Carlo Borromeo statue, the San Carlone. At over 30 meters tall, it is one of the largest statues in the world and offers panoramic views of the lake.
• Borromeo Fortress of Angera
  On the Lombard side, the Borromeo Fortress of Angera is a medieval stronghold that houses the Doll and Toy Museum and offers stunning lake views.
• Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso
  Perched on a cliffside, this picturesque monastery in Leggiuno is accessible by land or boat and is famous for its historic frescoes and contemplative atmosphere.
• Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto
  Located in Verbania, these botanical gardens feature an extraordinary collection of plants worldwide, with spectacular blooms year-round.

• Milan
  Milan is less than an hour from Lake Maggiore and a perfect addition to any itinerary. From the majestic Duomo and Da Vinci’s Last Supper to the historical La Scala Theater and the Sforza Castle, the city blends past and present with elegance. As the capital of fashion and design, Milan offers unique experiences, from the luxury boutiques of the Fashion Quadrilateral to the modern skyscrapers of Porta Nuova and the avant-garde exhibitions at Fondazione Prada.

• Napoleon Bonaparte
  In 1797, Napoleon and his wife Josephine unannouncedly stayed at Borromeo Palace on Isola Bella, leaving a mark on the island’s history.
• Arturo Toscanini
  The renowned conductor lived in San Giovanni Islet, near Verbania, from 1932 to 1954, and the lake’s tranquility inspired him.
• Ernest Hemingway
  The American writer stayed at the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées in Stresa, an experience that inspired passages in A Farewell to Arms.
• Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall
  The Hollywood icons spent part of their honeymoon in Stresa, further boosting its international reputation.
• Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom
  In 1879, Queen Victoria stayed at Villa Clara (now Villa Branca) in Baveno during an official visit to Italy. Built between 1871 and 1873 by British engineer Charles Henfrey, the villa became a gathering place for European aristocracy.

• Piero Chiara
  The Italian writer set many of his novels and stories along Lake Maggiore, vividly portraying local life. His notable works include:•
  The Bishop’s Bedroom – A post-war novel blending desire, existential reflection, and mystery•
  The Disappearance of Signora Giulia – A psychological crime novel filled with suspense and intrigue

Lake Maggiore is situated in northern Italy, near the Swiss border. The most popular airport to fly into is Milan Malpensa, and the drive from the airport takes about one hour. Several trains connect the airport to Stresa.

Lake Orta boasts a rich cultural heritage, visible in its historic buildings, religious monuments, and local traditions.

• The Sacro Monte of Orta
  ‍a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a complex of twenty chapels dedicated to the life of St. Francis of Assisi, blending art and spirituality in a nature-immersed setting
• Omegna,
  A substantial, important town on the lake, it is famous for being the birthplace of Gianni Rodari, a renowned children's literature author to whom the Parco della Fantasia is dedicated. Cultural events, concerts, and festivals enrich the area’s annual calendar.

Lake Orta’s cuisine is based on local products and Piedmontese traditions. Notable specialties include asparagus from the surrounding hills and a variety of artisanal cheeses that pair perfectly with the region’s red wines, such as Barolo and Barbaresco.
The lake’s restaurant offers unique culinary experiences, featuring freshwater fish dishes and traditional desserts like "pan d’Orta," a hazelnut-based delicacy.
Among the most renowned chefs is Antonino Cannavacciuolo, who owns the three-Michelin-starred Villa Crespi restaurant in Orta San Giulio. Here, his innovative cuisine blends Mediterranean flavors with Piedmontese traditions, attracting food enthusiasts worldwide

Lake Orta offers numerous places to explore:

• Island of San Giulio:
  featuring the Romanesque basilica and the     evocative "Path of Silence."
• Sacro Monte of Orta:
  a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
• Orta San Giulio:
  a charming village with cobbled streets and the picturesque Piazza Motta.
• Omegna is Gianni Rodari's birthplace, offering lakeside walks and a museum on     the area’s industrial history.
• Anello di Quarna:
  a scenic hiking trail through forests, historic     churches, and breathtaking viewpoints.

• Milan
  Milan is less than an hour from Lake Maggiore and a perfect addition to any itinerary. From the majestic Duomo and Da Vinci’s Last Supper to the historical La Scala Theater and the Sforza Castle, the city blends past and present with elegance. As the capital of fashion and design, Milan offers unique experiences, from the luxury boutiques of the Fashion Quadrilateral to the modern skyscrapers of Porta Nuova and the avant-garde exhibitions at Fondazione Prada.

Lake Orta has captivated many illustrious figures.
1882 Friedrich Nietzsche stayed here, drawing inspiration for Thus Spoke Zarathustra.
Honoré de Balzac described it as "a corner of paradise," while composer Giuseppe Verdi admired its tranquility.
Recently, the lake has been a retreat for artists, writers, and international celebrities, enchanted by its exclusive and relaxing atmosphere.

Lake Maggiore is situated in northern Italy, near the Swiss border. The most popular airport to fly into is Milan Malpensa, and the drive from the airport takes about one hour. Several trains connect the airport to Stresa.

If Lake Como could talk, it would have the most enchanting stories.
The Romans walked its shores thousands of years ago, and Renaissance artists found their muse in its rolling hills. In the 18th century,
Villa Carlotta’s gardens bloomed as a gift of love. And today, it’s still a place where grand love stories are written.
Even its silk industry is a tale of craftsmanship and beauty. Como’s artisans have been weaving dreams for centuries, supplying the world’s best designers—think Gucci, Versace, Louis Vuitton.
Can you imagine stepping into your wedding dress knowing the same hands that made it have dressed royalty?

Lake Como’s cuisine is a delightful mix of lake and alpine traditions.
The signature dish is polenta, served with slow-cooked meats, regional cheeses, or lake fish like perch and often complemented by risotto.
Other specialties include misultin (dried agone fish), lavarello, and char.
The region is also known for exceptional cheeses such as semuda, zincarlin, and exquisite honey.
Wine lovers can enjoy renowned Valtellina labels like Sforzato di Valtellina and Nebbiolo delle Alpi, perfect companions to local dishes.

On the Piedmontese side, the Novara Hills produce excellent wines

Lake Como offers an array of must-visit destinations

• Bellagio:
  Dubbed the "pearl of the lake," this picturesque village enchants visitors with its cobbled streets, stylish boutiques, and the stunning gardens of Villa Melzi.
• Varenna:
  A romantic lakeside town boasting the scenic Vezio Castle and the breathtaking Villa Monastero.
• Villa del Balbianello:
  is one of the most striking villas on the lake, renowned for its appearances in *Star Wars: Episode II* and *Casino Royale*.
• Como:
  The largest city on the lake, featuring a majestic Gothic cathedral, the Volta Temple, and a funicular offering spectacular panoramic views.
• Lenno & Menaggio:
  Picturesque towns with historic churches, panoramic dining spots, and tranquil beaches.

• Milan
  Milan is less than an hour from Lake Maggiore and a perfect addition to any itinerary. From the majestic Duomo and Da Vinci’s Last Supper to the historical La Scala Theater and the Sforza Castle, the city blends past and present with elegance. As the capital of fashion and design, Milan offers unique experiences, from the luxury boutiques of the Fashion Quadrilateral to the modern skyscrapers of Porta Nuova and the avant-garde exhibitions at Fondazione Prada.

• Pliny the Younger:
  The Roman writer and magistrate owned a villa in Bellagio and chronicled the lake’s serene beauty.
• Alessandro Manzoni:
  Immortalized parts of *The Betrothed* along Lake Como’s shores.
• Vincenzo Bellini:
  The celebrated composer found inspiration here for operas like *Norma* and *I Puritani*.
• George Clooney:
  The Hollywood star owns a villa in Laglio, reinforcing Lake Como’s reputation for exclusivity.
• Giuseppe Verdi:
  The lake’s tranquil allure enchanted the legendary composer.

• Madonna:
  The pop icon frequently vacations on the lake, drawn by its elegance and privacy.
• Richard Branson:
  The British entrepreneur’s villa adds to the lake’s luxurious image.
• John Kerry:
  The former U.S. Secretary of State has visited multiple times and appreciates its peace and awe-inspiring views.

Lake Maggiore is situated in northern Italy, near the Swiss border. The most popular airport to fly into is Milan Malpensa, and the drive from the airport takes about one hour. Several trains connect the airport to Stresa.