STRESA AND THE LAKE MAGGIORE

Lake Maggiore, also called Verbano and the second largest lake of Italy, is at the foot of the Alps, where was formed in the glacial era, as shown by the rounded contours of its bottom and by morainic hills which surround it and enclose it to the south. Its perimeter is 100 miles long and its deepest point is 372 meters. The position of the lake surrounded by Hills and mountains which protect it from the rigours of the north, creates an environment in which the warmth of the temperate climate is combined with the fresh air from the mountains.

STRESA
This international tourist resort, situated in a central, but also panoramic and pictoresque position along the lakeside roadway, stands just in front of the Borromee isles. Since the second half of nineteenth century up to the first decades of the twentieth when the first English tourists arrived, Stresa, whose hotels and villas built in Liberty style make it unique, assumed its peculiar, elegant look. Nowadays it is a renowned holiday resosrt as well as an important seat of cultural manifestations, meetings and international congresses also thanks to its well-developed hotel system. Piazza Marconi, with its landing-stage and the Church of S. Ambrogio, which was restored in Neo-Classical style by G. Zanoia in 1790, stretches from the beatiful beach of the lakeside road. Just at the back of the church you see Villa Ducale the first one to have been built in 1770 and after which all the others fol- lowed; here Antonio Rosmini died, celebrated by II Centro Internazionale di Studi Rosminiani (an international religious and cultural centre), which holds its seat in the Villa. Anyway the won- derful sightseeing over the lake makes Stresa position a very valuable one: from here you can see one part of the region of Lombardia with Cerro, Laveno up to the Rock of Calde, as well as the bank of Piemonte with the Peak of Castagnola, Pallanza and - on your left - Monte Rosso (613 m. above sea level) up to the Ossola Mountains

SIGHTSEEINGS / SPECIAL ACITIVITIES

The following suggestions are a first introduction on what we can arrange in the area.  By special arrangements we are able to provide a tailor made programme according to client’s needs.

FULL DAY EXCURSION ISOLA BELLA, ISOLA MADRE, ISOLA DEI PESCATORI

Guided visit of  the islands of Isola Madre & Isola Bella.
Departing by private boat for the ten minute ride across the latke to Isola Bella, considered the most famous of the Borromean islands due to its elaborate Italian gardens and stately palace.  The island is said to represent a shop which slowly sails across the waters of the lake.  Originally called Isola San Vittore, the island’s name was changed to Isola Bella after Charles Borromee II presented it to his wife Isabella.  The palazzo itself is a mixture of ornate rooms, including the magnificent Salone delle Feste, and the grottoes with walls decorated by shells and pebbles.  Within the gardens one can see the open-air theatre, and the ten terraces which dip down to the lake, inhabited by the famous white peacockts.
Onto Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean islands with the impressive Palazzo which houses a valuable collection of marionettes in addition to scenery and drawing once used as backdrops for theatrical plays.  The island’s colourful and luxuriant gardens, dominated by a giant Kashmir cypress are in direct contrast to those of Isola Bella.
The last stop will be on the Isola dei Pescatori with its charming fishing village,  where we can arrange lunch before sailing back to the hotel.

HALF DAY guided visit of the gardens of  Villa Taranto
Built on the promontory between Intra and Pallanza this incredibly beautiful garden was purchased in 1931 by the Scots Captain Neil McEacharn, whilst in a completely derelict state.  Helped by his considerable cash reserves he importeded over 20,000 varieties of tropical plants, including giant Amazonian water-lilies and lotus blossoms.  The colours in September are quite exceptional.  Return journey by coach, with accompanying guide.

FULL DAY EXCURSION LAKE ORTA
Departure after breakfast for visit to Lake Orta, just 20 Km to the west of Stresa. This small lake is just 13Km as itss longest point. The green waters of Lake Orta run still and quiet, and in the centre they hold a magical isle.- Isola San Giulio. Stop at the east bank of Lake Orta, which is dominated by the district’s highest peak, the 1491 m Mottarone, to take a look at the lake’s charming main village Orta San Giulio. Dominated by little 1582 Palazzotto of faded frescoes and terracotta statues by different artists relating to the life of Italy’s patron saint, St Francis.

From the village follow the path to the lakeside to take private boats to the Isola San Giulio. The story goes that the islands was rescued from serpents and monsters by a Christian preacher –Julius – who erected a basilica in the middle of the islands which contains an enormous vertebrae supposed belonging to one of the dragons which Julius slayed!

After this morning’s visit drive just 30 km to the small town of Gattinara – one of the most important names in the production of Piedmont wine. Lunch in a typical local restaurant in the centre of the town, with a menu of local specialities and fine Piedmont wines.

Following lunch a brief ride – less than ten minutes – to visit a local Cantina (wine cellar) at Ghemme. This is one of the most important names in the production of Piedmont wines and the cantina we will visit will be one of the finest in the area – Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo , where the family owners have been producing fine wines since the beginning of the 19th century.

A guided tour of the cantina, to see where the Ghemme wine is matured in oak barrels over a period of three years, the bottling plant, the wines and ending with a wine – tasting of various wines of the Cantina’s production.

Dinner at the Restaurant Piccolo Lago,   There are not many places in the world where time seems to pass by in a special way. Here light, atmosphere and landscape create a magic scenario on the lake changing with the delicate colours whispered by the changing seasons . The "Piccolo Lago" is a specialplace where you are welcome as a friend and can enjoy the delicacies of the traditional and international cuisine. The restaurant at the "Piccolo Lago" is the ideal place, where hospitality acquires a new meaning. The cellar at the "Piccolo Lago" was created for the desires of even the most discerning customer. The Sommelier Carlo Sacco chose for you a wide range of excellent national and international wines and  he will be happy to recommend you the best combination to accompany the several specialities in the menu. The cellar is then completed with a wide choice of prestigious and rare distillates with an excellent choice of cigars.

TREASUTE HUNT : Afternoon activity:

the group will be divided into three teams and each team will be given an envelope which will contain :-

· Set of clues of treasures to be found
· A list of brain-teasers to be answered and solved
· Travel around ticket for use on public boat
· Map of the lake
· Cash allowance for purchase of treasures (where necessary)

The teams need to organise themselves to ensure they manage to complete both parts of the treasure hunt within the allocated time.

Examples of clues to be solved to buy treasures:-

1. Purchase a copy of Italy’s best selling newspaper.
2. Milan has two famous football teams
a) give the full name of the stadium where they play
b) which of the two teams is currently ahead in division A
            Make your way to the highest point in Stresa and find the lady in the
            Winning colours to collect your treasure.
3. Bring us a postcard of the famous birds to be found on one of the
Borromean islands.
4. Take a boat to the “prettiest‿ of the islands and treasure on the garden
Terrace

Examples of brain-teasers:

1 Name the Italy’s most famous politician and businessman.
2 Name the current N.1 single in the Italian charts.
3 Name the Italian national anthem, and sing one or two lines!

This activity will take up the afternoon ending back at the hotel.

FULL DAY EXCURSION TO MILAN

This morning a discovery of Milan in a traditional fashion – instead of travelling by coach we travel by a period style tram, with on board a bar and buffet of pizzette, canapés, mini-rolls and similar.  The bar will serve beer, wine, water and soft drinks.

The itinerary of the tour will be the following, although this can be varied - duration approx
2,30 hrs.
Duomo = In the exact centre of Milan, with the imposing Duomo, the Piazza, with the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Palazzo Reale (the Royal Palace) - the city’s entire history concentrated in one area!
San Lorenzo = 4th century basilica, the oldest church in Milan, which has undergone extensive restoration works and boast a beautiful chapel with a mosaic  Christ with his apostles)
Darsena =formed by the meeting of the two navigable canals, Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese. Until the 1950s Milan, through these canals, handled more tonnage than seaports like Brindisi and it has now become one of the trendiest areas of Milan, where many of the city’s artists work and the latest nightspots are opening up
S.Maria delle Grazie = Houses Milan’s greatest painting, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper.  The long restoration project was finally completed this year, and this magnificent painting has been returned to its former glory.  Painted at the moment when Christ announces that one of his disciples will betray him, it is a masterful psychological study of the apostles’ gestures of disbelief and dismay captured almost photographically by one of the greatest students of human nature.
Porta Venezia During the 18th century Corso Venezia was the centre of Milan’s intellectual life, and one can admire the majestic neo-classical and liberty style palazzi lining the avenue. The corso leads to the Stazione Centrale
Piazza Castello = The Castello Sforzesco is one of Milan’s most well-known monuments, orginally a fortress the Visconti family made it their castle back in the 15th century. Today it houses the city’s main art collection, and concerts take place in the courtyards during the summer months.  Behind the castle lies the Sempione Park, the largest of Milan’s parks.
Return to Duomo.

At the end of the excursion lunch will be taken dfor example at the BISTROT DUOMO
THE BISTROT DUOMO is located on the 7th floor of the RINASCENTE, Milan’s famous department store. The Bistrot Duomo has a magnificient view over the Cathedral and the Piazza Duomo. This is one of the best locations in the centre of the city, matched by refined cuisine and service.
Afternoon free for personal visits and shopping.

GUIDED VISIT OF VILLA CICOGNA MOZZONI
An authentic Lombard Renaissance residence, situated in Bisuschio (only 8 km from Varese ), in the Valceresio (from Varese to the Lugano's Lake). This villa was built between 1400 and 1500 by the family Mozzoni, feudatory of much land inVarese's territory. Sometimes used during the season for hunting bear and the wild boars that were frequently be found in the surrounding woods. With the marriage of Angela Mozzoni to Giampiero Cicogna in 1580, and with the help of the brothers Campi of Cremona, the residence was transformed into a collection of precious paintings and frescoes, casement ceilings and Renaissance furniture.
The garden which occupies 18 hectares of land, is harmoniously divided into lawns, woods and areas decorated in an Italian style with statues and water themes. A double staircase with 156 steps and lined with cypresses rises to the grotto, offering a splendid view of the park, terrace and gardens. By special arrangement at the end of the visit we can arrange a private lunch in the villa.
DINNER SUGGESTIONS

DINNER IN A PRIVAT BOAT WITH ENTERTAINMENT

departure in the afternoon from hotel jetty to the boat “Verbania‿ for a short cruise on the Lake followed by dinner –
After dinner a music entertainment will be organized with a group of 4 singers (they are called the ITALIAN MANHATTAN TRANSFERS) with a trip inside the  italian music from 1930 till today.
The representation will be alternated with the exhibition of a dance&sing group
with particular choreographies where the people will be involved as well.
Musics as Flamenco, Can-Can, all with 7 professional dancers with original costumes!!!
Alternatively folk or country music is also possible.

Other Suggestions for evening
CASINO’ AT THE HOTEL (by special arrangements we can set up a Casino’ at the Hotel for exclusive use of the group)

GALA DINNER AT OLEGGIO CASTLE

Located 20 minutes from Stresa, in the small viallage of Oleggio Castello on the hills overlooking Arona, on the shores of Lake Maggiore.  The actual villas was built on the remain of a late medieval Visconti Castle, as a copy of tranditional English gothic architecture of the 15th century. Built on a wide terrace half way down the gently sloping hills, itoffers magnificent views of the Lake, right down to the river Ticino.
Still the principal seat of the Dal Pozzo family, its spacious rooms, wide galleries and the vast terrace overlooking the park offer the ideal setting for an elegant gala dinner.

An aperitif would be served on the terrace lit by glowing torches with views over the garden down to the lake.  Dinner will be served in series of 3 interconnecting reception rooms, seating at round tables of 8, with fine tableware and black tie waiters.
The guests may be met by two footmen in livery who will accompany them from the entrance gat to the the porch.  During the aperitif and dinner a trio of musicians, in evening dress, of violin, viola and flute.
As a special end to the evening upon departure from the castle, the guests will see the company logo lit up in flames against the magnificent backdrop of the lake.