The magic of Orta San Giulio on a private tour 

Orta San Giulio, the Island and the Sacro Monte - Holy Mount - of St. Francis of Assisi

                  Description

Forget big towns and modern buildings. Forget large streets and avenues, loads of cars and traffic jam. Forget modern chain stores and huge department stores.

Imagine old cobblestone alleys, ancient stairways and doorways, elegant old villas and stone palaces decorated with frescoes. Imagine secret gardens and courtyards hidden behind wrought iron gates handmade by local craftsmen, large and antique wood doors decorated with dragon-shaped knockers.

Orta San Giulio is a small town, we'd better call it a village, but the atmosphere of this magical place is something unique that you will hardly find elsewhere.

Orta is one of those authentic places where tourists and visitors have the chance to experience a real taste of Italy. Every corner you turn in the village has a little surprise and the main square offers a beautiful perspective of San Giulio's island, which emerges unexpectedly from lake Orta's calm and clear waters.

A well-known Italian writer  - Piero Chiara - described this island as something "hesitant between water and sky". A typical Italian square with cafes, restaurants, colourful buildings and benches give the final touch and complete this picturesque puzzle.

                   Itinerary

We will discover the village of Orta San Giulio strolling through its medieval alleys and old buildings. Then we will enjoy a boat ride to the isle of San Giulio for a guided tour of the ancient Basilica and for an interesting walk around the island. Once back in the village of Orta we will make our way to the Sacro Monte - Holy Mount - of Saint Francis to explore this important Unesco Site and protected area.

                                                                                           Notes 

This guided tour is available every day of the year;

This is NOT a shared tour. Whether touring as a ready-made group, a family, an individual, a couple, or a small group of friends, this will be a private tour;

This tour can start at the time that is most convenient for you;

 Lengtht of visit: a full-day. A half-day version of the tour is possible too;

Meeting point: your hotel lobby or parking area /main square in Orta San Giulio;

If you are not staying in Orta San Giulio, transportation can easily be arranged. Send your inquiry to Micaela!  stresaguide@gmail.com