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 Some suggested itineraries:
  • Monastery of Santa Caterina del Sasso
    • Beautiful XII century monastery of the Dominican Order overlooking Lake Maggiore. Descriptions with pictures can be found here and here. The story of the monastery is narrated here.
    • Visiting time: each day 8:30-12:00, 14:30-18:00
    • Duration of visit: 45-60 mins
    • Location: Leggiuno (VA)
    • How to reach it: follow main road from Ispra to Laveno; about 1 km after the village of Arolo, turn left (as indicated).
  • Borromeo Islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori
    • These islands on Lake Maggiore are famous for their extraordinary gardens, elegant palaces, and  a characteristic fishermen village. Descriptions with pictures can be found here, here, and here
    • Visiting times: each day 9:00-17:30
    • Location: islands 'Bella' and 'dei Pescatori' are near Stresa, island 'Madre' is in the middle of L. Maggiore
    • Duration of visit (on site): Isola Bella 1-2 hrs, Isola dei Pescatori 30 mins, Isola Madre 1-2 hrs
    • There are two possibilities to reach the islands:
    1. Drive to Laveno (East side of L. Maggiore) and take the boat of the Navigazione Lago Maggiore
    2. Drive to Stresa (West side of L. Maggiore) and take the boat of the Navigazione Lago Maggiore. In Stresa, private (but much more expensive) boats are also available. 
  • Castle of Angera (Rocca Borromeo)
    • Imposing medieval fortress dominating the Southern part of Lake Maggiore. A description with pictures can be found here. More pictures of the 'Rocca' can be seen here.
    • Visiting times: each day 9:00-17:30, except Sundays and holidays 9:00-18:00
    • Duration of visit (on site): fortress 30-45 mins, museums 30-45 mins
    • Location: Angera (VA)
    • How to reach it: take the road toward Angera, then follow the signs for the 'Rocca'
  • Villa Panza (Varese)
    •  XVIII century villa with Italian garden, famous for its collection of contemporary art. A description of the villa with pictures can be found here. Here are more details on the art collection and on Giuseppe Panza.
    • Visiting times: each day 10:00-18:00, including Monday May 1st
    • Duration of visit (on site): villa + collection 90-120 mins
    • Location: Piazza Litta 1, Varese (Biumo Superiore)
    • How to reach it: go toward Varese city centre; once on Viale Aguggiari, follow the signs for 'Ville Ponti' and/or 'Villa Panza'
    • If you have some time left in Varese, you might want to visit the 'Giardini Estensi' and/or the 'Corso Matteotti'
  • 'Sacro Monte' of Varese and 'Campo dei Fiori' Natural Park
    • You can follow the Sacred Way from the first chapel to the sanctuary, visit the village of Sacro Monte, or plan a hike in the natural park. More informations can be found here, here, or here.
    • Location: 8 km from the city center of Varese
    • How to reach it: go here, and follow the links 'Notizie e Link Utili' -> 'Come arrivare al Sacro Monte'
  • 'Duomo' of Milan
    • This gothic masterpiece in the city center of Milan is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and Milan's most famous monument. A visit to the cathedral roofs is also recommended. Some information about the 'Duomo' can be found here, here, and here.
    •  Visiting times: cathedral each day 7:00-19:00, roofs 9:00-17:00. Closed on May 1st.
    • Duration of visit: 1-2 hrs
    • Location: Milan city center, Piazza del Duomo
    • How to reach the Duomo: from Lake Maggiore take either the train of Ferrovie Nord in Laveno, Gavirate or Varese to the Milan Cadorna station, or take the train of Trenitalia in Sesto Calende or Varese to the Milan Central station. Once in Milan, you may walk, or use underground, bus, or taxi.
  • Sforzesco Castle of Milan
    • This imposing castle dates back to the 14th century, and has witnessed all the historical vicissitudes of the city of Milan. It has also museums and a park. Information and pictures can be found here.
    • Visiting times: each day 9:30-17:30, closed May 1st.
    • Duration of visit: 1-2 hours
    • Location: north-west of cathedral, in the city center
    • How to reach the Castello Sforzesco: once in Milan, either walk, or take the undrground, bus, or taxi 
  • Other things to see and do in Milan
    • See the 'Ultima Cena' (Last Supper) by Leonardo da Vinci in the church Santa Maria delle Grazie. If interested, you need to book well in advance here. 
    • Shopping!