Active trip with friends at Lake Maggiore in Italy | Expa Travel

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Active trip with friends at Lake Maggiore - Trond & Lene

Active friends trip at Lago Maggiore - with Lene & Trond

NB! This is a private tour, and is therefore only for invitees.

Italian idyll by the lakes Lago Maggiore and Lago Orta

Italy is beautiful – few would dispute that. Some of the perhaps most idyllic and beautiful places we at Expa Travel have visited are the areas around the many lakes in Northern Italy. Here, the mighty Alps meet the atmospheric lakes Lago Maggiore and Lago Orta. And it is exactly here Lene & Trond want to invite you along on a trip.

On this trip, you will stay right by the lakeside of Lago Maggiore, at the beautiful Hotel Ghiffa. The hotel is located right between the mountains and the lake – simply Italian idyll at its best. A perfect location and starting point for fun and adventurous excursions, whether on e-bikes, boat trips, hikes, or winery visits at the fantastic Cantina Travaglini in Gattinara. In other words, the trip is set up for activity, sun & swimming, and pleasant gastronomic experiences.
The hotel is located only about an hour from Malpensa airport, and about 10 km from the Swiss border.

Lago Maggiore

Lago Maggiore is one of Italy's most beautiful lakes and stretches through three areas: the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy in Italy, as well as a small part into Switzerland.
The lake is approx. 65 km long and the second deepest in Italy, with an impressive depth of 372 meters. The meeting between mountains and the lake creates a unique landscape, with palm trees by the water's edge and snow-capped peaks on the horizon.

The area is known for its mild climate, lush gardens, and small towns like Stresa, Verbania, and Cannobio. This is a classic Northern Italian area with a pleasant atmosphere – and many great experiences nearby. A place that is perfect for groups wishing for a trip with experiences, tranquility, and everyday Italian life.

Quick facts about the trip

You will fly to Milan Malpensa. From here, it is a short distance to the hotel by Lake Maggiore (approx. an hour's transfer). The driver will meet you at the airport.

The bikes are new, full-suspension electric mountain bikes. The Vespas, classic Vespa Piaggio 125cc, are also of newer models.
At the hotel's pier, two motorboats are waiting – these can be used for excursions to the islands of Isola Pescatori and Isola Bella.
There are also very good opportunities for hiking in the mountains close to the hotel. The hikes can easily be done on your own, but you also have the option to hire a guide.
On most excursions, you will be back at the hotel by early afternoon, leaving time for sun, swimming and relaxation. Two of the days are completely open for your own plans.

Excursions

The Vespa excursion goes over mountain Mottarone, on fun, winding roads that lead down to the next lake – idyllic Lake Orta.
The bike ride goes up into the mountains to over 1000 meters above sea level. A real pleasure with an e-bike.
Here you get a magical view of the Alps and Lake Maggiore.
The boat trip goes to the islands of Isola dei Pescatori (perfect for lunch), as well as the noble Borromeo family's island – Isola Bella

Just south of Lake Maggiore lies the wine region of Gattinara. One of the absolute most prestigious wine regions in all of Italy. Here you will visit the Cantina Travaglini winery for a guided tour, light lunch – and of course, a tasting. Fantastic place!

Three of the dinners are enjoyed in the hotel's cozy restaurant. In nice weather, tables are set up outside on the terrace, with a fantastic view of the lake. The hotel has a very good kitchen and wine list.

Quick facts about the trip

You will fly to Milan Malpensa. From here, it is a short distance to the hotel by Lake Maggiore (approx. an hour's transfer). The driver will meet you at the airport.

The bikes are new, full-suspension electric mountain bikes. The Vespas, classic Vespa Piaggio 125cc, are also of newer models.
At the hotel's pier, two motorboats are waiting – these can be used for excursions to the islands of Isola Pescatori and Isola Bella.
There are also very good opportunities for hiking in the mountains close to the hotel. The hikes can easily be done on your own, but you also have the option to hire a guide.
On most excursions, you will be back at the hotel by early afternoon, leaving time for sun, swimming and relaxation. Two of the days are completely open for your own plans.

Excursions

The Vespa excursion goes over mountain Mottarone, on fun, winding roads that lead down to the next lake – idyllic Lake Orta.
The bike ride goes up into the mountains to over 1000 meters above sea level. A real pleasure with an e-bike.
Here you get a magical view of the Alps and Lake Maggiore.
The boat trip goes to the islands of Isola dei Pescatori (perfect for lunch), as well as the noble Borromeo family's island – Isola Bella

Just south of Lake Maggiore lies the wine region of Gattinara. One of the absolute most prestigious wine regions in all of Italy. Here you will visit the Cantina Travaglini winery for a guided tour, light lunch – and of course, a tasting. Fantastic place!

Three of the dinners are enjoyed in the hotel's cozy restaurant. In nice weather, tables are set up outside on the terrace, with a fantastic view of the lake. The hotel has a very good kitchen and wine list.

Highlights

  • The view from the top of Mount Mottarone

  • The vineyard visit at Cantina Travaglini in Gattinara

  • The Vespa-excursion to idyllic Lake Orta

  • The boat trip with a visit and lunch on the islands of Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori

  • The dinners on the hotel terrace - overlooking Lake Maggiore

  • Morning and evening swims at the hotel's own private beach

  • The e-bike excursion in the mountains above Lake Maggiore

Length

5 days

Grading

Easy

Participants

10-16 people

Available dates & Contact info

–

from 14,990

+47 926 18 805

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Program

The daily program is preliminary, changes may occur. Expa Travel AS reserves the right to make corrections for any spelling mistakes or currency changes.

The daily program is preliminary, changes may occur. Expa Travel AS reserves the right to make corrections for any spelling mistakes or currency changes.

Day 1Arrival Lake Maggiore / Boat Trip

Hotel Ghiffa ved Lago Maggiore | Expa Travel

Arrival at Milan Malpensa. Private transport awaits at the airport. Expect about an hour's transfer to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel, and some time to look around before meeting in the bar for a welcome drink with the hotel manager. Funny guy. He will then take you on a one-hour boat trip on the lake, for sightseeing in the area.

Dinner is served in the hotel's restaurant at 20:00 (included).

MealsDinner
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
DistanceBoat trip Lake Maggiore

Day 2Vespa trip to, among others, Mottarone and idyllic Lake Orta

Lago Orta i Italia | Expa Travel

Those who wish can start the day with a refreshing morning swim.

After breakfast, the hotel manager will give a joint briefing on today's Vespa excursion. You start with a short briefing and a small test drive of the Vespas. You take your time so that everyone gets their rental contracts in order, as well as a practical walkthrough before setting off.
Once you are ready and comfortable behind the handlebars, you head towards the towns of Baveno and Stresa. From here you follow the road further up the Mottarone mountain. There will be opportunities for several photo stops along the way, fantastic nature! Views of the Swiss Alps to the north, as well as Lake Maggiore and Lake Varese.

After the mandatory stop at the top of Mottarone, you turn down towards the next lake – Lake Orta. This is a magical place that attracts many visitors during the tourist season. You drive almost all the way down to the lake, where you park the Vespas for sightseeing in the old town. On foot. The town's piazza is located right by the small harbor. Note the scenery around the lake! Magical atmosphere in the small town, with narrow alleys and a great piazza right by the water's edge. Perhaps this is where you choose to have lunch at one of the many restaurants (not included).

After lunch, the journey continues back the same way over the mountain, and further back to Lake Maggiore.
Opportunity for relaxation on the beach or by the pool before dinner.
Right next to the hotel there is an opportunity for nice hikes for those who might want to go for a walk.

Dinner this evening is on your own (not included).

Joint dinner in the hotel's restaurant at 20:00.

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
DistanceVespa trip, approx. 60 km

Day 3Boat trip on Lake Maggiore and lunch on Isola dei Pescatori

Isola Bella i Lago Maggiore | Expa Travel

The day starts with a morning swim for those who wish.

After a relaxing breakfast, you gather at the dock to board your own private motorboat – there will be an excursion on Lake Maggiore. You choose whether you want to drive the boat yourself, or if you want to have a boat driver from the hotel (additional cost).
The destination is the islands of Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella. The noble Borromeo family has, ever since the Middle Ages, had great influence in the area around Lake Maggiore. These islands have been important to the Borromeo family since medieval times. It is possible to visit, among other things, their palace and exotic garden (recommended), before it is time for a wonderful lunch at a cozy restaurant on Isola dei Pescatori (reserved table, but lunch is not included in the price).

After lunch, you choose whether the journey goes back to the hotel or if you want to explore the area further.
Afternoon on your own, with opportunity for sun & swimming. Perhaps a hike in the mountains by the hotel is appealing.

Dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
DistanceBoat trip Lake Maggiore

Day 4Visit to the Travaglini Winery in Gattinara

Vingårdsbesøk i Gattinara | Expa Travel

Easy morning with the option of a morning swim and some relaxation on the beach before departure to the winery for a guided tour and wine tasting (included).
You will be picked up at 10:30 and set course for one of the most noble wine regions in all of Italy; Gattinara. At the Travaglini winery, you start with a guide tour before a light lunch with wine tasting. Fantastic vineyard with top wines!

Expect to be back at the hotel in the afternoon. Free time before joint dinner in the hotel's restaurant (included).

MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
DistanceWinery visit

Day 5Departure Day

Lago Isola i Lombardia, Italia | Expa Travel

After breakfast, there is check-out and departure to the airport.
Thanks for the trip :-)

The program is preliminary; changes may occur.

MealsBreakfast

Day 1Arrival Lake Maggiore / Boat Trip

Hotel Ghiffa ved Lago Maggiore | Expa Travel

Arrival at Milan Malpensa. Private transport awaits at the airport. Expect about an hour's transfer to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel, and some time to look around before meeting in the bar for a welcome drink with the hotel manager. Funny guy. He will then take you on a one-hour boat trip on the lake, for sightseeing in the area.

Dinner is served in the hotel's restaurant at 20:00 (included).

MealsDinner
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
DistanceBoat trip Lake Maggiore

Day 2Vespa trip to, among others, Mottarone and idyllic Lake Orta

Lago Orta i Italia | Expa Travel

Those who wish can start the day with a refreshing morning swim.

After breakfast, the hotel manager will give a joint briefing on today's Vespa excursion. You start with a short briefing and a small test drive of the Vespas. You take your time so that everyone gets their rental contracts in order, as well as a practical walkthrough before setting off.
Once you are ready and comfortable behind the handlebars, you head towards the towns of Baveno and Stresa. From here you follow the road further up the Mottarone mountain. There will be opportunities for several photo stops along the way, fantastic nature! Views of the Swiss Alps to the north, as well as Lake Maggiore and Lake Varese.

After the mandatory stop at the top of Mottarone, you turn down towards the next lake – Lake Orta. This is a magical place that attracts many visitors during the tourist season. You drive almost all the way down to the lake, where you park the Vespas for sightseeing in the old town. On foot. The town's piazza is located right by the small harbor. Note the scenery around the lake! Magical atmosphere in the small town, with narrow alleys and a great piazza right by the water's edge. Perhaps this is where you choose to have lunch at one of the many restaurants (not included).

After lunch, the journey continues back the same way over the mountain, and further back to Lake Maggiore.
Opportunity for relaxation on the beach or by the pool before dinner.
Right next to the hotel there is an opportunity for nice hikes for those who might want to go for a walk.

Dinner this evening is on your own (not included).

Joint dinner in the hotel's restaurant at 20:00.

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
DistanceVespa trip, approx. 60 km

Day 3Boat trip on Lake Maggiore and lunch on Isola dei Pescatori

Isola Bella i Lago Maggiore | Expa Travel

The day starts with a morning swim for those who wish.

After a relaxing breakfast, you gather at the dock to board your own private motorboat – there will be an excursion on Lake Maggiore. You choose whether you want to drive the boat yourself, or if you want to have a boat driver from the hotel (additional cost).
The destination is the islands of Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella. The noble Borromeo family has, ever since the Middle Ages, had great influence in the area around Lake Maggiore. These islands have been important to the Borromeo family since medieval times. It is possible to visit, among other things, their palace and exotic garden (recommended), before it is time for a wonderful lunch at a cozy restaurant on Isola dei Pescatori (reserved table, but lunch is not included in the price).

After lunch, you choose whether the journey goes back to the hotel or if you want to explore the area further.
Afternoon on your own, with opportunity for sun & swimming. Perhaps a hike in the mountains by the hotel is appealing.

Dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
DistanceBoat trip Lake Maggiore

Day 4Visit to the Travaglini Winery in Gattinara

Vingårdsbesøk i Gattinara | Expa Travel

Easy morning with the option of a morning swim and some relaxation on the beach before departure to the winery for a guided tour and wine tasting (included).
You will be picked up at 10:30 and set course for one of the most noble wine regions in all of Italy; Gattinara. At the Travaglini winery, you start with a guide tour before a light lunch with wine tasting. Fantastic vineyard with top wines!

Expect to be back at the hotel in the afternoon. Free time before joint dinner in the hotel's restaurant (included).

MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
DistanceWinery visit

Day 5Departure Day

Lago Isola i Lombardia, Italia | Expa Travel

After breakfast, there is check-out and departure to the airport.
Thanks for the trip :-)

The program is preliminary; changes may occur.

MealsBreakfast

Day 1Arrival Lake Maggiore / Boat Trip

Hotel Ghiffa ved Lago Maggiore | Expa Travel

Arrival at Milan Malpensa. Private transport awaits at the airport. Expect about an hour's transfer to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel, and some time to look around before meeting in the bar for a welcome drink with the hotel manager. Funny guy. He will then take you on a one-hour boat trip on the lake, for sightseeing in the area.

Dinner is served in the hotel's restaurant at 20:00 (included).

MealsDinner
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
DistanceBoat trip Lake Maggiore

Day 2Vespa trip to, among others, Mottarone and idyllic Lake Orta

Lago Orta i Italia | Expa Travel

Those who wish can start the day with a refreshing morning swim.

After breakfast, the hotel manager will give a joint briefing on today's Vespa excursion. You start with a short briefing and a small test drive of the Vespas. You take your time so that everyone gets their rental contracts in order, as well as a practical walkthrough before setting off.
Once you are ready and comfortable behind the handlebars, you head towards the towns of Baveno and Stresa. From here you follow the road further up the Mottarone mountain. There will be opportunities for several photo stops along the way, fantastic nature! Views of the Swiss Alps to the north, as well as Lake Maggiore and Lake Varese.

After the mandatory stop at the top of Mottarone, you turn down towards the next lake – Lake Orta. This is a magical place that attracts many visitors during the tourist season. You drive almost all the way down to the lake, where you park the Vespas for sightseeing in the old town. On foot. The town's piazza is located right by the small harbor. Note the scenery around the lake! Magical atmosphere in the small town, with narrow alleys and a great piazza right by the water's edge. Perhaps this is where you choose to have lunch at one of the many restaurants (not included).

After lunch, the journey continues back the same way over the mountain, and further back to Lake Maggiore.
Opportunity for relaxation on the beach or by the pool before dinner.
Right next to the hotel there is an opportunity for nice hikes for those who might want to go for a walk.

Dinner this evening is on your own (not included).

Joint dinner in the hotel's restaurant at 20:00.

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
DistanceVespa trip, approx. 60 km

Day 3Boat trip on Lake Maggiore and lunch on Isola dei Pescatori

Isola Bella i Lago Maggiore | Expa Travel

The day starts with a morning swim for those who wish.

After a relaxing breakfast, you gather at the dock to board your own private motorboat – there will be an excursion on Lake Maggiore. You choose whether you want to drive the boat yourself, or if you want to have a boat driver from the hotel (additional cost).
The destination is the islands of Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella. The noble Borromeo family has, ever since the Middle Ages, had great influence in the area around Lake Maggiore. These islands have been important to the Borromeo family since medieval times. It is possible to visit, among other things, their palace and exotic garden (recommended), before it is time for a wonderful lunch at a cozy restaurant on Isola dei Pescatori (reserved table, but lunch is not included in the price).

After lunch, you choose whether the journey goes back to the hotel or if you want to explore the area further.
Afternoon on your own, with opportunity for sun & swimming. Perhaps a hike in the mountains by the hotel is appealing.

Dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
DistanceBoat trip Lake Maggiore

Day 4Visit to the Travaglini Winery in Gattinara

Vingårdsbesøk i Gattinara | Expa Travel

Easy morning with the option of a morning swim and some relaxation on the beach before departure to the winery for a guided tour and wine tasting (included).
You will be picked up at 10:30 and set course for one of the most noble wine regions in all of Italy; Gattinara. At the Travaglini winery, you start with a guide tour before a light lunch with wine tasting. Fantastic vineyard with top wines!

Expect to be back at the hotel in the afternoon. Free time before joint dinner in the hotel's restaurant (included).

MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
DistanceWinery visit

Day 5Departure Day

Lago Isola i Lombardia, Italia | Expa Travel

After breakfast, there is check-out and departure to the airport.
Thanks for the trip :-)

The program is preliminary; changes may occur.

MealsBreakfast

Map

Included & practical info

Included & practical info

Included

Additions

Other information

Guides

Self-guided tours with Expa Travel

Self-guided tour - no guide

This is a self-guided tour. We at Expa Travel have planned the routes for you, and using GPS as a tool, you cycle / walk / drive the stages at your own pace.

Read more

Packing list

Packing list

This is only a recommendation – feel free to borrow gear from friends or use what you already have. Look at the list as a starting point, and adapt it to your needs and what you feel you will need on the trip.

This is only a recommendation – feel free to borrow gear from friends or use what you already have. Look at the list as a starting point, and adapt it to your needs and what you feel you will need on the trip.

Mandatory

Recommended

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Feedback from customers

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