The Mandal Crew to Lake Maggiore 2027

Day 1Arrival Lake Maggiore / Vineyard Visit in Gattinara

Arrival Millan Malpensa. Tour guide is waiting at the airport. From here, you are transported directly from the airport to the well-known wine region of Gattinara – for a visit to the Tenuta Travaglini vineyard. Expect approx. one hour transfer to the vineyard. Here there will be a guided tour, a pleasant meal with tasting of the estate's wines (included). High quality – magical place!

After the visit to the vineyard, there will be transport further to Lake Maggiore and check-in at Hotel Ghiffa. A bit of time to look around before we meet in the bar for a welcome drink with the hotel manager. Funny guy.

Dinner tonight is at the local trattoria (included).

Day 2Vespa Tour over Mount Mottarone and down to Idyllic Lake Orta

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

After breakfast, the tour leader holds a group briefing on today’s Vespa excursion. Vespa rental is not included in the price.
Short briefing and a brief test ride of the Vespas. We take our time so everyone can sign the rental agreements and get a practical run-through before we hit the road.

Once we are ready and comfortable behind the handlebars, we head towards the towns of Baveno and Stresa. From here we follow the road further up Mount Mottarone. There will be opportunity for several photo stops along the way, fantastic scenery! Views of the Swiss Alps in the north, as well as Lake Maggiore and Lake Varese.

After the mandatory stop at the top of Mottarone, we swing down towards the next lake – Lake Orta. This is a truly magical place that attracts many visitors during the tourist season. We drive almost all the way down to the lake, and park the Vespas for sightseeing on foot in the old town. The town’s piazza is located right by the small harbor. Notice the backdrop around the lake!
Magical atmospheric small town, with narrow alleys and a beautiful piazza right by the water's edge. Here there is time and opportunity for cappuccino and ice cream (not included).
After Lake Orta, the trip continues back the same way over the mountain, and further back to Lake Maggiore. On the way we stop at a fantastic place for local lunch (included).

Well back at the hotel, there is time to relax on the beach or by the pool before group dinner in the hotel’s restaurant (included).
Very close to the hotel there is an opportunity for nice hikes for those who might wish to go for a walk.

Day 3Boat Trip on Lake Maggiore and Lunch at Isola dei Pescatori

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

After a relaxing breakfast, we gather at the pier to board our own, private motorboat – there will be an excursion on Lake Maggiore!
The goal 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 since the Middle Ages been important to the Borromeo family. It is possible to visit, among other things, the palace and their exotic garden (recommended), before it is time for a wonderful lunch at a lovely restaurant on Isola Bella (included).

After lunch we cruise along the “coast” back to our hotel.
The afternoon is at leisure, with opportunities for sun, sea, and socializing. Perhaps a hike in the mountains by the hotel on your own is tempting.

Group dinner at a local trattoria (included).

Day 4E-bike Tour in the Mountains

After a lovely breakfast on the terrace, it is time for an E-bike tour!

The route goes north along the lake, towards the Swiss border. Just before the border, by the small town of Cannero Riviera, we head onto a much smaller road. It goes uphill on narrow, winding roads, with little traffic. Expect lots of uphill at the beginning of the trip, then it is extra fun with an E-bike! Wonderful panoramic views at several places along the way.

We make it all the way up to approx. 1000 meters above sea level. After that, it is mostly downhill, and we cycle through several towns along the way before we again get magical views towards Lake Maggiore. The entire round trip is approx. 50 km.
We eat lunch at a suitable place along the way (included).

Well back at the hotel, the afternoon is at leisure.
Farewell dinner in the hotel’s restaurant (included). If the weather is on our side, we will sit on the terrace right by the water's edge.

Day 5Departure Day

Transportation to the airport is scheduled for 10:30 AM. Recommended flight departs at 2:20 PM.

The program is preliminary, changes may occur.