Active days at Lake Maggiore in Italy | Expa Travel

Activity tours

Italy

Active trip with friends to Lake Maggiore – Peder and friends 2027

Active days between the Alps and the lakes of Northern Italy

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

Active days at Lago Maggiore

Italy is beautiful – few would contest that. But the areas around the lakes in Northern Italy have something quite unique. Here the Alps meet Lago Maggiore, with the mountains close by, small villages along the water, and Italy right outside the hotel door. And it is precisely here that Peder invites his group of friends along for a trip.

Hotel Ghiffa

On this trip, we will stay right down by Lago Maggiore, at the wonderful Hotel Ghiffa. The hotel is located approximately one hour from Malpensa airport and only 10 km from the Swiss border.

Here we have the mountains behind us and the lake directly in front of us – and a superb starting point for the days that lie ahead. There will be hiking in the mountains, a winery visit in Gattinara and, for those who wish, Vespa over Mottarone to Lago Orta - highly recommended!

In between, there will of course also be time to relax at the hotel, take a swim and just enjoy a few hours by the lake.

Lago Maggiore

Lago Maggiore stretches through the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy in Italy, and further into the southern part of Switzerland.

The lake is approximately 65 km long and the second deepest in Italy, with an impressive depth of 372 meters. Quite interestingly for this particular trip, the deepest area is located by Ghiffa – where we will be staying.

Here, the Alps and the lake meet in a landscape of lush vegetation, palm trees along the water, and mountain peaks in the background. The mild climate has made the area famous for beautiful gardens and small towns such as Stresa, Verbania, and Cannobio.

Lago Maggiore has long been a popular holiday destination, but it is still easy to find the calm, Northern Italian everyday life along the lake. And with the mountains right behind the water's edge, it is a short distance from swimming and boating to hiking, vineyards, and small villages.

Quick facts about the trip

You fly to Bergamo with Norwegian (return journey from Malpensa). From here, there is a short distance to the hotel by Lago Maggiore (approx. one hour transfer).

Dinner with Lago Maggiore right outside

One of the dinners is enjoyed in the hotel's pleasant restaurant. Weather permitting, tables are set out on the terrace, offering a fantastic view of the lake. The hotel has a very good kitchen and wine list.
The other two dinners are at cozy, local trattorias (not included).

From vineyards to mountain hikes and picnics

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

One of the days, there will be a hike up into the mountains right next to the hotel. Along the way, the tour leader will arrange a picnic with local products. Here we get a magical view of the Alps and Lago Maggiore.

Over Mottarone on a Vespa

For those who wish, we arrange a Vespa excursion over the Mottarone mountain, along fun, winding roads that lead down to the next lake – idyllic Lago Orta. The Vespas, classic Vespa Piaggio 125cc, are of a newer model. On the way home, there will be a stop for lunch featuring local specialties. Vespa rental and lunch are not included, this is paid directly on site if applicable (€100 + €40).

Hike in beautiful nature - with a picnic

Right by the hotel, beautiful hiking trails start that wind through the small town and further up into the mountains. There are many routes to choose from here, and the tour leader adjusts the day's hike according to the weather and the group's fitness level.

On the way back, we find a pleasant spot for a well-deserved break, where the tour leader serves up a wonderful picnic based on local ingredients. The picnic costs €20 per person and is not included in the tour price.

There are also very good opportunities for hiking on your own – in the mountains right next to the hotel.

The tour leader accompanies all included excursions.
On most excursions, we are back at the hotel in the early afternoon, with time for sun, swimming, and relaxation.

Quick facts about the trip

You fly to Bergamo with Norwegian (return journey from Malpensa). From here, there is a short distance to the hotel by Lago Maggiore (approx. one hour transfer).

Dinner with Lago Maggiore right outside

One of the dinners is enjoyed in the hotel's pleasant restaurant. Weather permitting, tables are set out on the terrace, offering a fantastic view of the lake. The hotel has a very good kitchen and wine list.
The other two dinners are at cozy, local trattorias (not included).

From vineyards to mountain hikes and picnics

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

One of the days, there will be a hike up into the mountains right next to the hotel. Along the way, the tour leader will arrange a picnic with local products. Here we get a magical view of the Alps and Lago Maggiore.

Over Mottarone on a Vespa

For those who wish, we arrange a Vespa excursion over the Mottarone mountain, along fun, winding roads that lead down to the next lake – idyllic Lago Orta. The Vespas, classic Vespa Piaggio 125cc, are of a newer model. On the way home, there will be a stop for lunch featuring local specialties. Vespa rental and lunch are not included, this is paid directly on site if applicable (€100 + €40).

Hike in beautiful nature - with a picnic

Right by the hotel, beautiful hiking trails start that wind through the small town and further up into the mountains. There are many routes to choose from here, and the tour leader adjusts the day's hike according to the weather and the group's fitness level.

On the way back, we find a pleasant spot for a well-deserved break, where the tour leader serves up a wonderful picnic based on local ingredients. The picnic costs €20 per person and is not included in the tour price.

There are also very good opportunities for hiking on your own – in the mountains right next to the hotel.

The tour leader accompanies all included excursions.
On most excursions, we are back at the hotel in the early afternoon, with time for sun, swimming, and relaxation.

Highlights

  • Hike with a wonderful picnic of local ingredients

  • The winery visit to Cantina Travaglini in Gattinara

  • Dinner on the hotel terrace with Lake Maggiore right below

  • The Vespa excursion over Mottarone and down to idyllic Lake Orta

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

  • Days together – with plenty of time between activities

Length

4 days

Grading

Easy

Participants

18-22

Available dates & Contact info

April 22 – 25, 2027

from
NOK 16,900

+47 926 18 805

Send us an email

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Program

The daily program is preliminary; changes may occur. Expa Travel AS reserves the right to make adjustments in the event of typos, as well as price and/or exchange rate fluctuations.

The daily program is preliminary; changes may occur. Expa Travel AS reserves the right to make adjustments in the event of typos, as well as price and/or exchange rate fluctuations.

Day 1Arrival Lago Maggiore

Hotel Ghiffa ved Lago Maggiore | Expa Travel

Arrival Milan Malpensa. Tour leader is waiting at the airport. Transfer directly from the airport to Lago Maggiore and check-in at Hotel Ghiffa.

Dinner this evening is taken at the local trattoria / pizzeria (not included).

AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
ActivityWinery visit

Day 2Vespa tour over Mount Mottarone and down to idyllic Lago Orta

Lago Orta i Italia | Expa Travel

Those who wish can start the day with a refreshing morning swim at the hotel's own beach.

Vespa tour (optional extra)

After breakfast, the tour leader will hold a joint review of today's Vespa excursion. Rental of the Vespa is not included in the price.
Short briefing and a short test drive of the Vespas. We take our time so everyone can sign rental agreements, and receive a practical briefing before we head out.

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 opportunities for several photo stops along the way - fantastic nature! Views of the Swiss Alps, as well as Lago Maggiore and Lago Varese.

After the mandatory stop at the top of Mottarone, we swing down towards the next lake – Lago Orta. This is a 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 scenery around the lake!
Magical atmosphere in the 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 Lago Orta, the trip continues back the same way over the mountain, and further back to Lago Maggiore. On the way, we stop at a fantastic place for a local lunch at a trattoria (not included).

Once back at the hotel, there is time to relax on the beach or by the pool before a joint dinner in the hotel's restaurant (included).

Alternative to the Vespa tour

If you do not wish to participate in the Vespa tour, you can spend this day on your own. Close to the hotel, there are opportunities for nice hikes for those who might want to go for a walk. Lunch on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast & Dinner
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
ActivityHike approx. 4 hours or Vespa tour, approx. 60 km

Day 3Winery visit in Gattinara

Vingårdsbesøk i Gattinara | Expa Travel

The day starts with a morning swim at the hotel's private beach for those who wish.

Today we are heading to the famous wine region of Gattinara – for a visit to the Tenuta Travaglini winery. Expect about an hour's transfer to the winery. Here there will be a guided tour, and a pleasant meal with wine tasting of the estate's wines (included). High quality – magical place!

The afternoon is at your own leisure, with the possibility of sun, swimming, and socializing. Perhaps a hike in the mountains by the hotel on your own is tempting.

Joint dinner at a local trattoria (not included).

MealsBreakfast, Lunch (at winery)
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
ActivityVisit to winery

Day 4Hike with picnic / Homeward journey

Aktive dager ved Lago Maggiore | Expa Travel

After breakfast, we gather for a great hike.

Close to the hotel are beautiful hiking trails that wind their way up through the small town and further up over the mountain. Many options. We choose a route based on fitness/weather.
On the return, the tour leader prepares a wonderful picnic with local ingredients (not included, 20 Euro per person).
Magical view! We expect the hike to take about 4 hours.

Transfer to the airport is scheduled for 15:00. The flight departs at 18:30.

The program is preliminary, changes may occur.

MealsBreakfast
ActivityHike with picnic / Homeward journey

Day 1Arrival Lago Maggiore

Hotel Ghiffa ved Lago Maggiore | Expa Travel

Arrival Milan Malpensa. Tour leader is waiting at the airport. Transfer directly from the airport to Lago Maggiore and check-in at Hotel Ghiffa.

Dinner this evening is taken at the local trattoria / pizzeria (not included).

AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
ActivityWinery visit

Day 2Vespa tour over Mount Mottarone and down to idyllic Lago Orta

Lago Orta i Italia | Expa Travel

Those who wish can start the day with a refreshing morning swim at the hotel's own beach.

Vespa tour (optional extra)

After breakfast, the tour leader will hold a joint review of today's Vespa excursion. Rental of the Vespa is not included in the price.
Short briefing and a short test drive of the Vespas. We take our time so everyone can sign rental agreements, and receive a practical briefing before we head out.

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 opportunities for several photo stops along the way - fantastic nature! Views of the Swiss Alps, as well as Lago Maggiore and Lago Varese.

After the mandatory stop at the top of Mottarone, we swing down towards the next lake – Lago Orta. This is a 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 scenery around the lake!
Magical atmosphere in the 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 Lago Orta, the trip continues back the same way over the mountain, and further back to Lago Maggiore. On the way, we stop at a fantastic place for a local lunch at a trattoria (not included).

Once back at the hotel, there is time to relax on the beach or by the pool before a joint dinner in the hotel's restaurant (included).

Alternative to the Vespa tour

If you do not wish to participate in the Vespa tour, you can spend this day on your own. Close to the hotel, there are opportunities for nice hikes for those who might want to go for a walk. Lunch on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast & Dinner
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
ActivityHike approx. 4 hours or Vespa tour, approx. 60 km

Day 3Winery visit in Gattinara

Vingårdsbesøk i Gattinara | Expa Travel

The day starts with a morning swim at the hotel's private beach for those who wish.

Today we are heading to the famous wine region of Gattinara – for a visit to the Tenuta Travaglini winery. Expect about an hour's transfer to the winery. Here there will be a guided tour, and a pleasant meal with wine tasting of the estate's wines (included). High quality – magical place!

The afternoon is at your own leisure, with the possibility of sun, swimming, and socializing. Perhaps a hike in the mountains by the hotel on your own is tempting.

Joint dinner at a local trattoria (not included).

MealsBreakfast, Lunch (at winery)
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
ActivityVisit to winery

Day 4Hike with picnic / Homeward journey

Aktive dager ved Lago Maggiore | Expa Travel

After breakfast, we gather for a great hike.

Close to the hotel are beautiful hiking trails that wind their way up through the small town and further up over the mountain. Many options. We choose a route based on fitness/weather.
On the return, the tour leader prepares a wonderful picnic with local ingredients (not included, 20 Euro per person).
Magical view! We expect the hike to take about 4 hours.

Transfer to the airport is scheduled for 15:00. The flight departs at 18:30.

The program is preliminary, changes may occur.

MealsBreakfast
ActivityHike with picnic / Homeward journey

Day 1Arrival Lago Maggiore

Hotel Ghiffa ved Lago Maggiore | Expa Travel

Arrival Milan Malpensa. Tour leader is waiting at the airport. Transfer directly from the airport to Lago Maggiore and check-in at Hotel Ghiffa.

Dinner this evening is taken at the local trattoria / pizzeria (not included).

AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
ActivityWinery visit

Day 2Vespa tour over Mount Mottarone and down to idyllic Lago Orta

Lago Orta i Italia | Expa Travel

Those who wish can start the day with a refreshing morning swim at the hotel's own beach.

Vespa tour (optional extra)

After breakfast, the tour leader will hold a joint review of today's Vespa excursion. Rental of the Vespa is not included in the price.
Short briefing and a short test drive of the Vespas. We take our time so everyone can sign rental agreements, and receive a practical briefing before we head out.

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 opportunities for several photo stops along the way - fantastic nature! Views of the Swiss Alps, as well as Lago Maggiore and Lago Varese.

After the mandatory stop at the top of Mottarone, we swing down towards the next lake – Lago Orta. This is a 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 scenery around the lake!
Magical atmosphere in the 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 Lago Orta, the trip continues back the same way over the mountain, and further back to Lago Maggiore. On the way, we stop at a fantastic place for a local lunch at a trattoria (not included).

Once back at the hotel, there is time to relax on the beach or by the pool before a joint dinner in the hotel's restaurant (included).

Alternative to the Vespa tour

If you do not wish to participate in the Vespa tour, you can spend this day on your own. Close to the hotel, there are opportunities for nice hikes for those who might want to go for a walk. Lunch on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast & Dinner
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
ActivityHike approx. 4 hours or Vespa tour, approx. 60 km

Day 3Winery visit in Gattinara

Vingårdsbesøk i Gattinara | Expa Travel

The day starts with a morning swim at the hotel's private beach for those who wish.

Today we are heading to the famous wine region of Gattinara – for a visit to the Tenuta Travaglini winery. Expect about an hour's transfer to the winery. Here there will be a guided tour, and a pleasant meal with wine tasting of the estate's wines (included). High quality – magical place!

The afternoon is at your own leisure, with the possibility of sun, swimming, and socializing. Perhaps a hike in the mountains by the hotel on your own is tempting.

Joint dinner at a local trattoria (not included).

MealsBreakfast, Lunch (at winery)
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
ActivityVisit to winery

Day 4Hike with picnic / Homeward journey

Aktive dager ved Lago Maggiore | Expa Travel

After breakfast, we gather for a great hike.

Close to the hotel are beautiful hiking trails that wind their way up through the small town and further up over the mountain. Many options. We choose a route based on fitness/weather.
On the return, the tour leader prepares a wonderful picnic with local ingredients (not included, 20 Euro per person).
Magical view! We expect the hike to take about 4 hours.

Transfer to the airport is scheduled for 15:00. The flight departs at 18:30.

The program is preliminary, changes may occur.

MealsBreakfast
ActivityHike with picnic / Homeward journey

Map

Included & practical info

Included & practical info

Included

Additions

Other information

Guides

Owner, founder and tour guide Eric Berglund - Expa Travel

Eric Berglund

Owner and founder of Expa Travel

Eric is the founder of Expa Travel and has over 25 years of experience in the travel industry, including roles as destination manager for Star Tour and purser for SAS. He has worked all over the world and speaks fluent Italian, English, and Swedish. With his commitment and local knowledge, he creates safe and memorable travel experiences.

Read more

eric@expa.no

+47 92 61 88 05

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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