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 trip, and therefore only for invitees.

Active days at Lake Maggiore

Italy is beautiful – few would dispute that. But the areas around the lakes in Northern Italy have something quite unique. Here the Alps meet Lake Maggiore, with the mountains close by, small villages along the water, and Italy right outside the hotel door. And this is exactly where Peder is inviting his group of friends for a trip.

Hotel Ghiffa

On this trip, we are staying right down by Lake Maggiore, at the wonderful Hotel Ghiffa. The hotel is located about an hour from Malpensa airport and just 10 km from the Swiss border.

Here we have the mountains behind us and the lake right in front of us – and a superb starting point for the days ahead. There will be hiking in the mountains, a boat trip on Lake Maggiore, a vineyard visit in Gattinara and, for those who wish, Vespa over Mottarone to Lake Orta.

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

Lake Maggiore

Lake 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 fun for this particular trip is that 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.

Lake Maggiore has long been a popular holiday destination, but it is still easy to find the quiet, daily North-Italian 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 Milan Malpensa with Norwegian. From here, it is a short distance to the hotel by Lago Maggiore (approx. one hour transfer). The tour leader meets you at the airport, from where we go directly to the Gattinara wine region for a visit to the Tenuta Travaglini winery.

Dinner with Lago Maggiore right outside

Two of the dinners are enjoyed in the hotel's pleasant restaurant. In nice weather, tables are set out on the terrace, with fantastic views of the lake. The hotel has a very good kitchen and wine list.
The other two dinners are at cozy, local trattorias (not incl).

From vineyards to mountain hiking and picnics

Just south of Lago Maggiore lies the Gattinara wine region. One of the absolute most reputable wine regions in all of Italy. Here we visit the Cantina Travaglini winery for a guided tour, light lunch – and of course, 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 arranges a picnic with local products. Here we get a magical view of the Alps and Lago Maggiore.

Out on Lago Maggiore

A boat excursion is mandatory when staying at Lago Maggiore! We will be picked up at the hotel's pier for a boat excursion to the islands of Isola Pescatori and Isola Bella – the latter being the noble Borromeo family's island. Cozy places. Lunch on Isola Bella (included).

Over Mottarone on a Vespa

For those who wish, we arrange a Vespa excursion over the Mottarone mountain, on 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 with local specialties. Vespa rental is not included. 

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

The tour leader is with you on 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 Milan Malpensa with Norwegian. From here, it is a short distance to the hotel by Lago Maggiore (approx. one hour transfer). The tour leader meets you at the airport, from where we go directly to the Gattinara wine region for a visit to the Tenuta Travaglini winery.

Dinner with Lago Maggiore right outside

Two of the dinners are enjoyed in the hotel's pleasant restaurant. In nice weather, tables are set out on the terrace, with fantastic views of the lake. The hotel has a very good kitchen and wine list.
The other two dinners are at cozy, local trattorias (not incl).

From vineyards to mountain hiking and picnics

Just south of Lago Maggiore lies the Gattinara wine region. One of the absolute most reputable wine regions in all of Italy. Here we visit the Cantina Travaglini winery for a guided tour, light lunch – and of course, 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 arranges a picnic with local products. Here we get a magical view of the Alps and Lago Maggiore.

Out on Lago Maggiore

A boat excursion is mandatory when staying at Lago Maggiore! We will be picked up at the hotel's pier for a boat excursion to the islands of Isola Pescatori and Isola Bella – the latter being the noble Borromeo family's island. Cozy places. Lunch on Isola Bella (included).

Over Mottarone on a Vespa

For those who wish, we arrange a Vespa excursion over the Mottarone mountain, on 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 with local specialties. Vespa rental is not included. 

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

The tour leader is with you on 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

  • The boat trip on Lake Maggiore with a visit to Isola Pescatori and lunch on Isola Bella

  • Dinners on the hotel terrace with Lake Maggiore directly 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 18,990

+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 / Winery Visit in Gattinara

Hotel Ghiffa ved Lago Maggiore | Expa Travel

Arrival at Milan Malpensa. The tour guide is waiting at the airport. Transfer directly from the airport to the famous wine region Gattinara – for a visit to the Tenuta Travaglini winery. Expect about a one-hour transfer to the winery. Here there will be a guided tour, as well as a light lunch with wine tasting of the estate's wines (included). High quality – magical place!

After the winery visit, we will continue with transport to Lago Maggiore and check-in at Hotel Ghiffa. Some time to look around before we meet in the bar for a welcome drink with the hotel director. Funny guy.

Dinner tonight is at the local trattoria / pizzeria (not included).

MealsLight Lunch at winery
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 private beach.

Vespa Tour (optional extra)

After breakfast, the tour guide will go through today's Vespa excursion. Vespa rental is not included in the price.
Short briefing and a small test drive of the Vespas. We will take our time so everyone can sign the rental agreements and get a practical walkthrough 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 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 obligatory stop at the top of Mottarone, we wind down towards the next lake – Lago Orta. This is a completely 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. Note the scenery surrounding the lake!
Magical atmosphere in the small town, with narrow alleys and a beautiful piazza right at the water's edge. There is time and opportunity here for a cappuccino and ice cream (not included).
After Lago Orta, the trip continues back the same way over the mountain, and back to Lago Maggiore. On the way, we stop at a fantastic place for a local lunch at a trattoria (included).

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 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. If you choose free time instead of the Vespa tour, there will be a light lunch at the hotel or by agreement (included).

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

Day 3Boat Trip on Lago Maggiore and Lunch on Isola dei Pescatori

Isola Bella i Lago Maggiore | Expa Travel

The day starts with a morning swim on the hotel's private beach 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 Lago Maggiore! The destination is the island of Isola dei Pescatori. The noble Borromeo family has, since the Middle Ages, had a great influence on the area around Lago 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 lovely restaurant on Isola Bella (included).
After lunch, we cruise along the "coast" back to our hotel.

Afternoon at leisure, with opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and socializing. Perhaps a hike in the mountains near the hotel on your own will tempt you.

Dinner together at a local trattoria (included).

MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
ActivityBoat trip on Lago Maggiore

Day 4Hike with Picnic / Journey Home

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 up through the small town and further up over the mountain. Many possibilities. We choose the route based on fitness/weather.
On the return, the tour guide will prepare a wonderful picnic with local ingredients (included). Magical view! We estimate that the hike will take about 4 hours.

Transfer to the airport is booked for 16:30. The flight departs at 20:00.

The program is preliminary, changes may occur.

MealsBreakfast & Lunch
ActivityHike with picnic / Journey Home

Day 1Arrival Lago Maggiore / Winery Visit in Gattinara

Hotel Ghiffa ved Lago Maggiore | Expa Travel

Arrival at Milan Malpensa. The tour guide is waiting at the airport. Transfer directly from the airport to the famous wine region Gattinara – for a visit to the Tenuta Travaglini winery. Expect about a one-hour transfer to the winery. Here there will be a guided tour, as well as a light lunch with wine tasting of the estate's wines (included). High quality – magical place!

After the winery visit, we will continue with transport to Lago Maggiore and check-in at Hotel Ghiffa. Some time to look around before we meet in the bar for a welcome drink with the hotel director. Funny guy.

Dinner tonight is at the local trattoria / pizzeria (not included).

MealsLight Lunch at winery
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 private beach.

Vespa Tour (optional extra)

After breakfast, the tour guide will go through today's Vespa excursion. Vespa rental is not included in the price.
Short briefing and a small test drive of the Vespas. We will take our time so everyone can sign the rental agreements and get a practical walkthrough 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 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 obligatory stop at the top of Mottarone, we wind down towards the next lake – Lago Orta. This is a completely 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. Note the scenery surrounding the lake!
Magical atmosphere in the small town, with narrow alleys and a beautiful piazza right at the water's edge. There is time and opportunity here for a cappuccino and ice cream (not included).
After Lago Orta, the trip continues back the same way over the mountain, and back to Lago Maggiore. On the way, we stop at a fantastic place for a local lunch at a trattoria (included).

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 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. If you choose free time instead of the Vespa tour, there will be a light lunch at the hotel or by agreement (included).

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

Day 3Boat Trip on Lago Maggiore and Lunch on Isola dei Pescatori

Isola Bella i Lago Maggiore | Expa Travel

The day starts with a morning swim on the hotel's private beach 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 Lago Maggiore! The destination is the island of Isola dei Pescatori. The noble Borromeo family has, since the Middle Ages, had a great influence on the area around Lago 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 lovely restaurant on Isola Bella (included).
After lunch, we cruise along the "coast" back to our hotel.

Afternoon at leisure, with opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and socializing. Perhaps a hike in the mountains near the hotel on your own will tempt you.

Dinner together at a local trattoria (included).

MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
ActivityBoat trip on Lago Maggiore

Day 4Hike with Picnic / Journey Home

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 up through the small town and further up over the mountain. Many possibilities. We choose the route based on fitness/weather.
On the return, the tour guide will prepare a wonderful picnic with local ingredients (included). Magical view! We estimate that the hike will take about 4 hours.

Transfer to the airport is booked for 16:30. The flight departs at 20:00.

The program is preliminary, changes may occur.

MealsBreakfast & Lunch
ActivityHike with picnic / Journey Home

Day 1Arrival Lago Maggiore / Winery Visit in Gattinara

Hotel Ghiffa ved Lago Maggiore | Expa Travel

Arrival at Milan Malpensa. The tour guide is waiting at the airport. Transfer directly from the airport to the famous wine region Gattinara – for a visit to the Tenuta Travaglini winery. Expect about a one-hour transfer to the winery. Here there will be a guided tour, as well as a light lunch with wine tasting of the estate's wines (included). High quality – magical place!

After the winery visit, we will continue with transport to Lago Maggiore and check-in at Hotel Ghiffa. Some time to look around before we meet in the bar for a welcome drink with the hotel director. Funny guy.

Dinner tonight is at the local trattoria / pizzeria (not included).

MealsLight Lunch at winery
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 private beach.

Vespa Tour (optional extra)

After breakfast, the tour guide will go through today's Vespa excursion. Vespa rental is not included in the price.
Short briefing and a small test drive of the Vespas. We will take our time so everyone can sign the rental agreements and get a practical walkthrough 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 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 obligatory stop at the top of Mottarone, we wind down towards the next lake – Lago Orta. This is a completely 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. Note the scenery surrounding the lake!
Magical atmosphere in the small town, with narrow alleys and a beautiful piazza right at the water's edge. There is time and opportunity here for a cappuccino and ice cream (not included).
After Lago Orta, the trip continues back the same way over the mountain, and back to Lago Maggiore. On the way, we stop at a fantastic place for a local lunch at a trattoria (included).

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 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. If you choose free time instead of the Vespa tour, there will be a light lunch at the hotel or by agreement (included).

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

Day 3Boat Trip on Lago Maggiore and Lunch on Isola dei Pescatori

Isola Bella i Lago Maggiore | Expa Travel

The day starts with a morning swim on the hotel's private beach 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 Lago Maggiore! The destination is the island of Isola dei Pescatori. The noble Borromeo family has, since the Middle Ages, had a great influence on the area around Lago 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 lovely restaurant on Isola Bella (included).
After lunch, we cruise along the "coast" back to our hotel.

Afternoon at leisure, with opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and socializing. Perhaps a hike in the mountains near the hotel on your own will tempt you.

Dinner together at a local trattoria (included).

MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
AccommodationHotel Ghiffa
ActivityBoat trip on Lago Maggiore

Day 4Hike with Picnic / Journey Home

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 up through the small town and further up over the mountain. Many possibilities. We choose the route based on fitness/weather.
On the return, the tour guide will prepare a wonderful picnic with local ingredients (included). Magical view! We estimate that the hike will take about 4 hours.

Transfer to the airport is booked for 16:30. The flight departs at 20:00.

The program is preliminary, changes may occur.

MealsBreakfast & Lunch
ActivityHike with picnic / Journey Home

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.

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