Hotel Beau Rivage

If you're into history, the Romanesque church of Baveno San Gervasio e Protasio's a must see. The church dates back to the 14th Century and was consecrated by the Viscount Guglielmo Amidano on 13 May 1343.

You could also hop on a ferry and visit the Roman town of Pallanza; home to artefacts dating back to the 1st Century! It's crammed full of colourful period buildings and a Romanesque basilica, the church of Madonna di Campagna, which has architectural features dating back to the 16th Century. 

A trip to Baveno wouldn't be complete without visiting at least one of the three Borromean Islands. Isola Bella's the most famous island and was turned into an Italian terraced garden in the 17th Century by the Borromeo family. It's so beautiful that it's inspired writers and poets throughout time. Dickens wrote, 'However fanciful and fantastic Isola Bella may be, and is, it is still beautiful'.

Isola Madre's the biggest island and has peacocks strutting around its' gardens. Check out the villa and its classic Italian style.

The third island, Isola dei Pescatori is a lot more down to earth. It's an old fishing island and still is today. This is where Maggiore gets it's delicious fresh fish. It's easy to get to these islands on the ferry (services reduce to weekends only in October) or by water taxi.

Experience the stunning hidden gem, Lake Orta. You'll head along the lakeside to Arona and will stop at the enormous statue of St Charles Borromeo. Then you'll drive through some fantastic countryside all the way to Orta, an old picturesque village which is full of art and historic architecture. You'll have the option to visit the island of Saint Giulio and its 4th Century Basilica.

Details: Departs on Mondays. You can book this excursion locally with your Destination Expert.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our Terms & Conditions.

Don't miss this opportunity to get a taster of Zermatt and the iconic Matterhorn mountain that dominates the landscape. You'll take a bus over the Simplon road and into the Ossola valley where you'll get some fantastic views of the Simplon pass. Once you reach Zermatt you'll be at about 5,300 feet above sea level. It's known as the 'Queen of the Alps' because of it's many surrounding mountains, which are amongst the highest in the Alps. You'll get some time for lunch before heading back to Lake Maggiore (payable locally).

Details: Departs on Thursdays. You can book this excursion locally with your Destination Expert.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our Terms & Conditions.

A photographer's dream, Visit the elegant Swiss town of Ascona, home to an attractive lakeside promenade and interesting boutiques before heading to the sleepy Italian village of Cannobio - its picture postcard setting is a favourite with local artists.

Details: Departs on Thursdays. You can book this excursion locally with your Destination Expert.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our Terms & Conditions.

Make sure you don't miss the Villa Fedora public park. Lake Maggiore's known for it's botanical gardens and the 18th Century Pallavicino park's no exception.