Things to do in Verbania, Piedmont: The Best Tours

The gardens of Villa Taranto in Verbania, between Intra and Pallanza, are known the world over for their great beauty and the huge number of plant species they contain. The result of a labour of love on the part of the Scottish Captain McEacharn in 1931, the myriad of colours and scents the marvellously landscaped garden offers continues to enchant visitors from March to October. From spring to autumn there are always flowers in bloom, with “special events” for certain species which are particularly spectacular in their season: the tulip week is in April, dahlias are at their best between July and October. We will discover together this beautiful garden and we will focus on particular botanical species. From Stresa, the gardens are reachable by boat: the shipping company “Navigazione Lago Maggiore” has a landing stage called “Villa Taranto” right in front of the Gardens entrance.

Inclusions: Local guide

Exclusions: Entrance ticket: 11 euro per person.

Explore scenic Lake Maggiore in Italy's beautiful Lake District on a half day trip from Milan. The fashionable lakeside town of Stresa is an approximate 1.5-hour drive from Milan and is surrounded by majestic snowcapped mountains. After spending some free time in Stresa, shopping or simply relaxing and enjoying the stunning scenery, you'll take a two-hour panoramic boat cruise on Lake Maggiore, visiting the Borromean Islands – Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional guide, Boat cruise

Exclusions: Gratuities, Entrance to Palazzo Borromeo and Isola Bella Gardens, Food and drinks, unless specified

Wine and food experiences to taste the best products of Piedmont area: from the most iconic wines such as Barbaresco and Barolo to the sparkling sweet Moscato; cheese, hazelnuts and truffle. • Experience a real truffle hunting in the woods with dog • Discover the most beautiful palaces of the Savoia Royal family: Venaria Reale and its impressive gardens, the Medieval Castle of Grinzane Cavour and the Castle of Barolo • Self-drive tour, private transfer option available on request

Inclusions: 5 nights accomodation as per programme in DBL BB (Hotel 4* in Turin, hotel 4*/relais or countryhouse in Langhe area), Private tour with English speaking guide in Turin, Bicerin tasting in Turin, Visit of the cellars and wine tasting in Barolo, Visit of the cellars and wine tasting in Alba area, Private Truffle hunting and taste of local products with english speaking assistant, Visit to a cheese producer and tasting, Visit to a Hazelnut producer and tasting, Gourmet dinner in Langhe area, Visit to a famous wine producer in Canelli and the underground Cathedrals, with wine tasting., Private visit with English speaking guide at Medieval Abbey and Rice producer in Vercelli area, Breakfast

Exclusions: City taxes, flights and transportation

Lake Maggiore was a mandatory stage of the Grand Tour of Norther Italy, during the 19th century. A Scottish official and traveller, Neil McEacharn, was once bewitched by the beauty of theses surroundings and bought in 1930 a villa in Verbania. In a few years, he acquired a vast land around there and turned it into a gorgeous botanical garden. This private tour will allow you to discover the wonderful, rare plants kept in the 18 hectares-wide garden of Villa Taranto, in an amazing panoramic position. The most cheerful and colored way to enjoy the mild weather and the superb views of the lake.

Inclusions: Qualified private guide, A private transfer by a taxi-boat

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Verbania is the chief town of the district around lake Maggiore; Pallanza, one of its centers, hosts the City hall and some of its most remarkable attractions. Among these, the outstanding Museum of Landscape, located in Palazzo Viani- Dugnani, keeps a vast collection of paintings, sculptures and photographs related to the culture and history of Lombardy and Piedmont. This private tour will lead you to discover these collections and, after a pleasant walk, to experience a visit to Villa Taranto botanical gardens: a unique 18 hectares park created by a Scottish traveller, featuring rare plants, trees and flowers from all over the world. Two different ways to witness the wonders of the landscapes of Lake Maggiore, which you will surely remember for long.

Inclusions: Qualified private guide, Private transportation, Tickets for public ferry back to Stresa

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch

Behind a great man there is always a great woman! Who knows how many times we have heard it ... With this experience we allow you to sail with a great man, the captain who will lead the private boat letting you be lulled by the gentle waves of Lake Maggiore, listening to the stories of a great woman who will talk about great women! The Guide will report events and personalities in the Borromean Gulf that have animated it in different eras: illustrious ladies, too often never mentioned, who have left more or less visible signs in traditions or culture. Whether it is a flower or a typical dessert, perhaps a new fashion or the seed of an idea ... each of the great Ladies who passed through here has left traces of her presence and we will discover them from an exclusive and privileged point of view , surrounded by a unique landscape in the world. Depending on the period and the openings of the Terre Borromeo we will stop at Isola Bella, visit the Borromeo palace and the Italian botanical garden.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Guide service, Fuel cost

Exclusions: Lunch, Entrance ticket to the Isola Bella museums and gardens (adults € 18, 6-15 years € 11, free up to 5)