Top Things to do in Orta San Giulio
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What to do and see in Orta San Giulio, Piedmont: The Best Walking Tours
Discover the best top things to do in Orta San Giulio, Italy including Private Tour of Orta San Giulio on Lake Orta with Micaela, The romantic village of Orta San Giulio with a tour guide, Lake Orta private guided tour , A private tour around Lake Orta and its mounts from Lake Maggiore, Walking and cruising around Lake Orta.
Restaurants in Orta San Giulio
1. Private Tour of Orta San Giulio on Lake Orta with Micaela
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Lake Orta is a fascinating corner of Italy and Piedmont. Often unheard of, lake Orta is a true gem which is worth discovering accompanied by a local who is a licensed and experienced tourist guide. This private guided tour includes an English-speaking professional guide at your disposal for the visit to the ancient village of Orta San Giulio and a guided tour on the island of San Giulio.
Inclusions: Professional local guide, Private tour
Exclusions: Drinks, Gratuities, € 4,50 per person ( return ticket - boat - for the island) is not included.
Reviewed By Cecelia K
My husband and I recently spent a week in the Lago Maggiore area, after not having gone anywhere since March. We were and still are very concerned about guarding against COVID and wanted to take as many precautions as we could, while still enjoying a one-week getaway. We were distancing ourselves, eating outside whenever possible, wearing our masks, and always had sanitizing supplies with us. We had never before been to Italy and we had never before hired a private guide and we were not sure what to expect. We gave it a try, especially so we wouldn’t expose ourselves to too many people too close together for too long. We first read about Micaela from Tripadvisor, but then we read about a lot more of what she had to offer on her website. She was very responsive to all of our emails and questions. Well, hiring Micaela was our best decision! We spent two whole days and two partial days with her and we are so glad we did. It was soooo worth it! For our first tour with her, we explored the three Borromean Islands, getting around with a private boat. We met at the boat landing at the Piazzale Lido near the cable car to Mt. Mottarone (our hotel was conveniently nearby). Micaela shared her knowledge of the rich history, art, and culture of the area, as well as her extensive knowledge of the local flora. The palace and its history on Isola Bella was amazing, as well as the very beautiful ten-level terraced and sculptured gardens, where we also learned about the citron. We ate a most delicious lunch on Isola Pescatore (our best meal)! This island was so quaint and chock-full of character. At Isola Madre, we much enjoyed visiting the country villa and equally beautiful, but different English-style gardens. It was a fabulous day! We also took a private boat to Caterina del Sasso (partial day), which was stunning. We learned how the monastery came to be, about the frescoes, the religious order and more. It’s rock-hugging location is awesome. For our off-the-beaten-path tour, we took a very pleasant walk to the outskirts of Orta San Giulio, seeing the non-touristy side - how people live and what they do, learning more about this area and ending up at a very small typical old-time village. We then walked along lovely Lake Orta to the charming town center of Orta San Giulio. From there, we took a boat to the small island not far away and toured the beautiful basilica and complex there, learning about the frescoes and the lives of the martyrs. The churches here are real gems. For our last tour, we took a sunset cruise, again using a private boat. Micaela told us about many of the enchanting villas along the coast and more. She provided us with a bottle of wine, complete with snacks, while we watched the changing colors of the sunset as it played out in the sky, clouds, water, mountains and off of buildings. It was so relaxing and serene and we loved every minute! Our boat captain was also very nice, polite and accommodating. Micaela and the captain were very good about wearing their masks. We took them off during times when there was plenty of distancing room. Micaela was professional and knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, personable and thoughtful and spoke great English. Hiring her so greatly enhanced our trip tenfold and we definitely recommend her without hesitation! [Her husband is also a private driver, so they would make an excellent pair, if you needed that as well.] We will always remember her and cherish this wonderful trip!!! Grazie mille, Micaela! ????????☀️????
2. The romantic village of Orta San Giulio with a tour guide
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Visiting the most romantic village in Piemont. Wandering in the narrow streets. Sailing on the lake to the Island of the silence and the meditation.
Inclusions: Local guide
Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions, boat 4,50 euro per person to the Island
Reviewed By Annette S
What a stunning garden to visit! We have visited a lot of gardens, but this is one of the best. We arrived by ferry from Stresa and the garden entrance is directly above the ferry terminal. Whilst we visited the dahlias were in bloom, all 300 of them! The greenhouse has Amazonian water lilies which were in flower. Behind the pond is a vertical wall of plants of all kinds. Further into the gardens there is a formal pond area which is planted with colourful bedding plants. There is also a cactus house and relaxation garden. The cafe is situated on the way in and has a good range of drinks and snacks. We spent nearly 3 hours enjoying the plants and lake views. Well worth the entrance fee
3. Lake Orta private guided tour
Come to see Lake Orta and the town of Orta San Giulio: we are talking about a picturesque little ancient town on Lake Orta, a quite small morenic lake located in Piedmont region. Starting from Milan, we will go to Lake Orta, we will have a guided tour across the medieval town of Orta then by public boat transportation sailing for a few minutes we will reach Saint Giulio Island to proceed with this guided tour walking around the medieval town center on the island of Orta; later we will sail back to the harbor of Orta San Giulio town where we will walk across the ancient town center to see the most interesting buildings of the little town. This is a private guided tour for your group only or only for you if you are a single tourist.
Inclusions: Orta town + San Giulio Island guided tour professional licensed tour leader
Exclusions: boat tickets returned to the Island of Saint Giulio not included
Reviewed By ouimonsieuroui
Giorgio is a very good and friendly guide. We had a great time to discover Lugano and Morcote with him. We really apreciate his large culture about all the monuments and places we visited. We highly recommand Giorgio. Sebastiano
4. A private tour around Lake Orta and its mounts from Lake Maggiore
Lake Orta is a small, quite unknown pearl, lying a few kilometers westwards of lake Maggiore. Its chief town, Orta San Giulio and the close by isle of San Giulio create a unique, charming "lounge" on the lake coastline. This private tour will lead you to discover the atmospheres, the fascinating alleys and the view points of these sites, connected by a short and pleasant boat cruise. Later, you will have the chance to enjoy an astonishing view of the lake from the heights of the Holy Mount of Orta, a magnificent sanctuary reachable through an ascending path dotted of gorgeous baroque chapels. The site is a UNESCO heritage and you will surely understand why.
Inclusions: Qualified private guide, Private transportation, Tickets for a public taxi-boat
Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch
5. Walking and cruising around Lake Orta
Lake Orta is a small, quite unknown pearl, lying a few kilometers westwards of Lake Maggiore. Its chief town, Orta San Giulio and the close by isle of San Giulio create a unique, charming "lounge" on the lake coastline. The small alleys, the ancient churches and the enchanting landscapes merge together in a scene of rare beauty. This exclusive tour will allow you to enjoy the fascinating atmosphere of the coastline village by a pleasant walk; later, a short, relaxing cruise will take you to the isle of San Giulio, 400 metres offshore, where you will witness the remains of the medieval settlements, a majestic romanesque church and an 19th century seminary.
Inclusions: Qualified private guide, Private cruise on a taxi-boat to the isle of San Giulio
Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch
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