Two Beautiful Hikes

We’ve had two spectacular days already.  Early on Monday, we took a bus to a trailhead about 20 minutes outside of Orta. From there we hiked five miles, all of it uphill, for a total elevation gain of around 2400 feet until we reached the summit of Mottarone. Although it was overcast and foggy at the very top, the threatened rain never materialized and the views on our way up where fantastic. We looked down on Lake Orta in one direction, and on Lakes Maggiore and Varese in another. 

 

 

 

We had another plentiful and delicious lunch at a Mottarone restaurant before bussing back down for a second night at our Orta hotel. We got back in late afternoon and had free time for the evening.  I think most of us elected to skip dinner in favor of shopping and walking and wine drinking.

 

This morning, Tuesday, we again boarded the bus for a 40 minute or so ride to the town of Belgirate along the west side of Lake Maggiore. From this town, we hiked along hillside trails that took us through beautiful wooded areas, ending in the town of Stresa, a little further north on Lake Maggiore. This hike, too, was around 5 miles but easier than yesterday as we had less elevation. 

From Stresa, we took a boat to Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen's Island) where we had yet another wonderful lunch.  Our first course was a mixed salad, followed by a platter of salmon, pate, and marinated vegetables.  The main course was pasta, ending with a choice of desserts (chocolate mousse with strawberries for me).  After this, we took another short boat ride Isola Bella where we had a private tour of Palazzo Borromeo.  The palace is still owned today by the Borromeo family and although it is open to the public, there are private residence rooms on the top floor.  A colorful flag indicates when a family member is in residence, which was the case today (!).

The palace is filled with artwork and beauty, and is surrounded by ornate gardens spanning 10 levels. Although it is much smaller and older, it has the same opulent vibe as the Hearst Castle. Oh, and there are white peacocks.

After this tour, we returned to Stresa and boarded our bus for the drive to Locarno, Switzerland. We arrived at the lovely Belevedere Hotel where we have settled in for two nights. Tomorrow, we reach another summit by way of funicular, chairlift, and feet.

We've been sooo lucky with weather.  As I write this at night, there is a thunder & lightening storm right outside our window but our days have been rain-free.