A peaceful and suggestive itinerary along the shores of the most romantic lake in Italy

Arrival in Orta San Giulio by own vehicle or hired bus. Visit of the splendid little town lon the shores of the homonymous lake.  From the top of the village, the stately palaces with open galleries opening into the gardens slope down to the lake. Among the things to see is Piazza Motta, the living room of Lake Orta. Closed on three sides by the arcades, you can discover the local specialty shops and then drink an aperitif or a cappuccino, in one of the many cafes practically arranged on the water. Picturesque public motorboats leave from Piazza Motta and in five minutes will take you to the island of San Giulio, whose origins are shrouded in legend. In fact, they said that it was once inhabited by snakes and monsters until San Giulio, in 390 AD, crossing Lake Orta supported only by his cloak and guided by his stick, released it. Among the many things to see on this small island, the cloistered monastery of the Benedictine nuns certainly deserve, and the Basilica of San Giulio, a small Romanesque church with interesting Baroque influences. Returning to the mainland, lunch in a restaurant and towards Omegna, famous for the Nigoglia, the small stream that goes upwards flowing towards the Alps instead of towards the sea, in the town hall square. To enjoy this tidy town like a little Switzerland, strolling along the pedestrian streets that run along the Nigoglia and reach the lakefront. Last stop Pella, on the western shore of Lake Orta. To see there is certainly the medieval tower which can be reached by walking along the lakefront, the small landing stage because from there you can admire the island of San Giulio from a very particular perspective and the church of San Filiberto, with the oldest chapel in all the western coast of Lake Orta. In Piazza Ravedoni, then, there is one of the few ancient wash houses still in good condition. Here the women did their laundry when bad weather prevented them from reaching the lake. Finally, one of the most picturesque places in the whole lake: the ancient bridge over the Pellino, which connects Pella with San Rocco's Oratory.