About this experience
Mysterious and tranquil Orta San Giulio, one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy, is nestled on the shore of the small Orta Lake. You will stroll through cobbled streets immersed in greenery and flowers, admire hundreds of frescoes in the chapels of Sacro Monte Di Orta, taste Piedmont delicacies, and enjoy the panoramas of the dragon island rising among the dark waves.
What to Expect
Sculptures and frescoes of the chapels of Sacro Monte Di Orta
The walk will start from one of the 9 religious complexes of the Holy Mountains of Northern Italy - the beautiful mountain of Sacro Monte di Orta, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will explore 20 beautiful chapels on the hill, enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the island of St. Julius, as well as see scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assisi in hundreds of frescoes and life-size terracotta sculptures. I will tell you why they were created and who is really depicted in the sculptures of Sacro Monte Di Orta.
Charm of the streets of Orta San Giulio
Then we will descend along a shady alley to the lake, gradually immersing ourselves in the mysterious and romantic atmosphere of Orta San Giulio. You will walk through narrow medieval lanes and the central square, peek into shops with local delicacies and famous Piedmont wines, and then refresh with aromatic coffee or traditional Italian gelato.
Legends of the Dragon Island
In the center of the small alpine Lake Orta rises the very island where, according to legend, Greek monk Julius in the 4th century defeated dragons and built his hundredth and last Christian church. The island of dragons, which we will sail to on a small boat, is incredibly picturesque in any season: shrouded in mist or reflecting on the shimmering water surface. Here, I will tell you mysterious legends of San Giulio, talk about the creation of the monastery, and who currently lives on the island. You will walk along the only “Road of Silence” in the world, meditate on the “Road of Reflection,” and enjoy the tranquility while inhaling the fresh lake air.
Organizational Details
Additional expenses: transfer Arona-Orta-Arona, boat to the island - 25 euros/person; train Milan - Arona - 6.10 euros/person.
How the Tour Goes
- The tour starts and ends at the Arona railway station, a direct train ride from Milan
- Meeting in Milan by arrangement
- A delicious gift for each guest!
- Note: the guide is not responsible for force majeure circumstances (natural disasters, transport cancellations, unscheduled closures of churches and palaces).
