Location: Province of Novara
Top Things to do in Province of Novara
Things to do in Province of Novara, Piedmont: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours
Novara (It. Provincia di Novara) is a province in the Piedmont region of Italy. Its capital is the city of Novara.
Restaurants in Province of Novara
1. Discover lake Orta - Private tours from Stresa, Baveno, Verbania
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
A half-day tour to magnificent lake Orta from Stresa, Baveno or Verbania on lake Maggiore! You can choose the morning or the afternoon tour option! An English-speaking driver will pick you up at your hotel and will drive you to the beautiful village of Orta San Giulio on lake Orta that you will be able to explore on your own, strolling through its narrow cobblestone alleys, century-old buildings and special atmosphere. A stop at the Unesco heritage site - the Sacro Monte, Sacred Mount - is included. If you choose the morning option you can also enjoy a snack / lunch in one of the little town's cafés and restaurants, before being pick up by your driver. A tour at your own pace!
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Round-trip private transfer, Transport by private vehicle, English-speaking driver, Fuel surcharge
Exclusions: Optional boat ride to the island of San Giulio ( € 5 per person), Gratuities, Lunch, Food and drinks
2. 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! ????????☀️????
3. 4-Day Italian Lakes and Verona Tour from Milan
Overall Ratings
4.4 based on 16 reviews
Visit four of the must-see lakes in the Italian Lake district as well as the city of Verona, on a 4-day tour from Milan! With a mix of free time and tours, explore the tranquil hideaway of Lake Orta, mountain-framed Lake Maggiore and glamorous Lake Como. Discover elegant lakeside towns around Lake Garda – Italy’s largest lake – and see Juliet’s House and more on a Verona tour. Boat rides on the lakes are included as well as 4-star hotel accommodation in the lively towns of Como, Verona and either Brescia or Bergamo.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional guide, 3 nights of accommodation, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), Boat Trip
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, City Tax
Reviewed By E5420ZMdenisk
I loved it, the tour guide Ali was a very nice person and answered all questions, with sufficient knowledge and detail. Recommended.
4. 4-Day Italian Lakes Tour from Milan
Overall Ratings
3.6 based on 7 reviews
Enjoy 4 days and 3 nights Italian lakes departing from Milan. You'll have the chance to discover the most important lakes of the northern Italy: the small Lake Orta, the refined Lake Maggiore, the luxurious Lake Como, the amazing Lake Garda, the picturesque Lake Iseo. You will enjoy trips by boat on the main lakes and visits of beautiful towns such as Como, Bergamo and Verona. Departures on 2021 July 12th, August 2nd and 30th, and October 4th and 2022 May 9th, July 11th, August 1st, September 6th, October 3rd are also available with tour director in Portuguese. Due to the event Vinitaly in Verona, accommodation on day 3 during the departure of 04/11/22 will be in Desenzano at Lake Garda, Hotel Oliveto**** or similar.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 3 nights accommodation, Breakfast, Glass of Prosecco as welcome, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast), All activities, Driver/guide, Walking tour in Como, Bergamo and Verona, Air-conditioned vehicle, Transport by private vehicle, Free Wi-Fi on board, Private tour by boat at Lake Orta, Private tour by boat at Lake Maggiore, 2 hour cruise at Lake Como (from April to October), Private tour by boat at Lake Garda
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, City taxes at the hotel, Porterage, Hotel pick up and drop off
Reviewed By LadyRJ2019
As a family of three, we were excited to go on the 7 day northern lakes and Dolomites tour - especially as it would be very difficult to visit these areas by ourselves (visiting from Australia and not confident driving/getting around to these areas). The tour started well, we were the only English speakers but we had been assured our guide would provide fluent English commentary. Perhaps we expected too much but there was very little information provided about where we were or where we were travelling through. In fact, the first three days we received very limited information in total while the Spanish speakers were provided with much more. We visited some stunning places but too much of the tour focused on lunch breaks and eating rather than seeing the sights. Halfway through the tour more English speakers joined the group bit we still had to seek information rather than being provided with it on some occasions. The bus was too big for navigating city streets and mountain switchbacks - the driver often had to reverse and try multiple times to get around corners and switchbacks. I felt very sorry for him - he did a marvelous job but it would have been so much easier for him and much more enjoyable for us if we weren't concerned about falling off the side of a mountain. The company can't seem to decide whether they are catering to small groups or large and this has a huge impact on the enjoyment of the tour. In Trento we were advised that we would have several hours and could visit the castle. After paying for admission and entering we were then advised that because it was raining some people didn't want to stay so we were cutting the visit short - this should never happen! We then had to get back on the bus only to stop at a truck stop for lunch (instead of staying in lovely Trento). There wasn't really any point to having the guide as he did not provide much "guiding" only very limited information and directions to places he thought we should go and eat. We would have done as well with just the driver. If you can navigate your way around the northern lakes and Dolomites by yourself then I recommend you do that. Otherwise, perhaps a different company would provide a better tour.
5. 7-Days Italian Lakes and the Dolomites Tour from Milan
Overall Ratings
2.0 based on 1 reviews
7 days and 6 nights leaving from Milan. You'll have the chance to discover the most important lakes of the northern Italy: the small Lake Orta, the refined Lake Maggiore, the luxurious Lake Como, the amazing Lake Garda. Trip by boat on the main lakes and visits of beautiful towns such as Como, Bergamo and Verona. Then, you'll visit Canazei, Fiemme and Fassa Valleys, Cortina, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Alpine lakes, mountain passes, Merano, Bolzano, the route of the wines and Trento. Departures on July 12th and October 4th, 2021 and July 11th and October 3rd, 2022 are also available with tour director in Portuguese. Due to the event Vinitaly in Verona, departure on April, 11th, 2022, the accommodation on day 3 will be at Lake Garda, Hotel Oliveto**** or similar.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 6 nights accommodation, Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax), National Park fees, Breakfast, Glass of Prosecco as welcome, Apple and speck tasting in the Dolomites, Driver/guide, Local guide, Walking tour in Como, Bergamo, Verona, Bolzano and Trento, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Transport by private vehicle, Free Wi-Fi on board, Private tour by boat at Lake Orta, Private tour by boat at Lake Maggiore, 2 hour cruise at Lake Como, Private tour by boat at Lake Garda
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, City taxes at the hotel, Porterage, Hotel pick up and drop off
Reviewed By Brendan W
There is a chance that your tour may include a mixture of nationalities (such as English and Spanish-speaking so if you prefer your own language exclusively, we would recommend making this clear to the operator to avoid disappointment. Some of the island visits are fairly brief, otherwise the tour operator has indeed set the tour around each of the major lakes in Northern Italy – we missed some of the spectacular views as it was fairly wet and foggy, so you may wish to cross-check the weather forecast for the time of year you’re thinking of doing the trip – we went late Spring. The operator keeps the tour to a relatively small group which is a nice bonus. This tour seemed suited to an older demographic. Some of the hotels that we stayed in were great – especially the one they chose for Lake Como – it looks like an old convent and has a lot of old-world charm. The Hotel in Verona was centrally located which was convenient, however probably not the best hotel we stayed in during our trip with some maintenance issues related to air-con. We have had a wonderful time in Italy, and Verona was the highlight for us with a walking tour around the city, taking in some of the history and older buildings.
6. 7-Days Italian Lakes and Riviera Tour from Milan
With this 7 day and 6 nights package from Milan you'll have the chance to discover the most important lakes of the northern Italy such as the small Lake Orta, the refined Lake Maggiore, the luxurious Lake Como, the amazing Lake Garda, the pictoresque Lake Iseo. Take a boat trip on the main lakes and visit beautiful towns such as Como, Bergamo and Verona. Then, continue to Genoa discovering the amazing Cinque Terre, the village of Rapallo, the symbol of luxury Portofino and a great place to walk and have lunch, Santa Margherita and finally the west coast of the riviera before coming back to Milan. Departures on 2021, May 10th, August 2nd and 30th and 2022, May 9th, August 1st and September 6th are also available with tour director in Portuguese.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting point at Starhotel Ritz, 6 nights accommodation, Meals as per itinerary (B = breakfast), Glass of Prosecco as welcome, Focaccia and cheese focaccia tasting in Liguria, Driver/guide, Walking tour in Como, Bergamo, Verona., Transport by private air-conditioned coach, Free WiFi onboard, Private tour by boat at Lake Orta, Private tour by boat at Lake Maggiore, 2 hour cruise at Lake Como (from April to October), Private tour by boat at Lake Garda, 2 hour cruise at Cinque Terre (from April to October and in good weather conditions)
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, City taxes at the hotel, Porterage, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By LadyRJ2019
As a family of three, we were excited to go on the 7 day northern lakes and Dolomites tour - especially as it would be very difficult to visit these areas by ourselves (visiting from Australia and not confident driving/getting around to these areas). The tour started well, we were the only English speakers but we had been assured our guide would provide fluent English commentary. Perhaps we expected too much but there was very little information provided about where we were or where we were travelling through. In fact, the first three days we received very limited information in total while the Spanish speakers were provided with much more. We visited some stunning places but too much of the tour focused on lunch breaks and eating rather than seeing the sights. Halfway through the tour more English speakers joined the group bit we still had to seek information rather than being provided with it on some occasions. The bus was too big for navigating city streets and mountain switchbacks - the driver often had to reverse and try multiple times to get around corners and switchbacks. I felt very sorry for him - he did a marvelous job but it would have been so much easier for him and much more enjoyable for us if we weren't concerned about falling off the side of a mountain. The company can't seem to decide whether they are catering to small groups or large and this has a huge impact on the enjoyment of the tour. In Trento we were advised that we would have several hours and could visit the castle. After paying for admission and entering we were then advised that because it was raining some people didn't want to stay so we were cutting the visit short - this should never happen! We then had to get back on the bus only to stop at a truck stop for lunch (instead of staying in lovely Trento). There wasn't really any point to having the guide as he did not provide much "guiding" only very limited information and directions to places he thought we should go and eat. We would have done as well with just the driver. If you can navigate your way around the northern lakes and Dolomites by yourself then I recommend you do that. Otherwise, perhaps a different company would provide a better tour.
7. 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
8. Food & Wine Tour on Lake Orta from Milan - Private Tour
This small lake to the west of Lago Maggiore is one of the loveliest places I have ever been. It is telling that the Milanese call it La Cenerentola (Cinderella) because they have long considered it the secretly superior sibling to the larger, money-blighted lakes of Como and Maggiore. But, for me, what sets Orta apart is not its beauty – though the place is absurdly pretty – but the lake's mysterious, ethereal, almost supernatural quality. There is something for the soul there as well as for the eye.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Professional English speaking driver at disposal full day, Wine tour and tasting 4 wines and food tasting , Lunch in Orta Lake ( wine not included )
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By iancdeering
This was so much fun! Stefano (sommelier for the evening) is informative, very friendly, and makes for great conversation. The wines were absolutely delicious, the snacks were great, and the atmosphere was very inviting. An all around great experience that wine lovers are sure to enjoy!
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