Camping Bellavista

Perhaps the most logical place to begin your adventures is Lake Orta itself, where there are several historic sites with spectacular views down over the lake. One of the closest spots is Torre di Buccione (35 minutes’ walk), an old tower with stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains. Up in Orta San Giulio is Sacro Monte di Orta (five minutes' drive), a Roman Catholic complex with 20 chapels dedicated to the life of St Francis of Assisi. Built in 1590, this destination is part of the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Santuario della Madonna del Sasso (25 minutes) should also be worth the short drive. Raised 638 metres above the lake, it has views of the Alps, including the Mottarone mountain (25 minutes). If you have any time left over, a 25-minute drive will get you to Lake Maggiore, Italy’s second-largest lake. You could take a boat out to the scenic Borromean Islands (35 minutes to ferry ports) or drive around the shores to take in the views, stopping at any restaurants that take your fancy.