This February: Soak up a romantic day trip on Lake Maggiore!

Romantic day trip ideas on Lake Maggiore ~ Love is in the air! If you’re feeling inspired, why not pick one of these ultimate romantic experiences to enjoy with your other half.

Explore a timeless wonder…

 Hop on a private boat trip, for a lake-based tour of the Borromean Islands

Although the Palace and gardens of Isola Bella don’t open their doors until 20^th March, no trip to Lake Maggiore would be complete without a view of these famous islands – even from the water! A sunset boat trip is the ultimate way to soak up some Italian romance, with a bottle of fizz to help you drink in the views. From the tranquil waters you’ll be shown the authentic charms that surround the fishing village 'Isola dei Pescatori', you'll be in awe at the flamboyant ambition of the Palazzo and gardens of 'Isola Bella' and you'll marvel at the elegant grounds of 'Villa Madre', which offer a more intimate impression of aristocratic family life. One's things for sure, this scenic tour will be a true highlight of your holiday!

Soak up romantic Lake Maggiore views, from the Stresa-Mottarone cable car

From Stresa, the Mottarone cable car takes visitors on a 3-leg ride up the Mottarone. This scenic mountain is home to a host of hyped-up attractions and the Alpine gardens (which open in April). But for this ride, why not hop off and simply enjoy a hike and a picnic against a 360° panorama of no less than 7 lakes? All you’ll need is the euros for the return ticket and a packed lunch, or change for the cafes and restaurants.

Discover the quaint neighbour of Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta​

For adventure seekers who want to uncover a quaint hidden gem whilst away, there’s Lake Orta. This idyllic, small lake is located 32.7km west of Lake Maggiore and is awash with hidden gems, like the basilica on the atmospheric lake island, ‘Isola San Giulio’, to the medieval village of Ort San Giulio and the treasure trove of renaissance-era holiday villas and gardens, which were created by the aristocratic and bourgeoisie families of the time, who descended on this beautiful lake from the surrounding Piedmont and Lombardy regions. The best villas to check out include the beautiful Villa Nigra (Mirasino) with its portico and loggia framed gardens, the well-proportioned 17^th century Villa Bonola (Corconio), the opulent Moorish-style Villa Crespi (nr. Orta San Giulio) and also the villas of Villa Bozzi (now the Town Hall) and Villa Gemelli, with its façade inspired by Flemish mythology (both are located in Orta San Giulio). Exploring the distinct charms of this unspoilt lake will provide you both with plenty of photo opportunities, picturesque dining venues and romantic holiday moments.

Action-packed fun to make Cupid blush!

Hold one another’s hand on the Lake Maggiore Zip line

Zipping down the side of the Mottarone beside your partner in crime will make you feel as free as two love birds. This is an adrenaline-fuelled moment to enjoy no matter what the season, so why not try it one weekend in February? The suspended 1,850-metre-long cable runs 350 metres above the ground, so the onsite restaurant/bar may very well come in handy for those craving some Dutch courage before they go.

Cement your relationship – with a terrific toboggan ride at Alpyland

Experiences bring us closer together. With this in mind why not combine sublime lake views and fun, with an unforgettable ride on a 1200m long toboggan run!

Suitable for couples as well as those the bringing kids, the Alpyland tobbogan on Lake Maggiore's scenic Mottarone promises year-round excitement for all.

Make the Mottarone Park your playground – with a ski, hike or trip up into the trees

For an energetic day away from the lake, Mottarone also boasts a ski resort, trail park and adventure park. With 15km+ skiable pistes, 17 ski and snowboard slopes and a dedicated ski and board school for kids, couples and young families will have a fantastic day at the Mottarone ski park. Not brought skis with you on holiday? Have no fear, the ski park offers high-quality ski hire! Non skiers can also soak up some crisp winter sunshine from the western alpine slopes, with snowshoes.

Hiking and cycling couples will find plenty of joy from immersing themselves within the 1,491 metre heights of the Mottarone Trail Park. With far-reaching 360° panoramic views across 7 lakes and the Po valley, across the Alps, Monte Rosa massif and Swiss peaks to take in, alongside winding paths through centuries-old woodland of pine, fir, beech, larch and chestnut, there is a trail to suit those on foot as well as on two wheels. For biking duos, the trail park also offers a bike rental shop, enabling you to travel light from the lake. For couples who want to face their fear (or passion) for heights, why not take to the trees, at the Mottarone Adventure Park? With 4 different difficulty routes to choose from, you’ll be able to take a gradual, or dizzying tour of the trees!

Savour some romance…

Drink up the magic of Lake Maggiore and become acquainted with the regional wine

Lake Maggiore offers a selection of authentic ‘enotecas’ (wine bars) and rustic ‘cantinas’ from which to savour the full-bodied wines and fragrant local tipples of the region, with a traditional aperitivo. For wine buffs, a trip to one of the local wineries is a must. Grown on the gentle slopes of the Novara area to the high valleys beyond, the Ghemme DOCG is an exceptional wine, whilst the Nebbiolo Doc, Barbera and Vespolina DOC are also popular wines produced within this unique landscape. Lake Maggiore’s only wine making region is Angera, which features small-scale wine production and boasts 3 professional vineyards that produce and sell their characterful wines. Grape varieties grown here include the reds Croatine, Nebbiolo, Merlot, Berbera, Shiraz and Uva Rara and the whites Chardonnay, Traminer, Trebbiano, Bussanello and Sauvignon.

The Cascina Piano winery in Angera is a must for wine connoisseurs. With photogenic vineyards spreading across the hillsides of San Quirico behind Angera castle (open from 20^th March), the setting combines some picturesque photo ops with a spot of wine tasting; so what could be better! The wines produced by the local Ghirenghelli brothers are also well worth sampling. The nearest local place where they grace the wine list is at the ‘Osteria del Castello’ restaurant, just below Angera castle (it is advised to check the opening times of both the winery and restaurant before making the journey).

Within Angera’s industrial estate you will come across the renowned Rossi d’Angera distillery, which has been producing regional tipples since 1847. Famed for its Grappa, the distillery is also looking to the future; with a soon-to-arrive new gin!

The Ossola valley also features terraced Alpine hillsides producing the famous flavours of Prünent, Neuv Bruschett and Cà d’ Matè.

Savour the delectable delights of Lake Maggiore with that special someone

Worked up an appetite? They say food is the language of love, so if you’re staying with a special someone on Lake Maggiore then no trip would be complete without a meal at one of the lake’s most romantic restaurants. Bon appetite!

Lake Maggiore offers a truly romantic holiday in any month – we hope you enjoy its magic soon!