Holidays to Lake Orta take you to the best kept secret of the Italian Lakes in Northern Italy. Set in peaceful surroundings in the foothills of the Alps, it remains one of the most untouched areas in Italy, and one of the most beautiful. The incredible architecture of the town of Orta San Giulio, with its pastel coloured buildings, picturesque streets and lakeside location, add to the enchanting island of Isola San Giulio, to make this destination a real hidden gem.
You will stay right on the edge of Lake Orta, surrounded by the green hills of Pettenasco, with wonderful lake views and tranquil surroundings. Make the most of the endless lake views by taking your place on a sun lounger by the lovely pool.
What’s Extra
Hotel Giardinetto sits right on the shores of Lake Orta in a tranquil location north of Pettenasco, a small village on the eastern shore of Lake Orta just a five-minute drive from Orta San Giulio. With its own private landing stage and restaurant terrace situated on the lake front, this is as close as you can get to lakeside living in this picturesque corner of the Italian Lakes.
Spend the day relaxing by the swimming pool (normally in use May to September) and sun terrace or on the sun deck positioned on the lake. The guest rooms are comfortably furnished and the lake view rooms offer a beautiful vista (on request). The hotel restaurant is renowned for its local specialities and fish dishes, and the terrace provides a wonderful setting for dining late into the evening.
There’s a ferry stop conveniently located right by the hotel, and a lakeside promenade about five minutes’ walk away.
Pettenasco lies just 700 meters from our hotel and two miles along the coast from Orta San Giulio, a little village best noted for its handful of excellent restaurants. Its medieval houses, small beach and pretty harbour also help make it one of Lake Orta’s most picturesque locations. The local restaurants focus on serving locally sourced cuisine, plus there are often some great wines to enjoy alongside your meal. Please note that for 200m directly outside the hotel, the road has no pavement but there is a small footpath by the side of the road. So please take care.
When it comes to getting out and about, it’s easy to reach the nearby town of Orta San Giulio, which is just around the cove. A boat departs twice a day from our hotel (daily ticket approx 10 Euros). Hotel will provide timetable and various lake stops list. Or you can opt for a taxi (approx. EUR 25.00-30.00).
Orta San Giulio Town, best known for its jaw-dropping island, Isola San Giulio, is a fabulous place to spend an afternoon, strolling the medieval streets or enjoying the views from the lakefront promenade.
Lake Orta is an ideal base from which you can visit Lake Maggiore, Stresa with its charming islands, or even Locarno in Switzerland just across the border. Milan’s sights and worldclass shopping options are 50 minutes away and the factory outlets of some of the great design labels such as Alessi and Lagostina are even closer. The vineyards of Novara and Vercelli Hill wineries are also all within easy reach, as is the mountain resort of Mottarone from where you can see up to seven lakes on a clear day. The verdant Val d’Ossola is also worth a visit, where you’ll find the stunning Toce waterfalls and a range of delicious local cheeses which can be tasted.
If this wasn’t enough, there are some optional excursions you can take advantage of during the course of your stay such as a trip to Zermatt and the Matterhorn in nearby Switzerland, or a visit to the Swiss and Italian Lake District. More detailed information is provided in our ‘More to Explore’ section of FAQs
The Hotel Giardinetto has been within the Primatesta family since Luciano Primatesta founded it as an Inn in 1930. Its continuous evolution has made it a point of reference for the hospitality industry on Lake Orta, as well as further afield. The hotel lies directly on the beautiful shores of the romantic lake in an oasis of nature, it’s the ideal destination for relaxation and enjoying the surroundings. It has all the standards of a modern hotel, but with its own charm, a breathtakingly view and the thoroughly romantic environment of the lake.
Please note that for 200m directly outside hotel the road has no pavement but there is a small footpath by the side of the road. Please take care.
The hotel has very comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool (for those who don’t wish to swim in the lake – usually in use from the late May onwards) along with a sun deck. The restaurant with its unique terraces directly on the water, has become famous for its regional and creative cuisine as well as for its wine cellar with over 450 Italian, French and International labels.
Rooms with a lake view on request with supplement charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Milan Malpensa Airport to our hotel Giardinetto is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
Optional excursions are not guaranteed and are based on minimum 20 passengers. The prices quoted are guideline only and may involve other non-Solos holidaymakers. Full details of the optional trips on offer can be provided at the Information Meeting at the start of the trip. These excursions will be payable in cash to local guide in Euros. Your Tour Leader will help arrange these for you but may not necessarily accompany you. You can also indicate to us prior to your holiday which trips you would be interested in so we can pass your request over to resort.
Zermatt and the Matterhorn
Heading away from Lake Maggiore, we make our way through the Ossola Valley and start our climb into the Alps via the Simplon Pass. The Belvedere panoramic viewpoint is at the highest point of the pass and from there you can see 360° views of the Swiss and Italian Alps. Descending the Simplon Pass towards Brig we carry on and start the final part of our scenic journey along the Matter Valley towards Zermatt.
In the village of Taesch we will take you up to Zermatt on the rack and pinion railway. Zermatt is at 5,315ft above sea level and is surrounded by some of the most famous peaks in the Alps: the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, the Gornergrat and no less than twelve “4,000’s” – peaks over 4,000m.
Zermatt is a typical, picturesque Swiss Alpine village. Whilst you are in Zermatt you can spend your free time simply exploring the village, or enjoying a journey up to the Sunnegga plateau on the Mountain Metro. You could visit the Zermatlantis Matterhorn Museum and don’t forget to taste some of the local food! All whilst enjoying views of one of the most well-known mountains in the Alps: the Matterhorn.
EUR 220.00
Three Lakes
A day seeing the very best of the Swiss and Italian Lake District.
Our Three Lakes tour will take you up the western shore of Lake Maggiore and into Switerland. You will pass the seemingly floating castles at Cannero before arriving at the northern tip of Lake Maggiore and heading towards Lake Lugano.
During your free time in the cosmopolitan city of Lugano don’t miss out on the Santa Maria degli Angeli church where there is a beautiful fresco of the Passion. Window shop along the exclusive Via Nassa and have a coffee in Piazza Riforma. Take a stroll along the promenade into the park for views across to Mount San Salvatore.
We travel on towards Lake Como whose sparkling waters surrounded by dramatic mountains. Take the chance to visit the terraced, lakeside gardens of Villa Carlotta with over 500 species from giant sequoia to camellias. In Como city visit the cathedral and enjoy an ice cream in the piazza nearby. Como is also famous for its silk so a great place for some souvenir shopping!
EUR 190.00
A full 10-year passport is required valid for at least the duration of your stay. Holders of passports with the inscription “British Citizen” or “European Union” do not require a visa.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Italy Foreign Advice
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements. Alternatively, you can apply for your Visa with our preferred partner the Travel Visa company by selecting the following link; Travel Visa Company.
Euro
Casual daytime light-weight “layers” are recommended. Comfortable shoes are a “must” for sightseeing. Smart, casual wear for the evenings. Dressing in layers to allow for changes in temperature is recommended. You will need to have shoulders covered for churches.
We suggest a Group Collection to cover guides, transfer drivers, and hotel staff of minimum €25.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on.
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| April | 16 °C | 7 °C |
| May | 22 °C | 13 °C |
| June | 24 °C | 15 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
