Segregated bike lanes, fishing villages and historic parks. On the roads of a memorable edition of the Road World Cycling Championships

From Via Francigena to the Cadorna Line. Discover where to see the autumn colours in Lombardy

An area immersed in nature and history

A nature park just waiting to be discovered on long hikes or on the saddle of a mountain bike

Several thematic trails can be reached fromAprica. Each with its own rennomated characteristics, they represent unparalleled naturalistic excellences. The combination of care for the land and historical and cultural memory, gives rise to experiences to be lived with the whole family or alone, in contact with themselves... Historical-military trail "Mount of the Cross" The easy trail, suitable for everyone, that starts from the lay-by in front of the "Quercia Antica" refreshment stand in Pian di Gembro is a path dating back to World War I, accompanied by clear descriptive panels. It was part of the Cadorna Line, for the defense of national borders in the event of an Austrian attack. Tunnels for ammunition storage and a targeting gallery facing Tirano are preserved. From a naturalistic point of view, the prevailing plant species are fir, lodgepole pine, larch, birch and, in the undergrowth, bilberry. At the end of the trail, you can admire the peat bog from a lookout. "Blessed P.G. Frassati" religious trail It is thanks to the Italian Alpine Club, which embraced the initiative called "The Frassati Trails of Italy" in order to create a trail dedicated to the famous mountaineer in every Italian region, that Aprica along with Corteno Golgi boast the privilege of owning the one in Lombardy. From the village of Sant'Antonio, it climbs to Savrone, along an ancient path, leads to Premalt, then reaches the orographic disc (2000m), near Zappello dell'Asino, a magnificent viewpoint over Valtellina and part of Valle Camonica, finally reaching the chapel dedicated to S. Carlo, built next to the CAI Valtellina Refuge (1900m). Nature trail "Wood is life" From the Malga Magnolta to the CAI Valtellina Refuge, Trail 341 has been named the "Wood is Life" Thematic Trail, and along its route several bulletin boards have been placed with descriptive panels illustrating the importance of wood and lots of interesting facts about its functions. Inaugurated in August 2004, the trail in 2016 was adopted by Aprica elementary school children for the "School adopts a monument" project. The trail is very comfortable and easy to walk on without major differences in height, and in the central part there are beautiful views of the Rhaetian Alps. Historical trail "Nobel Prize winner C. Golgi" This is an easy trail, immersed mostly in the woods that runs between Aprica and Corteno Golgi. It is dedicated to Camillo Golgi, a distinguished researcher who received the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Surgery in 1906, the first Italian Nobel. He was originally from Corteno (locality named in his honor Corteno Golgi) and then, for decades was a guest in Aprica during summer vacations. Numerous descriptive panels regarding the biographical-scientific history of the luminary and the historical-environmental peculiarities of the place have been placed along the path. Along the way, it is possible to admire a fine example of a Venetian-style sawmill and in the immediate vicinity, the small church of S. Martino Franco (11th cent.), located on a rise.

Every summer Sunday until September 14, you can reach the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso by boat from Laveno Mombello in just 20 minutes — the perfect opportunity to explore one of the most fascinating places on the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore.And to make your day even more special, choose one of the five experiences designed for you by Varese DoYouLake?.Traveling by train? Take advantage of Trenord’s integrated ticket Train + Lake Navigation, allowing you to travel from any location in Lombardy to Laveno Mombello and then continue by boat to the Hermitage. The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso at Sunset Want to spend an afternoon on Lake Maggiore and enjoy the Hermitage at sunset? Arrive comfortably by car at Santa Caterina del Sasso and park nearby. From there, board the 3:05 pm boat to Laveno Mombello. Once in Laveno Mombello, the choice is yours: enjoy a relaxing lakeside stroll or take the adventurous cable car ride to the panoramic viewpoint atop Sasso del Ferro. At 5:30 pm, board the return boat to the Hermitage and enjoy a guided tour in the magical light of evening. At 6 pm on Sundays, as visitors leave, the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso returns to silence. It's the perfect time for a guided visit — peaceful, golden-hued, and serene. The tour lasts about one hour and starts at the dock. The Flavours of Santa Caterina Want to visit the Hermitage and savour the tastes of Varese? Leave your car in the city and reach Santa Caterina del Sasso by train and boat — one of the most stunning locations on Lake Maggiore. Thanks to the new direct lake connection, every summer Sunday you can board the 2:00 pm boat in Laveno Mombello and arrive at the Hermitage in time for the 2:30 pm guided tour — your guide will greet you right at the dock!The guided tour lasts about one hour. Afterward, taste some of the local specialties of Varese as you ascend the scenic stairway to the Quicchio terrace — or take the elevator for extra comfort. Need a tip?From Milano Cadorna, take the 10:52 train, arriving in Laveno Mombello at 12:23 — perfect for a walk and a bite before catching the boat to the Hermitage. The Water Workshops: A Magical Start Before Crossing to the Hermitage Curious about the history of navigation on Lake Maggiore? Leave your car in the city and take the train to Laveno Mombello, one of the lake’s most charming towns.As soon as you get off the train, visit Officine dell’Acqua, a restored historic railway complex now home to a museum showcasing vintage boats, naval carpentry tools, and stories of lake navigation and craftsmanship. From Laveno Mombello, depart at 2:00 pm by boat to reach Santa Caterina del Sasso for the 2:30 pm guided tour. Before returning on the 4:35 pm boat, relax under the enchanting wisteria with a lake view. Sailing the Borromean Gulf Want to see the most scenic views of Lake Maggiore? In summer 2025, exploring the Borromean Gulf — between Leggiuno, Stresa and Laveno Mombello — has never been easier: every Sunday, you can reach the three most iconic viewpoints by boat. On Isola Bella, admire the lake from the upper terrace of the Teatro, built by Vitaliano Borromeo in the 17th century.In Laveno Mombello, ride the historic bucket-lift to the top of Sasso del Ferro for breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore, Lake Mergozzo, Val d’Ossola, and Valcuvia.At sunset, reach the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso and be enchanted by its 1624 portico glowing in the evening light. Not sure how?Reach the Hermitage by car and take the 9:40 am boat to Isola Bella. At 1:00 pm, board the boat to Carciano, then on to Laveno Mombello, arriving at 1:55 pm.Enjoy the ascent to Sasso del Ferro and at 5:30 pm take the boat back to Santa Caterina del Sasso to catch the sunset — on your own or with the 6:00 pm guided tour. From Arona to the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso Want to explore both shores of Lake Maggiore? Easily reach Arona by train — the birthplace of Saint Charles Borromeo. If you’ve never seen the giant Sancarlone statue, this is your chance: a 30-minute walk from the station takes you to the monument that inspired the Statue of Liberty. At 12:15 pm, board the boat to Santa Caterina del Sasso. After a snack at the Locanda, enjoy the 2:30 pm guided tour of the Hermitage.At 4:35 pm, the boat will take you to Laveno Mombello, where you can enjoy a lakeside stroll before your train home. Need a tip?From Milano Centrale, take the 8:25 am train to Arona. For your return, catch the 6:28 pm train from Laveno Mombello Lago to Milano Cadorna.

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Villa Carlotta, located on the shores of Lake Como near the village of Tremezzo, is a triumph of natural and architectural beauty.

Dive in nature and history in the natural park of Como