An art and food tour close to Arona, on lake Maggiore

4 hours Private tour

An art and food tour close to Arona, on lake Maggiore, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Arona, a beautiful town laying on the South-Western coast of lake Maggiore, gave birth in the 16th century to the future saint and bishop of Milan Carlo Borromeo. After a few decades from his death, a huge bronze statue dedicated to the memory of the revered citizen was built close to Arona and acted as an inspiration and a technical instruction for Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, the designer of the Statue of Liberty in New York.

This exclusive tour will lead you from the charming centre of Arona to the hill where you will be able to visit the statue and enjoy a view of the lake, definitely from its "point of view". Later on, you will be guided to a local seasoning cellar, where a full tasting of wine and local, delicious varieties of cheese will be served. A day between amazing art and taste.

Wine Tastings Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Art Tours Walking Tours Nature Walks

At a glance

Duration: 4 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–7
Guide: German, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Operated by: Book Your Italy

Ages: Adults (1–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: Qualified private guide
Included: Alcoholic beverages: A wine and cheese tasting
Included: A guided visit to a cheese seasoning cellar

Not included

Not included: Lunch
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Stresa

Passing by

This small town, standing on the Western coast of Lake Maggiore in the so-called Borromea Gulf, is one of the most visited touristic sites of entire Piemonte. Its territory includes three of the four Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola Superiora, also named Isola dei Pescatori. The first recorded file about the town is dated 998, but even in the Roman age, the way leading from Milan to the Sempione pass ran by this site.
Arona

2 hours

The area where Arona stands was probably inhabited since the Prehistoric Age, even though the first documents describing the town date back to the half of the 10th century and an important ROman way, leading from Milan to Sempione pass, ran by here.

During the Renaissance, Arona was dominated by the Borromeo family, then by the Sforza family; later on, after having been ruled by the Spanish and then the Austrians - as well as the whole Duchy of Milan, it was ceased to the Savoia realm. The town centre features Piazza del Popolo, famous for its 15th century Broletto, and the church of St Mary’s Collegiata, where the well-known Renaissance-style polyptych by Gaudenzio Ferrari (1511) is kept.
Colosso di San Carlo Borromeo

30 min Admission included

This gigantic bronze statue, standing close to Arona, is dedicated to St. Carlo Borromeo, born in this town in 1538 and later Bishop of Milan. It was built between 1624 and 1698. With its 23 metres-height, it stood as the highest hollow statue of the world, until the construction f the Statue of Liberty in New York. Reaching the inner top allows the visitors to enjoy a view of the lake from the statue eyes.