Friday, October 12, 2012

Autumn in Stresa: Activities, Events and Excursions

Although many tour operators finish their programmes in the Italian lakes towards the end of September, that doesn't mean that there isn't plenty to do for the independent traveller.

Here are some ideas on activities, events and excursions available to visitors to Stresa in Autumn (updated for 2015):

The Lake Maggiore Express
For 2015 the Lake Maggiore Express is still available everyday as the full round trip by train, Centovalley Railway and ferry  until Sunday 11th October. If you aren't visiting after this date you can still travel to Locarno return using just the train and Centovalley Railway as these operate all year round. You might even choose to stop off en route at Santa Maria Maggiore in the Vigezzo Valley. Contact us for timetables!

The Centovalley Railway
The Borromean Islands
For 2015 the Borromean Islands will be open everyday until Sunday 25th October so you can still visit the unique palaces and gardens on Isola Bella and Isola Madre as well as the pretty fishing village on Isola Pescatori. For up to date ferry timetables visit www.navigazionelaghi.it

Catching a ferry to the Borromean Islands
Mottarone Cable Car and Alpyland Alpine Coaster
The Stresa to Mottarone cable car is open all year round and the Alpyland Alpine Coaster (such fun!) is open until the end of October and then reopens in December for the winter (December to March, weekends only). **unfortunately the cable car is currently closed for renovations ... but Alpyland is open as usual!**

Taking a ride on the Mottarone Cable Car
Walks
Autumn is a lovely time to take a walk in the local area and enjoy the outdoors. With a little help from public transport you can enjoy the Chestnut Route or Montorfano and Mergozzo.

Walks: Montorfano and Mergozzo
Events and Foodie Festivals (will be updated again when exact dates are confirmed)
In Autumn there are a whole host of local festivals and events dedicated to food! There is an Autumn Festival in Stresa on Saturday 3rd October 2015. Stresa also hosts chestnut festivals on 4th and 11th October, a truffle festival on 25th-26th October (2015 tbc), a chocolate festival on 1st-2nd November (2015 tbc) and a Gorgonzola Festival in mid November (2015 tbc). But hop on a train, a bus or the Centovalley Railway and you can also enjoy the following:

2nd-4th October 2015 / Intra / Chocomoments / Bus or ferry
3rd-4th October 2015 / Arona / Roast chestnuts / Bus, train or ferry
4th October 2015 / Santa Maria Maggiore / 34th "Bruna" Cattle Show / Train + Centovalley Railway
9th-11th October 2015 / Intra / Polenta and stew / Bus or ferry
17th-18 October 2015 / Arona / Roast chestnuts / Bus, train or ferry
17th-18th October 2015 / Santa Maria Maggiore / Squash-Pumpkin Festval / Train + Centovalley Railway

And if you have a car, one of our favourites every year:

18th October 2015 / Nebbiuno / The Transumanza Festival (celebrating the livestock coming down from the summer pastures)

For more events and festivals visit the Lake District Tourist Board website

Cheeses on sale at the Nebbiuno Transumanza 2011
The Stresa Town Trail
Download our town trail and enjoy a stroll around the town centre and along the lakefront whilst learning more about Stresa's history.

Visit Milan and enjoy an Exhibition
Milan is just an hour away by train to either Central or Garibaldi stations. It's only a couple of stops on the metro to the Duomo (Cathedral), the Brera Gallery, the La Scala Museum and the shops! This Autumn/Winter there are also exhibitions of Chagall, Segantini and Van Gogh at the Palazzo Reale. Come and see us for train tickets or email us for times and ticket prices.

Milan Duomo
We hope that we have given you some inspiration on how to enjoy your visit to Stresa in the Autumn. Let us know if you visit this Autumn and what you enjoy the most!

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