Enjoying a very mild climate and separated from Lake Maggiore by Monte Mottarone to the northeast, Lake Orta is bordered by wooded slopes with the tiny islet of Isola San Giuilio, home to a basilica, rising from its still waters. The best view of this delightful scene is from Madonna del Sasso (5km from Alzo). Enjoy a stroll through the old streets of Orta San Giulio before heading for Varallo and the pilgrimage site of Sacro Monte.