Ascend Sacro Monte along a pilgrimage trail lined with 20 frescoed chapels dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi and drink in the superb vistas over Lake Orta. There's time in the afternoon to head to the spiritual island of San Giulio with its Romanesque basilica and cloistered abbey which is still home to Benedictine nuns. Circumnavigate the island along the evocative and peaceful Via di Silenzio. Alternatively, for a longer walk, head to the historical hamlet of Legro, famous for its colourful murals, then follow a woodland path to Corconio via the ancient Buccione Tower from where there are spectacular views over the lake. Continue along Via dei Canneti, named after the reeds that are home to many species of lake birds, before a lakeside path with stunning views of the island of San Giulio, takes you to the charming village of Pella. Hop on one of the convenient ferries (or taxi boat in low season) to return to Orta San Giulio.

We take you to Coiromonte, from where it's a short climb to Monte Falo with truly amazing views over the surrounding mountains as well as Lakes Maggiore, Orta, Varese and Monate. Then descend along a muleteer's path to the little town of Gignese, with its unusual umbrella museum, before continuing to the vibrant town of Stresa, lapped by the crystal clear waters of Lake Maggiore. A shorter walk option is available.

Renowned as the Pearl of Lake Maggiore, there is much to explore in colourful Stresa. There are regular ferries to the renowned Borromean islands: visit Isola Madre, with its lush botanical gardens, resplendent with magnolia, wisteria and camellias. Discover Isola Bella with its imposing Baroque palace and terraced Italianate gardens - home to white peacocks! - and wander along the narrow winding alleys on the Isola dei Pescatori. The beautiful gardens at Villa Taranto are also only a short boat ride away. Alternatively, follow the chestnut trail along a muleteer's path with superb views of Lake Maggiore to unspoilt Belgirate, with its prestigious 18th and 19th century villas where Hemingway and Wagner once stayed. Return to Stresa by ferry (or bus in low season).

We take you to lakeside Cannero Riviera, a gorgeous village sheltered within a natural inlet and famous for its multi coloured camellias, lemon and palm trees which thrive in the village's sunny position. From here, set off along the superbly scenic Via delle Genti, an ancient path through shady chestnut woods, terraced gardens and pretty villages, to Cannobio, the last Italian town on Lake Maggiore's shores. Admire its bright porticoed palazzi, stepped alleyways and old fishermen's houses before returning to Cannero Riviera by ferry (or bus in low season).

Today's walk takes you past fertile vine terraces to the tiny village of Trarego, a cluster of houses perched on the slopes of Monte Carza, with enviable views over Lake Maggiore. Descend through woodland back to Cannero via panoramic Oggiono. Alternatively, take the ferry to Cannobio then make your way to the Orrido Sant'Anna, a ravine where the waters of the Cannobino stream have carved through the rock to form a natural oasis - perfect for a cool dip. A picnic lunch with a view in the village of Sant'Anna, known as the 'balcone sul lago' for its vistas over Cannobio, Maggiore and the Ticino mountains beyond, before returning to the centre of Cannobio and your ferry (or bus in low season) back to Cannero.

Leave Italy today and head over the border into Switzerland! We take you to the Lido di Crodolo, where you can take a dip in Maggiore's clear waters, before ascending to the village of Ronco sopra Ascona, with the vistas opening up over the glittering lake below. Cross the hillside before descending into chocolate box Ascona via Monte Verita, with its expansive parkland, tea plantation - the only one in Switzerland! - and zen garden with stunning lake views.

The small town of Ascona is simply picture perfect with its brightly painted houses, plane tree lined promenade and colourful fishing boats bobbing on the luminous waters. Visit the Castle of San Materno and wander the maze of alleyways filled with cafes, boutiques and art galleries. It's a 15 minute boat trip to the Brissago islands - blessed with a subtropical climate, the larger of the 2 is home to the only botanical park in Switzerland, containing over 2000 different plant species. Or head to neighbouring Locarno, with its evocative Old Town and vibrant Piazza Grande. For the more active, it's a gentle walk to neighbouring Locarno, with its evocative Old Town and vibrant Piazza Grande. Or for superb mountain walking, take the cable car from Locarno to Cardada and follow a superbly panoramic path via Cimetta and Alpe Vegnasca back to Cardada.