Orta San Guilo: Village Tour With Cake Tasting

Orta San Giulio, a picturesque village nestled on the shores of Lake Orta, offers visitors a delightful experience that combines history, nature, and culinary indulgence. Set out on a guided tour through the charming streets, marvel at the UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte Nature Reserve, and savor the exquisite pastries crafted by a Michelin-starred chef. This captivating journey promises to unveil the rich cultural heritage and gastronomy of this enchanting destination. Prepare to be enchanted as you…

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Key Points

Immersive 3-hour tour of the Sacro Monte Nature Reserve and Orta San Giulio village, with a private guide and train ticket.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte featuring 20 chapels depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assisi.
Discover the charming streets and landmarks of Orta San Giulio, including the church of Santa Maria Assunta and Piazza Motta.
Indulge in a cake tasting at the pastry shop of Michelin-starred chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo, showcasing the region’s culinary excellence.
Enjoy a flexible booking with a reserve now, pay later option and a free cancellation policy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Village Tour With Cake Tasting" offers a 3-hour immersive experience exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sacro Monte Nature Reserve and the charming village of Orta San Giulio.

Priced from $509.22 per group (up to 2 participants), the private tour is led by a licensed guide and includes a train ticket to Sacro Monte and a cake tasting by Michelin-starred chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo.

Available in Italian and English, the tour can be booked with a reserve now and pay later option, and features a free cancellation policy with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Looking for more options in Orta San Giulio? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Exploring the Sacro Monte Nature Reserve

As the tour begins, visitors ascend to the Sacro Monte Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, via a short train ride.

This peaceful hillside sanctuary contains 20 chapels depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Guests explore the intricate frescoes and sculptures within each chapel, learning about the saint’s impact on the local community.

The serene atmosphere and panoramic lake views create a contemplative experience.

Descending the winding paths, the group reaches the historic 15th-century church of Santa Maria Assunta, marking the next stage of the village tour.

Chapels Linked to St. Francis of Assisi

What makes the Sacro Monte Nature Reserve so captivating are the 20 chapels that dot the hillside, each one depicting a scene from the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Visitors can explore these unique chapels, which range from the Annunciation to the Stigmata. The chapels feature vivid frescoes, statues, and altarpieces that provide a glimpse into the saint’s spiritual journey.

| Chapel | Scene Depicted |

| — | — |

| 1 | Annunciation |

| 5 | Preaching to the Birds |

| 9 | Stigmata |

| 15 | Death of St. Francis |

These richly ornamented chapels allow travelers to enjoy the history and devotion surrounding St. Francis of Assisi.

Discovering the Village Streets and Landmarks

After exploring the captivating chapels dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, the tour descends through the charming alleys to the 15th-century church of Santa Maria Assunta.

Passing by the stately Palazzo Gemelli and other neoclassical buildings, the group arrives at Piazza Motta, a lively lakeside gathering place with boat access to the nearby San Giulio Island.

Along the stone-paved Motta road, the guide points out the architectural highlights while allowing time to browse the local shops and sample the gastronomic offerings.

The tour concludes at Villa Bossi, the town hall with a garden that offers panoramic views of the stunning Lake Orta.

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Indulging in Cake Tasting at Michelin-starred Chef’s Pastry Shop

The tour culminates with a delightful cake tasting at the pastry shop of Michelin-starred chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo.

Theres some good the chef’s signature creations, savoring the flavors and artistry of his award-winning confections.

The tasting showcases the region’s culinary excellence, highlighting the talented local artisans who contribute to Orta San Giulio’s vibrant gastronomic scene.

The region’s culinary excellence is showcased, highlighting the talented local artisans who contribute to Orta San Giulio’s vibrant gastronomic scene.

This exclusive experience allows visitors to connect with the village’s culinary heritage and appreciate the dedication and skill of a renowned chef.

It’s a delectable finale to a comprehensive exploration of Orta San Giulio’s historic charm and natural beauty.

Wandering Through Piazza Motta and Lakeside Attractions

As the village tour continues, guests arrive at Piazza Motta, a picturesque lakeside gathering place with direct boat access to the enchanting San Giulio Island.

Here, they can explore the local shops and indulge in the gastronomic offerings of the area. The square is surrounded by stone-paved streets and neoclassical buildings, offering a charming and authentic atmosphere.

Visitors can take in the panoramic views of the lake from the nearby terraces and gardens, before concluding their tour at the Villa Bossi, the town hall with its lush gardens overlooking the stunning Orta Lake.

Uncovering Local Shops and Gastronomic Offerings

Stepping away from the picturesque Piazza Motta, guests can now explore the local shops and indulge in the gastronomic offerings that line the stone-paved streets.

Quaint boutiques sell handcrafted goods, from ceramic figurines to artisanal cheeses. Visitors can browse specialty food stores, sampling regional delicacies like fresh-baked biscotti and local wines.

The aroma of freshly brewed espresso wafts through the air, beckoning guests to stop for a rejuvenating caffeine break.

At the end of the tour, travelers savor the grand finale – a delectable cake tasting at the renowned pastry shop of Michelin-starred chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo.

Admiring the Panoramic Views From Villa Bossi

Atop the stone-paved Motta road, Villa Bossi stands as the town hall, its neoclassical façade and verdant gardens commanding attention. Visitors can explore the grounds, which offer panoramic vistas of Lake Orta and the surrounding hills. At the garden’s edge, a terrace provides an ideal spot to soak in the breathtaking scenery.

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The Sum Up

Set out on a captivating journey through Orta San Giulio’s picturesque streets, explore the UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte Nature Reserve, and indulge in exquisite pastries crafted by a Michelin-starred chef. This immersive 3-hour tour offers a delightful blend of history, architecture, and culinary delights, providing an unforgettable experience in this charming Italian village.