Lake Maggiore
The second largest lake in Italy, Lake Maggiore is the natural border between Piedmont and Lombardy, Switzerland and Italy.
Known all over the world for its wonderful gardens and unique villas.
Not to be missed : Borromean islands, Villa Taranto, Arona, Stresa, Brissago, Villa Pallavicino and Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso.
6 km (3.7 mi)Reachable by:
Lake Orta
Wonderful to enjoy in every season, this little lake hides many natural and artistic wonders.
Lose yourself between ancient villages and enchanting landscapes.
Not to be missed: San Giulio Island, Sacro Monte, Quarna look-out and Orta San Giulio (among the most beautiful villages in Italy).
26 km (16,1 mi)Reachable by:
Varese and FAI Villas
Also known as "garden city" for its natural beauties, Varese is located on the hills of lombard pre-alps.
Just 30 minutes driving from Antica Casa Balsari.
Not to be missed: Estensi Gardens, Villa Ponti, Villa Mylius, Villa Panza (FAI), Villa Toeplitz, Villa Bozzolo (Casalzuigno FAI), Sacro Monte, Lago di Varese.
40 km (24,8 mi)
Reachable by:
Wine
The hills of Novara have given us quality wine for centuries. The history of this vines has its roots in Roman times.
In fact, Pliny the Elder celebrated the wines of the area in one of his writings, in the 1st century AD.
Croatina, Barbera, Erbaluce, Nebbiolo, Uva Rara, Vespolina: you can walk amongst the vine rows and enjoy the full wine experience, observing with your eyes the stages of production, tasting the fruit of the earth at the source.
Not to be missed: Ghemme, Gattinara, Oleggio, Borgomanero.
10-30 km (6,2-18,6 mi)Reachable by:
Milan
Art, culture, architecture, fashion, shopping: this is Milan, the capital of Lombardy region.
Just a 1 hour drive from Antica Casa Balsari you will find the majestic "Duomo" Cathedral (gothic church),
the world-famous fashion district and much more.
Take a walk around the city and take a break in the “Navigli” area for an Italian "aperitivo"
(happy hour).
Not to be missed for art lovers:
- Ambrosiana and Brera Art Galleries, with a beautiful selection of paintings, envied all over the world;
- The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci, in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
65 km (40,5 mi)Raggiungibile in:
Food
In Piedmont, you can find more than 300 traditional products suitable to satisfy every palate.
From Gorgonzola and Castelmagno cheese, to "Agnolotti” pasta and fried Porcini mushrooms.
Ask us for suggesstions for an unforgettable meal.
Amusement parks
We are near some exciting amusement parks, ideal for the whole family.
Not to be missed: Ondaland, Safari Park Pombia, Alpyland, Baveno Aquadventure Park, ZIPline Aurano, Wonderwood.
65 km (40,5 mi)Reachable by:
Shopping
We are near the best shopping malls and outlets in Italy. Choose between the best national and international brands of the clothing and accessories scene.
Available on request: 8-seat private shuttle with chauffeur (the best solution to store your bags during the day).
Not to be missed: Vicolungo The Style Outlets, Serravalle Designer Outlet, Fox Town Mendrisio, Fidenza Outlet Village and the woollen mill factory outlets (Agnona, Colombo), on the "Way of Cashmere".
35-165 km (22-103 mi)Raggiungibile in:
Mountains
Fresh air, nature and amazing panoramas: you will find all this within just a 1 hour drive from Antica Casa Balsari.
Skiing, trekking or having a ride on a mountain bike? The mountains await.
Not to be missed: S.Domenico (skiing), Alpe Veglia and Devero Natural Park, Val Grande National Park,
Oasi Zegna, Alagna Valsesia.
100 km (62,1 mi)Reachable by: