13 days in Lake Maggiore (Italy & Switzerland) Itinerary

Stresa is a town and comune of about 5,000 residents on the shores of Lake Maggiore in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, about 90km northwest of Milan. Museum-lovers will get to explore Museo Internazionale Design Ceramico and Palazzo Borromeo. Step off the beaten path and head to Lungolago Stresa and Santuario della SS. Pieta. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Stresa: Chiesa di Santa Veronica (in Calde), Arona (Palazzo di Giustizia & Chiesa di San Giuseppe) and Santuario della Madonna della Riva (in Angera). And it doesn't end there: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Chiesa di San Vittore, stop by Luigi Guffanti, admire the landmark architecture of Borromeo Palace, and stroll the grounds of Piccolo Cimitero.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, read our Stresa route maker app.

New York City, USA to Stresa is an approximately 12-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 6 hours traveling from New York City to Stresa. Plan for little chillier nights when traveling from New York City in July since evenings lows in Stresa dip to 63°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Locarno.

Locarno's Mediterranean climate, palm trees, and 2,300 hours of sunlight per year make this city the warmest in Switzerland.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Ghisla Art Collection and Fondazione Monte Verita. Let the collections at Pinacoteca Casa Rusca and Visconteo Castle capture your imagination. The adventure continues: stroll around Camellia Park, don't miss a visit to Chiesa di San Francesco, enjoy the sand and surf at Bagno pubblico La Lanca, and explore the world behind art at OnArte.

For photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Locarno route planner.

You can drive from Stresa to Locarno in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In July in Locarno, expect temperatures between 83°F during the day and 64°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 13th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel back home.