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 Palazzo Borromeo and Museo del Paesaggio. Step off the beaten path and head to Lungolago Stresa and Santuario della SS. Pieta. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Stresa: Laveno-Mombello (Museo Internazionale Design Ceramico, Spiaggia di Ceresolo (Detta Spiaggia dei Tedeschi), &more), 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, get to know the fascinating history of Il Centro Storico di Arona, 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 13-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 Pinacoteca Casa Rusca. Let the collections at Visconteo Castle and Fondazione Monte Verita capture your imagination. There's lots more to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Bagno pubblico La Lanca, make a trip to Chiesa di San Francesco, make a splash at Lido Locarno, and head outdoors with Lido Brissago.

For traveler tips, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Locarno trip itinerary website.

Drive from Stresa to Locarno in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In July, daytime highs in Locarno are 83°F, while nighttime lows are 64°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 13th (Tue) to allow time for travel back home.