Guided Tours of Lake Orta’s eastern hills. 3) The old village of Ameno and its treasures

A guided tour in the picturesque village of Ameno enjoying art, history and nature, plus a tasting of local organic honey of high quality.

We will explore: village of Ameno - with its Neo-Gothic Garden, the church of San Giovanni Battista and the late medieval Parish church - plus a tasting of high quality honey locally produced.
The visit to the private garden or to the Calderara Foundation can be replaced with the imposing and scenic Sanctuary of the Madonna della Bocciola, with its stunning 200-year-old wall paintings and a breathtaking panorama.
When: the best time is from May to September.
Where is lake Orta: Europe - Northwestern Italy - Piedmont Region - Province of Novara - Area of the Italian Lakes (just west of Lake Maggiore).
Distance from cities: 25 mi. (40 km) from NOVARA / 50 mi. (81 km) from COMO / 53 mi. (85 km) from MILAN / 78 mi. (125 km) from TURIN.
Practicalities
Your guide: Cosetta Dal Cin, a Licensed Tour Guide and Art Historian, or one of the knowledgeable Tour Guides collaborating with Ortaeoltre.
Important: In order to make your Tour perfect we suggest small groups only (max 20 people). In case of larger groups your Guide will arrange the best suitable program for you!
Possibility to hire a Guided-Tour system (receivers and disposable earphones).

The eastern hills surrounding Lake Orta are dotted with charming traditional villages. There are many outstanding artistic features to visit with your guide and a beautiful natural environment: you can combine artistic with nature, according to your preference and the time available.
With this third tour on Lake Orta’s hills, Ortaeoltre takes you to the charming and tranquil village of Ameno, whose ancient history and importance are still visible in the large parish church of medieval origin or in the elegant baroque church of San Giovanni Battista. We will stroll along the narrow streets of the village, paying a visit to the quite bizarre Neo-Gothic Public Garden - built in the 1860s by will of a member of the ancient and distinguished Tornielli family - with its long and imposing trompe l’oeil painted wall inspired by the English Gothic architecture. Unfortunately the artist’s name is unknown!
The program also includes a visit to an organic honey producer who lives just a few minutes from the main square: here you’ll enjoy a delicious tasting of honeys locally produced (paired with cheeses and cured meats, if you like) while listening to the engaging explanations of Ivano, who has been living with thousands of industrious bees for years!

Duration of this tour

This charming guided tour can be accomplished in half a day: between 2.30 and 3.30 hours, depending on the time available and other planned activities.

Possible combinations

This guided tour can be combined with one of the other half-day hill tours here described. It could also be combined with the Classic Guided Tour of Orta or just part of it.
Your local guide will best advise you on even further combinations!