Welcome to our exciting 12-day journey that will take us from the majestic Alps of France to the picturesque coast of Italy and back. We began our adventure along the shores of the charming Lake Geneva, visited Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Here we ascended to the Aiguille du Midi, descended to the Mer de Glace glacier, and visited the Mont Blanc ice caves. Then we headed to Liguria to enjoy the unique beauty of the five villages of Cinque Terre. On our way back, we have a scenic journey from the coast to Lake Iseo, where we can relax and enjoy nature.
ITINERARY
Day 9:
Deiva Marina – Lake Iseo
Everyone knows the famous Italian lakes Como and Garda. However, only a few are familiar with Lake Iseo, which is a major oversight. This small lake is a picturesque corner with crystal-clear water, surrounded by mountain landscapes and cozy villages.
In just a 3-hour drive, we found ourselves facing the mountain ranges surrounding Lake Iseo. The haze slowly floating above the water’s surface and the clouds lazily clinging to the peaks of the high mountains gave this place a special atmosphere of mystery.
On the way, you’ll find the Franciacorta Village Outlet – a shopping center filled with famous global brands and attractive prices. Address: Piazza Cascina Moie, 1/2, 25050 Rodengo Saiano BS, Italy. Time spent here for shopping enthusiasts will fly by unnoticed. (franciacortavillage.it).
Here are some of the details about Franciacorta Outlet Village:
- Address: Piazza Cascina Moie, 1/2, 25050 Rodengo Saiano BS, Italy
- Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Website: https://www.franciacortavillage.it/
- Phone: +39 030 681 0364
- Rating: 4.3 stars on Google Maps
We rented a small apartment up the mountain with an amazing view of the lake. The landlady, a lovely and talkative Italian woman, kindly prepared and served breakfast on the veranda, allowing us to enjoy the beautiful views. She shared with us many useful tips on places worth visiting in the vicinity. Advice from locals is always valuable, as they know about hidden gems and unique spots that might go unnoticed by tourists. We gladly took advantage of her recommendations, and our stay by the lake will be remembered for a lifetime.
Day 10:
Monte Isola
By parking in the small town of Sulzano located on the shore of the lake, you can purchase a ferry ticket and sail to Monte Isola island. This island is the largest lake island in Southern Europe and is renowned for its picturesque nature and tranquil atmosphere. Car usage is prohibited here, making it an ideal place for hiking and cycling tours. The island’s special allure is enhanced by the ancient church of Madonna della Ceriola, situated atop a hill. From this vantage point, there is a magnificent view of the lake, and you can also enjoy the beauty of quaint fishing villages that have preserved their historic charm.
Furthermore, Monte Isola is renowned for its restaurants offering fresh fish from the lake and traditional dishes of the local cuisine.
After purchasing tickets at the dock, we walked a little further to dock number 2, from where ferries depart, circumnavigating the island and allowing tourists to enjoy its beauty from the water.
The ferry circumnavigates the island and passes by two small private islands, one of which belongs to the Beretta family. This small island, resembling a toy castle, enchants with its elegance and well-kept gardens.
Having not completed a full circle around the island, we stopped at the Sensole station and decided to walk to Peschiera Maraglio – the central point of the island where ferries arrive. Along the way, we popped into the cozy restaurant Trattoria del Sole on the shore, renowned for its exquisite seafood dishes. Its menu features dishes made from fish caught directly in the lake: fried eel, traditional for this region, and risotto with Perch, a freshwater fish inhabiting Lake Iseo. These culinary masterpieces are particularly popular among visitors due to their freshness and refined taste.
Trattoria del Sole
Address: Via Sensole, 17, 25050 Monte Isola BS, Italy
Phone: +39 030 988 6101
Along the way from Sensole to Peschiera Maraglio, there are numerous places to swim in the cool waters of the mountain lake, making our walk especially enjoyable, especially on a hot day.
People come to the island of Monte Isola in search of tranquility and peace. Here, you can disconnect from everyday worries, leaving thoughts and unresolved problems on the mainland, and take a deep breath, recharge. Peschiera Maraglio is a picturesque fishing village on the island of Monte Isola, which serves as one of the central points for ferry arrivals. The town is known for its narrow streets, ancient houses, and the wonderful atmosphere of a traditional Italian village. One of the main attractions of Peschiera Maraglio is the ancient church of San Michele Arcangelo.
From the top of the mountain, where the church of Madonna della Ceriola stands, there is a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Iseo and the surrounding mountains. The church itself is an example of early medieval construction. The first church on the mountain top was built in the 13th century, likely on the site of a pagan temple.
The path to the church is a hike along a winding trail through olive groves and forests, which takes about an hour one way. The ascent is quite steep, but the views from the top are worth the effort.
To reach the top, there are several options:
- There is regular bus service on the island that can take you closer to the summit.
- You can rent a bicycle and make your way to the top independently. The distance from Peschiera Maraglio to the summit is about 6 km.
- The hiking route takes about an hour or slightly more, depending on your pace and physical fitness.
