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 11:
Santa Maria della Neve
Pisogne, a small town on the shores of Lake Iseo in the province of Brescia, Lombardy, Italy, captures attention with its narrow streets, architecture of ancient buildings, and the atmosphere of an ancient Italian village.
But the true highlight of our journey was the church of Santa Maria della Neve, which stands as one of the most important landmarks of the town of Pisogne. Thanks to the advice of the hostess of our guesthouse, we noticed this small, unassuming building in the city center, which turned out to be a treasure trove with magnificent frescoes. Particularly outstanding among them is the scene of the Last Supper, the execution of which rivals even the works of Leonardo da Vinci.
The church of Santa Maria della Neve is renowned for its exquisite frescoes, created by the great master of the Italian Renaissance, Girolamo Romani, during the period from 1532 to 1534. These works of art, depicting scenes from the sufferings of Jesus Christ, astonish with their mastery.
The church earned the nickname “Sistine Chapel of the Poor” due to the significance of its frescoes and accessibility to a wide audience. Entry to the church is completely free, and we were able to fully immerse ourselves in its beauty, enjoying the frescoes in complete solitude. Visiting the church in the morning (it opens at 10:00), we were able to appreciate its beauty in solitude, which became a magical and unforgettable experience for us. (Via della Pace, 2, 25055 Pisogne BS, Italy).
Parco del Lago Moro is a magical place just a half-hour drive from Lake Iseo.
Lake Moro is a small lake in the Alps, located in the Camonica Valley. This picturesque body of water combines crystal-clear water and majestic mountain landscapes, making it an attractive destination for relaxation.
The legend of Lake Moro tells of a cradle that appeared in the middle of the lake on a full moonlit night. In ancient times, there was a clearing where two houses stood. In one lived a stingy woman, and in the other lived a generous one. One day, a mysterious traveler knocked on the door of the stingy woman, asking for food, but he was rudely turned away. Then he turned to the generous woman, who fed him. The traveler warned her of God’s curse on this place and disappeared. The woman and her son fled, and then the clearing was flooded, turning it into a lake.
Near the lake, there are cozy relaxation areas where visitors can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature, escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. It entices with its beauty and tranquility. The 5 km long hiking trail around the lake starts from the parking lot at 25047 Darfo, Province of Brescia, Italy. This path leads through picturesque forest trails and offers breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Along the route, you can find secluded wild beaches where you can immerse yourself in the waters of the lake and enjoy peace in complete solitude.
Day 12:
Baia del Bogn
Baia del Bogn is a picturesque bay located on the western shore of Lake Iseo, not far from the town of Riva di Solto. This place is known for its steep cliffs that descend directly into the crystal-clear waters of the lake, creating a unique and impressive landscape.
Baia del Bogn Bay attracts nature lovers and photographers alike thanks to its breathtaking views. Here, you can find small beaches and secluded spots for swimming, where you can enjoy the water and sun in a peaceful atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for those seeking solitude and wanting to avoid crowded tourist areas.
A walk along the cliffs and beaches of the bay provides an opportunity to experience the beauty of Lake Iseo and its surrounding nature. It’s a place that leaves unforgettable impressions and gives a sense of unity with nature.
Planning to visit Baia del Bogn Bay for just an hour and then move on, we ended up staying much longer. We had to change our plans for this bay, but the energy and tranquility we found there more than made up for it.
Free parking: Via Gargarino, 3, 24060 Riva di Solto BG, Italien
Near the bay lies the medieval fishing village of Riva di Salto. You can reach the waterfront from the same parking lot, just a 5-minute walk away. The village captivates with its narrow streets, ancient houses, and cozy cafes. Among the attractions of Riva di Salto, it’s worth mentioning the ancient Church of San Rocco, built in the 14th century, and the old fishing harbor, where traditional boats can still be seen. The village is also famous for its picturesque views of the bay and the surrounding mountains, making a stroll along the waterfront particularly enjoyable.
The first written mentions of the village date back to the medieval period, specifically to the year 1055. These documents confirm the existence of a church, which has survived to this day and is used as the parish church of Saint Nicholas.
Embarking on this 12-day journey, we aimed to combine active leisure with the opportunity to relax and swim spontaneously whenever the desire arose. And we succeeded fully. The beginning of September is a wonderful time for traveling to these places. We managed to swim in three pristine mountain lakes and in the Ligurian Sea, ascend to the top of Aiguille du Midi, and descend into the ice caves of Mer de Glace, enjoy local cuisine in small restaurants, and cook fresh seafood ourselves in the kitchens of rented apartments.
We discovered many lesser-known but equally significant attractions. Being in the heart of Europe, we had the opportunity every day to find solitude and be alone with nature, avoiding tourist crowds. Thanks to this diversity, it seemed to us that the trip lasted indefinitely, and we rested perfectly. Watching the sunset from the window of our apartment and capturing this delightful view in photographs, we decided that we would definitely return here many times over.
Day 12:
Back Home
After having breakfast on the terrace overlooking the lake and warmly bidding farewell to the hostess, we set off on our way home. Along the road through Switzerland, we enjoyed views of majestic mountains and snowy peaks, contemplating the route of our next journey, and our journey flew by unnoticed.
