Tomassucci Travel Guided Excursions

This is a special programme of guided "one-off" excursions offered by the Verbano Cusio Ossola Province to show off the delights of the mountains and valleys that are found near Lake Maggiore.

The excursions included in this programme are organised by the Verbano Cusio Ossola Province and are offered, therefore, at the special promotional price of €10.00 per person. This price includes transport in air-conditioned coaches, a local guide and/or a nature guide.

With the exception of the walking itineraries, every passenger will receive a voucher worth €12.00 to exchange for lunch in participating restaurants. Anyone taking part in the walking itineraries (itineraries 14 and 20 to 25) will need to provide their own packed lunch and will receive a voucher for €12.00 which can be spent in participating local produce shops.

Tomassucci Viaggi is pleased to have been chosen as organiser and official bookings agent for these excursions and below are the details on how to book:

• At the reception of your accommodation

• Contact Us. Booking lines open 07.00 - 22.00 everyday +39 0323 933621 or +39 389 1554324 (credit card number required to secure booking)

• Visit our office opposite the Ferry station in Stresa

The excursion programme is below and please do not hesitate to contact us for more information!

Special Excursions Programme 2008

11th June

15. Art, Panoramas and Fortifications in the Upper Verbano

The hills and peaks of the Upper Verbano are criss-crossed by a network of trails, trenches and fortifications which are the remains of the Cadorna Line, a defence structure from the First World War. Created to protect Italy against possible invasion through Switzerland, signs of the old Cadorna Line are evident on every peak. With their panoramic viewpoints they were ideal artillery positions. One such example is Mount Carza. The small towns of the Upper Verbano offer an interesting cross section of rural architecture and are home to notable examples of religious architecture. In Viggiona the Romanesque Old Church dates from the 14th century and boasts an elegant stone roof. In Trarego the San Maurizio Parish Church houses important works of art including a font made of pink marble from Candoglia and two wooden statues of the Madonna di Loreto and San Carlo Borromeo. The San Maurizio Parish Church does not have a bell tower as it was deemed unsafe and demolished in 1958. Back to top

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The western shores of Lake Orta offer a unique glimpse of its sparkling blue waters. Near Nonio, in the little hamlet of Oira is a cluster of houses nestling in a small valley which opens towards the lake. Nonio itself is dominated by the Romanesque Parish Church of S. Biagio whilst in nearby Cesara the San Clemente Parish Church is surrounded by an 18th century Stations of the Cross. From the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso there is an unrivalled panoramic view across the whole of Lake Orta. The sanctuary was built in the 19th century upon the wishes of Pietro Paolo Minola from Boleto. Arola retains its rural traditions. Returning to the lakeshore, San Maurizio d'Opaglio is home to the unusual Tap Museum where you can learn about the local tradition of iron working. In Omegna the Forum houses a fascinating collection of iconic household objects. Back to top

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A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003, the Calvario Sacred Mount of Domodossola consists of a series of 14 chapels dedicated to the Stations of the Cross with a 15th chapel dedicated to the Resurrection. The religious scenes in the chapels contain numerous terracotta and plaster statues. At the summit is the Sanctuary Church. Not far from the Calvario Sacred Mount is the Bognanco Valley, known the world over for its mineral water. The discovery of the mineral water in 1863 lead to the creation of Bognanco Fonti, the Spa and the mineral water source and bottling plant. The main town in the Bognanco Valley is San Lorenzo which is situated in a wide lush Alpine hollow and opens out into the upper valley. It is an ideal departure point for walks for all abilities. The San Lorenzo Parish Church houses notable frescoes and woodworks. Back to top

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The narrow gauge, scenic Vigezzina Railway winds its way between the valley's small towns and from Domodossola to Santa Maria Maggiore you can enjoy the beautiful countryside from the little blue train. Apart from the more well known towns, such as Santa Maria Maggiore and Malesco, the Vigezzo Valley is home to a series of small villages which have retained the rural architecture typical of the valley. In the village of Craveggia the houses have very tall chimneys which are a symbol of the fortunes amassed by the emigrants who left for countries across Europe. Also in Craveggia is the Church of Saints Giacomo and Cristoforo which houses the “Treasury of the Kings of France”, a rich collection of jewellery and vestments donated by the emigrants. Just a couple of steps from the historic centre is the old wash house which was once a central part of village life. In Crana the frescoes in the Oratories of San Rocco ad San Giovanni and the communal oven tell the history of this little community. Back to top

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Established in the years preceding the First World War along part of the Italian-Swiss border, the Cadorna Line is a unique example of wartime architecture which is today used for civilian purposes. In the hills above Verbania, starting from Piancavallo, the wide trail of the Cadorna Line offers splendid panoramic views of Lake Maggiore. On the trail, which eventually leads to Mount Morissolo, you will find fortifications which would have housed artillery squadrons. The trail continues through the woods to Colle, from where it climbs to Mount Spalavera and back to Colle via Pian d'Alpe. Back to top

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In Val Formazza there are obvious signs of the presence of water and traces of a glacial history which shaped the valley over thousands of years. In Frua the river becomes the spectacular Toce Waterfalls which, with a single drop of 469ft are one of the tallest in Europe. At the top is a walkway which leads you out from the rock face for a breathtaking look down over the falls. Near the top of the falls stands the Cascata del Toce Hotel which was the destination for numerous travellers in the 19th century and, a little further on, the valley opens into a beautiful plain where you will find the village of Riale. This little village is made up of a tiny church and characteristic wooden houses once used by shepherds whilst the imposing Lake Morasco Dam is visible in the distance. Traces of Val Formazza's glacial history are evident in the Uriezzo Gorges. These striking 65-95ft incisions into the rock make for unusual walking trails where you can see the different geological strata of the mountains. Back to top

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At 5381ft, Alpe Devero is a rare example of unspoiled countryside: hidden amongst the surrounding mountains it was used for centuries as summer pasture for sheep and cows and has retained its natural beauty. The buildings are all resorted shepherds' dwellings with traditional stone roofs and blend perfectly into their surroundings. Alpe Devero is a perfect departure point for walks to suit all abilities. From Devero the Vallaro Nature Trail leads to the stunning Witches Lake and onwards to the small hamlet of Crampiolo. Nearby is the dam and Lake Devero (Lake Codelago). A fairly easy trail winds its way around the lake offering walkers splendid views. Once back at the dam there is a mettled road leading back to Devero. Back to top

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For centuries the Antrona Valley was an important link with Switzerland. Proof of this are the Roman coins found on the Saas Pass which leads to the Vallese Region. Merchants were forced to cease trading in 1642 when the upper part of the valley was subject to an immense landslide which formed Lake Antrona. The Antrona Valley is home to many important religious buildings including the Romanesque S. Ambrogio Parish Church in Seppiana. Further up river, Viganella is famous for a giant mirror placed on the side of a nearby hill which reflects sunlight onto the town's main square during the winter. Before erecting the mirror the square was in constant shadow from November to February. At the top of the valley Lake Antrona reflects the surrounding mountains, whilst in Antrona Piana you can visit San Lorenzo Parish Church which is home to the Ciborium by Giulio Guaglio, considered to be one of the best in Piedmont. Back to top

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The Vigezzo Valley offers numerous walking trails, from steep ascents to the highest summer pastures to easier walks exploring the valley's small towns. The Vigezzina Railway enables you to travel easily up the valley in its little blue train. Departing from Druogno (2726ft) you reach Sasseglio (2782ft) and then Coimo, a small village known for its rye bread. Descend towards Mozzio then head for the River Melezzo before climbing once again to Marone, an abandoned village. You continue to Verigo, a village abandoned during the 50's due to the threat of a landslide, before reaching the Rio Graglia Watermills. From here it is a short walk to Trontano where the narrow gauge Vigezzina Railway takes you back to Domodossola. Back to top

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Masera is a small town at the start of the Vigezzo Valley and is home to various examples of traditional rural architecture as well as grand buildings. The best example of the latter is Villa Caselli in the little hamlet of Rivoira. This elegant villa is situated in the middle of a much admired park. Within the grounds are the Formal Gardens and the “Palmizio”, a sunny area where palm trees flourish. In the hamlet of Borgo Cresta the “Divin Porcello” is a gourmet’s paradise of local produce. Nearby Masera, in Trontano, is the Romanesque Santa Maria Parish Church. A short walk leads to the restored Rio Graglia Watermills which are testimony to the milling industry active in this area from the 16th century onwards. Continuing along the trail you reach Verigo, an abandoned village where the history of rural architectural traditions is evident. Back to top

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Macugnaga is dominated by the east face of Mount Rose which is characterised by its steep glaciers. Departing from Pecetto by chairlift you reach Belvedere. From here you can follow an easy trail which climbs slightly to the left until it reaches the glacier's moraine. Following the signs you cross the glacier until you meet the trail which leads to the Zamboni-Zappa refuge. The refuge is immersed in the lush scenery of Alpe Pedriola at 6775ft. Just over 15 minutes walk from the refuge is Cappelletta Zappardi which offers a view of the whole of Mount Rosa. Back to top

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The Strona Valley is also known as Pinocchio Valley because of its woodworkers who, as well as kitchen utensils, also make traditional wooden Pinocchio puppets in all shapes and sizes. Before the introduction of electricity the artisans used hydropower and in the Museum of Art and Tradition in Forno there is a restored water powered lathe and a reconstruction of a watermill's working environment. In Forno the SS. Pietro and Paolo Parish Church houses a rich collection of religious art. At the top of the valley, Campello Monti is the only village with Walser traditions in the Strona Valley and in the 12th century it was colonised by people coming from the nearby Sesia Valley. In Piana di Fornero, lower down the valley, is a modern wood working laboratory. Back to top

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Protected by the surrounding mountains and with access by car impossible, Alpe Veglia is one of the most popular walks in the Ossola Mountains. From San Domenico you take the chairlift to Alpe Ciamporino where there is an easy trail, with panoramic viewpoints, to Alpe Veglia. Here there is a nature trail connecting all Alpe Veglia's rural hamlets. Back to top

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The Anzasca Valley and the Mount Moro Pass has always been an important connecting route to Switzerland. Before the road was opened goods were transported along a trail. In Castiglione the old village of Colombetti has retained its rural architectural traditions. From Pontegrande, further up the river, you reach the trail leading to Barzona, Calasca, Antrogna and the Cathedral in the Woods. Back on the main Anzasca Valley road you reach Macugnaga, one of the principal Walser settlements. The presence of the Walser people is evident in the traditional wooden houses of the Dorf and in the old church. Near the old church is the large lime (tilia) tree under which, tradition says, people from all the surrounding Walser valleys used to meet. Back to top

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The Formazza Valley which was formed by the River Toce is characterised by numerous hydro-electric lakes which are connected in order to optimise energy production. The lakes now sit in harmony with their Alpine surroundings. From the Riale basin the path climbs to the Lake Morasco dam where you ascend further to Lake Sabbioni. Until a few years ago, the Sabbioni glacier was flowing into the waters on the north shores of the lake. The return trail passes by Alpe Bettelmatt, famous for its cheese. Back to top

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Lake Antrona is at the end of the Antrona Valley and was created by an immense landslide from Mount Pozzuoli in 1642. Since 1920, Lake Antrona has become one of a series of lakes that are used to produce hydro-electric power. It is connected to Lake Campliccioli above, which is held back by a 262ft high dam. From Antrona Piana you walk to Lake Antrona and then ascend to Lake Campliccioli which you can walk around in approximately two hours. Back to top

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Malesco and Santa Maria Maggiore are among the towns in the Vigezzo Valley most frequented by visitors during the summer and offer a rich artistic heritage. Connected to Domodossola by road as well as the narrow gauge Vigezzina Railway, Santa Maria Maggiore and Malesco are worth stopping in to visit. Near Malesco, in the hamlet of Zornasco there is a watermill dating from the 17th century which was the last working mill in the valley before being restored. In Zornasco, the Church of San Bernardo da Mentone is a focal point of the Stations of the Cross and the frescoes were, in part, painted by local artist Lorenzo Peretti. In Malesco the frescoes in the Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul and the San Bernardino Oratory depict the intense activity of the Vigezzo Valley art school. Other examples of this artistic tradition are evident in Santa Maria Maggiore in the Piazza Risorgimento and the Parish Church of the Assumption with frescoes by Giuseppe Mattia Borgnis. Back to top

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With this excursion you will discover two important chapters in the history of the Anzasca Valley population: golf mining and the presence of the Walser people. Gold mining was a major activity in the Anzasca Valley for centuries. The mines in Pestarena, Borca and the Quarazza Valley employed up to a thousand workers. Mining dates back centuries, but real exploitation of the mines took off in the 19th century and went on until 1961 when mining was suspended. The Guia Goldmine offers a glimpse at the Anzasca valley mining tradition. Lago delle Fate (Lake of the Fairies) was created by a hydro-electric dam which completely submerged the village of Quarazza and is surrounded by beautiful Alpine scenery. In Staffa in the old Dorf it is interesting to see the traditionally built Walser houses. Nearby is the old lime (tilia) tree and the old church of Macugnaga which is encircled by a little cemetery. Back to top

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The Antigorio Valley offers visitors one of the best examples of religious architecture in the province. The San Gaudenzio Monumental Church effortlessly unites Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture and is dominated by its bell tower reaching 164ft in height. The Antigorio Valley leads into the Formazza Valley and they share the River Toce which, some kilometres further up the mountains forms one of the tallest waterfalls in Europe with a drop of 469ft. The Formazza Valley, which for years was home to the Walser people, opens out onto a beautiful, lush plain at the top of the falls. Water is an important element in Crodo where there has long been a tradition for bottling the mineral water. This tradition is shown off in the Carlo Brazzarotto Mineral Water Museum where there are 80,000 mineral water labels and 9,000 different types of bottle. Back to top

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In the years preceding the First World War various fortifications were built to defend Italy against invasions coming through Switzerland. These fortifications, called the Cadorna Line, were restored for civilian use and offer an interesting way to visit the local area. They were formed from tunnels and trenches and examples can be seen in the hills surrounding Ornavasso. Not far from Fort Bara you can visit the Boden Sanctuary. In the historic centre of Ornavasso, which was once inhabited by the German speaking Walser people from Switzerland, is the 16th century Parish Church of San Nicolao and its bell tower. The Museum of Religious Art houses important works of art from local churches including a wooden statue of San Antonio Abate dating back to the 14th century. Back to top

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In the area around Lake Orta artisan metalworking was already developing in the 14th century. The industrial revolution transformed this craft into a real industry with geographical specialisations: in and around Omegna they specialise in household objects whilst in San Maurizio d'Opaglio the tap making industry grew. In Omegna the Forum houses a great collection of iconic objects by famous producers/designers such as Alessi, Lagostina, Piazza and Girmi. In the hills surrounding Omegna, Quarna Sopra offers breathtaking views, whilst Quarna Sotto is home to the Ethnographic Museum of Wind Instruments which tells the story of the local production of wind instruments as well as offering a glimpse into rural life in the area. The completely restored Batine Watermill Ecomuseum is the only example of a watermill in Quarna and bears witness to the milling tradition that was once very popular wherever you find a river. Back to top

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In the past stone masonry, as well as farming and self-sufficiency, was part of the local population's daily life. The story of the stone masons is told in the Museum of Ollar Stone in Malesco. Approaching the Swiss border, the grandiose Sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna del Sangue rises from the countryside in Re. It was completed in 1958 and was designed by the architect, Edoardo Collamarini from Bologna. The sanctuary was built on the site where, in 1494, an effigy of the Madonna started bleeding and it contains many votive offerings, testimony to the strong link between the local population and the Madonna from Re. The artistic tradition of the Vigezzo Valley is evident in the Parish Church of the Assumption in Santa Maria Maggiore with frescoes by local artist, Giuseppe Mattia Borgnis. The Chimney Sweepers Museum tells the story of another tradition. From 1500 onwards, chimney sweepers left the Vigezzo Valley for cities across Europe, taking young children with them as apprentices. Back to top

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