There is no regular service to Arona from Stresa by ferry, and the best way to reach La Rocca requires first getting to Arona by car, train, or ferry, and then switching to the ferry that brings you across the lake to La Rocca. Going home, of course one must do the same. Here's an alternative, a nicer way to see the medieval castle along with some other sights; but you can only do this on a Tuesday.

Fabri runs a small boat tour every Tuesday that covers the highlights of the southern leg of Lago Maggiore. This trip takes all day, but what a nice day it will be, and what sights you'll see. After meeting in Stresa the boat transports you to Arona. Tuesday is chosen because Tuesday just happens to be market day in Arona, and it happens to be the biggest market on this side of the lake. You'll have some time to shop the market, or, if not that, to take in the sights of Arona. Arona is much larger than Stresa, with a wealth of shopping, architecture, and museums. Then head to Angera, where La Rocca is located. Take time to picnic along the shore of the lake with a lunch provided from Rosaria at La Cambusa. You know it will be perfect. And after lunch, walk up to the castle, or, if you'd like to avoid the uphill walk through the woods, take advantage of the taxi that Fabri's company has waiting to shuttle you to the entrance. Then spend the afternoon wandering through the halls, gardens, and museums of the fortress. Later, back on the small, private boat ride back to Stresa, you'll ride past the sanctuary of Santa Caterina del Sasso, pausing long enough to get some photos of this incredible structure embedded in the side of the mountain. And you'll be back in Stresa in time to rest up before your dinner, full of images and memories to last a lifetime.

Quite a perfect combination of elements in this day, and yet, so relaxing as you let Fabri's crew do the work for you. All of the guides speak English, and all will entertain and educate you with history, stories, and facts along the way. And the price is very reasonable. Take a look at this tour package, and all the other packages that maggiorediscovery.com offers on their site, or, let us help you incorporate this into the perfect Stresa vacation for you.

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