Page 238 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL MAGAZINE FALL 2023 DISCOVERING TURKEY

Lake Orta

Although Lake Como tends to draw the
celebrities and crowds, to the west lies a hid-
den gem: Lake Orta. In addition to the ancient
and moss covered Isola San Giulio, there is the
charming town of Stresa to visit, as well as
nearby hiking through mountain forests where
you will find it hard to believe that you are
fewer than two hours from Milan. If you’re
lucky, you can even find alpacas to lead you on
your expedition. Stresa is also home to the
Sacro Monte di Orta, a series of chapels filled
with dramatic frescoes and statues depicting
the life of St. Francis of Assisi.