What to Do in 5 Days: Summertime in Baceno
If you are planning a summer holiday in Valle Antigorio and Formazza, you are in the right place! We have prepared a 5-day itinerary that will allow you to discover all the wonders of our territory, immersing yourself in nature and local culture.
Here is the program day by day, for an unforgettable stay at our hotel Vecchio Scarpone.
Day 1: Welcome to Baceno
Check-in at Vecchio Scarpone: After you arrive in Baceno, we will be happy to welcome you to our hotel Vecchio Scarpone. We will accompany you to our cosy rooms, where you can relax after the journey and feel at home.
Visit to the Orridi di Uriezzo: In the afternoon you can set off directly from our structure to discover the spectacular Orridi di Uriezzo, breathtaking canyons carved by water and glaciers over the millennia. Walking between these rock walls will make you feel small in front of the power of nature.
Church of San Gaudenzio di Baceno: upon returning from the Orridi, the historic Parish Church of San Gaudenzio, an architectural jewel whose history begins in the 12th century, is worth a visit. This church, famous for its Renaissance frescoes and panoramic position, has been a crossroads for trade between the Po Valley and Central Europe for centuries.
Dinner at our restaurant: End your day with a delicious dinner in our restaurant, where you can enjoy the authentic flavours of local cuisine, prepared with fresh and genuine ingredients. Our chef will surprise you with traditional and creative dishes.
Day 2: Exploring the Formazza Valley
Excursion to the Toce Waterfall: today is dedicated to the Formazza Valley, an ancient Walser settlement. After passing the main town of Ponte and the various hamlets, you reach the magnificent Toce Waterfall, one of the highest in Europe, with a drop of 143 meters. The impressive spectacle of the water plunging into the valley is an unforgettable image. NOTE: Today the waters of the Toce are used extensively for hydroelectric production; to admire it in all its splendour, we recommend visiting during the times when the water is released freely into the riverbed. The waterfall is open from June 2 to September 29, 2024, with the following hours: weekdays: 11:30-13:30 (except June 3 to 8 and September 23 to 28) holidays: 10:00-16:00 from August 9 to 20: 10:00-16:00
Visit the Walser village of Riale: Continue towards Riale, a characteristic Walser village where for centuries life has been marked by the slow passing of the seasons. Here, you can admire the typical Walser houses in wood and stone and discover the culture and traditions of this ancient Alpine community.
Visit to Lake Toggia and Passo San Giacomo: Continue towards Lake Toggia. It is an artificial lake, part of the dense hydroelectric network built in the last century; nevertheless, this body of water offers magnificent views. After passing the lake you can reach Passo San Giacomo, a place of great historical importance. The pass was a crossing point for smuggling between Italy and Switzerland and still hosts military fortifications built during the world wars. Exploring this area will allow you to take a leap into the past and discover fascinating stories of a bygone era.
Day 3: Adventures at Alpe Devero
Visit to the Devero Plain: Spend the third day exploring the Devero Alp. The Devero Plain, a large grassy expanse surrounded by mountains, is the heart of the Veglia-Devero Natural Park. This natural park, established in 1990, is a paradise for nature lovers thanks to its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. Here, among ancient settlements where countless generations of mountain dwellers have followed one another, you will find hiking trails for all levels and you can enjoy the pristine beauty of nature.
Excursion to the Witches' Lake: from the bottom of the Plain, in the Cantone area, take the path to Crampiolo and take a few minutes to pass by the Witches' Lake, a small alpine lake surrounded by a mysterious and fascinating atmosphere. Legend has it that witches gathered here to celebrate their rites, giving the place a magical and intriguing aura.
Visit to the village of Crampiolo: Continue to the picturesque village of Crampiolo, with its stone and wooden houses that seem to come straight out of a postcard. Stroll through the streets of the village and admire the simplicity and beauty of the ancient houses.
Excursion to Lake Devero: After exploring Crampiolo, head to Lake Devero, also known as Lake Codelago. This enchanting alpine lake offers spectacular views and is perfect for a regenerating break immersed in nature. Take the circular hike around the lake, a route of about 3 hours with a difference in altitude of 200 meters, ideal for families and trekking enthusiasts. During the hike, you can admire the local flora and fauna and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Grande Est di Devero: For the more adventurous we recommend the Grande Est di Devero hike, a challenging route that requires about 6-7 hours of walking with a difference in altitude of about 800 meters. This itinerary will take you through numerous mountain pastures and immense high-altitude meadows. Along the way, you can observe a rich variety of flora and fauna and admire the imposing peaks that surround the valley.
Cheese tasting at Agriturismo Alpe Crampiolo: End the day with a cheese tasting at Agriturismo Alpe Crampiolo. Here you can taste local products, such as the famous Bettelmatt cheese, and discover the authentic flavours of the Alpine tradition.
Day 4: Relaxation and Wellbeing
Morning at the Apiary of Wellbeing at Apicoltura Prina Baceno: The fourth day is dedicated to relaxation and well-being. In the morning, visit the Apiary of Wellbeing at Apicoltura Prina Baceno. Here you can enjoy a unique experience in contact with nature and bees, learning the secrets of beekeeping and enjoying the benefits of honey. The apiary offers a peaceful environment where you can relax and breathe in the pure air of the Alps. Discover how bees produce honey and the various products of the hive, including propolis, royal jelly and beeswax, all used for wellbeing and health.
Light lunch at Vecchio Scarpone: Return to our hotel for a light and tasty lunch. Our chef will offer you a selection of the best dishes made strictly with local products.
Afternoon at the Terme di Premia: In the afternoon, relax in the waters of the Terme di Premia. Take advantage of the 10% discount reserved for our guests and let yourself be pampered by the wellness treatments available. Premia's thermal water flows already hot at the source, at a temperature of about 44°C, and is renowned for its therapeutic properties. The spa offers a variety of indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and Turkish baths, ideal for relaxing and regenerating. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and leave everyday stress behind in this corner of Alpine paradise.
Day 5: Tastings and Culture
Visit and goat cheese tasting in the historic village of Veglio: After checking out, head to the historic village of Veglio. Here you can visit a typical farm and taste local goat cheeses, discovering the authentic flavours of tradition.
Visit to Ca'd Mate, a historic villa in the village of Oria, with wine tasting: Continue to the village of Oria to visit Ca'd Mate, a historic villa surrounded by greenery. During the visit, you will have the opportunity to taste locally produced wines, in a unique and refined atmosphere.
Visit the historic centre of Domodossola: Conclude your stay with a walk in the historic centre of Domodossola. Admire the characteristic architecture, visit the artisan workshops and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city.
We look forward to welcoming you to Vecchio Scarpone and accompanying you on this extraordinary journey to discover our Valley!
Contacts:
Phone: +39 0324 62023
Email: info@vecchioscarpone.it
Book your stay and get ready to experience an unforgettable summer in Baceno!