A few kilometers away from Milan and Como lies Varese, a quite unknown destination which, indeed, was chosen as a leisure site by many wealthy and aristocrats families between the 17th and 20th century. The town has thus become a "garden city", thanks to the several gorgeous villas and their gardens.
This private tour will allow you to explore the artistic and architectural wonders of Varese town centre, besides of enjoying a typical dessert in a historical cafeteria. Later, you will reach the UNESCO heritage of the Sacred Mount, a Renaissance sanctuary connected to the valley by a cobbled way, dotted by fourteen magnificent baroque chapels. On the small and charming village close to the sanctuary, Santa Maria del Monte, you will enjoy an exclusive tasting of Borducan, a liqueur made of orange and aromatic herbs.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Private transportation
✔ Snacks
✔ Qualified private guide
✔ Tasting of a local liqueur, served with a slice of cake
✖ Gratuities
✖ Lunch
Departure & Return
Return: End right where it started.
Itinerary
1
Palazzo e Giardini Estensi
The palace was built in a Lombard "Barocchetto" style with Neoclassical influences, as a leisure residence for Francesco III D'Este, Duke of Modena and Reggio Emilia. After the Duke's death and due to the high maintenance costs, the palace changed various owners until it was bought in 1837 by Carlo Pellegrini Robbioni, who made some modifications to the garden, according to the English romantic taste of the age.
In 1882 the mansion was acquired by Varese City Hall and open to the public the following year.
Duration: 45 minutes
2
Sacro Monte Unesco di Varese
In the small village of Santa Maria del Monte, close to Varese, the tradition tells about a Romanesque monastery dedicated to the Virgin since the 11th century. In 1472 the site was entirely reconstructed, since the pristine structure was no more sufficient to provide shelter and hospitality to the great number of pilgrims coming from the surroundings.
In XVII century, a series of 14 chapels was built along the cobbled way connecting to the sanctuary, under the art direction of Giuseppe Bernascone. The chapels are beautifully integrated in the landscape and are symbolically associated to the Mysteries of Rosary
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Additional info
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
