The Italian Lakes are famous worldwide.
Living rather near the lakes, a daily trip is possible from Turin and is actually highly recommended. For Orta San Giulio, on Lake Orta, is a wonderful little town full of charme. Small cobblestoned streets descend towards the lake, showing wonderful little old houses with balconies and gardens full of flowers.
The main square overlooks a nice little harbor where boats leave every 15 minutes for the nearby island of San Giulio, with only two resident families, the rest of the villas being holiday homes. The central Basilica - where 200 cloistered nuns live all year round - can be easily visited and a nice walk takes you around the small island.
The steep ascent ("Motta") in front of the harbor leads to the 15th century Cathedral. On the left you can find the wonderful Palazzo Penotti Ubertini which is hosting an amazing temporary exhibit on Canaletto and other views of Venice (Canaletto e i vedutisti. L'incanto dell'acqua) through September 2011.
