Carved out by the same glaciers that melted to Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta, Valle Vigezzo (VAL-lay vee-JET-soh) is a gorgeous valley with few tourists. The area has sparked artistic inspiration so often that it is now known as “Painter’s Valley.” Santa Maria Maggiore (SAN-ta ma-REE-ah ma-JO-reh; pop. 1280), the lake’s largest town, is bordered by the smaller towns of Arvogno, Craveggia, Re, and Toceno. Perhaps the biggest highlight, however, is journeying through the valley to witness its stunning landscape, resplendent with enormous mountains, fields, villages, waterfalls, and streams.
From Stresa, take the train to Domodossola (☎ 0324 24 20 55; 40min., 20 per day 6:37am-10:34pm, €3), then transfer to the SSIF (or Centovalli) line by turning left out of the train, walking underground ...more
There are few budget accommodations in Santa Maria Maggiore. Albergo Oscella , V. Cavalli 20. Save room for the home-made desserts. (☎ 0324 90 56 78. Pizza €4-7.50. Primi €6.50-8. Secondi ...more
One of the main attractions in Santa Maria Maggiore is the Museo dello Spazzacamino (Chimney Sweep Museum) in the Parco Villa Antonia, which has a collection of equipment, and sends visitors through a ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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