VARESE AND ITS HOLY MOUNT WITH TASTE

h. 9.30 AM Meeting ting with a licensed tour guide in Varese. Its visit links up the most representative civil and religious places, stopping at suggestive courtyards and hidden, up to Varese election as the “garden city”, when it became the seat of the Court of Francis III of Este Duke of Modena and also the selected area to build villas of pleasures, surrounded by big and luxuriant parks. Tasting of local sweets in a historical café. Individual lunch. Transfer by, private car/minivan, to the Holy Mount, a UNESCO Heritage Sites since 2003. The about 2km-long cobbled route is dedicated to the cult of the Virgin and it is made up of 14 marvellous chapels of XVII cent., housing terracotta statues and frescoes telling the mysteries of the Rosary. The Sanctuary is perched on the top of the walking path. It is rich in works of art and, around it, there are a monastery, still now housing some hermit nuns, and a village full of history and charm as well as dotted with scenic views from where you can admire the natural beauty of the land and its lakes. Aperitif-break with a glass of Elisir “Borducan”, made using orange and fresh herbs, with a slice of cake. Back to Varese by car/minivan.