- WELCOME TO - A brief guide of the surrounding area and our tips for your free time

We think you can appreciate this home-made work in which find a feature of the area : we are not a DMC but we would really like to suggest you something to make unforgettable your staying here ! So, you can begin from these ideas to arrange the POST CONGRESS TIME, or a SIDE PROGRAM for the partners and even to organize a TOUR for few days in the area : in case you are looking for something in particular, feel free to contact our office, we’ll be glad to help you with more details !

INDEX

Page 2______Transportation

Page 3______Sacro Monte of Varese

Page 4______Lake Maggiore Sanctuary of Santa Caterina Public Gardens and Palazzo Estense

Page 5______Villa Mirabello Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza Villa Ponti

Page 6______Villa Toepliz FAI Properties : • Villa della Porta Bozzolo • Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza & its Art Collection • Velate Tower • Torba Monastery

Page 7______Wine, food and local specialities

Page 8______Organize a dinner out of the hotel

Page 9______Sports and fun

Page 10______Outlets in the area

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Coming from abroad you probably will land at the international Airport of Milano Malpensa : once you are there, you can choose to go to Varese by taxi, or with a private driver with a limousine, a minivan or a big bus .

Please contact : TRANSERVICE LIMOUSINE www.transervicelimousine.com in case you need 1 or more cars

Please contact : MORANDI AUTOSERVIZI www.moranditour .it if you need a bus from 12 to 70 sitting places

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The Sacro Monte of Varese. Looking down over Varese you will find the religious architectural complex of the Sacro Monte with its fascinating medieval village. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte and the 14 Chapels are dedicated to the mysteries of the Rosary. At the Sacro Monte one can also visit the Baroffio Museum which conserves the original mould of the bronze doors of the Dome of . Building of the Sacro Monte di Varese began in 1604 under the command of the Franciscan monk Giovanni Battista Aguggiari. The monumental architectural complex of the Sacro Monte of Varese with the fascinating medieval village, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte and the 14 Chapels, dedicated to the mysteries of the Rosary. Pilgrims follow a pathway that is over 2 km long that rises over 400 metres. The chapels are divided into three sections, each separated from the next by arches that represent the three Mysteries of the Rosary. www.sacromonte.va.it œ Organize an half day visit with your group ! You may contact one of the Official Tourist Guide of Varese at http://www.provincia.va.it/marketing.htm and stop there for an afternoon break in the historical village.

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Lake Maggiore is located 30 kilometres west of Varese, its northern part lies in – Situated at the foot of the Italian Alps, it offers an experience that can only enjoyed in new and different ways each year. Lake Maggiore is famous also for the beautiful gardens found on Isola Madre, Isola Bella, Villa Taranto and Villa Pallavicino. The whole coastline of the Lake Maggiore is scattered with many historical villas surrounded by mature parks. www.lagomaggiore.net

The pictures show the Sanctuary Santa Caterina on Lake Maggiore. You can reach the sanctuary on foot or by boat. According to tradition the hermitage was founded by Alberto Besozzi, who after having survived a heavy storm while crossing the lake decided to retreat to that rocky ledge to live the life of a hermit. Here Alberto built a chapel in honour of Santa Caterina, visible today at the back of the church. The latter, which dates to the 10th century, was soon joined by two other churches dedicated to San Nicola and Santa Maria Nuova which were built in the 14th century.

Public Gardens & Palazzo Estense – One of main attractions of Varese is the pink with its famous public gardens, modelled from the Schonbrunn gardens in Vienna. The Palazzo Estense was built in the 18th century for the Este Duke of as a summer residence: the duke of Modena, Francesco III Este was the Lord of Varese and Governor of during the second half of the 18th century. The palace's rooms are covered with stunning frescoes of the period. The building and the beautiful Italian water gardens are now owned the municipality of Varese and are open to the general public .

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One of the many parks and monuments of Varese is the Villa Mirabello and its beautiful English Garden, built in the XVIII century, which houses the civic museums of Varese. It exhibits masterpieces of the Lombardy school, including Cairo, Nuvolone, Procaccini Hayez, Pellizza da Volpedo, Cremona, Ranzoni, Grandi and Balla. In the archaeological section you can see the famous "diatreta cagnola", a glass cage cup from the Roman period.

Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza in Varese was built in the XVIII century by Marquis Paolo Antonio Menafoglio and extended in the neo classic period by architect Luigi Canonica, commissioned by Duke Pompeo Litta Visconti Arese. The first part of the noble house dates back to the last years of the 17th Century. The villa is famous around the world for the collection of contemporary art, started by Giuseppe Panza di Biumo.

Villa Ponti (Villa Napoleonica) in Varese was rebuilt between 1858 and 1860 by architect Giuseppe Balzaretto. It was originally built during the 17th century, Today it is owned by the Varese Chamber of Commerce, and is now used as a congress centre. The villa acquired its more popular name of Villa Napoleonica after Garibaldi stayed there during the battle of Varese at lower Biumo on the 26th May 1859.

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The Villa Toeplitz and the famous water gardens in Sant’ Ambrogio Varese were built at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1920 the villa was acquired by the Baron Giuseppe Toeplitz who added the observatory and created the multi level Italian style gardens with interlinked water features and grottoes which cover almost 8 hectors. The water gardens are complemented by the English style gardens to the east of the villa with its mature beech trees and box . The Villa and the beautiful Italian water gardens are now owned the municipality of Varese and are open to the general public. The Villa Toeplitz houses two small museums, the history of electronic music and the African collection of the Castiglioni brothers, two famous archaeologists from Varese.

FAI Properties – FAI offers visitors the chance to see and appreciate historic homes, castles and abbeys, libraries and art collections, historic gardens and coastal areas, and the pleasure of enjoying happy moments amidst harmony and beauty: in few minutes driving you can reach few places like Villa della Porta Bozzolo , Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza & its Art Collection. See more at www.fondoambiente.it

Velate Tower

Torba Monastery

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Wine, food and local specialities

The territory’s singular conformation, offering panoramas of incomparable beauty, is also reflected in the Varese gastronomy and in its typical products: cheeses, cold cuts, wine and honey are but a few of the delicacies of this province, products that to this day are prepared in true artisan style according to age old traditions.

Wine www.cascinapiano.it Grappa www.rossidangera.com Amaretto di (liquor & bisquits) www.disaronno.it

Honey www.mielevarese.it Aparagous from (Va) Gorgonzola cheese Pro Loco di Cantello www.gorgonzola.com Tel. 0332-417064

Goat Violin (ham) The ”Hugly & Good“from (Va) Peach under syrup from Monate (Va) Az. Agr. Kedo - Antica Pasticceria Veniani Tel. 0332-568501 Gavirate Tel. 0332-743084

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Organize a dinner out of the hotel !

Switzerland and it’s Casinos

Only 40 minutes driving you may reach some different Casinos in Switzerland where you can play, have a particular gala dinner and maybe… win !

Mendrisio www.casinomendrisio.ch Lugano www.casinolugano.ch Campione d’Italia www.casinocampione.it

Sailing on the lake with your private boat and staff ! Contact the sailing Company +39.0322.233206, or mail to: [email protected]

Or simply choosing a nice restaurant nearby :

œ Da Venanzio web site Induno (Va) 10 km far form the hotel 60 sitting places +39 0332 200333

œ Teatro web site Varese city 5 km far form the hotel 60 sitting places +39 0332 241124

œ Da Annetta web site Capolago (Va) 7 km far form the hotel 80 sitting places +39 0332 490230

œ Tana d’Orso web site Mustonate (Va) 7 km far form the hotel 160 sitting places +39 0332 320392

œ Osteria del Sass web site (Va) 15 km far form the hotel 30 sitting places +39 0332 771005

œ Pizzeria della Motta web site Varese city 5 km far from the hotel 100 sitting places + 39 0332 231800

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TAKE A LOOK AT OUR PROVINCE FROM AN HOT AIR BALLOON Contact a specialized agency : ANGLERIA TOURS Tel. +39 0331 920120 www.angleriatours.it

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Take the opportunity to play here your favourite sport !

Sport has been a way of thinking that is a trademark of the Varese Province’s culture, based on commitment and tenacity in attaining results and on the quest to reach common goals through individual effort. The marvellous natural setting that characterises the territory makes it possible for every type of sport discipline to be practised :

You can reach several golf courses within 20 minutes driving and we might arrange something just for them (like a private shuttle bus, a package lunch, shoe shine service, etc). Please, find all the information you may need at www.palacevarese.it/golf.asp. Or maybe … fly over the lake of Varese, the Alpine foothills and in the area : you don’t need any particular skill, only a bit of courage ! Ask for your own experience to the glider club in Varese www.acao.it Do you like the competition but not the exertion? Go to the local hippodrome and you might attend to the international horse races!

In the you will be able to find cycle-tourism itineraries of every kind and difficulty, suitable to both the enthusiast and the professional ! Rent a bike for few hours : Mr Boselli +39 349 4125317 (Gavirate) Try to row on the Varese lake, the headquarters of the main sporting club can be contacted for all information relative to time tables as well as to availability of facilities and equipment : www.canottierivarese.it . The easy cycling track near the lake it’s also a nice jogging path.

The wealth of woods, paths through the fields and panoramic vantage points, are the common denominator for a really original experience either for an horse back trekking (www.clubippicolavalletta.it) or a quad tour ! Nevertheless, ice skating and skiing can also be practised in Varese during the Winter season, thanks to the beautiful ice indoor city stadium and the near cross country skiing course in and (Va).

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And, before to leave, you must organize your private shopping tour !

MV AGUSTA Motorcicles Via G. Macchi, 144 (Schiranna) 21100 Varese MOTORCICLES Tel +39 848 150808 www.mvagusta.it (4 Km far from the hotel)

MISSONI HOME Via Roma, 71/B 21010 (Va) HOME LINEN & CLOTHES Tel +39 0331 950311 www.missonihome.it (15 Km far from the hotel)

DAMA spa Via Piemonte, 174 21100 Varese SPORTWEAR Tel + 39 0332 828111 www.paulshark.it (3 Km far from the hotel)

SAMSONITE spa 33, Via Molino dell’Oglio, 33 21050 (Va) LUGGAGE & BAGS Tel +39 0332 275811 www.samsonite.it (15 Km far from the hotel)

PRINCIPE spa Via Lungolago degli Abruzzi, 166 21100 Varese LEATHER Tel +39 0332 327635 www.principe.it (6 km far from the hotel)

ALBERTO ASPESI & C. S.p.A. Via Salvatore Quasimodo, 32/34 21053 (VA) FASHION Tel +39 0331-480303 www.albertoaspesi.com (20 Km far from the hotel)

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LINDT & SPRUNGLI SPA Via Tintoretto, 15 21012 (VA) CHOCOLATE Tel +39 0331 285442 www.lindt.it (15 Km far from the hotel)

SALUMIFICIO COLOMBO spa Via Caregò, 21 21020 (Va) COLD CUT Tel +39 0332 966188 www.salumificiocolombo.com (12 Km far from the hotel)

FJORD - SALMON COMPANY Via per Cassano Magnago, 120 21052 (Va) SMOKED SALMON Tel + 39 0331 681155 www.fjord.eu (15 Km far from the hotel)

BASSETTI Via Provinciale,5 21030 (VA) HOME LINEN Tel +39 0332 624154 (20 Km far from the hotel) www.bassetti.it

MAGLIFICIO AR-VA Via Belvedere, 15 21020 (Va) CACHEMIRE KNITWEAR Tel + 39 0332 826460 www.paulshark.it (3 Km far from the hotel)

POLINELLI Via Roma, 57 21020 (VA) EYE WEARE Tel +39 0332 942011 www.polinelli.it (7 Km far from the hotel)

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BENETTON OUTLET V.le Europa, 9/15 Buscate (VA) CLOTHING Tel + 39 0331 803048 www.benetton.it (25 Km far from the hotel)

PARAH Via Pietro da , 7 21013 Gallarate (Va) UNDERWEARE Tel +39 0331 785219 www.parah.it (18 Km far from the hotel)

TIMBERLAND Via Piave 24/26 Pero (MI) CLOTHING & SHOES Tel +39 02 3536687 www.timberland.com (45 km far from the hotel)

CHICCOLANDIA Via Tornese 10, Grandate (Co) PRODUCTS FOR BABIES Tel +39 031 382390 www.chicco.com (22 km far from the hotel)

GIORGIO ARMANI Strada prov. per Bregnano 13, 22070 Vertemate (Co) FASHION Tel + 39 031 887373 www.giorgioarmani.it (25 Km far from the hotel)

DOLCE & GABBANA spa Via Rossigni, 70 (Mi) FASHION Tel. +39 0331 545888 www. dolcegabbana.it (20 Km far from the hotel)

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