From the magnificent Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza to the Sacro Monte (Sacred Mountain) of Varese, one of four UNESCO sites in the Varese area. Then a drive out to the east coast of Lake Maggiore for an active weekend of hiking and sailing. Here are our tips.

Varese: contemporary art and 17th-century frescoes
Top place to visit in Varese? Villa Panza. This 18th century villa surrounded by wonderful Italian garden enthrals architecture enthusiasts because of the work done by Canonica and Portaluppo. Art lovers can admire works by Flavin, Wilson and Turrell. The rooms reflect the impeccable taste of Giuseppe Panza di Biumo, who donated the house and collection to the FAI in 1996. Not far away, you can see the Sacro Monte of Varese. A line of fourteen 17th-century chapels stretches along a 2 km cobbled road to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria de Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2003. Don’t miss the village's great little gem: the Lodovico Pogliaghi Casa Museo (House Museum), an unexpected treasure trove of ancient archaeological finds and Renaissance art. End the day by stopping off at the Al Borducan, a romantic Art Nouveau hotel dating from 1924 that looks out on the Campo dei Fiori di Varese mountain.