Our final morning in Italy began with an early farewell to Villa Botto, the serene countryside retreat that had been our home for the past days. We headed northwest, weaving through rolling hills and vineyard-dotted valleys until the sparkling waters of Lake Orta appeared—a hidden gem often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, Lakes Como and Maggiore, yet every bit as enchanting.

Our destination was Orta San Giulio, a postcard-perfect medieval town with cobblestone alleys, pastel façades, and flower-draped balconies. The town’s history stretches back to the Middle Ages, when it served as a small but vital trade hub along routes connecting northern Italy to the Alps. Over the centuries, Orta became a spiritual center, drawing pilgrims to its crown jewel—Isola San Giulio.

Legend has it that Saint Julius arrived here in the 4th century, rowing to the island on his cloak to rid it of dragons and serpents before building a church. Today, the island is home to the Benedictine Abbey of Mater Ecclesiae, where cloistered nuns devote their lives to prayer and the preservation of ancient manuscripts. Visitors walk the island’s “Way of Silence” and “Way of Meditation,” absorbing its peaceful, almost timeless atmosphere.

Though relatively unknown to many Americans, Lake Orta has had subtle ties to the United States. Italian emigrants from this region brought their traditions and craftsmanship to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in states like New York and Pennsylvania. Some returned home decades later, bringing back new influences—blending Italian heritage with the American experience. Today, it’s not uncommon to find descendants of Orta families visiting from the U.S., retracing their ancestors’ steps.

After exploring the island and soaking in the lake’s gentle beauty, we lingered over coffee in the main piazza, watching the small ferry boats come and go. Eventually, it was time to point our car north, crossing back into Switzerland. The drive to Zurich took us through alpine valleys and over mountain passes, the scenery shifting from Mediterranean charm to crisp Swiss precision.