OK the guide books were right (midweek anyway)

Still raining but still warm enough for shorts and T-shirts as we arrived at out final lake, Orta. Drove up the sacred mountain to our free over night stop. Only 8 small motor homes allowed. We’ve seen a lot of huge motorhomes on our travels but none would have made it round the hairpins to this little spot.

After lunch walked down the hill (waterproofs already off) to the beautiful Orta San Guilio. A small, very picturesque town with cobbled streets right on the edge of the lake. Reminder to ourselves, always go to beautiful places midweek, even the little market was not busy. Followed a beautifully paved path right on the waters edge around the peninsula. Sun shining, stunning views, calm water, heaven.

Back up the hill to visit Sacra Monte, an homage to St Francis. 21 chaples beautifully adorned with 400 year old frescoes and statues, awesome (although some idiots still scratch their names in them).