Proposals for schools and oratories

Explore the medieval castle that dominates the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore with an exciting trip back in time: Rocca di Angera is the ideal place to conduct educational and recreational activities dedicated to kids of kindergarten, primary, and secondary school age, thanks to the evocative setting of the historic rooms, decorated with frescoes from the 14th century. There’s also the Museum of Dolls and Toys, the largest of its kind in Europe, with collections of precious dolls and vintage games. Outside, the medieval garden becomes the perfect place to discover new and unusual botanical varieties, to appreciate the simplicity of plants grown there since ancient times, and to marvel at the life cycle of nature as it changes with each season. The educational workshops are organized in a stimulating way, using questions and puzzles, playtime visits, animated tours, and costumed role-playing to experience firsthand the exploits of the fearless heroes and legendary characters known only from books.

In the green oasis of Parco Pallavicino, spread over an area of 18 hectares, live more than 50 species of mammals and birds in complete harmony with nature. For some of them, the Park is a real refuge. The program promises surprising encounters with zebras, kangaroos, coati, flamingos, raccoons, and turtles. Interesting outdoor ‘lectures’ are provided by the whooping crane called Checca, Fanta the fox, and the wild boars Mirtilla and Jack. On the farm, where the animals walk free, the relationship becomes even more authentic with docile Tibetan goats, mountain goats, sheep, llamas, and deer. There’s also a henhouse with chickens of every size, shape, and plumage. The environment is especially suited for accompanying younger visitors on a fun and educational journey of respect and trust towards animals. The scenery of Parco Pallavicino is completed by a colorful garden whose arcades of jasmine and wisteria, fragrant rose garden, and abundant flower beds release their essences in the shade of ancient trees. The educational proposals are articulated in faunal, botanical, and digital workshops. The programs offer multiple activities: from a treasure hunt with digital microscope and tablet for the youngest, to thematic workshops dedicated to the circular economy or the recovery of wild animals, to reports on environmental issues for secondary school students. The staff, composed of experts in biology and natural sciences, guides kids through activities that bring them closer to animals and the wonders of nature.

The educational visits to Isola Bella and Isola Madre are distinguished by the wealth of historical, artistic, and natural content that they offer. Isola Bella is the ideal destination to immerse oneself in the splendor of the Baroque era. The tour starts from the princely residence of the 17th-century Palazzo Borromeo and its 20 rooms: paintings, tapestries, carved wood, statues, sumptuous furnishings, and the prestigious Painting Gallery of General Berthier, the only remaining pinacoteca among the many that existed in northern Italy, now long since dispersed. The adventure continues in the mosaic grottoes, a cool and delightful space at water level, and with a walk in the splendid Italian garden with its flowering terraces, fountains, and statues representing rivers, winds, and the seasons. Climbing the steps of the Teatro Massimo, you can see the Isola Madre, reachable in just a few minutes by boat. Famous for the extraordinary blooms that make it unique, Isola Madre contains botanical varieties from all over the world. Entering this lush natural setting, it will become clear why Gustave Flaubert called it a terrestrial paradise. Not to be missed is the 16th-century palace with its precious reconstruction of period decor and extraordinary collection of 19th-century puppets theaters. In short, unique places that have fascinated visitors for centuries, from Napoleon to Carlo Alberto of Savoy, from Flaubert to Oscar Wilde.

A mountain to be experienced in winter and summer with two different educational programs with the same goal: to offer unforgettable days of sport and fun. Mottarone is located between the provinces of Verbania and Novara. From its summit, the view sweeps from the Maritime Alps to Monviso, from the nearby Monte Rosa massif to the Swiss Alps, up to the Po Valley. It is nicknamed ‘the mountain of the seven lakes’ because from here you get a breathtaking view of the lakes Maggiore, Orta, Mergozzo, Varese, Comabbio, Monate, and Biandronno. An incomparable panorama only one hour from Milan. For students, Terre Borromeo organizes nature workshops and sports activities in contact with nature. In the winter season the didactic program includes skiing and snowboarding courses held by expert instructors for groups of 7-10 people, not to mention bobsleighing and guided snowshoeing excursions.

In summer, the programs include an exciting full immersion in nature. The classes have three routes to choose from with different levels of difficulty, along with a new tree-climbing area. Mottarone Adventure Park welcomes primary and secondary school-age kids to an exciting world of fun in the regenerating scenery of the forest. The adventure courses, which include zip lines, nets, bridges, and Tarzan jumps, guarantee adrenaline-charged experiences in total safety, thanks to the continuous lifeline system, which is equipped with a special carabiner designed to never open, harnesses, and helmets. To feel like a true explorer of the forest, tree–climbing is the way to go: the challenge of climbing the highest tree is truly exciting. And if you lose your hold, don’t worry! Thanks to the magnetic clamps, the system releases the rope at a reduced speed, eliminating any risk of breaking. The didactic program is completed by the nature workshops dedicated to the mountain organized at the Bar Stazione located inside the park.