Situated in a strategic position between Milan and Turin, just a few kilometres from Lake Maggiore and easily accessible from Milan Malpensa Airport, Novara is a surprising city, capable of offering authentic and varied experiences. Far from mass tourism yet full of charm, it combines
the best of Piedmont’s food and wine traditions with an artistic, cultural, and architectural heritage of great value.
From the elegant streets of the historic centre—dominated by the majestic Dome of San Gaudenzio
—to the museums, churches, and palaces that tell centuries of history, Novara welcomes visitors with a relaxed and genuine atmosphere. It is the perfect destination for organised groups, thanks to the variety of itineraries that combine culture, good food, and nature. From tastings of local rice and cheeses to excursions in the surrounding area, every experience becomes an opportunity to discover the authentic soul of Piedmont in a human-scaled city, welcoming and surprising in every season.
Art and Culture in Novara
Novara preserves a remarkable artistic and architectural heritage, ideal for groups wishing to combine cultural discovery with the pleasure of a guided visit. The symbol of the city is the Dome of San Gaudenzio, a masterpiece by the architect Alessandro Antonelliwhich, at 121 metres high, dominates the entire urban landscape. From its summit, visitors enjoy a spectacular view over the plains and the Alps, making the climb an unmissable experience.
In the heart of the historic centre lie the Cathedral and the Early Christian Baptistery, among the oldest religious monuments in Piedmont, reflecting the city’s deep spirituality and long history. There is no shortage of spaces dedicated to modern and contemporary art: the Visconteo-Sforzesco Castle, now home to the Broletto Monumental Complex, hosts major temporary exhibitions, events, and installations that attract visitors from across Northern Italy.
For more curious groups, it is possible to organise thematic guided tours exploring historical streets, hidden courtyards, and sites linked to Novara’s noble families. A journey between past and present that allows visitors to experience the city through its architecture, museums, and stories.
Food and Wine Experiences in and around Novara
The province of Novara reveals itself as a true food and wine powerhouse, an ideal destination for organised groups wishing to savour the flavours of authentic Piedmont. The territory of rice fields and vineyards offers dishes and products that speak of the land, rural traditions, and local culinary creativity.
You simply must begin with rice: varieties such as Carnaroli, Arborio, or Sant’Andrea feature in iconic dishes like paniscia novarese—a “poor man’s” traditional risotto made with salame d’la duja, mortadella fidighin, pork rind, borlotti beans, and meat broth, often served creamy (all’onda) or lightly sautéed. Alongside rice, the wines of the Novara hills—DOC reds such as Ghemme, Fara, Boca, and Sizzano—complete the experience, confirming the local saying: “rice is born in water and dies in wine.”
But the surprises don’t end there: groups can discover more rustic specialties rooted in tradition, such as tapulone (a stew made with donkey meat cooked with Boca wine, lard, and rosemary) or Novara-style càsoeûla (a winter dish based on goose, savoy cabbage, and pork ribs). For dessert, visitors can enjoy local sweets such as the Büsarola from Romagnano Sesia, brutti e buoni Novara-style, or rice biscuits—all products that tell the story of this land.
An organised group itinerary might include a guided tour of a working rice farm, a wine tasting at a winery in the Novara Hills, and a traditional dinner in a historic trattoria—experiences that bring guests into direct contact with the territory, its producers, and its authentic hospitality.
Sport and Adventure in and around Novara
Novara and its surroundings offer numerous opportunities for organised groups who love sports and adventure
, combining outdoor activities with enchanting natural scenery. The Novara hills, among vineyards and woods, are ideal for hiking or cycling, with routes suitable for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. Along the trails, visitors discover medieval villages, historic villas, and sweeping views from rice fields to the Alps.
For water lovers, Lake Maggiore and smaller local lakes offer canoeing, kayaking, and sailing,
while surrounding rice fields turn into unique settings for photographic walks and birdwatching thanks to the rich local wildlife. Additionally, the area offers Nordic walking routes, mountain biking trails, and guided outdoor itineraries that allow groups to combine physical activity with cultural exploration.
For adrenaline seekers, the nearby mountains offer climbing, high-altitude trekking, and paragliding, making Novara a strategic starting point for adventurous experiences both in the plains and in the mountains. Thanks to the variety of activities and easy access to Turin, Milan, and Lake Maggiore, the city represents a complete destination where nature, sport, and adventure blend perfectly with local culture and gastronomy.
Playing Golf in Novara
The province of Novara is not only land of rice fields and vineyards but also an ideal destination for golf lovers. “Clubs, stories and scenery” is the phrase that best describes the variety and quality of courses in the area. Within just a few kilometres are internationally recognised facilities framed by landscapes of hills, lakes, and rice fields that offer truly unique playing settings.
For organised groups, it is possible to plan dedicated golf days with easy logistics and reduced travel times, thanks to Novara’s favourable location relative to Milan, Turin, and Malpensa Airport.
Golf becomes the perfect complement to any stay: not only sport but also relaxation among green fairways, convivial moments in the clubhouses, and the opportunity to combine physical activity with discovering a region full of surprises.
Trekking in the Novara Area
In the heart of the Antigorio Valley, in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, lie the spectacular Orridi di Uriezzo: deep gorges, water-carved shapes, and tunnels that preserve the primordial charm of glacial action.
The walls—just a few metres wide in some points and up to 30 metres high—create an environment partly similar to a cave: dim light, high humidity, and an enchanting atmosphere among mosses, ferns, and crystal-clear water.
The excursion allows visitors to explore three main gorges safely: South Gorge, the most spectacular (200 m long; 20–30 m deep) North-East Gorge, narrower and about 10 m deep; West Gorge, more challenging, recommended for those seeking extra adventure.
At the end of the excursion, visitors can stop at the astonishing Marmitte dei Giganti: rocky cavities and natural pools carved by the ancient Toce glacier. A landscape where the force of nature meets the tranquillity of the surroundings.
This itinerary is perfect for those seeking an immersive experience away from traditional tourist routes: nature, geology, tranquillity, and wonder—all gathered in a single Piedmont valley that tells the story of water and time.
Where to Stay: Group Options in Novara
Hotel Cavour, Located opposite the railway station and just a few minutes from the historic centre, is ideal for groups arriving by train or wishing to move easily toward Milan, Turin, and Malpensa. It offers modern rooms, buffet breakfast, and parking.
Hotel Tornielli 9, Situated in the heart of the historic centre, is housed in an ancient monastery and retains a unique historic charm. Perfect for groups seeking a peaceful and authentic stay, with free Wi-Fi and private parking.
La Bussola combines attentive hospitality with services designed for groups, making it ideal as a base for organized tours and for those seeking a stay with dedicated logistics and support.
All accommodations allow for easy exploration of Novara and its surroundings, from Lake Maggiore to the cities of Milan and Turin.
Useful Information
Here is some additional information that may be helpful when planning a trip and stay for an organised group.
Distances from Novara
- Milan – 50 km
- Turin – 97 km
- Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) – 47 km
- Milan Linate Airport (LIN) – 70 km
- Verbania and Stresa (Lake Maggiore) – 70 km
- Vicolungo Outlet Mall – 15 km
- Orta San Giulio – 44 km
- Como – 77 km
- Pavia – 70 km
- Locarno (CH) – 115 km
