For a birds-eye view of the lake, enjoy a magical 45 minute helicopter fly over Lake Maggiore. An inspiring voyage, without a doubt! The flight starts at Locarno that will be pleasantly reached by a private boat or by car from Stresa.  Here your helicopter passes the "One Hundred Valleys” (Centovalli) to Santa Maria Maggiore, touches upon Val Grande National Park and leads via Verbania to the Borromeo Islands. If you wish, you may pilot yourself one of the VIP helicopters - with your family on board, safely assisted by the most experienced flight-instructors. A theoretical introduction in the fascinating world of helicopter & aviation together with a practical training on EC120B Calibri and a course certificate will turn your tour flight into an unforgettable adventure. We drive back to Stresa stopping by Cannobio to admire the marvellous Sanctuary of Santissima Pietà and proceed to Villa Taranto. In 1931, the noble Scottish Captain Neil Mc Eacharn decided to purchase this villa in order to make his biggest dream come true: the art of gardening. Species from the whole world decorate this green paradise. The seasonal blooming periods, like those of the tulips, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and dahlias are truly impressive.