DESTINATIONS — FRANCE & ITALY
Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta (right)
quieter alternative to the better- known sites.
Inghams has introduced Lake
Ledro, which it calls “one of the smallest but most charming Italian lakes” and Lake Orta this year. These round out a programme which includes Lake Trasimeno on the Umbria-Tuscany border, a good base from which to explore, and Lake Iseo, which would suit clients looking for a quieter, less-developed spot.
Italy specialist Citalia has also added a hotel in Lake Iseo this year, the Relais Franciacorta, alongside two properties in tranquil Lake Orta. If choosing between the smaller lakes proves too tricky, an upcoming Travelsphere tour promises passengers the bragging rights of visiting lakes their friends have probably never even heard of, namely Iseo, Levico, Idro, Ledro, Molveno and Caldaro.
Senior product manager Alicia
Welsman says: “For those looking to explore the lesser-known lakes, Travelsphere will soon be launching Secret Lakes, a tour of six relatively unknown, tranquil spots. The scenery will be the highlight, with beautiful blue freshwater lakes, rolling hills and spectacular mountain backdrops.”
l MULTI-CENTRES: SEE MORE ON TOUR No stay in the Lake District will leave visitors disappointed, but it might leave them wanting more. For single-centre stays, a simple excursion will open up more of the region. Attraction World’s top- selling tours from Lake Garda are an evening trip to Venice (from £80 adult/£41 child) and a Lake Tour visiting Limone, Sirmione and medieval town Lasize (£49/£26). Those who aren’t content with
staying in one place will find a plethora of tours – escorted and tailor-made – covering this destination. Self-drive options abound, such as Sunvil’s 10-day Venice and the Italian Lakes itinerary, which spends two nights each in Lakes Garda, Como and Maggiore, but can be adapted to clients’ preferences.
Self-driving the winding roads
isn’t for everyone though. Leger Holidays’ head of retail sales, Ashley Dellow, says: “Agents should consider coach tours a great option to see the lakes and mountains of Italy, as the scenery changes with every turn in the road. As this destination is all about stunning views, by coach really is the best way to maximise this in a relaxed environment – definitely a key selling point.”
86 •
travelweekly.co.uk — 26 March 2015
SAMPLE PRODUCT
Simply Luxury by Travel 2 offers five nights’ B&B at the Grand Hotel Gardone in Lake Garda from £639, including flights from Gatwick and private transfers.
travel2.com
Great Rail Journeys’ 10-day Beside Lake Como Rail Tour starts at £1,695, including first-class rail and coach travel, a Bernina Express journey, B&B accommodation, guided excursions and a return flight from Milan to London.
greatrail.co.uk
Lake Maggiore, Orta & the Matterhorn is an eight-day tour from Riviera Travel, staying in Stresa with cruises to Isola Bella and Locarno on Lake Maggiore, and visits to Lake Como and medieval village Orta San Giulio. Prices start at £939 including flights.
rivieratravel.co.uk
TOP TIP Sardatur Holidays
suggests Lake Como visitors head to the gardens of Villa Melzi and try the funicular railway
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