DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN STRESA Fly to Milan and on arrival you transfer to the delightful town of Stresa on the peaceful shores of charming Lake Maggiore. We use a series of four-star rated hotels. The four-star Hotel Astoria, superbly located in its own landscaped gardens on the lakeside promenade and just a short stroll from the heart of the typically Italian Old Town. The superb four-star superior Hotel Regina Palace, is one of the best properties on the lake, and dates from the turn of the last century, Recently restored, this classic hotel truly reflects the ‘belle époque’ era having the high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, brass and wrought iron fittings so typical of this period. The superb four-star Hotel Bristol is magnificently set amidst beautiful manicured gardens overlooking the Borromean Islands on the lakeside promenade. The elegant marbled lobby and chic lounge area features Bohemian glass chandeliers and fine frescos, leading through to the atmospheric hotel bar and winter garden overlooking the gardens themselves all reflecting its 19th century pedigree to great effect.
DAY 2 - LAKE MAGGIORE & BORROMEAN ISLANDS Unmistakably Mediterranean in character, Maggiore’s shores are lined with oleanders, palms and deeply aromatic verbena with the still waters reflecting the azure-blue sky above. Just offshore is one of the real gems of northern
Italy, the stunning Borromean islands, once owned by a Milanese Count who, in the 17th century, created the most amazing ‘belle époque’ villa here which we visit this morning. Isola Bella, as it is called, is a stunning achievement, with its staterooms crammed with fine furniture, sculpture and art with intricate parquet flooring and elegant pastel-coloured plasterwork. Even more impressive though, are the astonishing grounds, featuring ten interlocking terraces imaginatively planted with orange and lemon trees and a host of other fragrant and colourful shrubs and plants. In complete contrast, the narrow cobbled streets and picturesque harbour of the fascinating Isola dei Pescatori, the second island we visit, reflect its 10th century origins and centuries old fishing tradition after which it is named. This is the perfect place for a relaxing lunch before we cruise back to Stresa during the afternoon.
DAY 3 - CENTOVALLI RAILWAY Lake Maggiore beautifully straddles the Swiss- Italian border and this morning you enjoy a totally different view of the lake as we take a private boat to Cannobio, where you will have some free time before joining the coach to continue into Switzerland, to the chic resort of Locarno, nestling below the towering peaks of the Alps. After some free time we board the narrow gauge
Centovalli train for a spectacularly scenic ride as it winds its way through wild, romantic landscapes, pure mountain cascades and villages clinging to the mountainsides. Named after the so called ‘hundred valleys’ through which it passes, the train features specially designed panoramic carriages so you can sit back, enjoying the scenery in all its glory. At Domodossola we return to Stresa by coach.
DAY 4 - LAKE COMO This morning we explore another of Northern Italy’s most famous lakes, and one of its most attractive too, Lake Como. It has attracted visitors in search of relaxation, culture and inspiration for centuries. Como town is renowned for its lakeside parks, grand hotels and the Villa Olmo which has been home to
many eminent Europeans. During the afternoon, you could take a relaxing boat trip across the shimmering waters to elegant Bellagio which, is often described as Italy’s most beautiful town. The shore lake is lined by attractive, pastel-coloured buildings and lanes climbing their way to the hilly centre. Awash with dazzling flowers of every colour, Bellagio cannot be bettered for a long, lazy lunch in one of the many lakeside restaurants.
DAY 5 - FREE DAY Today you can choose to relax in the hotel, take a swim in the pool or explore Stresa’s many delights.
DAY 6 - ZERMATT & THE MATTERHORN Today the views will take your breath away. We firstly climb the foothills of the Alps then cross the Swiss frontier, and into the high Alps themselves. We take the Simplon Pass, once used by the Romans to control their northern provinces with the first actual road constructed by Napoleon. Marvelling at the engineering feats, the road traverses towering viaducts and jaw-dropping precipices, we pass countless torrential mountain streams and tumbling waterfalls before arriving at the legendary village of Zermatt, nestling at the foot of the mighty, instantly recognisable Matterhorn. Zermatt is iconically Swiss, a car-free jumble of chalets and ancient wooden farm huts strewn along the valley floor. The ultimate alpine peak, the Matterhorn is strangely shy until you reach the end of the village, turn a corner, and the Swiss national symbol is revealed in its unrivalled glory. For an even better view take the cable car or cog railway to reach 3000 metres and the absolutely awe-inspiring mountain wonderland of glaciers and summits.
DAY 7 - LAKE ORTA Our final day, and we experience one of the real highlights of the entire holiday. Orta is probably the prettiest of the Italian lakes, yet surprisingly one of the least known. Surrounded on three sides by the deep blue water, the delightful lakeside village of Orta San Giulio is a haven from mass tourism and the only ‘must-see’ sight is the village itself. You cannot fail to be captivated by its perfectly medieval charms. San Giulio’s basilica on the island is incredible; the inside entirely covered with spellbindingly preserved 14th century biblical frescoes and in places you can even see the earlier 12th century works underneath. Before we return to our hotel we visit the
monumental statue of San Carlo Borromeo, Archbishop of Milan and the only Cardinal ever to refuse the offer of the papacy. This enormous 17th century bronze statue crowns a hill commanding wonderful views across Lake Maggiore and the surrounding countryside.
DAY 8 - RETURN FLIGHT After breakfast we transfer to Milan for your flight home.
COMPLIMENTARY GUIDED WALK An increasing number of you want to stretch your legs whilst away so you may want to join our
complimentary walk. Places are
limited so please advise at time of booking. For more details, see Page 8.
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