Lake Maggiore & The Borromean Islands

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Lake Maggiore & The Borromean Islands

Bordering Italy and Switzerland, you’ll stay on the banks of beautiful Lake Maggiore and will visit lakes Como, Lugano and Orta too. Take a ride along the breathtaking Centovalli Railway, explore Locarno and visit the Borromean Palace on Isola Bella. A glistening blue lake that borders both Switzerland and Italy is home to our magical new itinerary. Subside on the shores of Lake Maggiore as you live the high life staying at the well appointed Hotel Della Torre in Stresa. You’ll have the opportunity to explore no less than three of the beautiful lakes in this glorious corner of the world, as well as enjoy a ride on the Centovalli Railway plus take a scenic boat trip to the Isola Bella. It’s sure to be a holiday of dreams.

Holiday Highlights

Lake Maggiore, Lugano & Como are three of the best lakes, and we’re taking you to see them
A boat trip to the island of Isola Bella is a highlight
Explore the tropical grounds Borromean Palace
A fabulous trip on the Centovalli railway, returning to Stresa by boat across the lake
Enjoy a scenic half day visit to Orta San Giulio

What's Included

Return Eurostar from London to Paris Return
TVG from Paris to Stresa
Coach transfers throughout
Seven nights’ half board accommodation in Stresa
Glass of Prosecco with lunch on day two
Free time in the charming resort of Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore
Services of our experienced Tour Manager

Please note:

Deposit: £275

Itinerary

Day 1: London – Stresa

We journey aboard Eurostar from London St Pancras International and join the TGV to Stresa, where we have a short coach journey to our hotel on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

Day 2: Stresa

Today is free for you to explore Stresa, which occupies a fantastic spot on the shores of Lake Maggiore. The town dates back to the 1st century and is full of life. It has a wonderful promenade, where you can see the famous Borromean Islands of Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola Superiore dei Pescatori. There’s an array of medieval buildings, palaces, beautiful gardens and museums, as well as an abundance of bars and restaurants. Once you have explored the town in the morning, we include a three course lunch with a glass of prosecco back at the hotel today. If you are feeling adventurous after lunch, why not take the Mottarone Cable Car for a 20 minute ride to one of the most spectacular views in Italy?

Day 3: Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano & Lake Como

Today, we include a full day excursion by coach taking in three of the most spectacular lakes in the Italian and Swiss lake district; Maggiore, Lugano & Como. We’ll head through the western shores of Lake Maggiore over the border into Switzerland to Lake Lugano where we’ll have some free time to explore. The Santa Maria degli Angelo Church is worth a visit, as are the many shops and cafes in the grand Piazza Riforma. We continue to Lake Como where dramatic mountains overlook the glistening lake. Our scenic drive to Como city is where you’ll have time to visit the cathedral or call in at one of the many silk shops - which Como is famous for. On our return back to Stresa we travel via the southern shores of Lake Maggiore, completing our scenic excursion.

Day 4: Isola Bella & the Borromean Palace

The Borromean Islands are a group of three small islands and two islets, located in the western arm of Lake Maggiore between Verbania (to the north) and Stresa (to the south). Today, enjoy a half day trip by boat across the Lake to picturesque Isola Bella where we visit the Borromean Palace. The island is dominated by the Baroque Palace and wonderful gardens to which entrance is included. Wander around the furnished rooms and opulent salons full of fantastic artwork. The garden is full of flowers and rare exotic plants which thrive in the mild climate of the Borromean Gulf. There are also ponds, fountains and a statues dating back to the 17th Century.

Day 5: Centovalli Railway & Locarno

Today, we enjoy a full day excursion with the highlight being a ride on the Centovalli Railway, meaning ‘One Hundred Valleys’. We take the train from Stresa – Domodossola and then join the high level Centovalli Railway to Locarno. The 60km long narrow gauge railway takes in some fantastic scenery along the way, over beautiful bridges and viaducts overlooking glistening lakes, passing thundering waterfalls, tunnels and hairpin bends all the way to the lakeside town of Locarno in Switzerland, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. There’s time to explore Locarno before returning by boat to Stresa.

Day 6: Orta San Giulio

Today, we include a half day excursion by coach to Lake Orta, a star in this constellation of subalpine lakes. Situated entirely in Piedmont, it’s only 8 miles long and less than 2 miles wide. It is a tranquil location with an enchanting atmosphere. On the lake itself is the village of Orta San Giulio where you can spend time wandering around the quaint streets.

Day 7: Stresa

Today is free for you to relax and perhaps do some last minute shopping or sight-seeing. Alternatively, why not relax by the hotels outdoor pool or hire one of the hotels bicycles?

Day 8: Stresa - London

We depart after breakfast and travel by train back to Paris where we connect with the Eurostar to London St Pancras International.

The Hotel Della Torre, Stresa

The Hotel Della Torre is a traditional three star family owned hotel in Stresa, a short walk from the shores of Lake Maggiore. Enjoy a beautiful walk along the promenade to reach the old town of Stresa and the Piazza Cadorna. You can also relax on a sun bed by the outdoor swimming pool (open June-September) and enjoy a drink or light snack from the pool bar. The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious Italian cuisine and there's a lounge bar where you can have a relaxing drink on the hotels terrace. All bedrooms have balcony and facilities include free Wi-Fi, mini bar, safety deposit box, television, hair dryer, air conditioning and bath robe.

Holiday provided by

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Day 3: Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano & Lake Como

Day 4: Isola Bella & the Borromean Palace

Day 5: Centovalli Railway & Locarno

Day 6: Orta San Giulio

Day 7: Stresa

Day 8: Stresa - London

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At a glance