Lake Maggiore, Orta and the Matterhorn
Holiday Highlights
- Cruise to the enchanting islands visiting Isola Pescatori and Isola Bella, with a guided tour of its 17th century baroque villa with entrance fees included
- Full day tour travelling through the Simplon Pass to Zermatt in the Swiss Alps seeing the Matterhorn, probably the world’s most instantly recognisable peak
- Full day tour to shimmering Lake Como, described by Wordsworth as ‘a treasure the world keeps to itself’
- Full day tour visiting Cannobio and Locarno with a journey on the famous Centovalli railway
- Visit to one of Italy’s most romantic lakes, charming Lake Orta and the delightful 14th century medieval village Orta San Giulio
- Option to join a complimentary guided walk
- Seven nights in a choice of conveniently located four-star to four-star superior accommodation including all local taxes, with breakfast and dinner
- The Signature Tour option includes all of the above as well as:
- Absorb the magical ambience of the beautiful Borromean Islands on a unique and atmospheric evening cruise around this trio of stunning isles
- Cruise to Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands and said the most authentic of the islands, with its verdant English-style garden. Wander the botanical gardens, home to an exotic mix of plants, birds and flowers, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and cake while taking in spectacular views of Lake Maggiore
- You’ll be on top of the world as you relax with a glass of fizz taking in the panoramic island and mountain vistas from the region’s only sky bar
- Enjoy the more exclusive atmosphere of travelling in a small group with an average of 22 guests
What's Included
- The price of this holiday is per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Single and lake view rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
- Return flights
- Seven nights’ accommodation
- Half Board (stays at the Grand Hotel Bristol include daily breakfast and dinner on the first night only)
- All local taxes and transfers
- All tours as mentioned
- Entrance to Borromeo Villa and Gardens
- The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
- Not included is the optional cable car ride to the Matterhorn. The approximate cost is £70 and is payable locally.
Itinerary
Day 1
You should arrive at the airport to take your flight from your selected airport, and on arrival you transfer to the delightful town of Stresa on the peaceful shores of charming Lake Maggiore.
Day 2
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 of which we have a guided tour 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 and frescoes adorning the high ceilings, it’s simply stunning. Even more impressive though, are the astonishing grounds, featuring ten interlocking terraces imaginatively planted with orange and lemon trees, plus magnolias and a host of other fragrant and colourful shrubs and plants. Marble statues and unique, white peacocks add the final touches to this dramatic display. Previous distinguished visitors include Queen Caroline of England, wife of George IV, plus Napoleon and Josephine. In complete contrast, the narrow cobbled streets, picturesque harbour and charming buildings 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 in one of the excellent lakeside restaurants - many with enchanting secluded terraces – before we cruise back to Stresa during the afternoon. Signature Experience: You’ll feel quite simply on top of the world as you sip a deliciously chilled glass of fizz in the one and only Skybar on the lake. With dazzling views at every turn – the exquisite Borromean Islands taking centre stage against a backdrop of lush, forested slopes sweeping down to the glistening water’s edge, encased by a phenomenal mountain backdrop. Make sure you’ve your camera in tow to capture this wow moment for eternity.