Terracotta-roofed towns perched above mirror-like waters at Lake Como, fragrant azalea-filled gardens at Lake Maggiore, waterfront promenades lined with al fresco restaurants at Lake Lugano. Join us on this 10-day tour around three of Italy’s most enchanting lakes.
UK/Lausanne - 1
You’ll take the Eurostar from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Paris. On arrival, you’ll cross the city to catch the high-speed TGV service to Lausanne on the shores of Lake Geneva where you stay for one night.
Lake Maggiore - 2
Leaving Lausanne on the Cisalpino train service you will journey along the shores of Lake Geneva, through the Rhone Valley and then through the Alps into Italy via the Simplon Tunnel. On arrival you will check into your 4-star hotel in either Stresa or Baveno, situated on the western shores of Lake Maggiore, where you will stay for the next seven nights.
Lake Maggiore is beautiful – an expanse of crystal-clear water set on the sunny southern side of the Alps and surrounded by mountains. During your stay you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the facilities at your hotel and make your own discoveries. You can also dip into our full programme of optional excursions as you wish.
Borromean Islands - 3
Today’s optional excursion takes you on a full-day exploration of the Borromean Islands by motorboat. Isola Bella (Beautiful Island) with its richly-decorated palace and gardens is the most famous. Tiny Isola dei Pescatori (Fisherman’s Island) is a quaint fishing village, while Isola Madre (Mother Island) is home to a stunning botanical garden.
Lake Orta - 4
Less well known than its neighbours, Lake Orta is no less impressive. Join your Tour Manager on an optional half-day tour here today.
The rest of the day is free for you to spend at leisure.
Como & Lugano - 5
Be sure to join our included full-day excursion to Lake Lugano and Lake Como, two of the area’s other beautiful subalpine lakes. Lake Lugano boasts a spectacular setting among the steep slopes of the Alps and is bordered by both Italy and Switzerland. From Lugano you will move on to the wishbone-shaped Lake Como, where a boat trip has been arranged – a delightful way to appreciate the shoreline, which is dotted with cypress trees, grand villas and exquisite gardens.
Gardens of the Villa Taranto - 6
Today we offer an optional half-day excursion to the botanical gardens of the Villa Taranto. During your visit you will be able to see, touch and smell an astonishing number of plants from around the world - from the end of June to October it is possible to admire more than 300 varieties of dahlias.
The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish.
Centovalli to Locarno - 7
This full-day optional excursion takes you on a wonderful journey on the scenic Centovalli Railway and is sure to be a highlight of your holiday. The line winds its way over viaducts and bridges through the rugged landscape of the Centovalli (One Hundred Valleys) to the Swiss lakeside resort of Locarno. You’ll enjoy some free time in the town before making your return journey by boat.
Milan - 8
Join your Tour Manager today on a full-day optional tour of Milan, Italy’s fashion capital. Other highlights include the great Gothic cathedral, the Brera Art Gallery and the famous galleria Vittorio Emanuele with its splendid shops and cafés.
Lausanne - 9
After breakfast today, you’ll head back through the Alps to Lausanne where you will stay overnight.
Lausanne/UK - 10
Today you will leave Lausanne and board the TGV to Paris where you will connect with the Eurostar service back to Ebbsfleet or St Pancras.