Lake Maggiore – a gem of Italy and Switzerland – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Depart the UK

Travel to Dover and take the short sea ferry crossing to Calais.  From here we will head south through France and make an overnight stop near Reims/Troyes.  Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.

Travel to Lake Maggiore

Depart after breakfast and continue south through France, over the border into Switzerland, passing Lake Geneva and south into Italy.  Our hotel is the Hotel Simplon based in Baveno on glorious Lake Maggiore and we will stay here for 6 nights.   After check-in there will be time to relax before enjoying dinner together and the rest of the evening at leisure.

Palaces and Gardens of the Borromean Islands by boat (driver’s rest day)

Hop aboard your boat in Baveno for an island-hopping cruise on Lake Maggiore to visit the three Borromean islands,  certainly one of the highlights of this tour.  Isola Bella is possibly the jewel in the crown, offering unparalleled views of the lake and the surroundings.  It is still home to the Borromean family and dominated by its sumptuous Baroque Palace and luxuriant Italian-styled gardens, laid out on ten terraces overlooking the lake, with an abundance of citrus trees and unique albino peacocks roaming between magnificent floral designs.

Then, there is Isola Madre, the largest of the three islands, and renowned all over the world for its botanical collections with a fascinating palazzo.  Last, but not least, is picturesque Isola Dei Pescatori (the fisherman’s island).  This romantic ancient fisherman’s village is home to many restaurants, cafés, bars and souvenir shops and where you can enjoy some of the freshest seafood.  Return to Baveno by boat.

Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

‘One Hundred Valleys’ Railway Excursion

This excursion begins north of Lake Maggiore in the mountain town of Domodossola, where you board the Centovalli Railway for a scenic ride across the wild and romantic ‘One Hundred Valleys’ region, winding through gorges and mountains and past waterfalls of the Vigezzo Valley and Centovalli until you reach Locarno in Switzerland.  The total journey is 52km, crosses 83 bridges and goes through 31 tunnels and takes approximately 2 hours.

Experience the Mediterranean flair of Switzerland in Locarno, which boasts a beautiful lakeside promenade, an historic old town,  a majestic castle and the famous Madonna del Sasso sanctuary which overlooks the town from a rocky hill.  There will be some free time to explore and stroll around the Piazza Grande and its typical arcades.  It is one of the biggest and most famous squares in Switzerland.

Return to Baveno by coach via the ‘floating castles’ of Cannero, two picturesque ruins that appear to float magically on the surface of the lake.   Arrive back at the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.

(This excursion may be done in reverse subject to railway timetables and schedules.  There is also the option of adding a leisurely 3 hour cruise to and/or from Locarno instead of by coach).

Lake Orta and local Market

A short drive from Lake Maggiore is the romantic Lake Orta. This stunning lake is much quieter than Maggiore, making it a joy to discover. The town of Omegna, which sits at the head of the lake, has a traditional Italian market on Thursday mornings.

Continue to the medieval lakeside village of Orta where you can take an optional boat trip to the nearby little island of St. Giulio and its 4th century church.  Orta is famous for its tiny streets and sacred hillside and filled with numerous souvenir shops, bars and cafes.

Before returning to the hotel, there is the option to visit one of the region’s vineyards for an optional wine tasting or return via Arona, overlooked by the imposing statue of Saint Charles Borromeo.

After dinner, relax and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Como, Lake Cruise and Villa Carlotta

Lake Como is undoubtedly one of Italy’s most famous and spectacular lakes. Como is known as the ‘City of Silk’ and where we will meet up with a local guide for a short walking tour which will highlight some of the main attractions including the imposing Duomo di Como with its bell tower ‘the Broletto’. You can also visit the beautiful squares with Romanesque or Gothic style churches.

After some free time we will embark on a cruise along the lake to the magnificent botanic gardens of Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. with over 70.000 square metres of gardens and a museum. This beautiful villa was built at the end of the 17th century in a natural basin between lake and mountains. (Optional guided tours available).    There will be time to explore before boarding the coach for the journey back  to Baveno via Lugano. This is our final evening on Lake Maggiore with dinner in the hotel.

Depart Lake Maggiore

It is time to bid ‘Arrivederci’ to Lake Maggiore as we make the return journey stopping once again in France for an overnight stay.  Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Return to the UK

After breakfast we will continue the return journey towards Calais where we will take the ferry crossing to Dover, and home.

Milan – Regional capital of Lombardy – Home to ‘The Last Supper’

Meet up with a local guide for a panoramic city tour which will highlight the most popular attractions in Milan.  In the heart of the city is the Piazza Duomo overlooked by the Duomo di Milan (Milan Cathedral), the very symbol of the city.  This stunning work of Gothic architecture is Italy’s largest church with its intricately decorated façade and multitude of spires. And sitting right on top of it is the famous golden statue of the Virgin Mary, the Madonnina, another everlasting symbol of Milan.  See the fresco of ‘The Last Supper’,  one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous masterpieces, in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Other famous sights include the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Sforza Castle and La Scala Opera House to name but a few. But Milan is also famous for its many designer shops and retail outlets.