Lake Maggiore & Borromean Islands

September 2022

8 days from £1,399pp

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

Description
Itinerary
What's Included
Travel Options
Dates & Prices

A glistening blue lake that borders both Switzerland and Italy is home to this magical itinerary. Subside on the shores of Lake Maggiore, as you live the high life staying at the well appointed Hotel Moderno 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 scenic Centovalli Railway plus take a breath-taking boat trip to the Isola Bella. It’s sure to be a holiday of dreams.

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. The rest of the day is free for you explore Stresa at your leisure.
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 at your hotel.
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.

Please note: Due to the late arrival on day one lunch and dinner will be provided on day two.

Travel by Eurostar

Step aboard Eurostar at London St Pancras for a fast and comfortable journey to mainland Europe. You can even upgrade your reserved seat to Standard Premier – speak to our Holiday Advisors for more information. On arrival in Paris, Lille or Brussels, you will then join connecting services for your onward journey.

For those travelling from further afield, you can also book overnight accommodation in London, before and after your holiday. Speak to our Holiday Advisors for more information.

Overview

The three-star Hotel Moderno is a traditional family run hotel ideally located in the centre of Stresa , just a short walk from Lake Maggiore. There’s WIFI throughout the hotel as well as a lift, bar, restaurant and open-air terrace on the first floor.