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The Hidden Lakes and Gardens of Italy

A stylish and relaxed train journey through Europe transports you to a lakeside paradise in Northern Italy, where you can spend seven nights on the shores of Lake Orta. It’s a beautiful setting, adorned with exotic flowers and plants, and framed by the foothills of the Alps. Take advantage of this beautiful getaway and subside by the nearby lakes and gardens, enjoying the magic of Italy’s very own Lake District.

8 days from £1,395pp Departure Dates

Your Tour Includes

  • Return Eurostar from London to Paris
  • Return TGV from Paris to Stresa
  • 7 nights’ half board accommodation at the Hotel Giardinetto, Pettenasco
  • Free time in the resort of Lake Orta
  • Services of our experienced Tour Manager

Itinerary

Overview

We journey aboard Eurostar from London to Paris and join the TGV to Stresa, where we are transferred by coach to our hotel on the shores of Lake Orta.

Overview

Today is free to explore 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 truly a location for sublime moments; in fact, it’s a rather secret place.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Lunch

Includes Dinner

Included Highlights

The Lake Orta

Overview

Today we offer an included coach excursion visiting Lake Maggiore. Our visit will incorporate three scenic stops. The first of these will be at Stresa on the lake’s western shore, a town full of villas and gardens, with an attractive lakeside promenade. Moving on, we visit the Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto where there’s free time to explore before we continue to the Swiss canton of Ticino to stop at Locarno on the northern tip of the lake. Locarno is laced with Latin charm, and all the cobbled alleys of the old town lead to the colonnaded Piazza Grande which is renowned for its annual film festival.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Dinner

Included Highlights

Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto

Overview

Today’s coach excursion destinations are Lake Como in Lombardy and Lake Lugano across the border in Switzerland. Lake Como is striking for both its mountain landscape and shores dotted with picturesque villages, luxurious villas and parks. Our first visit is the town of Como at the foot of the Como branch. There are many artistic sites to see including the 11th-century Church of Sant’Abbondio and the Basilica of San Fedele. The heart of the old town is the Piazza del Duomo with its Renaissance cathedral, one of the most beautiful churches in Lombardy. Our next visit is the popular town of Tremezzo where you can enjoy some of the most spectacular views on the lake. One of the most visited destinations in the town is the Villa Carlotta, the only historic villa on the lake which offers public access. The other villas are private, but you can still admire their beautiful structures and architecture. Our next stop is across the border in Switzerland at the popular resort of Lugano, on the northern shoreline of the lake with the same name. Set within a bay surrounded by mountains, its town centre is full of Mediterranean-style squares and arcades with numerous parks and public gardens adorned with subtropical plants.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Dinner

Included Highlights

Town of Como

Overview

Today is free for you to spend in our resort of Lake Orta. You can either relax or you may choose to visit some of the wonderful sights on the island of San Giulio (not included).

Includes Breakfast

Includes Dinner

Included Highlights

Island of San Giulio

Overview

Milan is internationally famous for fashion and design. It is also home to several historic and artistic attractions and is a fascinating city to explore.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Dinner

Included Highlights

Milan Cathedral

Overview

Enjoy a further free day in resort and relax amid the spectacular scenery or explore the surrounding area.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Dinner

Included Highlights

Free day at Resort

Overview

We depart in the morning, travelling back to Paris where our Eurostar connection returns us to London. Please note: due to the late arrival on day one, lunch and dinner will be provided on day two.

Includes Breakfast

Single Room Supplement from £245.00 (8 days).

Accommodation

You will stay for seven nights at the Hotel Giardinetto in Pettenasco.



Hotel Giardinetto

The 4-star Hotel Giardinetto in Pettenasco lies on the shores of Lake Orta. Here you can enjoy all the comforts of a modern hotel: a private beach, outdoor pool and a landing stage. There is also a restaurant with a lakeside veranda as well as a large banquet hall.

Hotel Facilities

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General
  • 4 Star
  • Guest Lounge
  • Lift
Room
  • TV
  • Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
  • Hairdryer
  • Safe Box
  • Air Conditioning
  • Shower or Bath
  • Telephone
  • Free Wifi
Accessibility
  • Disabled Rooms Available
Hotel
  • Guest Lounge
  • Lift
  • WiFi Available