Lake Maggiore & Borromean Islands

 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.

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. If you are feeling adventurous after lunch, why not take the Mottarone Cable Car for a 20 minute ride to one of the most spectacular views in Italy?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Today is free for you to relax and perhaps do some last minute shopping or sight-seeing. Alternatively, why not relax by the hotels outdoor pool or hire one of the hotels bicycles?

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.