Italy - The Splendours of Lake Maggiore

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • Arrival in France

  Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then travel to northern France for an overnight stay.

• Day 2 • Lake Maggiore

  Unmistakably Mediterranean in character, Maggiore’s shores are lined with Continue to Lake Maggiore and our lakeside 4-star hotel in Baveno for a six-night stay.

• Day 3 • Free time or Borromean Islands cruise

  Today’s optional excursion takes us on a cruise to the famous Borromean Islands, which lie at the centre of Lake Maggiore. They are fine examples of natural beauty, enhanced by landscaped gardens and parks. The islands take their name from the aristocratic Borromean family, who took ownership of the land in the 16th and 17th centuries. Only the best architects and gardeners were called on by the family, to breathe life into their ambitious projects. We visit Isola Bella, which was completely transformed by its occupants, and its palace and gardens (entrance included) are the epitome of opulence and luxury. We also visit Isola dei Pescatori, a complete contrast to Isola Bella, but equally captivating. Its narrow cobbled streets, pretty harbour and charming houses make it an enchanting place to visit. The Borromean Islands are a must-see destination for every visitor to Lake Maggiore.

• Day 4 • Three Lakes Tour - Como, Lugano & Maggiore

  Today’s included excursion will introduce you to the three of the great lakes: Como, Lugano and Maggiore. Our route takes us along the western shore of Lake Maggiore towards Switzerland and to the lakeside city of Lugano, magnificently sited between the peaks of San Salvatore and Monte Bre. Explore the colourful piazzas, terrace cafés and flower-adorned lakeside promenades. We continue to one of Italy’s most famous lakes, Lake Como. The lake itself is 50km long and 1350 feet deep, making it one of the deepest lakes in Europe. We visit the resorts of Menaggio and Tremezzo, both popular holiday destinations. There will be free time for you to explore at your leisure, perhaps visiting the famous Villa Carlotta (at additional cost).

• Day 5 • Milan

  Today our included excursion takes us to Milan where you can spend the day at leisure exploring all the city has to offer. Milan shares its title as one of the Fashion Capitals of the world with London, New York, Paris and Tokyo. To get the most from your visit, why not join our optional guided walking tour? Accompanied by our local guide we see sights such as the Castello Sforzesco and the magnificent gothic style Duomo Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Milan. We also see the Galleria, a covered double arcade connecting Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala. Finally, we conclude our sightseeing tour with a visit to La Scala Theatre, one of the world’s most famous opera houses (entrance included).

• Day 6 • Free time

  Day at leisure to relax and explore the resort at your own pace.

• Day 7 • Free time or Lake Orta

  Day at leisure or join our optional excursion to pretty Lake Orta, which is one of Italy’s smallest lakes. Spend time exploring the pretty village of Orta, with its quaint, narrow cobbled streets, rich in history, aristocratic houses, courtyards and elaborate palaces. We also include a short boat trip to the San Giulio Island, dominated by its Romanesque basilica. A boat trip takes you to the island of San Giulio, which features an enchanting basilica with an opulent interior containing a spectacular carved black marble pulpit, wonderfully preserved frescoes and a vertebra which, according to legend, belonged to a dragon.

• Day 8 • Northern France

  Travel to northern France for an overnight stay.

• Day 9 • Return home

  Return to the airport at the appropriate time for our flight home.