Escorted Tours 2023 - 2025

Day 1: UK to Milan D Depart the UK on your direct flight to Milan. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Belgirate, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Day 2: Belgirate and the Borromean Islands B By private boat, explore the three islands on the lake, owned by the aristocratic Borromeo family. Isola Madre is home to magnificent English Gardens, where rhododendron, azalea and many rare species of plant thrive. After free time for lunch on the only inhabited island of the three, Isola dei Pescatori, head to Isola Bella and its spectacular 17th century baroque palace. The combination of its stunning façade, ornate interiors and extravagant Italianate gardens spread over a pyramid of terraces, provides a memorable finale to the day. Day 3: Belgirate and Turin B Leave the lake today and journey to the beautiful city of Turin, surrounded by the snow-capped Alps. A panoramic tour will show you the elegance and charm of this city, home to royal palaces, museums, historic cafés and boulevards lined with renaissance and art nouveau buildings. Window shop the elegant boutiques in the shade of 17th century porticoes or stop in one of the ornate cafés to watch the world go by. Day 4: Lake Orta and Belgirate B Enjoy a day at leisure to explore. Alternatively take an optional excursion (at a fee) to Lake Orta, the smallest yet prettiest of the lakes. The scenic return journey stops near Arona to see the giant statue, known as San Carlone. Day 5: Belgirate, the Centovalli Railway and Lake Maggiore B Today travel from train and coach to Locarno. Arrive in the delightful Swiss town of Locarno, at the northern tip of Lake Maggiore. Stroll to its heart, Piazza Grande - perhaps visit its 12th century castle, now an archaeological museum. Now catch the narrow-gauge train through the Centovalli, or Hundred Valleys. This scenic 60km, 90-minute route takes you from Italy into Switzerland, passing through hillside villages, across deep valleys via towering bridges, for views of waterfalls, vineyards and forests. Day 6: Belgirate B Today is yours to explore at leisure or enjoy an optional excursion (at a fee) after breakfast. Take the panoramic cable car from the town of Stresa to Alpina. Extending over 40,000 square metres, the botanic gardens, with over 700 species of plants, boasts magnificent views over the lake. Day 7: Macugnaga and Monte Rosa B/D Embark on a leisurely drive up into the mountains of Monte Rosa to see Macugnaga, a typical Alpine village with quaint old houses and narrow streets, where some time at leisure provides the perfect opportunity to explore, before returning to Belgirate. This evening, delight in a farewell dinner. Day 8: Milan to the UK B After breakfast, transfer for your return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension.  Belgirate Milan < <  Coach Air Nights 2 7 PLEASE NOTE: Your guide will accompany you on all days when you have excursions, they will not accompany you on free days. Isola Bella What’s included ✔ Return flights Heathrow to Italy with Easyjet. See page 136-37 for regional flights ✔ Where you’ll stay Belgirate, 3 H Hotel Moderno ✔ 9 meals ✔ 4 excursions ✔ Expert local tour guide Tour pace: Easygoing The Italian Lakes: Lake Maggiore What you’ll see ⚫ Explore the three magnificent Borromean Islands ⚫ Visit Isola Bella and its awe- inspiring 17th-century baroque palace ⚫ Journey into Switzerland on the Centovalli narrow-gauge railway ⚫ Discover the alpine village of Macugnaga on the slopes of the Monte Rosa massif ⚫ See the Renaissance city of Turin and enjoy afternoon tea Italian- style Relax and enjoy the romance and serene beauty of Lake Maggiore, inspiration for artists, writers and travellers since Roman times. Explore the region by boat, cable car and train from Stresa to Turin, taking in Mediterranean and Alpine Gardens, and even Locarno in Switzerland, all from your lakeside hotel. Small Group Tour - 25 or less Extend your tour Lake Maggiore stay, 3 nights, 4 H B&B from £349 Departures & from prices Sep 2023 £1,299 Oct 2024 £1,199 Oct 2023 £1,299 Mar 2025 £1,199 Mar 2024 £1,099 May 2025 £1,349 May 2024 £1,249 Jun 2025 £1,499 Jun 2024 £1,399 Sep 2025 £1,349 Sep 2024 £1,249 Oct 2025 £1,299 • Lead-in price based on 18 Mar 24 • A single supplement starts from just £289 • Tipping paid locally €16 pp per tour Europe 127 Visit our website or call 0800 954 9329 to book or for further details