Mercury Holidays 2021-2023 Brochure

Isola Bella Island, Lake Maggiore 8 days from £869  Belgirate Milan < <  Coach Air 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. 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 take the public boat from Belgirate to Locarno. Disembark 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 in the hotel. Day 8: Milan to the UK B After breakfast, transfer for your return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. The Italian Lakes: Lake Maggiore Tour highlights ✔ Visit the stunning three Borromean Islands ✔ Journey into Switzerland on the scenic Centovalli narrow- gauge railway ✔ See the Renaissance city of Turin and enjoy afternoon tea Italian-style ✔ Explore the typically alpine village of Macugnaga on the slopes of the Monte Rosa massif ✔ Stay in a hotel only metres from the lake shore Tour includes • 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners • 4 H accommodation: Belgirate-Hotel Villa Carlotta Upgrade to Lake View Room from £99 • Flights from London Heathrow with British Airways. Regional departures available from Manchester, Bristol, Gatwick, Luton, and Edinburgh Extend your tour Lake Maggiore stay, 3 nights, 4 H B&B from £229 Venice city stay, 3 nights, 3 H B&B from £699 Tour pace: Easygoing Ready to find out more? For further details, check prices and availability, and explore all of our holidays visit our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk or call our experienced team free on 0800 298 9865 Single Supplement A single supplement starts from just £249 Visit our website or call for full prices and departure dates 128 Europe