Leisurely Lake Maggiore & ComoEscorted Tour, Italy

The rich blue waters of Italy’s Lake Maggiore are fringed by enchanting towns, lush vegetation and an Alpine backdrop. Your stay on its shores perfectly blends free time with visits to some of its highlights. Explore three of the magnificent Borromean Islands and their traditional villas. Board the Centovalli railway to Locarno, for a taste of Switzerland. Taste local DOC wines and grappa, and head to Como to enjoy a cultural, gastronomic journey. And conclude with a visit to the romantic Villa del Balbianello.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

7 nights in a 4-star hotel

International flights. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow or Gatwick. Supplements may apply from other airports

16 meals: 7 breakfasts (days 2-8) 2 light lunches (days 5 and 7) 7 dinners (days 1-7)

VIP door-to-door travel service

Services of a tour manager

Travel in destination by coach

Porterage

5 excursions and visits

Private boat excursion to Borromean Islands

Half-day excursion to a local wine cellar, with wine tasting and snacks

Centovalli train journey from Domodossola to Locarno

Guided tour of Villa Balbianello with return boat trip to reach the villa

Food tasting walking tour in Como

ITINERARY

Day 1 UK - Milan/Bergamo - Lake Maggiore

VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your flight to Milan or Bergamo. On arrival, you’ll transfer to your hotel on Lake Maggiore and the rest of the day is free.

Day 2 Borromean Islands

Today is about exploring the beautiful Borromean Islands on a private boat tour. You’ll glide across the serene waters of Lake Maggiore to the islands of Isola Bella and Isola Madre, for guided tours of each. There’ll also be free time on Isola dei Pescatori to wander at your own pace. The islands are home to magnificent baroque architecture and gardens and a delight to visit.

Day 3 Swiss Alps

You’ll head into the spectacular mountainous landscapes of the Swiss Alps today, on the Centovalli railway. The train takes us in panoramic coaches from Domodossola to Locarno, through the Centovalli (100 valleys). You’ll cross 83 bridges and pass through 31 tunnels, taking in views of rocky gorges, waterfalls and quaint villages along the way. There’ll be time to explore Locarno in the Italian part of Switzerland, before returning to the hotel by coach.

Day 4 Lake Maggiore

Today is a day to explore at your own pace and there are lots of things to see and do, both in the town and very locally. You could take a leisurely stroll to the shops and bars. Or, as boats regularly leave the local jetty to visit other towns on the lake, you could venture to Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens or further on.

Day 5 Regional Wine Cellar

Today you’ll make your way to a local wine cellar. After a visit and exploration, you’ll taste their delicious DOC wines accompanied by a light lunch of tasty meats, cheese and bread with coffee and local grappa as a digestive.

Day 6 Lake Maggiore

Today is another free day to spend as you please in your lovely surroundings.

Day 7 Como - Villa del Balbianello

You’ll make your way to the town of Como on Lake Como, where a local guide walks us through the pretty streets, explaining the history behind some of the monuments. But the highlight is the food tasting and visits include a bakery to try local breads, a delicatessen to sample Valtellina wine and local meats and cheese, and a tasting of olive oil and flavoured balsamic vinegar. After a light lunch of local fish and pasta, you’ll head further round the lake and a short boat ride brings us to the romantic 18th-century Villa del Balbianello which has been home to writers, scholars and travellers, including Count Guido Monzino, the first Italian to climb Mount Everest.

Day 8 Lake Maggiore - Milan/Bergamo - UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

PLEASE NOTE

A room tax of between €1-5 per person per night (subject to change), is payable directly to the hotel on check-out.

Leisurely Lake Maggiore & Como is located in Escorted Tour, Italy. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 24/05/2020