Italy - Lake Maggiore (Boats & Trains)
Discovering the wild scenery, ancient villages, palaces and gardens of the Italian-Swiss Border by means of coach, trains and boats
Discovering the wild scenery, ancient villages, palaces and gardens of the Italian-Swiss Border by means of coach, trains and boats
The clear waters of Lake Maggiore straddle the Italian-Swiss border and offer a year round Mediterranean climate and spectacular Alpine scenery. It is an amazing place – situated at 630 feet above sea-level, but the depth of the lake actually drops to 530 feet below sea-level. At 40 miles long yet only 3 miles wide it is peppered with tiny islands, its shores sprinkled with small towns so stunning they will make you gasp. We plan to explore this paradise region by means of coach, trains and boats – discovering majestic palaces and ancient villages, romantic gardens and wild scenery – contrasts that could hardly be greater in so small an area. The journeys themselves will prove almost as exciting as the destinations.
ITINERARY
Sunday - A very early morning departure from Dorset via channnel crossing to Calais and onwards through France to Saarbrucken on the German border for overnight stay at the Mercure Hotel. Dinner (set menu) and breakfast.
Monday - Continue southwards alongside the mighty Rhine and through the Swiss Alps to Stresa on Lake Maggiore where dinner awaits. (3 course, 2 choices plus tea/coffee)
Tuesday - Enjoy a spectacular day cruising on Lake Maggiore as we view three islands. Isola Madre with the Borromean Palace built in 1590. Isola Bella, perhaps the jewel in the crown with a splendid Baroque Palace and majestic terraced gardens (entry included). Isola Pescatori, a romantic ancient fishing village with lakeside cafes, cobbled alleyways and leafy squares to discover. A local guide will escort us and tell us the stories.
Wednesday - Today we explore Lake Orta, one of Italy's best kept secrets - its capital Orta San Giulio has a delightful medieval centre of cobbled streets, galleries, craft shops and cafes. A boat trip is possible to the Isola San Giulio to visit the picturesque monastery.
Thursday - All aboard the Maggiore Express. This morning start with a rail journey from Stresa to the mountain town of Domodossola (30 mins). Change onto the scenic high level railway, the Centovalli - a wild and romantic route through the "One Hundred Valleys" region (2 hrs). Extraordinary scenery with rocky mountains, waterfalls, woodlands, vineyards and small villages seemingly lost in time - traversed by an amazing 83 bridges and 34 tunnels. Arrive at the lakeside town of Locarno at the Swiss end of Lake Maggiore - time for sightseeing. Later we join a leisurely 2¼ hour lake cruise back to Stresa taking in stunning views of the waterside from the boat.
Friday - A day at leisure in Stresa. An elegant lakeside promenade shaded by palms invites you to stroll - the town is full of historic buildings and beautiful architecture. Just a mile from the hotel cable cars depart for the summit of Mottarone - a 20 minute ride that takes you to 4900 feet for breath-taking 360 degree views. Half way up you can stop off to visit the Botanical Garden Alpinia with over 500 varieties of Alpine plants.
Saturday - Reluctantly leaving our attentive hosts we head back through Switzerland and Germany for overnight hotel at Mercure Saarbrucken.
Sunday - Homewards through France and via channel crossing to arrive back in Dorset later that evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Hotel Milan Speranza au Lac, Stresa
4 star sister hotels separated by a pedestrian walkway only 5 metres apart – groups are generally all allocated rooms together in one or the other. Breakfasts are served in both hotels and dinners are hosted in The Milan. Located in a prime position overlooking Lake Maggiore you are sure to fall in love with the elegant, inviting and friendly welcome of this historical venue. As with many traditional hotels, the rooms can vary in size and some bathrooms are compact, but they are all delightfully presented, comfortable and immaculately clean. All provide private bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, telephone, television with satellite channels, air-conditioning and free wifi. A substantial continental buffet breakfast starts your day and an exceptional 3 course evening dinner is waiter served at night. Both hotels have a lift and staff service is superb.
TOUR PRICE: £1099.00 Per Person
Single Room Supplement : £ 185.00
Price Includes: All coach travel, Return channel crossings, 2 x overnight hotel in Saarbrucken,
5 nights hotel in Stressa, Half board meals throughout, Porterage at all hotels, Borromean Island Lake cruise, Local guide for cruise, Entry to Isola Bella Palace and gardens, Train fares: Streesa to Domodossola and Domodossola to Locarno, Boat cruise Locarno to Stresa.
Tourist tax payable in Italy : £12.50
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Other Points in Dorset | Phone us to discuss a convenient pick up. |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | St Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
| From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favourites |
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