Travel through the Alps to discover the tranquillity and beauty of the Italian Lakes. Explore lush islands and take the train into Switzerland to visit the vibrant lakeside resort of Locarno.

• UK/Lausanne - 1
  

  Take the Eurostar from St. Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Paris before crossing the city to catch the high-speed TGV service to Lausanne on the shores of Lake Geneva.

• Lake Maggiore - 2
  

  Leaving Lausanne on the famous Cisalpino service you’ll journey along the shores of Lake Geneva, through the spectacular Rhone Valley and then through the Alps into Italy via the Simplon Tunnel. For the next seven nights your base will be an excellent 4-star hotel in either Stresa or Baveno on the western shores of Lake Maggiore.

• Lake Maggiore - 3 to 8
  

  Set on the sunny southern side of the Alps, Lake Maggiore is a jewel – an expanse of crystal-clear water surrounded by mountains. It enjoys a mild climate and the area’s charming lakeside towns and villages are set in lush vegetation that includes colourful azaleas and camellias. During your stay you will have a full programme of excursions to choose from.

  You’re invited to join your Tour Guide to fully explore this stunning part of Europe.

• Lake Lugano and Lake Como (full day) - 3 to 8
  

  Join your Tour Guide on a visit to two other beautiful subalpine lakes, Lugano and Como. Lake Lugano boasts a spectacular setting amongst the steep slopes of the Alps, bordered by both Italy and Switzerland. From Lugano, the tour will move on to wishbone-shaped Lake Como, where you will enjoy a boat trip on the calm, deep waters. This is the perfect way to appreciate the magnificent shoreline, which is dotted with elegant cypress trees, grand villas and exquisite gardens.

• Lake Orta (half day) - 3 to 8
  

  Less well-known than its neighbours, Lake Orta is no less impressive. The beautiful small lake of deep blue waters is known to the locals as ‘Cinderella’, which sums up its tranquil beauty and charm. A highlight is picturesque Isola San Guilio, a tiny island-village.

• Centovalli to Locarno (full day) - 3 to 8
  

  The journey on the scenic Centovalli Railway will almost certainly be a highlight of your holiday. The line winds its way over viaducts and bridges through the rugged landscape of the Centovalli (One Hundred Valleys) to the Swiss lakeside resort of Locarno. You will enjoy some time in the town before making your return journey by boat.

• Optional excursions - 3 to 8
  

  To further get under the skin of the region, take the opportunity to join your Tour Guide to discover more:

• The Borromean Islands (full day) - 3 to 8
  

  Join us on a journey by motorboat across the lake to the three small Borromean Islands. Isola Bella (Beautiful Island) with its richly-decorated palace and beautiful gardens is the most famous. Tiny Isola dei Pescatori (Fisherman’s Island) has a quaint fishing village, while Isola Madre (Mother Island) is home to a stunning botanical garden.

• Gardens of the Villa Taranto (half day) - 3 to 8
  

  The botanical gardens of the Villa Taranto are wonderful. During your visit you will be able to see, touch and smell an astonishing number of plants from around the world, including lilies, lotus blossoms and Japanese maple. The Villa Taranto’s formal parterres, water gardens and woodland slopes will not fail to impress.

• Milan (full day) - 3 to 8
  

  Italy’s fashion capital is a shoppers’ paradise. Your guided tour highlights the best of this cosmopolitan city, including the great Gothic cathedral and the Brera Art Gallery, one of the most important in Italy. While you are in the city don’t miss the famous galleria Vittorio Emanuele with its splendid shops and cafés.

• Lausanne - 9
  

  Head back to through the Alps for a final night at Lausanne’s Hotel Continental on a bed and breakfast basis.

• Lausanne/UK - 10
  

  Leave Lausanne on the comfortable TGV to Paris, where you will connect with the Eurostar service to Ebbsfleet or St. Pancras.

Accommodation

Lausane - Continental Hotel (4-star) or similar 2 nights.

Ideally situated close to the railway station, this hotel has a restaurant, bar and comfortable rooms with TV, minibar and hairdryer. Porterage between the station and the hotel is included.

Lake Maggiore- Zacchera Hotels (4-star) Stresa or Baveno 7 nights

These delightful 4-star hotels are situated close to the shores of the lake and offer restaurants, bars and swimming pools. Guest rooms have satellite TV and air-conditioning. Rooms with a lake view are available at a supplement.

• Flights are scheduled services of eurostar
• Flights depart at 1:00 am and return at 1:00 am

Includes

Not Included