ITALY
Lake Orta
Italian Lakes – the Ultimate Collection
Backed by the breath-taking scenery of snow-capped mountains edged with grand villas and laid-back towns, it is so easy to understand why Italy’s lakes are so popular. Lake Orta is a hidden gem in the serene northern lakes, described as being the place where ‘the Alps meet heaven’, and it provides a perfect setting to explore other beautiful Italian lakes nearby… plus a neighbouring Swiss one! SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Lake Maggiore & Borromean Islands Today we travel to Lake Maggiore and the main resort of Stresa, with its lovely lakeside setting facing the beautiful Borromean Islands. We could take the boat out to Isola Bella and visit its beautiful Palazzo stately home and elegant Italianate gardens where its famous white peacocks roam, before continuing by boat to Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island), the only island which is currently inhabited. Day 3 Lake Como After breakfast, we set off for glamorous Lake Como on a journey that takes us from the foot of the lake along the shore, passing the site of the beautiful Villa del Balbianello and up to the hamlet of Cadenabbia where we visit the beautiful gardens of Villa Carlotta. We then take the short ferry journey by foot across the lake to beautiful Bellagio to browse the pretty waterfront and cobbled streets rising up the hill. We can sample an amazing local gelato and watch the world go by in one of the many lovely cafés. Day 4 Lake Orta Driver’s Day Off Today we have time to relax on Lake Orta, one of northern Italy’s best kept secrets. Its capital, Orta San Giulio – which can be reached by boat from outside our hotel – has a delightful medieval centre full of cobbled streets, galleries and local crafts. The local market takes place on Wednesdays, which is an added attraction. We can also take the boat over to Isola San Giulio, said to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world and home to a picturesque monastery. Day 5 Lake Lugano This morning we travel across the border and into Switzerland to Lugano, a cosmopolitan city with quaint medieval streets, high end shops, a delightful promenade and grand gardens to explore, all set in a lakeside resort setting. We can enjoy a coffee or glass of local wine, while the more adventurous among us can hire a boat or pedalo to explore the lake itself. Day 6 Lake Maggiore & Centovalli Railway Today we return to Lake Maggiore, travelling up the west coast to its Swiss shores. We enjoy a stop at the pretty lakeside resort of Ascona, Switzerland’s lowest lying town. Ascona is famous for its mild climate, Old Town and lake promenade dotted with street cafés and boasting a Latin ambience. We then continue to nearby Locarno where we embark on a panoramic train journey on the Centovalli Railway to Domodossola. This two-hour ride takes us through the picturesque ‘one hundred valleys’, passing deep gorges and crevices with glittering cascading waterfalls as we travel across colourful alpine meadows, over numerous bridges, and through vineyards and forests of chestnut trees. (Please note, Lake Maggiore Express days of operation vary throughout the season and it usually closes around 12th October.) Day 7 Departure After breakfast, we begin our journey home.
Centovalli Railway
Villa Carlotta
Isola Bella
Hotel Giardinetto Pettenasco, Lake Orta
Located on the water’s edge of Lake Orta, the relaxing, 4 star Hotel Giardinetto enjoys such a close lakeside location that you can feed the lake fish from the restaurant terrace! Set in a quiet location, guests are encouraged to slow to the pace of life on the lake. The hotel offers a mix of modern and traditional styles, with a wonderful restaurant with views straight onto the lake. All 59 bedrooms are attractively furnished and contain a TV and hairdryer, and there is an outdoor swimming pool in the lakeside grounds. The public ferry stops directly at the hotel. • Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Leisure facilities • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge
Inclusions • Return short sea crossing • Porterage • Welcome glass of Prosecco • Choice of menu • Tea/coffee after dinner • Speciality dinner on 1 night
6 Nights Half Board Based on Sunday arrivals
Why not add a wine tasting session at the hotel? Please ask for details!
01732 879191 | sales@albatrosstravel.com | www.albatrosstravel.com
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