Albatross Europe 2027

ITALY

6 DAYS

Milan Cathedral

Stresa & Isola Bella

Magnificent Lakes & Majestic Mountains

Spectacular Gardens & Stylish Milan

NEW

Peaceful and serene, Lake Maggiore straddles both Italy and Switzerland, and basks elegantly against the snowy backdrop of the Swiss Alps. Ideally positioned in the beautiful lakeside resort of Stresa, our excellent choice of hotels makes a great base for touring this stunning region. Experience a blend of the highlights on offer, including a visit to delightful Lake Orta, a day in elegant Lake Lugano and Lake Como, plus wonderful rail and boat journeys offering unforgettable lake vistas!

A real treat for the senses, Italy’s ornate gardens and picturesque lakes are showcased on this beautiful tour. Our ideal tour base is the charming lakeside resort of Stresa overlooking Lake Maggiore, convenient for a day to explore the nearby Borromean Islands, rich in history and 17th century horticultural marvels. To really get to know this ‘picture perfect’ region, the bustling town of Como with stunning scenic trips by boat or rail and a guided tour of Milan, Italy’s capital of fashion is also in our sights.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Borromean Islands Driver’s Day Off

We enjoy a leisurely day visiting the stunning Borromean Islands, located just offshore from the centre of Stresa. We can take the boat out to Isola Bella, which houses a beautiful stately home and elegant Italianate gardens, before we continue by boat to Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island), the only island which is currently inhabited. Day 3 Lake Orta Today we explore Lake Orta and one of northern Italy’s best kept secrets, its capital, Orta San Giulio, which has a delightful medieval centre full of cobbled streets, galleries, local crafts and cafés. For anyone wishing to do so, a boat trip could be taken over to Isola San Giulio to visit the picturesque monastery. Day 4 Lake Maggiore Express Today we enjoy a wonderful full day excursion with a scenic journey on the magical Lake Maggiore Express by rail and boat, taking in the full beauty of this spectacular region along the way. We start with a rail journey from Stresa to Domodossola, at which point we change onto the scenic high-level railway, the Centovalli, which takes us through the mountains and down to Locarno, a bustling town on the Swiss shores of Lake Maggiore. After enjoying the fabulous views en route, we have time to relax before taking a boat ride from this Swiss corner of Lake Maggiore back down to Stresa. (Please note, Lake Maggiore Express days of operation vary throughout the season and it usually closes around 12th October.) Day 5 Macugnaga Today, we enjoy a leisurely day out, getting closer to the glorious mountains we see all around us, as we head to the delightful Alpine village of Macugnaga. A lovely scenic drive beckons as we leave the lake behind us and wind our way to the foot of Europe’s second highest mountain, Monte Rosa to arrive at our pretty destination. Known for its winter sports, Macugnaga has authentic charm by the bucket load with its narrow streets, choice of eateries and views, as well as a few museums for the curious. Fresh Alpine air, mountain scenery and traditional Italian allure combine to make this the perfect relaxing day to complete our holiday. Day 6 Departure After breakfast, we begin our journey home.

We enjoy a leisurely day visiting the stunning Borromean Islands, located just offshore from the centre of Stresa. We can take the boat out to Isola Bella, which houses a beautiful stately home and elegant Italianate gardens, before we continue by boat to Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island), the only island which is currently inhabited. Day 3 Lake Como After breakfast we take the drive to Lake Como and the capital of the lake itself, Como. This historic town enjoys a vibrant and bustling atmosphere, with plenty of shops, bars and cafes to while away the time and enjoy. We may wish to take the spectacular Como to Brunate funicular, which departs from Piazza Alcide de Gaspari, close to the lakefront. The views from the top are amazing, often referred to as ‘the balcony of the Alps’. Alternatively, we could pop onto one of the public ferries to the nearby attractive resort of Cernobbio, affording lovely vistas from the lake. A leisurely drive in the A short drive around the lake to Pallanza takes us to the wonderful botanical gardens of Villa Taranto. Enjoy a morning walk around these beautiful gardens, there is also a self- service café for a snack at lunchtime. In the afternoon, travel further up the west coast to the ‘olde worlde’ tropical enclave of Cannero Riviera, a delightful and lesser-known resort where time seems to have stood still! Day 5 Milan afternoon takes us back to our home base of Stresa. Day 4 Villa Taranto Gardens and Cannero Riviera Today takes us by coach to the fashion and financial capital of Italy, Milan. Together with a step on guide we may learn about the Sforzesco Castle, close to our drop off point, and from here we enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Milan’s centre, arriving in Piazza Duomo. Here we can marvel at one of Italy’s most imposing cathedrals, located in an impressive piazza, which leads to the highly fashionable and stylish Galleria Vittorio Emanuele 11 adorned with boutique shops, elegant cafes and restaurants. We can enjoy plenty of free time after our walking tour to wander or simply sip an espresso and watch the world go by. After some free time for lunch in the afternoon we take the leisurely coach journey back to lovely Stresa. Day 6 Departure After breakfast, we begin our journey home.

INCLUSIONS • Return short sea crossing

Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded

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