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. Lake Maggiore offers a relaxing, all year-round Mediterranean climate and is a destination for all to enjoy.
Day 1 SATURDAY We travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to France. We continue through France to our overnight hotel near Metz.
Day 2 SUNDAY After an early breakfast we depart our hotel and continue our journey to Lake Maggiore and our hotel, with time to relax before dinner this evening.
Day 3 MONDAY 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 4 TUESDAY 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 (not included).
Day 5 WEDNESDAY We have our day out on the Lake Maggiore Express, with a rail journey and a boat trip taking in the wonderful scenery between our base in Stresa and Locarno, on the Swiss side of Lake Maggiore. We have just been informed that there are planned works taking place on the rail track between Stresa and Domodossola, so we will be making this first part of the journey by coach, instead of by train. The coach will follow a similar route to the train track and you will board your train on the Centovalli Line at Domodossola at 1.30pm, which will take you down to the lake shore at Locarno. After some free time there, you board the boat for a 2¼-hour cruise back to Stresa.
Day 6 THURSDAY 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. Fresh Alpine air, mountain scenery and traditional Italian allure combine to make this the perfect relaxing day to complete our holiday.
Day 7 FRIDAY This morning we bid farewell to our Italian hosts and begin our return journey into France and our overnight hotel.
Day 8 SATURDAY We continue our homeward journey to Calais and our crossing to Dover.
Located on the edge of Stresa’s historic centre with its shops and bars and just a stone’s throw from the lakefront and boat stop, the 4-star Milan Speranza au Lac is a charming, traditional hotel with a wonderful ambience. The 163 bedrooms vary in size due to the historic nature of the building and all are equipped with a TV and hairdryer. The elegant restaurant serves incredibly good cuisine with friendly and professional service and there is a lovely bar on the ground floor where customers can enjoy an evening drink. Lift to some rooms, bar, restaurant.
