Piedmont, Lake Maggiore & Centovalli Railway

Piedmont, Lake Maggiore & Centovalli Railway

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tourhub | Leger Holidays | Piedmont, Lake Maggiore & Centovalli Railway | plc
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Piedmont, Lake Maggiore & Centovalli Railway

12 Days Starting and ending in Northern France

Visiting: France, Terruggia, Montferrat, Canelli, Asti, Turin, Superga, Alba, Barolo, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Borromean Islands, Verbania, Giardini Botanici di Villa Taranto, Domodossola, Centovalli, Lake Orta

Tour operator:

Leger Holidays

Tour code:

plc

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

0-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Interests:

Cultural, History, Rail Tours

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Join us on this Italian adventure, which contrasts the authentic charms and culinary delights of Piedmont with the breathtaking beauty of Lake Como, Maggiore and Orta. You'll get to enjoy a range of fantastic experiences including grappa tasting and several cruises, before rounding the tour off with a spectacular rail journey aboard the Centovalli Railway.

Highlights

  • Join us on this Italian adventure, which contrasts the authentic charms and culinary delights of Piedmont with the breathtaking beauty of Lake Como, Maggiore and Orta

  • Enjoy a range of fantastic experiences including grappa tasting and several cruises, before rounding the tour off with a spectacular rail journey aboard the Centovalli Railway

  • Enjoy an included boat cruise on Lake Maggiore to the enchanting Borromean Islands

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Travel To Northern France
Location: France
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: City-style hotels
Meals Included: No Meals

Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to our overnight hotel in northern France.

Day 2 : Arrive In Terruggia
Location: Terruggia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4-star Hotel Ariotto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Through France and to our hotel in Terruggia in the Piedmont region of Italy, where we stay for four nights.

Day 3 : Canelli, Asti & Grappa Tasting
Location: Montferrat, Canelli, Asti
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4-star Hotel Ariotto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Our included excursion takes us on a tour of the pleasant and gently rolling hills of the Monferrato area.


Amid the landscapes, little-known and precious treasures are just waiting to be discovered. The Monferrato area occupies a fertile triangle of terrain between Asti, Alessandria and its historical capital, Casale Monferrato. Vineyards fan out in all directions interspersed with castles.


The first stop is the town of Canelli. It is considered the local capital of Asti with its Castello Gancia, overlooking the historic district. We then head to the wine-growing town of Asti. A stroll through the historic district is enough to feel the magic of this place. This medieval town is known as the ‘San Gimignano of Piedmont’ due to its many soaring towers and is the centre of the wine growing region of Monferrato.


At the end of the day you can test the various distillates during a grappa tasting.

Day 4 : Turin & Superga
Location: Turin, Superga
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4-star Hotel Ariotto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Our included excursion takes us first to Turin. Join our guided city tour and see Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madama and San Lorenzo from the outside – a fantastic first impression of this city.


You will have time to stroll through the Baroque historic district, wander elegant tree-lined boulevards, relax in the art-nouveau cafés and soak up the atmosphere of this unique city. Be sure to sample the Turinese chocolate coffee drink called Bicerin!

After spending free time here, we travel on the funicular rack railway to Superga. As we head to the summit, you can enjoy the superb views across Turin, the Po River and the Alps. Visit the stunning Basilica of Superga, which is positioned in such a way to provide incredible vistas of the city.

Day 5 : Alba & Barolo
Location: Alba, Barolo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4-star Hotel Ariotto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Included scenic drive through the Langhe to discover one of world’s most famous wine growing regions, boasting beautiful panoramic views of the hilly landscape with its castles and fortress. The pretty town of Alba, famous for the white truffle and its lovely buildings, is a highlight. The town is also legendary in the confectionary world as home of the Ferrero Rocher factory. We will then continue to Barolo, birthplace of the world-famous wine of the same name. We include a tasting of the fine wine.

Day 6 : Lake Como
Location: Lake Como, Lake Maggiore
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4-star Hotel Milan Speranza Au Lac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We leave Piedmont and head to Lake Como. We make a stop in Como, with free time to explore this lakeside city and enjoy a spot of lunch. The elegant Place Cavour is worth a visit whilst here.


Afterwards, enjoy a boat ride in the Gulf of Como before heading to Lake Maggiore and our hotel for five nights.

Day 7 : Borromean Islands
Location: Borromean Islands
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4-star Hotel Milan Speranza Au Lac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we enjoy an included boat cruise on Lake Maggiore to the enchanting Borromean Islands. Admire the charming gardens, stunning buildings, elegant villas and subtropical vegetation. We visit Isola Bella, which boasts a magnificent Baroque palace (entrance at additional cost), and a gorgeous garden with plants and flowers of various origins.


We also visit Isola dei Pescatori, with its picturesque fishing village. Afterwards you will have time to stroll through the famous health resort of Stresa with its elegant promenades.

Day 8 : Verbania & Villa Taranto
Location: Verbania, Giardini Botanici di Villa Taranto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4-star Hotel Milan Speranza Au Lac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We spend time in the popular lakeside resort of Verbania and then head to the botanical gardens at Villa Taranto on the western shores of Lake Maggiore. Scottish Captain Neil McEacharn created the gardens in 1931, and the blending of a predominately English style with Italian accents has resulted in a masterpiece. Sixteen hectares are crossed by four miles of paths leading through landscaped perfection to waterfalls, statues, fountains and pools.

Day 9 : Centovalli Train & Locarno
Location: Domodossola, Centovalli, Lake Maggiore
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4-star Hotel Milan Speranza Au Lac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We travel by coach through the romantic ‘Val Grande’ national park to the mountain village of Domodossola. Here, you will climb aboard the Centovalli train for a ride through the fascinating ‘valley of one hundred valleys’.


During the ride you will pass by tranquil, stony mountain villages, waterfalls and chestnut forests, and over bridges which span deep ravines, on the way to Locarno. You will have some free time in this splendid Swiss town before heading back to Lake Maggiore by coach.

Day 10 : Lake Orta
Location: Lake Orta
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4-star Hotel Milan Speranza Au Lac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we head to Lake Orta, a hidden gem among the great Italian lakes. The picturesque hilly landscape, in which small villages are embedded, radiates peace and quiet and the whole region enchants with its Mediterranean flair. In the village of Orta, located on the shores of the lake, you can meander around the old market square and through the narrow, medieval alleyways whilst exploring romantic, secluded gardens.

Later we include a short cruise to the island of San Giulio, where you can visit the oldest church of this region. In the interior you will find precious frescoes dating back to the Renaissance.

Day 11 : Travel Back To Northern France
Location: France
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: City-style hotels
Meals Included: Breakfast

We head to our overnight hotel in northern France.

Day 12 : Return Home
Location: France
Meals Included: Breakfast

Return home.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Additional Services

    Travel from a wide range of convenient joining points across the UK is included within your coach holiday price; some carry a supplement. Please contact us for our full list of joining points.

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    This trip includes coach travel from/to a local UK joining point

  • Fully Guided

  • International Travel

  • Meals

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Transport

    Comfortable, air-conditioned motorcoach

What's Not Included

Accommodation

You will stay for four nights in Piedmont at the 4-star Hotel Ariotto in Terruggia. On Lake Maggiore, we will stay for five nights at the 4-star Hotel Milan Speranza Au Lac in Stresa.

Hotel Ariotto is located in Terruggia a small village set amongst vineyards and olive groves. The highlight of the property is the garden and sun terrace overlooking the countryside. There is also a good size pool with sun loungers. Rooms are finished in a Mediterranean style with large windows, balcony or terrace.

Hotel Milan Speranza Au Lac is located just 150m from the shores of stunning Lake Maggiore, next to the pier taking boats to the Borromeo Islands. The property includes a popular restaurant and rooms featuring views of Lake Maggiore or Stresa and the surrounding mountains. Breakfast is served on the indoor veranda and the Embassy café. Note the swimming pool is located 150m from the hotel.

Overnight stays in Northern France will be in city-style hotel.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Fully escorted by our experienced drivers/crews. And in most towns and cities we either include or offer optional sightseeing tours with expert local guides to help you get the most from your visits.

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    Some tours carry a supplement for solo travellers, please ask for details if the Single price is not shown

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Low

  • What type of coach will be used?

    You will travel on either our Luxuria Coach or our Silver Service Coach

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    On Leger Coach Holidays, your allowance is one medium sized suitcase per person, which should weigh no more than 20kg when full.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    40 years

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Sole use of your own room on all Single Traveller holidays: means you still get your privacy and time out from the group.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Battlefield Tours - Will it be possible to visit a particular cemetery whilst on the tour?

    Please contact us and we will check to see whether you can visit a particular cemetery on any of our Battlefield Tours, if we are not able to fit it into our itinerary then you could take some time out of the tour and do this independently by taxi or public transport.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

Reviews of this Operator

Will (Google Reviewer)  

I went on the 4...

05-Jan-2024

I went on the 4 countries trip and swiss glacier express and overall it was a great trip. The coach I was on was silver service, it was tidy had nice seats and other accessories such as charging points and headsets which was very handy. The drivers Alex and Dave were fantastic, very kind, funny and respectful throughout the whole trip and a pleasure to talk to. The excursions were very pleasant and all ran very smoothly. The hotels were decent and offered a good service. I overall very much recommend leger holidays.

Sally Matson  

Excellent customer service

10-Jan-2023

Booked our ‘Christmas in Austria & Scenic Trains of the Tyrol’ through George on the customer Helpline. Nothing was too much trouble, everything clearly & patiently explained. He even had permission to log in on his day off to finalise the sale! A charming and helpful young person and a credit to the company.

Euan Donald (Google Reviewer)  

Been on two tours now...

10-Oct-2023

Been on two tours now the “D Day beaches” and “ All Quiet on the Western Front” tour of the Somme and Ypres. Both four days in total, two travelling and two on the site of the various battles. This is outstanding value for money, picked up from Carlisle , Cumbria and literally looked after all the way through the tours. The coaches are great and the accommodation spot on . The guides are very knowledgeable ( Mark Hope brilliant guy)and the bus drivers professional . Absolutely fantastic .

Sue Sinfield (Google Reviewer)  

Due to covid it was...

21-Jul-2022

Due to covid it was 3rd time lucky for us to visit lake Garda, what a treat. One or two hiccups but no fault of Legers at all. Praise to Graham and Chris for their excellent driving and coffee service. Our visit to Verona, our guide was very informative but did walk at a pace sometimes had to hurry to keep up. A lovely holiday

Michael Stephen Shilleto   England

Four Countries New Year & the Swiss Glacier Express

07-Jan-2024

Firstly we must thank Alex and Dave our tour guide / drivers who entertained us through out . The tour was fantastic so was the hotel’s food and entertainment. The tour was through the new year holidays as expected lots of shops closed and hotels were understaffed which was lost on some travelers. We travelled back from stop 24 on a luxuria coach I would recommend paying the extra for the comfort alone

Roy Williams (Google Reviewer)  

Great company. We did the...

03-Apr-2024

Great company. We did the 4 day D Day Normandy Landing tour.We had 2 great driver's John and Ian.. Nothing was a problem for them. They kept us safe and entertained.Then we had Fred Greenhow as our guide And he was outstanding. He told us everything we wanted to know. Can't praise them enough Thank you all. We will do more tours with them......

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from a solos...

25-Mar-2024

just returned from a solos break to valkenburg and rhine valley i enjoyed the break overall although both journeys were considerably longer than expected due to several picks ups. I could have done without the 3 countries meeting point excursion to be honest and the lunch on rhine cruise was very basic. The drivers/couriers were efficient and good humoured and provided free lunch vouchers on the ferry which were much appreciated. I probably would book another break with leger but to somewhere a lot closer to home.

Andy (Google Reviewer)  

Booked a surprise Birthday treat...

12-Jan-2024

Booked a surprise Birthday treat for my wife 40th to visit The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, All done via work,put all information in the B/card,so excited, one week before trip Cancelled!!! Due to not enough interest?? No Alternative! Never touch them again

Victoria Smith (Google Reviewer)  

I'd like to go lowerthan...

26-Dec-2023

I'd like to go lowerthan one star .my trip over to Italy nearly 36 hours in total.the driver and his wife gave thier mother a seat that was paid for and reserved at a price by another lady who was finally allowed to sit at the front with the drivers mother .( that was good of them considering the lady had paid for 2 holidays and one couldn't make it . I had the cheek to ask for coffee only the women driver to have conversation loud enough for my earshot to her husband then put over the tannoy that coffee will be when they are ready. ( i had bought 24 tickets for drinks on steves advice )but i quietly corrected them saying that they really shouldn't do that so I could hear.Then a barrage of abuse came from her for then her husband to face me off at my seat and a threats to get my case off and find my own way home his face red with rage pointing in my face with comments saying they don't have to take that from me.as they are fed up with people and they have to work 21 hours etc etc .they people were shouting STOP STOP STOP .he continued his rant and saying I would be dropped at the next service station. ( FRANCE) it was raining and I had no idea where I was going or had been.He the gave me a can of diet coke and said i could have it free but no oppology! 15 hours later in italy I wanted to leave and get a plane home .legers were no help but another coach arrived same sort of holiday shearings with nice drivers .No Rome visit and I could be with them for the remainder of time. I did go out on a couple of trips and the bus and drivers were amazing .I was told by legers eventually I can do the return journey with then but my holiday was ruined I cried and slept and am emotionally traumatised . On the plus side the coach i arrived on the doors kept opening in the wind the coach had to pull over and close the door so we could only use side door which was a fire hazzard ! Still no apology last day is today I'm spending in my room .I just want to return to England because I will be getting a solicitor for the abuse i suffered and the money I paid and for the wasted week over Christmas not to mention the anxiety I have suffered .the hotel and food was abysmal. The worse week ever and £1500 spent my nerves are in shreads .I can't wait to see the reviews and already I am flooded with statements from other passengers about how bad it is and my how I should fight for my injustice of it all .this time it must go to court so people are heard and intimidation like this is not allowed

TU  

Many thanks to Molly.

03-Jan-2023

I have recently booked a trip to Le Mans and had the good fortune to speak to Molly. She was very helpful and a pleasure to talk to. She was able to answer all but one of my queries with clarity and promised to ring me with the answer to the un-answered question as it required further investigation. This she duly did. An unusually pleasant experience when making a booking over the phone, if only it could be this easy every the time.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Leger Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of leger holidays charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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