Magnificent Maggiore & Lake Como

Your much anticipated holiday begins as you travel to the airport and check-in for your flight to Milan. Perhaps treat yourself to a celebratory drink on board, and then when you arrive, we’ll drive you to the pretty resort of Baveno on the western shore of Lake Maggiore. Your hotel is in a lovely lakeside setting and you’ll have some free time to settle in and relax before dinner this evening.

Spend your first full day in Italy admiring the beauty of Lake Maggiore. Its sparkling blue water is home to the enchanting Borromean Islands, which are set against a backdrop of soaring mountains. You can enjoy stunning views of the islands as you relax at the hotel or get closer if you join today’s optional private cruise.
We’ll be sailing to two of the islands known as ‘the sisters’ and will begin by stepping ashore on Isola Madre for a guided tour of its magnificent villa and English-style garden. Full of rare and colourful plants, you might also spot white peacocks, golden pheasants, and parrots as you explore the well-tendered grounds. Our next stop is Isola Bella, an island wholly occupied by the spectacular Palazzo Borromeo. Accompanied by a Local Guide, we’ll admire its stunning façade before venturing inside to see the richly furnished rooms. Outside, the highlight of the extravagant landscaped gardens is the Teatro Massimo, a pyramid of 10 terraces decorated with hedges, obelisks and statues. Another interesting highlight is a series of six grotto-like rooms that form a connecting passageway between the palace and the gardens. The rooms were built to provide a cool refuge during the hot summer months and are embellished with water-themed decorations.

After breakfast, we’re going to glistening Lake Como and the charming town of Como, which we’ll explore together. It has long been a popular destination for Italians, who head here to escape the stifling heat of the cities, and you'll see many impressive villas lining the mountain-backed shore.
We’ll wander around the picturesque lanes of the historic town centre admiring its medieval walls, ancient churches, enticing shops and welcoming piazzas. Once you have your bearings, there’s free time to enjoy a coffee or explore by yourselves before we travel further around the lake to Tremezzo. Here, a private boat is waiting to whisk you to the elegant town of Bellagio, with its handsome, red-roofed buildings, cobbled streets, and stairways. Once on land, you can head off and do your own thing. Browse the upmarket boutiques, admire pretty gardens, or simply watch the world go by from a lovely little café or bar.

Today, you’re going to discover the rugged beauty of the Anzasca Valley as we drive to the pretty Alpine resort of Macugnaga, a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Located in a glorious setting at the foot of Mount Rosa, the second-tallest mountain in the Alps, the village is surrounded by spectacular forest-clad peaks. After taking a stroll to look around, you’ll have plenty of time to admire the scenery, browse the shops and perhaps enjoy a bite to eat.
Later, we’re going to cruise to the smallest of the Borromean Islands, Isola dei Pescatori, where we’ve arranged a very special three-course dinner.

After a couple of busy days, you might want to spend today relaxing at the hotel. It has an inviting swimming pool where you can take a refreshing dip, and is surrounded by a lovely, tranquil garden.
Alternatively, you can squeeze in a few more scenic sights on an optional trip to Orta, one of the region’s smaller lakes. We’ll begin our journey by coach and make a stop at a traditional market to see the array of stalls selling fresh and colourful local produce. Then, we’ll board a boat and sail across the lake to the beautiful village of Orta, which nestles close to the Swiss border in the foothills of the Alps. Enjoy some time to yourselves to explore the town’s picturesque streets and alleyways, stopping for lunch, if you wish, in one of the lovely al fresco restaurants. In the middle of the lake, St Julius Island is home to a stunning Romanesque Basilica and on our way back, the boat will make a short stop so that we can step ashore and take a closer look.

You have another full day to do your own thing in Baveno. Perhaps take a stroll to the town’s historic centre to see the lovely church in the Piazza della Chiesa or enjoy a cappuccino in one of the tempting cafés.
If you would like to venture further afield, we offer an optional excursion into Switzerland today. First, you'll board a coach for the scenic journey across the Simplon Pass, a stunning mountain road with breathtaking views. Then, once you’ve crossed the border, a train will take you from Tasch in the Matter Valley to the mountain resort of Zermatt. Here, you’ll be greeted by the incredible sight of the towering near-symmetrical peak of the Matterhorn.
You’re now free to take in the scenery however you please. One option is to board the Gornergrat train and climb to an altitude of 3,089 metres. At the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of 29 mountains, including the mighty Matterhorn. Alternatively, you can take a thrilling cable car ride to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise for different, but no less spectacular, views of the Matterhorn and surrounding mountains.

A day of quiet relaxation lies ahead, so why not take a leisurely walk by the lake and treat yourself to a gelato.
If you're keen to discover more, today’s optional excursion takes you on a scenic train journey across the Centovalli, or Hundred Valleys, to the Swiss town of Locarno. On the way, you'll pass through hillside villages and over high bridges, seeing waterfalls, vineyards, and chestnut forests from your window. When you arrive, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Locarno, a charming town where palm and citrus trees flourish. Perhaps you’ll decide to take a stroll around Piazza Grande at the heart of the Old Town or discover the majestic castle, now an archaeological museum.
Later, we'll make our way back to Baveno via a relaxing cruise.

It’s time to bid farewell to Italy, and after breakfast, we’ll drive you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.