LAKE MAGGIORE AND ITS VALLEYS
From the waters of Lago Maggiore to the snowy peaks of the Alps, we will take you on a journey through fascinating natural landscapes embellished by man with quaint hamlets, grand palaces and magnificent gardens.
A seven-day tour by boat among the beauties of Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta, by train across the Centovalli to Locarno and on foot through the parks of Lake Como.
Day 1: arrival at the hotel, check-in and dinner.
Day 2: Today we will visit the most romantic of the Italian lakes: Lake Orta. Once arrived in the town of Orta S. Giulio you will be immersed in the historical beauty of the medieval streets lined with buildings decorated with frescoes. Above the town is the Sacred Mountain, where several chapels narrate the life of Saint Francis. The small island of San Giulio, home to a convent of cloistered nuns, appears shrouded in mystery, and is reachable by boat from the main square.
Day 3: lakes Lugano and Como. Departure for the neighboring Switzerland. Arrival in Lugano and visit of the beautiful park of Villa Ciani, the old town and via Nassa with its fashionable shops, the porticoes and the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. After some free time, we proceed towards Lake Como in Lombardy. You reach the city of Como where you will visit the old town with its narrow streets and piazzas and of course the cathedral. Free time for shopping, not forgetting the city's famous silk shops. Return to the hotel.
Day 4: Lake Maggiore Express. A very particular experience awaits today. After a short bus transfer, you reach Domodossola from where you continue the tour aboard the famous Centovalli train, a small train which connects Domodossola and Locarno. An exciting journey through the flourishing nature of the Vigezzo valley leads you to Locarno. Free time to visit this modern town, renowned for its film festival, which we will leave on the Navigazione Laghi boat after a pleasant break. A splendid cruise along the lake will then bring the day to a special end.
Day 5: excursion by boat to the Borromean Islands. Visit of Isola Bella with its majestic baroque palace and Italian gardens spread out on ten terraces. Afterwards you reach Isola dei Pescatori, which owes its name to the profession of its inhabitants (Fishermen's Island). This island, with its medieval charm and narrow streets is truly worth a visit. In the afternoon you reach the last of the Borromean Island, Isola Madre where you can find splendid specimens of peacocks, pheasants and other birds strolling freely in the lush vegetation of the English style garden.
Day 6: Villa Taranto. In the afternoon you will visit the park of Villa Taranto, one of the most famous botanical gardens in Europe with over 20.000 varieties and species of botanical value. A guided walk will give you a closer look of its unique flora. The rest of the day is dedicated to a relaxing time on lakes’shores.
Day 7: The Verzasca Valley. Excursion to one of the most beautiful valley in the Ticino canton in Switzerland, which you reach driving north along the western side of Lake Maggiore. The name Verzasca means “green water” and comes from the emerald colour of the river which flows across it. More colours are added to the palette by the rich vegetation, the high mountains and the many waterfalls. The small mountain villages add to the allure of this valley. On the way back it is possible to stop in Locarno or in Ascona. (Maximum bus lenght 12 meters).
Day 8: Return home after breakfast.
Price starting from Euro 589,00 per person / minimum 25 participants
Duration: 8 days
The package includes:
- N. 7 nights with half board in a good 3* hotel in the lake area
- N. 6 full day guide services
- Private motorboat transfer to the Borromean Islands (Isola Madre, Isola Bella and Isola Pescatori)
- Entrance ticket to palace and gardens of Isola Madre and Isola Bella
- Return motorboat transfer to San Giulio Island
- Touristic train transfer to Orta downtown
- Lago Maggiore Express (train Domodossola-Locarno + boat Locarno-Stresa)
- Entrance ticket to Villa Taranto botanical gardens
