All of our arrangements have been specially designed to incorporate a reason to travel and, for ease of choice, these have been categorised under the titles shown below.
7 nights from
£2125
On this week-long tour, you’ll stay on the shores of lesser-visited Lake Maggiore from a historic hotel in the heart of Stresa, with guided excursions on hand to show you the best of the region.
A retreat for aristocrats and artists since the 19th century, Stresa has long charmed visitors with its lavish villas and lake-front promenade, and you’ll have ample time to explore the town’s cobbled streets at leisure.
From here, venture by boat to the Borromeo Islands, witnessing the legendary Baroque art and architecture of Isola Bella, and the laid-back, colourful fishing houses of picturesque Isola dei Pescatori.
On another day, board the scenic Centovalli railway through the heart of the Alps to reach idyllic Locarno, known for its medieval castle and vibrant piazzas. Explore the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto, considered one of the most important in Europe, and take a boat to the island of San Giulio, home to a spectacular basilica.
End your trip with a visit to the historic village of Ricetto di Ghemme – one of the best-preserved walled settlements in all of Piedmont – and take a step back in time between the ancient stone walls as you uncover the best of this enchanting, oft-underrated, region.
This itinerary includes many visits on foot including some uneven surfaces and inclines.
Air travel and taxes, entrance fees, transfers, 7 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, itinerary as described, services of local guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, porterage, any government and local tourist taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
A city tax is payable locally, currently €2.50 per person per night.
Grand Hotel on Lake Como
Follow in the footsteps of Flaubert and Tennyson, Julius Caesar and Queen Victoria, to enjoy the timeless elegance of Lake Como, where flower-filled gardens and pastel-painted villages punctuate the shore, set against the stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps
Villas & Gardens of the Italian Lakes
In the scenic surrounds of Lakes Como, Lugano and Maggiore, beautiful villas and their bountiful gardens have inspired poets and painters, brilliant botanists, and dedicated designers. This is a week to enjoy the vibrant results of the visionary landscapers’ labours
A Week on Lake Garda
A wonderfully relaxing week, on and around Lake Garda, this beautiful ‘breather’ is a well-balanced blend of unhurried touring and time at leisure. Tranquillity reigns around the lake, and charming towns add culture and character
A Week on Lake Como
Step back in time for a week as you explore the cobblestone streets, medieval castles and centuries-old villages of colourful Lake Como
