Less visited by holiday crowds than Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore has an elite air about it with a mild climate responsible for lush Mediterranean vegetation and blooming gardens. The lake is home to the delightful town of Stresa that has long been a favourite with artists and tourists, and has the amenities of a seaside resort as well as piazzas and cafes tucked into back streets. A cable car heads above the town giving panoramic views across the lake, mountains and islands and is a coach tour must.
Tour Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore's main tourist draw are the Borromeo Islands, of which Isola Bella with its impressive Palace and Gardens is the most frequented. Named after the lake given to the Borromeo family in the 17th century, the islands were home to various noble families during the 17th and 18th centuries and can be reached by numerous boat trips. In the medieval town of Pallanza, the 19th century Villa Taranto is well worth a visit on an escorted coach tour. The villa covers 16 hectares and its superb gardens flaunt no less than 2000 plant species, including an alpine garden some 605 metres above Lake Maggiore and accessible by cable car.
- Don't miss the exhilarating ride on the Lake Maggiore Express during your coach tour of Italy. This enjoyable journey starts in Domodossola and takes a romantic path through the Centovalli before terminating in Switzerland where a boat glides to Stresa.