Majesty Of The Lakes

Itinerary

Majesty of the Lakes

Imagine a region of crystal-clear waters surrounded by dramatic mountains, sun-soaked olive groves, rolling vineyards and fragrant lemon trees, where the shores are dotted with enchanting towns, exquisite villas, medieval churches and stunning gardens. The Italian lakes have a distinct magic that needs to be experienced to be believed, and on this break we are treated to the very best, where spectacular natural beauty mixes with a spot of glitz and glamour. Soak up the romance of Lake Maggiore and catch the boat to the jewel-like Isola Bella (beautiful island), explore the elegant lakeside resorts of Como, enjoy a gelato in one of Garda’s charming multi-coloured towns and admire the stunning reflection of the Dolomites in Molveno’s turquoise lake.

Majesty of the Lakes

Itinerary

Day 1

Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in France on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2

We continue on to our hotel in Colico, on the northern side of Lake Como, just a short stroll from the shores of the lake. We stay here for the next three nights, with dinner included.

Day 3 – Day at leisure

Today is left free to relax at the hotel, join the orientation walk with our tour manager or take the public boat down the lake to the stunning resorts of Bellagio and Menaggio. Another option is to perhaps visit Tremezzo’s Villa Carlotta, one of the fine 18th-century villas that overlook the lake, with marble sculptures, beautiful art and antique furniture on display in the private apartments, plus citrus tunnels and kaleidoscopic botanical gardens that draw visitors from across the world. It really is a delight for the senses!

Day 4 – Lake Maggiore

Magnificent Maggiore is perhaps the most romantic of all the Italian lakes, stretching upwards to Switzerland and the foothills of the Alps, and enchants all who visit its calming landscapes. We stop for lunch (not included) in the bustling resort of Stresa and have the chance to stretch our legs along the lakeside promenade or go souvenir hunting in the lovely boutiques. Afterwards, we catch the boat to Isola Bella, one of the three famous Borromean Islands, standing proudly in the middle of the lake and owned by the noble Borromeo family since the 14th century. Here we can visit the spectacular 17th-century Baroque palace with its incredible art and terraced Italianate gardens, dotted with historic statues, fountains, grottoes and more horticultural delights.

Day 5 – Lake Garda

After checking out of our first hotel, we head to iconic Lake Garda, stopping in the resort town of Desenzano del Garda. Why not take the chance to indulge in some delicious Italian cuisine and watch the world go by? From authentic basil-topped pizzas, bruschetta and pasta to indulgent tiramisu and gelato, there are plenty of options along the lakefront or in the vibrant marina here. We then continue to one of the most postcard-perfect towns in the area. Set on a picturesque peninsula on the southern shore of Lake Garda, Sirmione is a beautifully preserved town with a turreted 13th-century castle seemingly floating on turquoise waters and a maze of narrow streets – be sure to pick up something lemon-scented in one of the many shops! We continue to the Hotel Sport, located directly on pretty Lake Levico.

Day 6 – Day at leisure

Today is left free for time at leisure; take the chance to relax at the hotel, join the orientation walk in Levico Terme with our tour manager, enjoy a paddle on the lake’s shores, go souvenir shopping, treat yourself to a dip in the natural thermal springs or visit the 19th-century Forte delle Benne. There is plenty of choice!

Day 7 – Molveno

At the foot of the Dolomites, a striking mountain range with UNESCO World Heritage status lies Molveno, where the crystal-clear waters of Lake Molveno reflect the peaks of the surrounding mountains. We enjoy tea or coffee and an Italian treat at the Hotel Alle Dolomiti, located opposite the lake, before enjoying some free time in this Trentino-style town. You may like to visit the historic water mill and the 13th-century San Vigilio Church or simply soak up the views of the stunning lake to see why Molveno is often referred to as a ‘precious pearl in an even more precious treasure chest!’ In the afternoon, we make our way to Riva del Garda, located at the more dramatic northern end of Lake Garda with mountains on either side, boasting winding streets, multi-coloured buildings, old town gateways and waterfront piazzas.

Day 8

We begin our journey home, stopping overnight in the Haguenau area of France.

Day 9

Continue to Calais for our return ferry home.

Majesty of the Lakes

• Return coach travel & ferry crossings
• First & last night on a bed & breakfast basis in France
• 3 nights at the Hotel Lago Di Como, Colico* (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• 3 nights at the Hotel Sport, Levico Terme (JG3+ rating) with dinner & breakfast
• Excursions to Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda & Lake Molveno
• Cruise on Lake Maggiore to Isola Bella (includes entrance to the Palazzo Borromeo)
• Free time in Lake Como
• Services of a tour manager

*Please note: on our August departure, we also visit Lake Orta and spend the first three nights of our tour at the Hotel Madonna di Luciago, near Armeno (JG3 rating).

Majesty of the Lakes

• Excursions to Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda & Lake Molveno
• Cruise on Lake Maggiore to Isola Bella (includes entrance to the Palazzo Borromeo)
• Free time in Lake Como

JG3

Hotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.

JG3+

JG3+ hotels typically enjoy higher levels of satisfaction on both online hotel rating sites and our own customer satisfaction surveys and may enjoy superior locations close to resort attractions or surrounded by spectacular scenery.

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Accommodation

Hotel Sport, Levico Terme

JG3 rating

The Hotel Sport is just a stone’s throw from the pretty Lake Levico, near the picturesque town of Levico Terme, and is a wonderful base for this lovely region. You can expect a boules court, veranda, furnished garden and classic bedrooms with flat-screen TV, a hairdryer, complimentary toiletries and free Wi-Fi. Meals are taken at the sister hotel, Al Sorriso, which is located in the same grounds, and you can also use their tennis court. For a supplement of €15, you can choose to access their wellness centre, with a thermal swimming pool, outdoor hydro massage tub, gym, sauna and relaxation area (spa treatments are available at an extra cost).

Hotel Madonna di Luciago, Armeno

JG3 rating

Hotel Madonno di Luciago is located in the picturesque town of Armeno and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes with Orta Lake only five km from the hotel. All rooms are en-suite and feature a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, seasonal outdoor terrace, fitness centre an outdoor pool.

Hotel Lago Di Como, Colico

JG3+ rating

Nestled in the charming small town of Colico at the northern tip of Lake Como, the Hotel Lago Di Como offers a restaurant, pizzeria, bar and a terrace. The comfortable en-suite bedrooms feature free Wi-Fi, TV, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.