The Hidden Lakes & Gardens Of Italy By Rail
- Duration: 8 days
- Board Basis: Mixed Board
- Tour Ref: D2TLEGIHG
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Eurostar
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
8 Day Itinerary
Day 1
Make your own way to London St. Pancras International where you will meet your friendly Tour Manager and board the Eurostar to Paris. We then join the connecting rail to Stresa, where we are transferred by coach to our hotel on the shores of Lake Orta.
Day 2 - Lake Orta
Today is free to explore Lake Orta, a star in this constellation of subalpine lakes. Situated entirely in Piedmont, it’s only 8 miles long and less than 2 miles wide. It is truly a location for sublime moments; in fact, it’s a rather secret place. Today, both lunch and dinner are included in the hotel’s restaurant.
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Lake Maggiore to Stresa
Today, we offer an included excursion by coach visiting scenic Lake Maggiore. Our first stop is Villa Taranto which is one of the most important botanic gardens in the world, with thousands of species of trees and flowers, planted over an area of around 16 hectares. It has a wealth of colour and scents with eucalyptus, azaleas, rhododendrons, magnolias, port wine magnolias, maples, camellias, and dozens of tropical plants.
After our included visit, we then continue to Stresa on the lake’s western shore. Stresa has a wonderful lakeside promenade, where you can see the famous Borromean Islands of Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola Superiore dei Pescatori. There’s an array of medieval buildings, palaces, beautiful gardens, and museums, as well as an abundance of bars and restaurants.
You’ll have free time here to explore before we return to the hotel by coach.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Lake Como & Tremezzo
Today’s excursion by coach takes us to Lake Como and Tremezzo. Our first stop is Lake Como which is striking for both its mountainous landscape and shores dotted with picturesque villages, luxurious villas and parks. We visit the town of Como at the foot of the Como branch where there are many artistic sights to take in, including the 11th-century Church of Sant’Abbondio and the Basilica of San Fedele. The heart of the old town is the Piazza del Duomo – its Renaissance cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches in Lombardy. You’ll have plenty of time to explore – perhaps you’ll take a boat trip across the lake or enjoy a ride on the funicular railway.
Our next visit is the popular town of Tremezzo, where you can enjoy some of the most spectacular views on the lake. One of the most visited destinations in the town is the Villa Carlotta, the only historic villa on the lake which offers public access. The other villas are private, but you can still admire their beautiful structures and architecture. You’ll have free time here to explore at leisure before we return to our hotel.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Free Time
Today is free for you to spend in our resort of Lake Orta. You can either relax or you may choose to visit some of the wonderful sights on the island of San Giulio (not included).
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Milan
Today, we include a full-day excursion by coach to Milan. Milan is internationally famous for fashion and design. It is also home to several historic and artistic attractions and is a fascinating city to explore. You'll have plenty of free time at leisure before we return by coach to Lake Orta.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Free Time
Enjoy a further free day in resort. Relax amid the spectacular scenery or explore the surrounding area.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8
We depart in the morning, travelling back to Paris for our return journey by Eurostar back to London St. Pancras International. After arriving in London, you will make your own way home.
Meals - Breakfast