The Italian Lakes - Maggiore, Como & Garda

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

We continue to Mulhouse in France for our overnight stay, via Strasbourg.

We make our way to Hotel Lago di Como, via the Gotthard Pass, offering breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.

After breakfast, we journey to Lake Maggiore. Stretching upwards to Switzerland and the foothills of the Alps, Lake Maggiore enchants all who visit. We take time for lunch at our leisure in Stresa, take a wander around the shops and the lakeside promenade. This afternoon, we catch the public boat over to Isola Bella (one of the three Borromean islands), with its 17^th-century Palace and stunning Italianate gardens. Later, we visit Isola Madre, renowned for its lush botanical gardens and historic villa. The island is abundant with exotic plants, rare flowers and an impressive collection of peacocks roaming freely. After time to explore, we sail back to Stresa and then return by coach to our hotel.

We embark on a journey to the picturesque Lake Como, where we enjoy a guided walking tour of the elegant city of Como itself, followed by time to explore and find lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, we discover the magnificent Villa Carlotta, set on the lakefront promenade in the scenic town of Tremezzo and renowned for its exquisite villa and gardens, which stand as a testament to the elegance of 18th-century architecture overlooking the serene lake. Later, we take a short walk to the boat dock to catch the ferry across to the sophisticated resort of Bellagio, known as the 'Pearl of Lake Como'. Enjoy some free time here before our drive back to Colico.

Explore a haven of crystal-clear waters, shores fringed by elegant period villas, lakeside resorts and historic towns, plus olive and lemon groves stretching out towards the foothills of snow-capped mountains. We take a lunch stop and spend some time at leisure in Bardolino, the perfect spot to visit local shops or relax by the lake. Enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the quaint cafés or indulge in some delicious gelato while taking in the scenic views. From here, we continue to our next hotel, situated on pretty Lake Levico.

We spend today at leisure. Join the tour manager on an orientation walk in the town, visit its cafés, shops and public spa with natural hot thermal springs. Or choose to walk up to Forte delle Benne, a historical fort offering panoramic views.

Situated on a steep slope descending towards the lake, Molveno is a pretty town which embodies the typical Trentino charm. There's time for lunch at your leisure at one of the numerous cafés either in the town or by the lake, and we are treated to coffee or tea with pastry and biscotti. With its crystal-clear waters, Lake Molveno has won awards for its beauty, and we take in its serenity before heading south to the mountainous area of Lake Garda, to the resort town of Riva del Garda.

We begin our return journey and make our way to our overnight stop in Haguenau, where we check in and enjoy dinner.

We continue towards Calais for our ferry journey home.