The Italian Lakes - Maggiore, Como & Garda

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

We continue to Basel 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 a leisurely breakfast, we board the coach for a short scenic drive to Lake Orta, one of the smallest lakes in Italy but also one of the prettiest. After taking in the wonderful views of the lake, we explore the town of Orta San Giulio and have time to enjoy a coffee or take the public boat over to the tiny island of San Giulio.

Next, we drive to Lake Maggiore, enjoying the stunning views along the way, as we follow the shore via Baveno to Stresa. Stretching upwards to Switzerland and the foothills of the Alps, Lake Maggiore enchants all who visit. The second largest lake in Italy is surrounded by charming towns and villages, such as Stresa, Verbania, and Ascona, each offering unique cultural and historical attractions.

We take time for lunch in Stresa and have time to explore the shops and the lakeside promenade. We also take the public boat over to Isola Bella (one of the three Borromean islands), with its 17^th-century Palace and stunning Italianate gardens.

We embark on a journey to the picturesque Lake Como, where we enjoy a boat ride and explore the sophisticated city of Como, along with the resort towns of Bellagio and Tremezzo. Delight in the scenic lakefront cafés and stroll along the promenades. Discover the magnificent Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, renowned for its exquisite villa and gardens, which stand as a testament to the elegance of 18^th-century architecture overlooking the serene lake.

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 Desenzano, 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.

We spend today at leisure. Join the Tour manager on an orientation walk in the town, visit its cafes, 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 cafes 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 north 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, stopping en route in Reims. There's free time here to enjoy lunch at your leisure.