Lake Maggiore – a gem of Italy and Switzerland

Travel to Lake Maggiore

Take the short sea ferry crossing from Dover to Calais and head south through France making an overnight stop enroute. Next day continue into Italy and your hotel on Lake Maggiore for the next 6 nights.

Palaces and Gardens of the Borromean Islands

An island-hopping cruise on Lake Maggiore to visit the three Borromean islands is certainly one of the highlights of this tour. Isola Bella is possibly the jewel in the crown, offering unparalleled views of the lake and the surroundings.  It is still home to the Borromean family and dominated by its sumptuous Baroque Palace and luxuriant Italian-styled gardens, laid out on ten terraces overlooking the lake, with an abundance of citrus trees and unique albino peacocks roaming between magnificent floral designs.

Then, there is Isola Madre, the largest of the three islands, and renowned all over the world for its botanical collections with a fascinating palazzo.  Last, but not least, is picturesque Isola Dei Pescatori (the fisherman’s island).  This romantic ancient fisherman’s village is home to many restaurants, cafés, bars and souvenir shops and where you can enjoy some of the freshest seafood.

‘One Hundred Valleys’ Railway and Lake Cruise

This full-day excursion begins north of Lake Maggiore in the mountain town of Domodossola, where you board the Centovalli Railway for a scenic ride across the wild and romantic ‘One Hundred Valleys’ region, winding through gorges and mountains and past waterfalls of the Vigezzo Valley and Centovalli until you reach Locarno in Switzerland.  The total journey is 52km, crosses 83 bridges and goes through 31 tunnels and the journey time is approximately 2-3 hours (depending upon the number of stops made).

Explore the ancient charm of the old town of Locarno with its picturesque alleys and the Piazza Grande or visit one of the city’s many museums or parks before embarking on a leisurely three hour cruise back to Baveno.

(Note: this excursion may operate in reverse subject to schedules and availability)

Day at leisure

A day to relax and enjoy the facilities of your hotel and surroundings of Baveno or Stresa.  Alternatively, for the garden enthusiasts, take the 15 minute boat crossing from Stresa or Baveno over to Verbania to visit the Botanical gardens of Villa Taranto – one of the most stunning gardens around Lake Maggiore.

The enchanting little lakeside town of Baveno, next to Stresa, is of Roman origin, and is famous for its mineral water springs and its quarries of pink granite, and as a holiday resort.  The fine lakefront promenade offers a superb view of the Borromean Islands, which can be reached by boats leaving from Baveno harbour. The architectural attractions of the town include the Parish Church of Santi Gervasio and Protasio and the Baptistery, which stand in a broad square accessed from Via Monte Grappa.  Since the mid-19th century many internationally famous personalities have stayed in Baveno, usually as guests in the opulent villas lining the shores of the lake.

The famous town of Stresa enjoys a splendid location on Lake Maggiore in the Gulf of Borromeo, where it overlooks the eponymous islands, the main attraction in the region. Its beautiful countryside, architectural gems and mild climate combine to make Stresa one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy. Luxury villas and opulent Art Nouveau hotels line the elegant lakeside, which is ideal for a tranquil stroll.

Italian Markets

A short drive from Lake Maggiore is the romantic Lake Orta. This stunning lake is much quieter than Maggiore, making it a joy to discover. The town of Omegna, which sits at the head of the lake, has a traditional Italian market on Thursday mornings.

Continue to the medieval lakeside village of Orta where you can take an optional boat trip to the nearby little island of St. Giulio and its 4th century church.  Orta is famous for its tiny streets and sacred hillside and filled with numerous souvenir shops, bars and cafes.

Before returning to the hotel, there is the option to visit one of the region’s vineyards for an optional wine tasting or return via Arona, overlooked by the imposing statue of Saint Charles Borromeo.

Lake Lugano and Lake Como

Take a scenic drive north along Lake Maggiore, towards Locarno, passing the mystical floating castles of Cannero, two picturesque ruins that appear to float magically on the surface of the water. The eastern island was once the site of the Rocca Vitaliana, while the western one was home to a tower.  Continuing past Locarno, head towards the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps and across to Lugano and the lake of the same name.

Lugano lies in a bay on the northern side of Lake Lugano, surrounded by numerous mountains.  Take a stroll along the palm and cypress tree lined promenade which gives the town a truly Mediterranean feel or around the traffic-free historic centre with its Mediterranean-style squares and arcades or the numerous parks with sub-tropical plants such as the Parco Civico or the lakeside Belvedere Gardens.

Continue to Lake Como, one of the most spectacular lakes in Italy with stunning vistas!  Visit Villa Carlotta, near Tremezzo, famous for its magnificent tropical gardens that overlook the lake before heading south along Lake Como to the historic lakeside city of Como, the historic city of silk.   You can visit beautiful squares with Romanesque or Gothic style churches, the city’s historic buildings or enjoy the view of the city from above offering breathtaking views or go shopping in search of the best local products. The main square is Piazza Duomo, which houses the imposing Duomo di Como and its bell tower is the Broletto, the former town hall, with a facade banded with Lombard marble in three different colours – white, grey and red.

Return to the UK

It is time to bid ‘Arrivederci’ to Lake Maggiore as you make your way to Calais, stopping overnight en-route before taking the short sea crossing next day to the UK.

Milan – Regional capital of Lombardy – Home to ‘The Last Supper’

In the heart of the city is the Piazza Duomo overlooked by the Duomo di Milan (Milan Cathedral), the very symbol of the city.  The stunning work of Gothic architecture is Italy’s largest church with its intricately decorated façade and multitude of spires. And sitting right on top of it is the famous golden statue of the Virgin Mary, the Madonnina, another everlasting symbol of Milan.

See the fresco of ‘The Last Supper’,  one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous masterpieces, in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The fresco can be found on the wall of the refectory of the church’s monastery.

Other famous sights include the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Sforza Castle and La Scala Opera House to name but a few. But Milan is also famous for its many designer shops and retail outlets .