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Superbly based in the picturesque lakeside town of Stresa, this holiday offers the opportunity to fully explore the Lake Maggiore area, from the delightful Borromean Islands to the spectacular heights of the Centovalli Railway. Experience the beauty of Stresa and Lake Maggiore.
- Stopovers in Dijon
- Lakeside Stresa
- Lake Maggiore
- Isola Bella
- Isola dei Pescatori
- Lake Orta cruise
- Monferrato wine tour
- Centovalli Railway
- Locarno
We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris, travelling in comfortable Standard Premier Class and enjoying a light meal and drinks. Our journey continues by high-speed TGV to the delightful city of Dijon, where we spend one night at the 4-star Mercure Dijon Clémenceau. (E,D)
From Dijon we travel by TGV into Switzerland, changing trains in Lausanne for the scenic journey to Italy. We continue along the verdant Rhône Valley and through the Simplon Pass before emerging into the Italian countryside. We arrive in the lakeside town of Stresa for a seven-night stay at the elegant Grand Hotel Bristol, which has wonderful views of Lake Maggiore. (B,D)
Today is also free for you to explore at your own pace. As today is market day in Stresa, you may wish to spend some time browsing around the bustling, colourful stalls. Alternatively, why not take the opportunity to travel further afield today to bustling Milan, well-known for its fashionable shops and its magnificent Gothic cathedral? For those feeling less energetic, you can make use of the excellent facilities at the hotel for a thoroughly relaxing day. Enjoy a leisurely swim in the pool, eat lunch on the terrace, or simply unwind on a sun lounger with a good book. (B)
Today we discover Lake Maggiore and two of the beautiful Borromean Islands. We leave Stresa by boat and cruise to Isola Bella for a visit to the sumptuous Borromeo Palace with its Italian-style gardens. Our next stop is the tiny Isola dei Pescatori, a quiet island of narrow alleyways and old churches, with a selection of fine restaurants in which to enjoy lunch. We spend the afternoon exploring the island before cruising back to Stresa. (B,D)
Our full-day excursion by coach takes us into the rolling countryside of the Monferrato wine region, famous for its vineyards stretching over the hills interspersed with unspoilt villages. Our day begins with a visit to a distillery, where we can observe the process of grappa production that has been handed down through the generations since 1846. We continue on to a local wine cooperative where we have a tour of the vineyards, followed by an excellent lunch of local specialities and a chance to sample some of the delicious locally produced wine. (B,L)
Today is free for you to explore Stresa. Enjoy a walk along the lakeside promenade, lined with villas and terraced gardens, or take a boat to the pretty botanical gardens of Villa Taranto and the Sanctuary of Santa Caterina del Sasso, set on a rock overlooking the lake. Alternatively, you can travel by cable car from Stresa up Mount Mottarone, a journey which offers amazing views over the lake and the majestic Alps. (B)
Today's full-day excursion takes us on one of Europe's most scenic railways, the narrow-gauge Centovalli Railway, which threads its way across 'a hundred valleys' past sleepy villages and over deep ravines. On arrival in Locarno, you are free to have lunch and explore at your leisure. As well as a picturesque Old Town, Locarno has beautiful subtropical gardens filled with palm trees and exotic flowers, lakeside promenades and great shopping under the arcades of the Piazza Grande. We later cruise back down the lake to Stresa. (B,D)
After a morning at leisure we set off for Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore's smaller but no less enchanting neighbour. We enjoy a boat cruise to beautiful Isola San Giulio, a tiny island dominated by its impressive basilica, before returning to explore Orta San Giulio, the atmospheric town known as the 'Jewel of the Lake'. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Alps, this lovely town is truly a gem, with cobbled streets and a piazza overlooking the lake's sparkling waters. We return in good time for our dinner this evening. (B,D)
We depart Stresa in the morning by train and travel through beautiful scenery over the border into Switzerland. Skirting the shores of Lake Geneva, we change trains at Lausanne and continue on into France and our overnight stop. We arrive in Dijon mid-afternoon, giving you the opportunity to spend a little time discovering this charming city and its medieval Old Town, famous for its charming half-timbered houses. Once again, our hotel for one night is the 4-star Mercure Dijon Clémenceau. (B,D)
We leave Dijon by TGV for the journey to Paris. After crossing the city by coach we connect with Eurostar to London, with a light meal and drinks served on board before our arrival into St Pancras International. (B,E)
E = Eurostar meal, B =
Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your
holiday
01904 521 936
You will remember this holiday with affection for years to come. The scenery is breathtaking; the reflections of Lake Maggiore with the magical and beautiful Borromean Islands as a backdrop are stunning. Our hotel, the impressive lakeside Regina Palace, sets the tone and left all of us marvelling at its splendour and to top it off - silver service in the restaurant!
We visited The Palace Borromeo accompanied by our local guide - a veritable mine of information - then visited the Gardens, which are linked to the RHS in London. This was followed by a fish lunch on Isola dei Pescatori on a verandah overlooking the lake - heaven! Next we had a day in the Monferrato wine region; the highlight of the holiday for me. We visited the family farm of Cascina Moncucchetto, enjoying a lengthy lunch and the owner's wines; we really felt we were part of the family! How does Great Rail find these gems?
Peter Davies, Tour Manager