Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and the Alps

Our holiday starts when we meet our Tour Manager at London St Pancras International this morning before boarding the Eurostar service to Paris. In the French capital, we walk across from Paris Nord station to Paris Est, where we board the train to Strasbourg, arriving in this Alsace city in the afternoon.

Our hotel is a short walk from the station, and after checking in there is time to explore this picturesque city. Strasbourg's impressive main square, Place Kléber, or the half-timbered, riverside houses of La Petite France are only a short stroll from the hotel.

This evening, our group gathers to enjoy a three-course dinner in a local restaurant.

• Dinner

After a leisurely morning, we walk across to the station to board the train to Basel change trains for the journey to Stresa. As our train emerges from the Simplon Tunnel - used by the iconic Orient Express - we get our first glimpse of northern Italy, emerging into a verdant valley with sharp, tree-covered cliffs.

The pretty town of Stresa is our base for the next five nights, a highly popular Italian resort that retains its characteristic charm. Small enough to explore on foot, its picturesque alleys and elegant promenade reward visitors with medieval buildings, opulent villas, delightful public gardens and fascinating museums.

Set beside the lake, our traditional hotel has wonderful views across Lake Maggiore and the surrounding Italian Alps. We regroup for a three-course dinner in the hotel restaurant this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we transfer by coach to San Filiberto, Lake Orta, where we take a scenic cruise to Isola San Giulio, a tiny island village dominated by a monastery. Here, you are free to look around independently. The inside of the basilica is well worth a visit, with artwork stretching across the walls and under the domes. Or walk round the island on a path called the 'way of silence and meditation' and view the Bishop's Palace and Benedictine abbey.

We then catch a boat to Orta San Giulio on the shores of beautiful Lake Orta where there is time at leisure. Unlike its more famous cousins (Como and Garda), Orta's seclusion makes it a peaceful alternative where you can experience an authentic and relaxed Italian way of life.

This small but beautiful village has inspired poets and artists including Lord Byron. On Piazza Motta colourful buildings look out across the lake, and the 16th-century town hall is decorated with frescoes. You are free to explore and maybe stop for lunch in one of the inviting restaurants. From Orta San Giulio, a coach takes us back to Stresa in time for dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today you're free to relax in Stresa. The town's popularity began with the arrival of the railways, and it found itself on the line connecting London, Paris and Milan. Soon, travellers and writers from Europe and beyond were drawn to its charming lakeside position. You could head out to explore the town, or follow in the footsteps of historic guests such as Ernest Hemingway and Princess Margaret, on a stroll along the lakeside promenade.

There are many impressive houses including Villa Pallavicino which, with free access and vast gardens, is a great place to wander around with giant tulip trees, Lebanese cedar, and colourful flowerbeds which burst into life throughout summer. There is also a zoo with llamas, flamingos, zebras, kangaroos and other fascinating animals.

Alternatively, make the most of the hotel's comforts and spend the day relaxing. Enjoy spectacular alpine views from the sun terrace, or take a dip in the pool of the sister hotel. Stresa's restaurants offer an array of fresh fish, meat and pasta dishes, which you are free to try when dining independently this evening.

• Breakfast

A highlight awaits today as we transfer to Stresa station for a superb round trip. In Domodossola, we board the Centovalli Railway. Meaning '100 valleys', this is a spectacular route through the Alps to Locarno in Switzerland.

We quickly ascend, passing the ruined tower of Creggio as our route winds up to Trontano and into the Vigezzo Valley. We travel into fantastic alpine scenery of mountains, gorges, and waterfalls. After entering Switzerland, look out for the emerald Lake Palagnedra far below. Our train crosses dozens of bridges on its journey to lakeside Locarno.

On arrival in Locarno, on Maggiore's northern shores, you're free to choose a place to enjoy lunch and look around. You could take the funicular railway up to the Sacred Mount Madonna del Sasso, a historic site with fantastic views over Locarno, or enjoy the town's glittering lakeside.

Our return journey is a two-hour cruise on Lake Maggiore, Italy's longest lake, bordered by mountains. Charming towns and villages spill out of the valleys, and you can spot the 16th-century castle island of Cannero before arriving in Stresa in time for tonight's dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

With a full free day ahead you could simply relax at the hotel or by the lake. Alternatively, you could go island hopping. From the jetty outside the hotel, you can board a hop on/hop off boat for a day of exploring the idyllic Borromean Islands. The closest is pretty Isola Bella, dominated by the Borromeo Palace and its opulent gardens where you might spot one of the magnificent white peacocks.

The next island is Isola dei Pescatori (Fisherman's Island), a quaint fishing village. Here you could stop at one of the traditional restaurants to try a local speciality - perch caught directly from the lake. Or visit San Vittore church to see the wooden busts of apostles Peter and Andrew, the patron saints of fishermen.

The largest and final island is Isola Madre, covered with gardens of rare plants and trees from around the world. The grand palazzo overlooks an ornate pond and a charming family chapel.

Tonight you dine independently, and to accompany the tempting risottos, raviolis and fresh fish on offer, you might like to try a regional Nebbiolo wine, such as Barolo.

• Breakfast

After a leisurely morning, we head to the train station for a journey via Basel to Mulhouse in France. Travelling through Switzerland, we enjoy spectacular views of the majestic mountains lining the Rhône Valley before passing the sparkling waters of Lake Thun and the fairytale castle at Spiez.

In the early evening, we arrive in the historic Alsace city of Mulhouse. The focus of the medieval centre is Place de la Réunion, where you can find the Gothic Revival Temple St-Étienne and the pink and gold decorated town hall. Constructed in 1553, this striking Renaissance building displays allegoric frescoes representing vices and virtues. Our hotel is near the station, and it is here that we gather with our group to enjoy dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning there is free time in Mulhouse, to explore this Alsace city that blends the cultures and architecture of France and Germany. In late morning, we take the short walk to the station for the train to Paris. As we pass through the picturesque towns of the French countryside, there's time to recall the serene beauty of the Italian lakes. From the gentle cruises to the spectacular scenery witnessed from the Centovalli Railway, it's easy to understand why lakes Maggiore and Orta have been charming visitors for centuries.

Returning to London St Pancras International on the Eurostar, it's time to say our goodbyes and head home.

• Breakfast