Italian Holidays

Lake Maggiore and the Matterhorn

About the booking processOnce you click the Continue button an 'option' booking will be made for you. Your booking should be a continuous process, please do not 'bookmark' or 'Add to favourites' any of the subsequent pages. Returning to these pages at a later time will produce an error as your 'option' will have expired.

A wonderful 'lakes and mountains' holiday

Join us on the shores of one of the most beautiful of all the Italian lakes to experience the exotic, 'Mediterranean' ambience of Maggiore and explore its beautiful Borromean Isles. A range of fascinating optional excursions and a day in world-famous Zermatt promise to make this a spectacular holiday.

Choose to stay in one of two of Maggiore's most enchanting resorts.

Stresa

Stresa sits on Maggiore's western shoreline, on the enchanting Gulf of Borromeo, its lakefront promenade overlooking Isola Bella ('Beautiful Isle'). Sumptuous villas and hotels line the shore, while the piazzas and tree-lined squares are filled with the bustle of the cafes and shops. In the distance, the view is framed by the surrounding southern alps.

Baveno

Charming Baveno lies a short distance from Stresa, facing Isola di Pescatori or 'Fisherman's Isle', another of the beautiful Borromean Islands. A market is held in the shadow of the 5th-century church, and the lakeshore promenade, with its landing stage for visitors arriving by lake steamers, is perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Day One

Fly to Italy, meet your tour manager and board the coach for the scenic transfer to Maggiore's shores and your chosen hotel. Dependent upon your time of arrival, perhaps take a stroll - a passegiatta - this evening.

Day Two

Get to know your surroundings, this morning, before this afternoon's included boat trip to two of the beautiful Borromean Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the ornate Borromeo Palace and Gardens on Isola Bella, and visit the smaller Isola di Pescatori - or 'Fishermen's Isle' - a favourite of Ernest Hemingway.

Day Three

Relax in the resort, or join today's optional excursion to the Swiss resort of Locarno. Crossing the border by coach, we'll take the Cento Valli train from the alpine town of Dormodossola, through the breathtaking 'hundred valleys', to Maggiore's northernmost shore. Take in Locarno's vibrant atmosphere before travelling back along the lake to your hotel.

Day Four

Discover two more beautiful alpine lakes on today's optional excursion. Journey first to wooded Lake Como, backed by steep mountains and lined with elegant villas and glorious gardens. Head to delightful Tremezzo, on the lake's eastern shore, and visit the famed Villa Carlotta and gardens (entrance payable locally), before continuing to stylish Lugano on its namesake lake. Explore the pretty town before returning to Maggiore late this afternoon.

Day Five

Today's half-day optional excursion is to the small lake of Orta, or 'Cinderella' to local inhabitants. Enjoy a guided visit to medieval Orta San Giulio - famous for its maze of narrow cobbled streets, ancient houses with wrought-iron balconies, and two stunning lakeside piazzas - and to the magical Isola San Giulio, a tiny medieval village.

Day Six

Rest and relax on the shores of Maggiore today. Why not take a steamer to enjoy the view from the azure waters of the lake, or enjoy a visit to one of the many elegant villas that dot the shoreline?

Day Seven

Today's included excursion is to the Swiss resort village of Zermatt, overlooked by the craggy pyramid of the Matterhorn. Journey via the Simplon Pass into Switzerland and the Alps, and perhaps take the twin-car train to the summit station of the Gornergrat Railway. Head out on a mountain trail, or simply take in the spectacular view, before enjoying lunch 'on top of the world' in the mountain restaurant.

Day Eight

Transfer to the airport today, and board your flight back to the UK.

Wining and dining

Fresh fish, fruit and vegetables are plentiful here, as is a typically Italian cuisine of pasta, soups and meat-based dishes, and there are many excellent, well-priced wines to enjoy during your stay. Guests on half-board will generally be offered a choice of starter and main course, with fruit or dessert to follow.

Transfer times

The transfer time to Lake Maggiore from Genoa Airport is approximately two hours, and one hour from Milan Malpensa Airport.