Four Italian Lakes - Maggiore, Como, Lugano & Orta

Day 1

We drive to Dover for the short Channel crossing to Calais. Upon arrival, we continue to the Best Western Premier Hotel de la Paix, Reims for dinner and our overnight stay.

Day 2

Our journey south continues through Belgium and France into Switzerland to the Moevenpick Hotel, Lausanne, where we arrive in time for dinner.

Day 3

Continuing through Switzerland, we arrive at the Hotel Milan Speranza au Lac in Stresa, overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Maggiore in the afternoon - Our base for the next 5-nights.

Day 4

We enjoy a leisurely day visiting the stunning Borromean Islands, located just offshore from the centre of Stresa. It is a short stroll from our hotel to the boat landing station where we take the boat out to Isola Bella, which houses a beautiful stately home and elegant Italianate gardens, before we continue by boat to Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen's Island), the only island which is currently inhabited.

Day 5

Lovely Lake Como is Italy's third largest lake and mixes natural beauty with a spot of glamour, being popular with aristocrats and celebrities alike. We drive along its shores which are dotted with exquisite villas, pretty towns and resorts as we make our way to Menaggio, on the western shores of the lake. Here we have time to stroll around the town's picturesque streets and atmospheric Piazza Garibaldi which leads down to the bustling harbour and elegant lakeside promenade. There are medieval churches, the remains of the fortifying Roman walls, delightful shops and welcoming cafés to discover.

Day 6

Today we enjoy a wonderful full day excursion with a scenic journey to Lugano, a bustling town on the Swiss shores of Lake Lugano. With free time in Lugano itself, we also include a return journey on the spectacular San Salvatore Funicular Railway. From the mountain station the views of both the Swiss and Italian parts of the lake are simply stunning!

Day 7

Today we explore Lake Orta and one of northern Italy's best kept secrets, its capital, Orta San Giulio, which has a delightful medieval centre full of cobbled streets, galleries, local crafts and cafés. For anyone wishing to do so, a boat trip could be taken over to Isola San Giulio to visit the picturesque monastery.

Day 8

Departing Italy we journey north through Switzerland into France and our penultimate night at the Ibis Hotel Comar Centre.

Day 9

Our leisurely drive home continues as we drive to the Mercure Arras Centre Gare for dinner and our final night of this delightful tour.

Day 10

Departing Arras, we return to Calais for our sailing to Dover, returning to Henley during the evening.