Italy - Lake Maggiore & Lake Como

Monday 9th

We drive to Dover for the short Channel crossing to Calais. Upon arrival, we continue to the Novotel Lille Aéroport
for dinner and our overnight stay.

Tuesday 10th

Our journey south continues through Belgium and France to the Ibis Hotel, Strasbourg Centre, where we arrive in
time for dinner.

Wednesday 11th

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

Thursday 12th

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.

Friday 13th

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.

Saturday 14th

Today we enjoy a wonderful full day excursion with a scenic journey on
the magical Lake Maggiore Express by rail and boat, taking in the full beauty of
this spectacular region along the way. We start with a rail journey from Stresa to
Domodossola, at which point we change onto the scenic high-level railway, the
Centovalli, which takes us through the mountains and down to Locarno, a bustling
town on the Swiss shores of Lake Maggiore. After enjoying the fabulous views
en-route, we have time to relax before taking a boat ride from this Swiss corner
of Lake Maggiore back down to Stresa.

Sunday 15th

Today we enjoy a leisurely day out, getting closer to the glorious
mountains we see all around us, as we head to the delightful Alpine village of
Macugnaga. A lovely scenic drive beckons as we wind our way to the foot of
Europe’s second highest mountain, Monte Rosa to arrive at our pretty destination.
Macugnaga has an authentic charm with its narrow streets, choice of eateries and
views, as well as a few museums for the curious. Fresh Alpine air, mountain
scenery and traditional Italian allure combine to make this the perfect relaxing
day to complete our holiday.

Monday 16th

Departing Italy we journey north through Switzerland into France and our
penultimate night at the Ibis Hotel, Dijon Gare.

Tuesday 17th

Our leisurely drive home continues as we drive to the Mercure Hotel,
Reims Parc des Expositions for dinner and our final night of this delightful tour.

Wednesday 18th

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