Magnificent Maggiore

You will stay in Baveno in the centrally located 3-star Hotel Beau Rivage, just a few minutes’ walk from the ferry landing stage and convenient for the resort’s amenities. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and lift. In addition, the Beau Rivage benefits from a spacious lounge area, terrace, garden and swimming pool. All bedrooms have private facilities, telephone, satellite TV, safe and hairdryer.

Day 1: UK/Milan

Today we transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Milan. Upon arrival in Milan, we transfer to your hotel in Baveno for a seven night stay.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Days 2 - 7: Baveno

The next six days are yours to enjoy entirely at your own leisure. You can relax in your hotel, explore the surrounding area, or join our six optional excursions should you wish to do so.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Borromean Islands and Villa Tronto

A fabulous introduction to Lake Maggiore visiting two of the most famous in this group of islands by private boat. Visit tiny Isola dei Pescatori which has been home to a large fishing community for over 1000 years. You then cruise to neighbouring Isola Bella. The small rocky island is a sight to behold as it rises proudly from the lake swathed by its palace and terraced gardens. We also visit the Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto. A real paradise of fountains, waterfalls, statues and over 20,000 species of plants.

Macugnaga

A half-day trip to the Anzasca Valley and the picturesque Alpine resort of Macugnaga, a popular winter sport destination. The town breathes new life in the summer months, with spectacular views of nearby Mount Rosa making this a picture perfect location where you will be happy to while away a few hours. It is also a popular mountaineering destination which creates a constant flow of life through the streets of this sparsely populated town.

Zermatt

Our full-day excursion features a scenic coach journey with breathtaking views across the Simplon Pass – the famous road clings to the mountain sides offering breathtaking views of the changing scenery. You will cross the border into Switzerland and board a train for a short journey from Tasch in the Matter Valley to the famous mountain resort of Zermatt, a town which is completely free of traffic and dominated by the awe-inspiring Matterhorn.

Lake Orta & local market

A half-day visit to picturesque Lake Orta, known as the Jewel of the Lakes, situated in the foothills of the Alps. Orta is a quaint village where life is focused around the lively main piazza which overlooks St Guilio’s Island. Market life is an important focus for the locals here and we include a visit to a traditional outdoor market for you to experience this.

Centovalli Railway

A full-day excursion featuring a superb 90-minute scenic train ride across ‘a hundred valleys’. Sit back and relax as the countryside passes by your window. You will journey through remote hillside villages and over high bridges to Locarno, passing by gushing waterfalls, neat vineyards and chestnut forests en route. Later in the day you will return to Baveno on a relaxing cruise which allows you to appreciate the spectacular location from an alternative viewpoint and see new aspects of the lake that you are unable to appreciate from your resort.

Lake Como

The chance to see beautiful Lake Como, Maggiore’s sister lake, and visit the charming town of Como itself, with its compact historic centre, attractive shops and lakeside walk. Perhaps take a stroll along the promenade and admire the oleanders and lime trees or head to the delightful gardens at the Villa Melzi which are renowned for their azaleas.

Day 8: Milan/UK

Today we depart your hotel and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.