Magical Lake Maggiore

Description

Breath taking Lake Maggiore, Italy’s second largest 
lake, is Mediterranean in climate and has a backdrop
 of the Alps in the distance. In the north, Lake Maggiore crosses the Swiss border into the canton
 of Ticino. Ferries criss-cross the lake from one delightful harbour to the next, passing picturesque lakeside villages with their bustling promenades
 and some also sail into Switzerland. There are markets to visit, shops and boutiques to browse around, colourful gardens to explore and pavement cafes to relax in as you watch the world go by.


Duration
8 days
Price
from £999

Arona is a delightful resort which still retains links
 to its historic past and has the ruins of an ancient
 9th century castle, as well as an imposing statue
 of Cardinal San Carlo Borromeo, which at one time was the largest statue in the world. The resort lies 
in a favoured position on the southern shores of the lake, where the sparkling waters are narrower and 
the scenery becomes gentler. There is a traffic-free promenade beside the lake with pavement cafes, ice-cream parlours and restaurants. Beautiful villas and gardens line the southerly shores of Lake Maggiore and semi-tropical flowers flourish in the mild climate, giving this area a real Mediterranean flavour.
This is a wonderful, relaxing holiday which combines truly stunning scenery and the old-world charm of Italy’s most beautiful lake.

Book this holiday today from £999
Included in price
  • Full Day Excursion to Stresa and the
 Borromean Islands
  • Half Day Excursion to Macugnaga & Monte Rosa
  • Full Day 3 Lakes and Switzerland Excursion
  • Half Day Excursion to Lake Orta and boat trip to the island of San Giorgio

  • 7 nights half board accommodation in the
 Hotel Atlantic in Arona
  • Twin bedroom with en-suite bathroom
  • 14 meals: 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners
  • Return flights to Milan
  • One piece of hold luggage and one piece
 of hand luggage per person
  • Transfers between the airport and the Hotel
  • Air-conditioned coach travel in Italy
  • Services of a Mistral Holidays Tour Manager

Accommodation

Superior 3 Star Atlantic Hotel

Well positioned in the heart of Arona
on a tree-lined avenue you’ll find the resort’s shops, bars and restaurants all nearby and it’s just a few minutes’ walk
to the ferry terminal and train station, making it easy to head out and go sightseeing on the leisure days.
The décor is tasteful, with bright colours in the communal areas such 
as the terrace bar and restaurant.
The hotel’s friendly staff offer a warm welcome and a high standard of service.
The hotel’s Atlantic restaurant serves
both Italian and International cuisine
and breakfasts are continental buffet.
The air-conditioned bedrooms are comfortably furnished and feature satellite TV and free Wi-Fi and the
en-suite bathrooms have a hair dryer
and complementary toiletries.

Book this holiday today from £999

Excursions

Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano
& Lake Como - Included

See three beautiful lakes in two countries!
We start by following the western shore of Lake Maggiore northwards, towards the snow-capped Alps and across to Lake Lugano in Switzerland. Here you can enjoy a stroll along the palm and cypress tree lined promenade, admire the Last Supper painting in the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, or browse in the many shops in
the town centre. We then return into Italy to
see Lake Como, which is one of Europe’s most spectacular lakes. Here you’ll have time to visit the 17th century Villa Carlotta which contains sculptures by Canova and has 4 acres of beautiful gardens, or perhaps to take a cruise on the lake. Como city itself is steeped in history. See the 14th century Cathedral or
shop for some bargains in the vast array of
silk shops which Como is famous for.


Stresa and the Borromean Islands - Included

This morning we drive to Stresa, on the western shore of the lake, where we will have free
time before sailing by private launch to the Borromean Islands. Lake Maggiore has much
to offer visitors, but for many the Borromean Islands are the lake's biggest attraction. This cluster of small islands, in Pallanza Bay, is famous throughout the world. The most beautiful is the enchanting Isola Bella with its baroque style villa and gardens of the 17th century Palazzo Borromeo. Set in an attractive small village with ancient houses, the beautifully maintained Italianate gardens are Baroque in style and include lots of statues, water features and impressive plant arrangements. Our second visit is to the Isola dei Pescatori which is a bustling fishing community, with a picturesque jumble of fishermens’ cottages which occupies almost the entire small island. We’ll have ample free time on both islands before returning to Stresa and onwards back to our hotel.

Macugnaga and Monte Rosa - Included

The journey to Macugnaga on this half day excursion takes us on a truly spectacular drive through the Anzasca Valley, where you can enjoy the contrast between the mild Mediterranean climate and flora of Lake Maggiore and the fresh Alpine climate with its meadows and fir trees. Our destination is the village of Macugnaga, nestling in the foothills
of the Monte Rosa which, at 15,200 feet, is the second highest mountain in the Alps. You can take a stroll through the picturesque Macugnaga village. The centre of the village is the pretty flower filled main square, with its views of the Alps whichever way you turn. Take the chance to feel on top of the world with an unforgettable journey in the Belvedere Chairlift up the great Monte Rosa for some breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps and the glaciers (€13 per person).


Morning visit to Lake Orta - Included

A relaxing half day excursion taking us to
Lake Orta, considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in southern Europe. Surrounded by lush woodland Lake Orta really is a hidden secret and is one of the smallest lakes in Italy’s Lake District. The poet Robert Browning described Orta as being ‘Where the Alps meet Heaven’. The small town of Orta on the lake shore, and San Giulio Island with its famous monastery, are largely traffic-free. We stop
in Orta, where you'll have time to stroll and admire the quaint cobbled streets and perhaps have a coffee and cake at a café in the picturesque lakeside piazza. We’ve also included a boat trip over to the island of San Giulio, where you can visit the imposing Romanesque Basilica or just wander around the island taking in the fabulous views over the lake. 


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