Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and the Matterhorn

Accommodation

3 star superior - Hotel Della Torre, Stresa

Just a few minutes stroll from the lake and a gentle 20-minute walk from the old town of Stresa, is the Hotel Della Torre. Set in its own extensive grounds, the views from the hotel take in the lake and the surrounding mountains. This delightful family owned hotel is well run and managed and has traditional Italian style décor throughout.

The en-suite rooms are spacious and elegant and have satellite tv, a fridge and air conditioning. All of them have a balcony and for a supplement you can book a room with a partial lake view.

We stay on a half board basis with hot and cold buffet continental breakfasts and 4-course evening meals with a starter buffet and a choice of first course, second course and dessert. The dinners are traditional Italian fare and everything is beautifully presented.

Outside, set in the gardens, there is a large swimming pool with an integrated spa. There are plenty of sun-loungers and parasols and there is a poolside bar serving drinks and snacks. There is also a terrace, which is an ideal place to meet new found friends for a pre-dinner drink from the hotel’s bar, where you will find a good choice of local and international drinks.

Just so you know, free WiFi is available throughout the hotel. The outdoor pool and poolside bar is usually open from June to September, depending on the weather.

Excursions & Itinerary

Day 1 - Fly to Italy

Fly from your local airport to Italy. On arrival at Milan Airport you will be met and transferred to our hotel in Stresa, where we stay for seven nights. Seven breakfasts and seven dinners are included in the hotel.

Day 2 - At leisure in Stresa

Today is at leisure, enabling you to relax in the comfortable surroundings of the hotel or to make your first discoveries in Stresa.

Day 3 - The Borromean Islands, Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori

This morning we sail 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 island 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 fishermen’s’ cottages which occupy almost the entire small island. We’ll have ample free time on both islands before returning in our private launch to Stresa.

Day 4 - Lake Como

From Roman Emperors to today’s Hollywood film stars, Lake Como has always been one of Italy’s popular destinations. Lying between the Alps and Lombardy, Lake Como’s scenery is magnificent and full of contrasts. We drive along the spectacular western coast of the lake to Menaggio, from where we have included a boat trip across the lake to Bellagio - said to be the prettiest village in the whole of Italy. The village is a jumble of cobbled lanes and streets lined with stylish boutiques, wine bars and craft shops selling locally produced handicrafts. Returning to Menaggio, we make our way to Como town, a city steeped in history where you can admire the 14th century cathedral or hunt out some bargains in the vast array of shops.

Day 5 - The Matterhorn, Zermatt and Switzerland

Keep your camera handy today as we'll be winding our way from the shores of Lake Maggiore on this full day excursion up through the Ossola Valley, towards the Swiss Alps and over the spectacular Simplon Pass. You'll have plenty of time to take in the scenery and take a few photos before boarding the rack and pinion railway from Tasch up to the chic Swiss resort of Zermatt. Situated at 5,200 ft above sea level, Zermatt is one of the most picturesque Alpine villages and is completely pedestrianised. Wander the traffic-free streets lined with wooden chalets, perhaps enjoy a typical Swiss lunch and admire the sight you'll not be able to take your eyes off – the Matterhorn. Its instantly recognisable peak can be seen from all around. For an even better view take an optional journey on the Gornergrat cog railway to reach the summit station 10,000 ft above sea level. From here on a clear day you can see 29 mountains, including the Matterhorn, all of which are over 10,000 feet high!

Day 6 - At leisure

Another day at leisure in Stresa. Perhaps treat yourself to another cruise on the lake, enjoy a drink in one of the pavement cafes or simply take it easy and relax in the comfortable surroundings of the hotel.

Day 7 - Lake Orta

A relaxing half day excursion taking us to Lake Orta, considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in southern Europe. The smallest of the Italian Lakes, Lake Orta remains refreshingly uncrowded and almost untouched by tourism - it really is a hidden secret. 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.

Day 8 - Flight home

It’s ’Arriverderci Italia’ today when we return to the airport for our flight back to the UK. If your flight is in the morning or over the lunchtime period, we will take you to the airport after breakfast. If your flight is in the late afternoon or evening, there will be time at leisure before leaving for the airport.