Travel by rail on this no-fly tour, discovering the elegant gardens and serene lakes of Northern Italy along the way.
You'll stay at the four-star Hotel Giardinetto, beautifully positioned on the shores of Lake Orta, with time at leisure to explore the surrounding area. You might admire the medieval and Baroque architecture of Orta San Giulio or take a relaxing boat trip across to the peaceful island of Isola San Giulio.
A visit to Lake Maggiore includes time in the charming resort town of Stresa, famed for its grand villas and exquisite gardens, before crossing the border into Switzerland to explore Locarno, located at the northern tip of the lake.
You'll also have the opportunity to explore Lakes Como and Lugano. In Lugano, the popular Swiss lakeside town, you'll find leafy parks and public gardens filled with subtropical plants, while Como enchants with its Renaissance cathedral, regarded as one of the finest in Lombardy.
The journey is rounded off with a day in Milan, adding a touch of vibrant city life. This cosmopolitan capital of fashion and design offers a wealth of attractions, from shopping and striking architecture to iconic sights such as the Duomo, Sforzesco Castle and Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper.
Essential information
You will need to handle your own luggage throughout the journey, including moving bags through stations, boarding and alighting from trains, on public transport and to your accommodation. For your comfort, we strongly recommend packing light and using wheeled luggage wherever possible as travelling by rail often means a longer journey time. Please also note that, as these holidays rely on public transport and train services, delays or service changes can occasionally occur and are outside of our control.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a standard room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £275. Full payment required at the time of booking. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Limited (ATOL bonded).
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a standard room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £275. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Limited (ATOL bonded).
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a standard room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £275. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Limited (ATOL bonded).
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a standard room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £270. Full payment required at the time of booking. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Limited (ATOL bonded).
Take the Eurostar from London to Paris and join the high speed train to Stresa (via Basel). Upon arrival, transfer by coach to Lake Orta and check in to the four-star Hotel Giardinetto.
After breakfast, you are free all day to explore Lake Orta at your leisure. Situated entirely in Piedmont, it's only eight miles long and less than two miles wide - a hidden gem. You may wish to head to the island of San Giulio to enjoy a peaceful stroll or see the 12th century Basilica. Or, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sacro Monte di Orta. This evening, have dinner at the hotel.
After breakfast, you'll visit Lake Maggiore by coach. Your first stop will be Stresa, on the lake's western shore. The town is full of villas and gardens and has an attractive lakeside promenade, perfect for a stroll. Continue to the Swiss canton of Ticino to stop at Locarno on the northern tip of the lake. Locarno is laced with Latin charm, and all the cobbled alleys of the old town lead to the colonnaded Piazza Grande which is renowned for its annual film festival. Return to the hotel for dinner.
After breakfast, you'll visit Lake Como in Lombardy. Lake Como is striking for both its mountain landscape and shores dotted with picturesque villages, luxurious villas and parks. Visit the town of Como at the foot of the Como branch. There are many artistic sites to see including the 11th-century Church of Sant'Abbondio and the Basilica of San Fedele. The heart of the old town is the Piazza del Duomo with its Renaissance cathedral, one of the most beautiful churches in Lombardy.
Next, visit Tremezzo, which offers some of the most spectacular views on the lake. One of the most visited destinations in the town is the Villa Carlotta, the only historic villa on the lake which offers public access. The other villas are private, but you can still admire their beautiful structures and architecture. Later, cross the border to Switzerland to visit the popular resort of Lugano, on the northern shoreline of the lake with the same name. Set within a bay surrounded by mountains, its town centre is full of Mediterranean-style squares and arcades with numerous parks and public gardens adorned with subtropical plants.
Return to the hotel for dinner.
After breakfast, you are free all day to explore Lake Orta at your leisure. Situated entirely in Piedmont, it's only eight miles long and less than two miles wide - a hidden gem. You may wish to head to the island of San Giulio to enjoy a peaceful stroll or see the 12th century Basilica. Or, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sacro Monte di Orta. This evening, have dinner at the hotel.
After breakfast, enjoy a day trip to the city of Milan, internationally famous for fashion and design. Milan is also home to several historic and artistic attractions and is a fascinating city to explore. Wander around the spectacular Duomo, and explore the magnificent 'Galleria' where designer names jostle for attention. Or perhaps enjoy an Aperol whilst watching the Milanese go about their daily business. Return to the hotel for dinner.
After breakfast, you are free all day to explore Lake Orta at your leisure. Situated entirely in Piedmont, it's only eight miles long and less than two miles wide - a hidden gem. You may wish to head to the island of San Giulio to enjoy a peaceful stroll or see the 12th century Basilica. Or, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sacro Monte di Orta. This evening, have dinner at the hotel.
After breakfast, transfer back to the station in Stresa for your return journey to London (via Paris for your Eurostar connection).
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a standard room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £270. Full payment required at the time of booking. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Limited (ATOL bonded).
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a standard room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £275. Full payment required at the time of booking. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Limited (ATOL bonded).
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a standard room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £275. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Limited (ATOL bonded).
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a standard room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £275. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Limited (ATOL bonded).