Jewels of Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta & the Centovalli Railway

Jewels of Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta & the Centovalli Railway

Jewels of Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta & the Centovalli RailwayItaly
Fully GuidedFully Guided
77 Nights
Nights
-
Half Board (+1)
Transport: Flights & TransfersFlights & Transfers

    Your Guided Group Holiday To Lake Maggiore 

    Let’s explore Italy’s lesser known lakes on this 7-night holiday that offers the perfect combination of activity, exploration and recreation. We’ll take in the crystal blue waters of Lake Maggiore and Orta with panoramic boat rides, stopping to explore some of the lakeside towns and the famous summer palace on Isola Bella, one of the Borromean Islands. We will also visit Lake Orta, considered a hidden gem by locals who refer to it as “La Cenerentola” or Cinderella, because it’s even more beautiful than its sisters Como and Maggiore. We’ll take a scenic train journey, between Locarno and Domodossola which runs through the magical “Hundred Valleys”. This Italy holiday also offers plenty of free time to stroll around the Lake Maggiore, relax with a gelato or explore the surrounding area with tips from your expert guide.

    Please note: Stays at the Hotel Moderno are on a Bed & Breakfast basis with two evening meals included

    Tour Map

    Trip Itinerary

    Activity Level 3

    Activity Level: Moderate

    What does this level mean?

    Day

    Travel to Italy

    1

    Arrive in Lake Maggiore

    Upon arrival in Italy, we will be met by our local representative and transferred by coach to our hotel.

    At Leisure

    2

    At Leisure

    Time: Full DayFull Day

    Today is free to enjoy as you please.

    Check out the local cafes and lovely lakeside walks, while enjoying splendid views across the lake to the Borromean Islands.

    Ask our guide to recommend some places of interest for you according to your tastes.

    Borromean Islands

    3

    Full Day Excursion to Borromean Islands

    Time: Full DayFull Day

    Today, we’ll enjoy a full day excursion visiting the Borromean Islands by boat. Isola Bella is one of the most admired destinations on Lake Maggiore and here we’ll visit the famous Baroque Palace and Italian style terraced gardens, famous for its white peacocks.

    After some free time, our next visit will be to Fisherman's Island (Isola Dei Pescatori), the only permanently inhabited island, which is famed for its narrow lanes and Church of San Vittore.

    We’ll have some free time for lunch (under own arrangements), before we continue to Isola Madre, the largest of the three islands. With its 20 acre park, the rare plants and exotic flowers in the English styled botanical gardens will enchant us, before we finish up with a visit to the 16th century home where the Borromean family spent their summers.

    At Leisure

    4

    Free Time in Lake Maggiore

    Time: Full DayFull Day

    We will have a full day to relax and take it easy today! Our guide will be happy to offer suggestions for activities and places to see in the surrounding area.

    Lake Orta

    5

    Trip to Lake Orta

    Time: Half DayHalf Day

    Following breakfast, we’ll travel by coach to Omegna at the northern tip of Lake Orta. Next, we’ll continue onwards through quaint villages to the southern end of the lake, where we’ll board a boat and sail to the medieval village of Orta. Known as the 'Venice without water', Orta is a maze of picturesque streets and narrow cobbled lanes with many chapels dedicated to St Francis of Assisi. We’ll return to our hotel in the afternoon.

    At Leisure

    6

    Explore Lake Maggiore at Your Own Pace

    Time: Full DayFull Day

    Today we have a further opportunity to relax and enjoy this lovely region of Italy.

    Our guide will recommend some places of interest for you according to your tastes.

    Centovalli Railway

    7

    Experience a scenic rail journey

    Time: Full DayFull Day

    After breakfast, we’ll travel by coach along the Ossola Valley floor towards Domodossola. Here, we’ll board a narrow gauge railway for our scenic rail journey travelling over 83 bridges and through 31 tunnels into the Swiss town of Locarno at the northern tip of Lake Maggiore. We’ll have free time at leisure for lunch (under own arrangements), shopping and sightseeing in Locarno before returning to our hotel by coach in the afternoon.

    Return Home

    8

    Depart Italy

    Time to say 'arrivederci' to Lake Maggiore. Transfer from our hotel, with guide assistance, for our return flight home.

    * We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.

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    Know before you go

    What if there is an emergency?

    We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.

    Do I need a Visa?

    Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements

    Will I be met at the airport?

    You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.

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