Perhaps not as well-known among international travelers as Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and its stunning Alpine scenery is certainly worth a visit for anyone seeking to spend time in northern Italy. This 4 day vacation package will expose travelers to the main highlights of Lake Maggiore while also leaving plenty of time for independent exploration of the area. Start in Verbania to admire the opulence of Villa Taranto and its meticulously cared for gardens. Then, spend a day visiting the scenic Borromean Islands and the charming town of Stresa where you can sample the "Margheritine" cookies. Finally, take an unforgettable train ride through breathtaking Alpine Valleys before spending time in the charming Swiss town of Locarno. For nature-lovers, the unique scenery of Lake Maggiore with its stunning islands, quaint villages and picturesque Alpine views makes for a perfect vacation destination.
Day 1: LAKE MAGGIORE, BAVENO, VERBANIA, VILLA TARANTO
Arrival on Lake Maggiore and check in at your hotel accommodation in Baveno or the surrounding area. In the afternoon, we suggest traveling to Verbania and visiting Villa Taranto’s Gardens. The beauty of the gardens is well-known throughout the world, and every visitor is sure to be amazed by their beauty. Their current appearance is not by chance, but rather the result of arduous molding and elaboration undertaken by Captain McEacharn in 1931. Afterwards, head back to your hotel accommodation in Baveno to enjoy a welcome dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: BORROMEE ISLANDS, STRESA
After breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your local guide. Transfer to the lake pier where'll you take a ferry to the Borromean Islands with stops at "Isola Bella" and "Isola dei Pescatori". Isola Bella ("The Beautiful Island") is without doubt the most famous of Lake Maggiore’s islands; it is a work of art, a tribute to human genius and seems to be mounted on the lake like a jewel. Once you step onto the island, you are immediately hit by the splendid beauty of Palazzo Borromeo and afterwards by its marvelous Italian-style garden built over ten terraces that slope down to the edge of the lake. Isola dei Pescatori ("The Island of the Fishermen"), the smallest of the Borromee Islands, is filled with ancient alleys, typical restaurants and unexpected glimpses of scenery which appear and disappear all of a sudden both delighting and taking by surprise its visitors who navigate its narrow cobblestone streets and steep flights of stairs. Afterwards, return back to Stresa for lunch time on your own. We suggest spending the afternoon in this lovely town, stopping in one of the many "pasticcerie" to taste the traditional "Margheritine" (little daisies), delicious cookies created for Queen Margherita di Savoia during her visit to Stresa that have become a symbol of the town. Return on your own to your hotel accommodation in Baveno. Dinner on your own and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3: DOMODOSSOLA, CENTOVALLI LOCAL TRAIN, LOCARNO (Switzerland)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then we recommend an independent excursion to the surroundings of Lake Maggiore. Take the train from Stresa to Domodossola where you will be able to board a characteristic train locally known as the "Centovalli" (100 valleys), for an extremely pleasant experience that lasts an hour and a half and journeys through the Vigezzo valley and many other picturesque valleys. You will travel past amazing precipices, where spectacular waterfalls are almost within reach, through multi-color fields and daring bridges, vineyards and chestnut tree forests. The train journey ends at Locarno in Switzerland (passport required), and after a short walk in the center of this nice Swiss town, you'll catch the ferry boat on Lake Maggiore back to Stresa. The ferry trip from Locarno to Stresa is full of splendid views that will complete an ideal day's trip. Return to your hotel accommodation in Baveno later in the day and then enjoy dinner on your own in the evening followed by an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 4: LAKE MAGGIORE
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and end of our services.
PACKAGE START AT $998.00
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 3 nights accommodation in 4 Star Hotel in Baveno or similar;
- Daily breakfast;
- Welcome Dinner;
- Half day English speaking guide to visit the Borromees Islands;
- 4 Days of Car Rental Class B (Fully Inclusive Coverage Included)
- Vat Taxes and service Charges.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- All Land & Air prices: Additional U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines.
- Hospitality city tax which varies by city and hotel category. If applicable it has to be paid locally to the hotel.
- Transportation, Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums, Tips, Extras.
- Beverages during meals.
- All which is not mentioned under PACKAGE INCLUDES.
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
Fly and Drive independent tour package.
Available all year around on request.
Minimum number of participants: 2 people.
The suggested itinerary includes also Switzerland. A Passport is necessary to enter Switzerland. Some nationalities require also a Visa. It is the responsibility of each traveler to check with the appropriate consulate if any Visa is required.
(*) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. Childrens, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).
