Lake Maggiore

Beyond the snow-covered Alpine peaks lies the south: Blooming lemon trees and the gentle Mediterranean light of Northern Italy delighted Goethe on his Italian journey. Discover magnificent landscapes, proud villas with splendid gardens, and the famous Borromean Islands.

Day 1 | Arrival

Departure in the early morning heading south. In the evening, after an impressive panoramic drive through the Alps, you will reach your holiday destination Stresa on Lake Maggiore. At the hotel, you will be warmly welcomed with a welcome drink. Room allocation and dinner.

Day 2 | Borromean Islands

Look forward to a wonderful excursion to the Borromean Islands during breakfast. Our knowledgeable tour guide will accompany you on this trip. You will start with a private boat for a scenic cruise from Stresa to Isola Bella, the jewel of the three islands with the Baroque palace of Count Borromeo. However, the highlights are undoubtedly the pyramid-shaped garden terraces with shell grottos, stone nymphs, and peacocks that pose like top models for your camera. There will be an opportunity for a lunch break on the fishing village island of Pescatori. The journey continues to Isola Madre. Here, admire the English-style botanical garden and the palace. Return to the hotel and dinner. Overnight stay.

Day 3 | By Centovalli Train through

“Hundred Valleys”

After a good breakfast, you will travel by bus to Domodossola, where you will board the panoramic train of the spectacular narrow-gauge railway. The small Centovalli train will take you to the picturesque area between Italy and Switzerland through the Vigezzo Valley, also known as the “Valley of Painters,” with its beautiful natural landscapes. Continue to Santa Maria Maggiore, the most important town in the valley with the historically significant chimney sweep museum. Along the way, you will also see the pilgrimage church Madonna del Sangue in Re. Afterwards, continue through the Centovalli Valley to Locarno. On this romantic excursion, you will experience approximately 348 curves, 83 bridges, and 31 tunnels. Upon arrival in Locarno, you will have free time – stroll through the picturesque streets to the lakeside promenade with its inviting cafés. In the late afternoon, you will return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4 | Romantic Lake Orta – Free Time

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we invite you to an excursion to Lake Orta. This lake has preserved its remarkable originality. Among connoisseurs, it is considered the most romantic of the upper Italian lakes. You will take a little train to the town center of Orta, where you can feel a magical atmosphere – rich in testimonies of the past, with beautiful palaces, Baroque churches, and ancient towers. You will have a stay and free time. Enjoy your stay according to your wishes – stroll through the old marketplace, through medieval alleys, and see secluded, romantic gardens. Visit one of the quaint restaurants or take a boat trip to the island of San Giulio with its Romanesque basilica. In the afternoon, you will return to Stresa. Sightseeing stop and return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5 | Departure

One last Italian breakfast and then it’s time to say “Arrivederci, Bella Italia.” With many beautiful impressions in your travel luggage, you will begin your journey home.

• Travel by modern coach
• 4x overnight stays including half board at the 3-star Superior Hotel Royal in Stresa (local category)
• Welcome drink
• Full-day guided tour on the excursion
  "Borromean Islands"
• Boat trip to the Borromean Islands
• Entry to Borromeo Palaces, Gardens of Isola Bella and Isola Madre
• Full-day guided tour on the excursion
  "Centovalli Railway"
• Ride on the Centovalli Railway
  (Domodossola – Locarno)
• Full-day guided tour on the excursion
  "Lake Orta"
• Ride on the little train in Orta
• Continuous BOHR travel accompaniment
• Audio guides for the entire duration of the trip
• Tourist tax

The typical 3-Star Superior Hotel Royal welcomes you in a quiet location, with views of the Borromean Gulf, the islands, and the surrounding mountains. It is surrounded by blooming gardens and an outdoor swimming pool. The hotel features a lift, bar, and terrace inviting you to linger. All rooms offer modern comfort and are equipped with a bathtub or shower, toilet, hairdryer, air conditioning, telephone, and TV. Just a few steps from the hotel, you will find the beach and the boat dock for the islands.