Stita Farm Tours Logo

Lake Maggiore

13th - 17th October 2008

For a printable pdf version of the
itinerary please click here


Lake Maggiore is probably the most famous of all the Italian lakes, partly because of its legendary beauty but also for the spectacular Borromean Islands. The northern tip of the lake lies in Switzerland where it is fed by the Ticino River. As you cross over into Italy the waters of the lake change from a jade green in the north to a deep blue in the south. Steep sided mountains shelter the lake resulting in an all-year-round mild climate that enables luxuriant and exotic plants to flourish in the many splendid villas and gardens that adorn the coastline.

The elegant lakeside town of Stresa on the more fashionable western coast is our home for four nights staying at a luxurious 4 star hotel. Here you will enjoy splendid views of the Borromean Islands and surrounding mountains. Daily excursions are planned around the lakeside.

 

The Itinerary


Day 1 – Monday 13th October
Depart from London Heathrow.

On arrival at Milan Malpensa Airport depart for Milan city centre where there will be a sightseeing tour including the famous Duomo, La Scala theatre and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. After some free time for some independent sightseeing depart for Lake Maggiore.

Welcome dinner tonight at hotel.

O/N STRESA (D)

Day 2 - Tuesday 14th October
This morning there will be an excursion into the Po Valley region. There will be a visit to a rice farm near Vercelli, an important centre for rice growing in this region. A traditional Italian lunch will be served including a chance to sample some risotto made from locally produced rice.

This afternoon visit a farm with Piemontese Cattle, the traditional breed of this region. On return to Lake Maggiore there will be a visit to a cheese producer for a visit to the cellars where Gorgonzola cheese is stored and matured.

O/N STRESA (BL)

Day 3- Wednesday 15th October
This morning there will be an excursion by boat to Isola Bella the largest of the Borromean Islands. There will be a guided tour of the magnificent Baroque Palace and the sub-tropical terraced gardens.

Return to Stresa this afternoon with the rest of the day free for independent sightseeing and shopping.

O/N STRESA (BD)

Day 4 – Thursday 16th October
Today there will be an excursion north along the shores of Lake Maggiore crossing the border into Switzerland. Visit the pretty lakeside town of Locarno on market day.

Return south this afternoon stopping en route to visit a typical mixed farm of this area with dairy cattle, cereal and fruit and vine cultivation.

Return to later this afternoon. This evening there will be an excursion to the Isola Pescatori for a farewell dinner.

O/N STRESA  (BD)

Day 5 – Friday 17th October

Some more free time this morning before the return transfer to Milan and your return flight to the UK (B)


Tour Cost

Price per person

Twin/Double

£595.00

Single Supplement

£95.00

Cost Includes

  • Return international flights
  • 4 nights hotel accommodation (4 star)
  • Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 3 dinners
  • Coach transport
  • Entrances to La Scala Theatre, Baroque Palace and Gardens/Isola Bella
  • Guided tour of Milan
  • Return ferry journeys to Borromean Islands for featured visits
  • All farm visits as indicated on itinerary
  • Services of a professional English speaking tour guide throughout
  • Porterage of 1 piece of luggage per person

How to Book

To make a booking, please call us on 01242 515 712 or click on our Booking Details.

Our sister company, Stita Special Destinations also offers tours to exciting and exotic destinations. Current tours include, Botswana and Tanzania March Migration.