Europe
Explore the stunning lakes and charming towns of northern Italy and southern Switzerland, including Lago Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Orta, Lugano, Ascona, Stresa and the Borromean Islands. Enjoy panoramic mountain views, scenic cruises and beautiful historic centres on this relaxing and picturesque tour.
Visiting: Ascona, Lugano, Como, Brunata, Lake Orta, Mottarone, Lago Maggiore, Borromeo Islands, Stresa, Bergamo, Isola San Giulio
Day 01
We meet at Malta International Airport at 10:30 for flight KM624, departing at 12:45 and arriving in Milan at 14:45. Transfer by coach to Arona where we will be accommodated at the 4-star Hotel Concorde. Room allocation, and afterwards, together with the tour leader, we go for a walk to the town centre. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 02
We begin our excursion to Mottarone, a mountain offering spectacular views over seven different lakes and the majestic Alpine peaks. We take the cable car (extra). As we ascend, we admire the green forests, deep valleys and the shoreline of Lake Maggiore unfolding beneath us. At the summit we enjoy a breathtaking panorama. Afterwards we continue to Stresa, an elegant lakeside town known for its flower-filled villages, aristocratic buildings and beautiful promenade. Return to the hotel and dinner.
Day 03
A very interesting excursion that will take us into Switzerland, where we will visit the city of Lugano – the capital of the Canton of Ticino – and Ascona, located on Lake Maggiore. We start with Lugano, where we will have an informative walk with the tour leader. Here we discover the historic centre, the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, and enjoy a walk along Lake Lugano surrounded by mountains. Free time is provided. We continue to Ascona, situated on the northern side of Lake Maggiore. A walk through the old town, exploring its picturesque streets full of restaurants and cafés leading to the promenade. Free time, then return to the hotel.
Day 04
We spend a beautiful day on an excursion to Como and Brunate – the perfect combination of an elegant town and impressive panoramic views. Upon arriving in Como, we start with a walk through its historic centre, where we can admire the majestic Cathedral with its Gothic-Renaissance façade, charming squares full of shops and cafés, and the promenade along the lake offering a calm atmosphere and wonderful photo opportunities. From here, we take the funicular to Brunate (extra), a village perched on a hill offering spectacular views over Lake Como, the surrounding mountains, and the scattered small towns. After the panoramic experience in Brunate, we return to the hotel.
Day 05
Today’s outing takes us to the city of Bergamo. Bergamo can be considered as two cities in one – Città Bassa and Città Alta. Together with the tour leader, we explore these areas surrounded by ancient fortifications and full of narrow streets. Among other places, we see Via Sentierone and the Palazzo di Giustizia. Afterwards, we take the funicular (extra) to visit Bergamo Alta, the most beautiful part of the city, where we will see Piazza Vecchia, Palazzo della Ragione, Cappella Colleoni and the Baptistery. On our way back to Arona, we stop at the shopping centre ‘Arese’. Return to the hotel.
Day 06
Buffet breakfast. Half day free in Arona, where the local market will be set up — here you will find anything you may need. At around 12:30, excursion to Lake Orta, one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes. A short journey takes us to Orta. A guided walk with the tour leader takes us to Sacro Monte – dedicated to St Francis. Here we find 20 chapels depicting episodes from the life and miracles of St Francis. We then visit Orta itself, where a guided walk takes us through the narrow, picturesque streets of this charming town. We see the Town Hall and from the garden we enjoy a beautiful panorama of the lake and Isola San Giulio, as well as the main square filled with restaurants, cafés and a variety of small traditional shops. Free time, with the option to visit Isola San Giulio (boat extra). Return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 07
Today we go on an excursion to visit the Borromean Islands. We depart for Stresa, from where we take the boat to visit the islands (boat price and entrance fees extra). First, we visit Isola Bella, where we tour the Renaissance palace of the aristocratic Borromeo family and its botanical gardens, the Salone d’Onore, Sala delle Colonne, Sala della Musica, Galleria degli Arazzi and the Artificial Grottoes. This majestic palace, built in Gothic style, is decorated with magnificent gardens. Next, we visit Isola dei Pescatori – a medieval island with many narrow streets and wonderful views. Free time for souvenir shopping or the option of enjoying a good fish meal (extra). We begin our return journey, but before that we enjoy a boat tour around Isola Madre. Afterwards, transfer to Linate Airport for flight KM627, departing Milan at 20:45 and arriving in Malta at 22:45.
Note for Group A:
The Borromean Islands excursion will take place on the Sixth Day, and on the Seventh Day the excursion to Lake Orta will take place. The return flight to Malta departs at 15:35 and arrives at 17:35.
