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
After breakfast we visit the picturesque village of Santa Maria Maggiore in the Vigezzo Valley, known for its artisanal heritage and fresco-decorated houses. Free time to explore its narrow scenic streets. Later we take the Centovalli train (extra ticket) and enjoy around an hour of spectacular views of valleys, forests, and bridges. The train brings us to Locarno in Switzerland, where we have free time to explore its elegant squares, lakefront streets, and shops. Those interested may take the funicular to Madonna del Sasso (extra), a sanctuary and pilgrimage site with impressive views of the lake and mountains. Return to the hotel for dinner and an evening walk with the tour leader.
Day 06
After a buffet breakfast we enjoy a free morning in Arona as it is market day, offering a wide variety of items. Around 12:30 we depart for Lake Orta, one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes. A short journey brings us to Orta, where a guided walk includes a visit to Sacro Monte, dedicated to Saint Francis, featuring 20 chapels depicting episodes from his life and miracles. We then explore Orta’s narrow, picturesque streets, visit the Town Hall, and enjoy panoramic views of the lake and San Giulio Island. Free time is given, during which you may visit San Giulio Island (extra boat). 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.
