Tuesday 9th December
We meet at Malta International Airport at 10:00 for the direct KM Malta Airlines flight KM624 to Milan, departing at 12:25 and arriving at Linate Airport at 14:25. Upon arrival, we transfer by coach to the 3*+ Hotel Concorde in Arona. Once there, we check in and settle into our rooms. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Wednesday 10th December
After a buffet breakfast, we embark on a scenic excursion to Switzerland. Our first stop is the picturesque town of Ascona, located on the northern shores of Lake Maggiore. We enjoy a relaxing stroll through charming streets lined with cafés and restaurants, leading to the enchanting lakeside promenade. We then continue to Lugano, the capital of the Ticino Canton, where we visit the historic centre, elegant Via Nassa, and the beautiful Piazza della Riforma. Free time is available for a walk along the lakeside promenade and a visit to the festive Christmas Market. In the afternoon, we return to Italy and stop in the elegant city of Como, where we visit Piazza Cavour, Piazza Volta, the Old Town, and the majestic Duomo, built in Gothic style with white marble. A lakeside walk or a visit to the Christmas Market completes our day before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Thursday 11th December
After breakfast, we travel to the mountains to visit the charming alpine village of Santa Maria Maggiore, located in the Vigezzo Valley. Known for its artisan heritage and houses decorated with frescoes, we enjoy some free time to explore the narrow picturesque streets. Later, we board the scenic Centovalli train (ticket extra), a one-hour journey offering spectacular views of valleys, forests, and dramatic bridges. We arrive in the Swiss town of Locarno, nestled on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, where we enjoy further free time to explore the elegant piazzas, lakeside paths, and shops. Those interested may take the funicular (extra ticket) to the Madonna del Sasso sanctuary, a famous pilgrimage site offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. In the evening, we return to the hotel for dinner, followed by a guided evening walk with our tour leader.
Friday 12th December
Today we begin with a visit to Vercelli, a historic town renowned for its architecture and rice cultivation. Here we enjoy a stroll through the old town beautifully decorated for Christmas, with time to relax, enjoy a coffee, or do some shopping. We continue to the picturesque village of Ghemme, famous for its wine. Here we visit a local winery and enjoy a wine and grappa tasting (extra fee). Later in the afternoon, we make our way to the city of Novara to experience the lively Christmas Market filled with festive colours and music. Those who wish may join the tour leader for visits to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Basilica of San Gaudenzio, both architectural landmarks. After a memorable day, we return to our hotel.
Saturday 13th December
After a buffet breakfast, enjoy some free time for any final shopping or relaxing. At approximately 10:30, we transfer by coach to Linate Airport for our return flight KM625, departing at 15:15 and arriving in Malta at 17:15.
