ITALY & SWITZERLAND – 9 days

Italy and Switzerland are two of the most beautiful and magical countries in Europe, both are blessed with stunning scenery from high mountains to tranquil lakes with picturesque villages. The first of our destinations on this tour is Italy, with its fantastic food traditionally cooked, flamboyant fashion, some of the greatest cities in the world and more UNESCO World heritage sites than any other county on earth. Experience the serenity and beauty of Lake Maggiore and surrounding areas. We then move to the other European Jewel, Switzerland with its Alpine peaks, wonderful cities and enchanting town.

Hotel Milan Speranza Au Lac, Stresa – Tel: 00 39 0323 31178

A warm welcome awaits you at the Hotel Milan Speranza which is ideally located in the centre of Stresa close to the main shopping area. All rooms have private facilities and television. A lift serves all floors and the restaurant serves buffet style meals.

Montana, Flüeli-Ranft – Tel: 0041 041 660 2233

Built at the turn of the century and has been lovingly restored in Art Nouveau style in order to maintain its original elegance. For those who wish for peace and quiet in a beautiful location, this is an ideal holiday. Hotel features include rooms with private facilities and lake or mountain view, restaurant serving buffet style breakfast and waiter service evening meals with choice of menu.

Itinerary

Day 1: Outward journey via Eurotunnel to Lille for one night.
Day 2: Travel via the Belgium Ardennes and Luxembourg into Germany crossing the Rhine near Strasbourg for an overnight stay in  Offenburge.
Day 3: Journey into Switzerland and through the Alps to Italy and the lakeside town of Stresa for a 3 night stay at the Hotel Milan Speranza au Lac.
Day 4: A full day at leisure to explore Stresa. It is possible to take a boat trip from Stresa to the lovely Borromean Islands, Isola Bella, with its magnificent palace and terraced garden and Isola Madre with its tranquil, interconnecting gardens.
Day 5: A scenic excursion to include a circular route from Lake Maggiore through the mountains to stunning Lake Orta, with some time at leisure in Orta San Giulio.
Day 6: Depart Stresa after breakfast and travel to Locarno. Here board the William Tell Express. The first part of the journey is in a 1st class carriage on the Gotthard line to Lake Lucerne. This is followed by a lake cruise, usually in a nostalgic paddle steamer, during which lunch is included. Arriving in Lucerne City, rejoin the coach for the onward journey to nearby Flüeli-Ranft for a two night stay at the Hotel Paxmontana.
Day 7: Excursion to the magnificent Bernese Oberland to include the Brunig Pass with stops in Interlaken and the woodcarving village of Brienz.
Day 8: Depart Switzerland and travel on to Reims for an overnight stay.
Day 9: After breakfast depart for the homeward journeytravelling via Eurotunnel arriving late afternoon.