The Jewels of Lake Maggiore is the perfect way to explore these stunning countries independently. Our suggested itinerary and optional extras which can be booked through our rep service give you the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Locarno and Maggiore at your own pace.
| To book The Jewels of Lake Maggiore tour, please call our reservations team on 01483 791 111 |
Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive into Milan Malpensa airport and transfer to the Swiss region of Ticino to your first hotel (transfer is approx 2 hours).
Day 2:
Today is yours to unwind, relax and enjoy the beautiful sights that Locarno has to offer. Spend the morning wandering through the lanes off of the Piazza Grande, one of Switzerland's most famous squares or take the boat or train to Ascona and explore the promenade of Lungolago di Ascona.
Day 3:
Why not spend the day on the breath-taking islands of Brissago, home to an incredible Botanical park sporting more than 1,700 species of flora. Isola Piccola is home to natural vegetation and wild flowers whist the larger island St Pancrazio which has been open to the public since 1950 boats subtropical plants from both the northern and southern hemispheres. Villa Emden on Isola St Pancrazio is the perfect spot to reward your day of walking with an ice cold aperitif and spectacular views of the lake.
Day 4:
Experience Lugano today by taking the funicular to the top of Mount San Salvatore. Reaching the 882 meter summit in just 12 minutes, you can expect incredible 360 views of the towns and valley's below and for keen hikers, there is a plethora of trails suited to all abilities with a 2 hour hike back down to the base. If you wish to return on the funicular, it runs throughout the day until 11pm in peak summer giving you plenty of time to explore the mountain. Afterwards, you can take the train to the lakeside village of Melide and visit the delightful Swissminiature and its 120 replicas of Switzerland's famous landmarks.
Day 5:
Discover the capital of Ticino, the stunning city of Bellinzona which is home to the famous UNESCO world heritage sites of Castelgrande, Sasso Corbardo and Castello Montebello which date back to the middle ages. The Museo Villa di Cedri located in the centre features exhibitions of regional art dating back to the 19th century. Walk through the quaint old town and be sure to stop for a spot of people watching at one of the many cafes tucked away amidst the gorgeous Renaissance architecture.
Day 6:
Today brings with it a touch of Hollywood glamour as you take the opportunity to explore the Verzasca Valley and the famous Contra Dam where the opening scene of James Bond's 'Golden Eye' was filmed. Continuing north, you will find the 17th century bridge of Ponte dei Salti in Lavertezzo. Here you can soak up the sunshine over the glorious emerald waters of the Verasca river and explore the church of Madonna degli dei Angeli which has stood in the town since the 18th century. Please note that the journey by public bus from Locarno to Verazca Valley is included with your resort card).
Day 7:
Spend the morning relaxing and making the most of your hotels facilities or indeed going for a walk along the lake front. Then why not take the Cardada cable-car to 1,340 meters above sea level where awe inspiring 360 views of the Lake Maggiore basin will greet you. Be sure to stop for lunch at one of the marvelous grotto restaurants serving typical Ticinese charcuterie plates complimented by a locally made gin and tonic with melissa and coriander plucked from the makers terraced garden on the slopes of Mount Bisbino. You can return to Locarno by foot (the hike will take approximately 3 hours) or by cable car.
Day 8:
Spend your last morning in resort relaxing before transferring over to Stresa via private taxi in the afternoon.
Day 9:
Meet your Inghams rep for information about the local area including all the hidden gems only the locals know about and make arrangements for any excursions you may wish to join. In the afternoon, you can take a boat around the lake or watch the sunset in one of the many quaint wine bars and family run restaurants on the lake front.
Day 10:
Relax in the morning and take a leisurely dip in your hotel pool and take an optional half day excursion to Lake Orta (Mondays only) which is one of Italy's smallest and least known northern lakes. One of the best kept secrets of the Mediterranean, this enchanting lake is just 13.4 meters long by 2.5 kilometres wide and is home to the picturesque village of Orta San Guillo. With its narrow, cobbled lanes and impressive medieval architecture, this village is as eclectic as they come with a permanent art exhibition on its shores and temporary art installations scattered throughout the streets. In the Spring and early Summer months, it plays residence to Orta a Fiore, a flower festival in the town whereby every building is awash with colours of local and exotic flora.
Day 11:
An optional boat trip is available to the stunning Borromean Islands locatedin the west of the lake between Verbania and Stresa. Isola Bella is home to an impressive Baroque palace of the same name as well as elborate botanical gardens courtesy of 17th century architect Charles Borromean. Isola dei Pescatori has a small town and quaint market space selling local artisan wares and Isola Madre is known for its incredible botanical gardens harbouring over 2,000 different species of plants from across the globe.
Day 12:
An optional half day wine tour is available on Sundays with a spectacular drive through the countryside. Your host will guide you through the cellars showcasing some gorgeous vintage wines and also take you through the art of wine making. And of course after all that exploration, there will be plenty of time to sample the wares!
Day 13:
Today is yours to relax and explore the lake at your own pace.
Day 14:
An optional full day trip to Milan is available today, giving you a chance to visit Italy's second largest city, not to mention one of the fashion capitals of the world. Pay a visit to the Duomo, the elegant Vittorio Emanuele Galleries or the impressive Sforza castle which has stood in the city since the 15th century having been built by the Duke of Milan. Of course there will be the opportunity to spend some time in the affluent shopping district and sample a variety of cuisine from the indoor food market off the main piazza where you'll undoubtedly find some of the best gelato and coffee that Italy has to offer.
Day 15:
Transfer back to Milan Malpensa for your flight home.
Departure dates & prices for 2019
- Saturday or Wednesday departures only for 14 nights
- Prices from £1,599 per person based on 3 star accommodation and from £2,119 per person based on 4 star accommodation
- Single rooms available with a supplement
What’s included
- Return flights to Milan Malpensa from the UK
- Return transfers (shared on arrival and departure, private taxi between Locarno & Stresa)
- An Inghams 'Meet & Greet' service in Locarno and an Inghams Rep based in Stresa
- 14 nights half board accommodation in 3 or 4 star hotels. All rooms with private facilities
- Ticino Ticket with free use of public transport in the Ticino region in Switzerland
- Assistance of Inghams Reps in Menaggio and telephone contact when in Como
Your Hotels
- 3* Hotels - Hotel City, Locarno and Hotel Lido La Perla Nera, Stresa.
- 4* Hotels - Hotel Belvedere, Locarno and Hotel Regina Palace, Stresa.
Departure flights to Milan from:
- • Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Luton
- • Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh & Bristol
- • Flight supplements may apply
| To book The Jewels of Lake Maggiore tour, please call our reservations team on 01483 791 111 |
