No-fly tour of the Italian lakes and the majestic peaks of Switzerland

Itinerary

1. Day

   1

   Depart from London

   Colmar, France

   Today you'll journey from London St Pancras to Paris on the Eurostar before travelling onwards to Colmar, France on the high-speed local train.

2. Day

   2

   Arrive in Stresa

   Stresa, Italy

   Today you'll continue your journey towards the Italian Lakes on the high-speed train from Colmar to Stresa, on the shores of Lake Maggiore, where you'll check in at your four-star lakeside hotel and enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant.

3. Day

   3

   Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands

   Lake Maggiore ,

   Today you'll get to know your beautiful surroundings, with a trip to the stunning Borromean Islands.

   These islands were once owned by a Milanese Count who, in the 17th century, created the most amazing belle époque villa on Isola Bella. On a guided tour you'll see its staterooms with fine furniture, intricate parquet flooring and elegant pastel-coloured plasterwork and frescoes adorning the high ceilings.

   The grounds are just as spectacular, with ten interlocking terraces imaginatively planted with orange and lemon trees, plus magnolias and a host of other fragrant and colourful shrubs surrounding marble statues.

   After your visit, you'll move on to Isola dei Pescatori, with its narrow cobbled streets, picturesque harbour and charming buildings. This is the perfect place for a relaxing lunch on the terrace of one of the excellent lakeside restaurants before cruising back to Stresa during the afternoon.

4. Day

   4

   Centovalli Railway

   Domodossola, Italy

   This morning you take a private boat to Cannobio, the last town on the shores of Lake Maggiore before the Swiss border. You have some time to explore before you board a coach to the chic Swiss resort town of Locarno, travelling past dramatic snow-capped mountains en route. Locarno's imposing castle presides over a charming labyrinth of narrow lanes, and you will be free to wander at your leisure before boarding the narrow gauge Centovalli train.

   From the specially designed panoramic carriages of the train you will pass through spectacular scenery, passing chestnut woods, lush vines, cascades of clear water, villages clinging perilously to the mountain sides and wild, romantic alpine vistas. Having arrived in Domodossola you return to Stresa by coach.

5. Day

   5

   Lake Como

   Como, Italy

   Today you have the chance to discover another of Italy's famously beautiful lakes. Lake Como was a favourite with historical figures including the ancient Roman Pliny, composers Verdi and Rossini and the romantic poet Shelley.

   The pretty town of Como, with its lakeside parks and majestic Villa Olmo, has been home to eminent figures including Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Napoleon. A haven of relaxation and natural beauty, Wordsworth described the lake as "a treasure the earth keeps to itself", but you will be free to explore it as you wish.

6. Day

   6

   Free day

   Stresa, Italy

   Today will be yours to do whatever takes your fancy. You might choose to simply relax in the hotel, perhaps taking a swim in the pool or having a drink on the terrace.

   You might head into Stresa and discover more of this delightful town. A classic Grand Tour destination for well-heeled 18th-century travellers, Stresa has a genteel, belle époque air. A drink at the bar of the Grand Hotel is made all the more intoxicating by its history; featured in Hemingway's 'A Farewell to Arms', notable visitors include George Bernard Shaw and Charlie Chaplin

   There's also the chance to take part in a complimentary guided walk today. Leaving from the nearby village of Verbania Pallanza, you'll take a delightful route through unspoilt oak forest. A naturalist guide will point out the abundant flora and fauna, before you arrive in the village of Mergozzo for a well-earned coffee, please note places are strictly limited so please advise at time of booking if you wish to participate. The walk is subject to weather conditions and only available May to September.

7. Day

   7

   Zermatt and The Matterhorn

   Zermatt, Switzerland

   This morning you'll cross the Swiss border and drive up into the awe-inspiring high Alps, taking the legendary Simplon Pass through spectacular landscapes of lush meadow, dense forest and snow-capped mountains.

   Along the way you may catch a glimpse of ibex, chamois, and even majestic golden eagles. After passing towering viaducts and cascading mountain waterfalls, you arrive in the iconic village of Zermatt. Nestled at the foot of the legendary Matterhorn, this cluster of chalets and wooden farm huts sits amid pastures of wildflowers, sheltered by an amphitheatre of mountain peaks.

   Here can choose to take the cog railway 3000 metres up the slopes of the Matterhorn, revealing a landscape of glaciers and lofty summits, not included in tour price. Or you can admire its distinctive shape from the footpaths at the fringes of Zermatt, take a scenic ride in a horse-drawn carriage, or simply relax in one of the village's many delightful cafes.

8. Day

   8

   Lake Orta

   Lake Orta,

   On your final full day you'll discover one of the best kept secrets of northern Italy: the breathtakingly beautiful Lake Orta, with its romantic lakeside village of Orta San Giulio.

   Situated on an outcrop and surrounded by the deep blue waters of the lake, the village is a delightful haven of stepped alleys and cobbled lanes. 14th-century half-timbered houses line the streets in an array of delicate pastel colours, while traditional food shops burst with delicious Italian produce.

   The romantic main square offers views across the water to the nearby Isola San Giulio, home to the village's incredible basilica. Inside, 12th- and 14th-century frescoes adorn the walls, perfectly in keeping with Orto San Giulio's medieval charms.

9. Day

   9

   Departure

   Stresa, Italy

   After a final breakfast at the hotel you'll take the high speed train from Stresa to Paris, stopping in Lausanne. In Pairs, you'll board the Eurostar and journey back to the UK.