Italy's Lake Maggiore Majesty: Gardens, Islands & Alpine Beauty

Fly to Milan, then transfer to 4-star Hotel Pallanza or 4-star Hotel Belvedere San Gottardo in Verbania for seven nights. Settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel this evening. (D)

Head out on the lake for a boat tour today. You’ll pass the private island of Isola Madre, then visit Isola Bella, owned by the same family. Once a rock inhabited by fishermen, the island was transformed by the Borromeo family in the 17th century. It’s now home to an elaborate Baroque palace, housing more than 130 paintings from the era, alongside impressive gardens. After exploring the isle, continue on to the tranquil Isola dei Pescatori, where quaint fishermen’s houses scatter the shore. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, before free time to explore the island at leisure. Return to the hotel by boat. (B, L)

Transfer to Domodossola this morning. From here you’ll board the scenic two-hour Centovalli
railway to Locarno, meandering through the mountains with scenic views all around. On arrival,
explore this picturesque town, where Alpine peaks rise above Lake Maggiore. Wander its tree-lined
promenade, visit the medieval Castello Visconteo and stop by the Piazza Grande, the hub of the
town. Lunch is at leisure with free time to explore, before returning to Verbania by coach. (B)

Today is yours to explore independently. Relax at one of the piazza’s many cafes and restaurants. (B)

Visit the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto today. Created by Scottish Captain McEacharn in 1931, this impressive collection comprises thousands of plants from around the world, including several rare species found nowhere else in Europe. Tour the gardens with a local guide, taking in views of the lake and mountains. Afterwards, travel by coach to the magnificent Rocca d'Angera, a graceful result of the merge of five different buildings from various eras, spacing from the medieval times to the 15th-century: the Torre Castellana, Ala Scaligera, Ala Viscontea, Torre di Giovanni Visconti and the Ala dei Borromeo. The Rocca d’Angera garden is progressively transforming into a mean of interpretation and understanding of the medieval times. Outside the Rocca, Borromeo master gardeners devised the realization of a complex process that will thoroughly implement, year after year, many of the gardens described in the ancient codices. (B)

Drive to Lake Orta. Located west of Maggiore, this is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy, with the island of San Giulio at its heart. Take a boat to the island and visit its basilica and convent. This 13th-century sanctuary is home to 400 year-old frescoes and known for its spectacular architecture. Continue to Ricetto di Ghemme. One of the best-preserved walled settlements in Piedmont, this medieval village is filled with cobbled alleys, stone arches and characterful pebbled houses. Explore the village and its medieval tower, before a guided visit of one of the houses. Enjoy a local tasting in an ancient cellar as you learn more about wine-making in the region. Later return to Verbania. (B)

Relax with another free day today. Explore more of Verbania or take the ferry to one of the surrounding towns and villages. Alternatively, head out on a mountain hike, or try stand-up paddleboarding, water-skiing and other watersports on the lake. (B)

After breakfast, transfer to Milan airport for your flight home. (B)