Day 1
We depart on a flight from London Stansted or Edinburgh to Milan (Other regional flight connections and overnight accommodation before or after the tour available on request). We arrive in Milan and transfer by comfortable coach to our base for the holiday, the 3-star Hotel Bazzoni. The hotel is situated in the centre of Tremezzo in front of the lake. All rooms are en-suite with TV, telephone and balcony. The hotel has an open air swimming-pool and gardens.
Alternatively upgrades are available to either the 4-star Grand Hotel Di Cadenabbia on the western shore of Lake Como where all rooms have private facilities telephone, hairdryer and satellite TV. Or upgrade to the 4-star Grand Hotel Menaggio in nearby Menaggio where all rooms have satellite TV, direct-dial telephone, hairdryer, mini-bar and air-conditioning. The hotel sits directly on the lakeside overlooking Lake Como and offers heated pool, coffee bar, restaurant and boutiques. In the evening dinner will be served in each hotel.
Day 2
Today following breakfast, you are free to explore the surrounding area at your leisure – take a walk in the hills or a boat trip on the lake, wander round the shops or visit a local garden. Alternatively join our optional excursion to St Moritz. This tour will take you along the northern part of the lake to the town of Chiavenna where we stop for coffee (not included) before proceeding into Switzerland and the Maloya Pass with is breathtaking scenery. St Moritz is situated on the southern side of the Alps in the Engadine Valley with its numerous crystal clear mountain lakes. On our return we stop in Chiavenna and have free time for either exploring the town or shopping before returning to the hotel in time for dinner. Please note part of this excursion is operated on the well-known panoramic Bernina Express train.
Day 3
Today, following breakfast, you are free to relax, alternatively join our optional excursion to Milan where we shall enjoy a guided tour of this magnificent city. The tour begins at the Castle of the Dukes of Milan, which is said to be the greatest Renaissance monument in the city, we shall have a chance to admire the historic centre with its highlights, including the Scala Opera House – one of the most famous theatres in the world.
Dinner is served in the evening.
Day 4
Today, following breakfast, you are again free to relax in the hotel or explore the surrounding area.
Dinner is served in the evening.
Day 5
Today, following breakfast, the day is at leisure. Alternatively join us on an optional excursion to Lake Orta and Stresa. This full day excursion starts with a drive to Lake Orta where we will have time for a stroll around the village. We then continue to the elegant town of Stresa, situated on Lake Maggiore. You will have time to visit the town or, if you prefer, take an optional excursion by boat to Isola Bella (not included) to see the vast palace built from the island’s rock and surrounded by terraced gardens that were inspired by the ‘Hanging Gardens of Babylon’.
Dinner is served in the evening.
Day 6
This morning, following breakfast, we once again have a free day. Alternatively join our optional excursion to Bergamo one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in Northern Italy which dates back to the Middle Ages and is described as the mini Florence of the North. This tour begins in Varenna - please note passengers must make own way by boat/ferry to join the coach at Varenna (not included). We depart from Varenna traveling along the south eastern coastline through Lecco, the town of Alessandro Manzoni 's "The Betrothed". We proceed to Bergamo and the "Città Alta" (the Upper town) surrounded by its medieval Venetian walls where we meet our city Guide for a walking tour, visiting enchanting churches, palaces and squares. After the guided tour, we shall have some free time to take a stroll along the characteristic cobbled lanes full of little arts and crafts shops, bars and restaurants.
Dinner will be served at the hotel in the evening.
Day 7
Today, following breakfast, you are again free to relax in the hotel or explore the surrounding area.
Dinner is served in the evening.
Day 8
Today we must check-out of the hotel. We will return to the airport in time for our return flight to London Stansted.