The Italian Lakes - Tours - Travelsphere Europe by Coach & Rail

Stresa, Lake Maggiore The Italian Lakes Experience the magnificence of the Italian Lakes in comfort and style Lausanne Lugano 10 days �1499 Your holiday includes 7 nights' half board and 2 nights' bed and breakfast Your experienced Tour Manager Standard class return rail travel by Eurostar/European train provider DAY 1 UK/Lausanne We depart St Pancras or Ebbsfleet by Eurostar this morning to Paris. On arrival, we cross the French capital by coach and connect with the high-speed TGV service to Lausanne, where you will stay overnight. DAY 2 Lake Maggiore An exciting rail journey lies ahead as we take the Cisalpino train from Lausanne to Stresa on Lake Maggiore. We travel along the shores of Lake Geneva, through the spectacular Rhone Valley to Brig, and then under the Alps via the Simplon Tunnel into Italy. We spend the next seven nights on a half board basis at an excellent 4-star hotel in either Stresa or Baveno, on the western shores of the lake. Meals: B/D DAYS 3 TO 8 Lake Maggiore We spend the next six days in this beautiful region. Set on the sunny southern side of the Alps, the lake offers a mild climate and a panorama of sparkling water, charming lakeside villas and resorts. The Borromean Islands add to the lake's beauty. These jewel-like islands set in the middle of the lake are easily reached by one of the steamers that link the picturesque lakeside resorts. Perhaps the most celebrated island is Isola Bella, known for its exuberant gardens created in the 17th century, with marvellous views of the lake. We offer a full programme of excursions to help you make the most of your stay. Meals: B/D Included excursions: Lake Como & Lake Lugano (full day) We visit two beautiful lakes today, beginning with Lake Lugano, set amongst the steep slopes of the Alps and bordering both Italy and Switzerland. From here we continue to Lake Como where we take a boat trip on the calm, deep waters of wishbone-shaped Lake Como. Our cruise is the perfect way to appreciate the magnificent shoreline dotted with elegant cypress trees, grand villas and exquisite gardens. from only B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner Your included meal guide See the magnificence of the Italian Lakes in comfort and style. Take a spectacular journey on the Cisalpino train from Switzerland's stunning Lake Geneva into Italy, hop aboard the Centovalli scenic railway to Locarno and relax by the shores of beautiful Lake Maggiore in an excellent 4-star hotel. Optional excursions: Lake Orta (half day) A real treat is in store as we visit Lake Orta, a beautiful small lake of deep blue waters, much less famous than its neighbours, but no less impressive. A highlight is the Isola San Guilio, a tiny island-village. Centovalli to Locarno (full day) Sure to be a highlight of your holiday is this scenic railway journey. The track winds its way through beautiful countryside, over viaducts and bridges through centovalli one hundred valleys - to the Swiss town of Locarno. We enjoy some free time in this lovely resort before returning by boat. The Borromean Islands (full day) This excursion by private motorboat visits the three small islands in the middle of the lake; Isola Bella (Beautiful Island) - the most famous with its richly decorated palace and beautiful gardens; Isola dei Pescatori (Fisherman's Island) - a tiny island with a quaint fishing village; and Isola Madre (Mother Island) - this island features a stunning botanical garden dominated by a giant 140-year-old cypress. Gardens of the Villa Taranto (half day) Explore the wonderful botanical gardens of the Villa Taranto, where you will find an astonishing number of specimens from around the world, including lilies, lotus blossoms and Japanese maple. Milan (full day) Italy's fashion capital is a true shopper's paradise and all the famous designers can be found here. A sightseeing tour highlights the best of this cosmopolitan city, including the great Gothic cathedral, its extraordinary roof crowned by 35 spires and the Brera Art Gallery, one of the most important in Italy. DAY 9 Lausanne We spend our final night at the Hotel Continental on a bed and breakfast basis. Meals: B DAY 10 Lausanne/UK We depart for home on the comfortable TGV to Paris. Here we connect with the Eurostar service to Ebbsfleet or St Pancras. Meals: B YOur hOTELS In Lausanne you will stay at the Continental Hotel or similar. Ideally situated close to the railway station, this hotel has a restaurant, bar and comfortable rooms with TV, minibar and hairdryer. Porterage between the station and the hotel is included. On Lake Maggiore you will stay at one of the Zacchera Hotels (Stresa or Bavero). These delightful 4-star hotels are situated close to the shores of the lake and offer restaurants, bars and swimming pools. Guest rooms have satellite TV and air-conditioning. Rooms with a lake view are available at a supplement. Hotels will be confirmed in your final documents. Lausanne Station transfers (if applicable) and transfers between stations and hotels Included excursions & other highlights Experience a dramatic arrival by train into Lausanne, beautifully located hugging the shores of Lake Geneva Lake Como & Lake Lugano SWITZERLAND Lake Maggiore Lake Orta Locarno Baveno Lake Stresa Lugano Lake Como Milan The Italian Lakes Optional excursions Centovalli to Locarno Gardens of the Villa Taranto Pre-bookable excursion package only Journey by train ITALY PrIcES 2012 The Italian Lakes HOliDAY REF: PEIL Enhance your holiday with this pre-bookable excursion package Borromean Islands, Milan & Lake Orta �125 per person 4 May 11 May 18 May 25 May 1 Jun �1579 �1579 �1579 �1579 �1579 7 Sep 21 Sep 28 Sep 5 Oct �1579 �1579 �1549 �1499 Information will be sent on other available optional excursions 15 weeks from departure This tour operates in conjunction with our sister company Page & Moy. Single room supplement from �290. Lake view rooms (Lake Maggiore) from �225. For insurance information, please see page 73. All prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double-bedded room with private facilities. Additional fuel supplements may be applicable and you will be informed of these at the time of booking. cuSTOMEr rATING THe HOLIday 100% Customers rating excellent or good Sep 10 - Aug 11 TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS Outward: Departs St Pancras International (0912h) or Ebbsfleet International (0931h) to Paris (Connecting to Lausanne on TGV). Return: Arrival St Pancras International (1639h) or Ebbsfleet International (1606h) from Paris. Please note: All timings are subject to change. TRAVEL UPGRAdE First Class Travel Upgrade (Standard Premier - Eurostar see page 15) from �240 per person. 70 For latest prices visit travelsphere.co.uk or call 0844 567 5229 Please have passport details ready when booking