- Eurostar to Paris and onward rail travel as specified in the itinerary
- 1 night hotel stay (2 persons sharing room) with breakfast in Geneva
- 3 nights’ hotel stay (2 persons sharing room) with breakfast in Stresa
- Private walking tour Lake Como
- Flight from Milan to the UK (return rail via Lausane option available)
Day 1: London – Geneva
Your adventure begins in London’s St Pancras station, where you’ll board the Eurostar to Paris. Change onto a high-speed train and whiz through France towards Switzerland in just over three hours, all the while admiring the beautiful lake and mountain scenes out your window. On arrival in French-speaking Geneva, make your way to your hotel for an overnight stay. Spend the evening enjoying a tasty meal at a local lakeside restaurant or take a relaxing boat trip out on the lake and admire the city’s cosmopolitan feel and the stunning backdrop of the Alps and the Jura mountains. Overnight in Geneva (Meals: No Meals)
Day 2: Geneva – Stresa (Lake Maggiore)
After breakfast, take the train from Geneva to Stresa, travelling through snowy passes, over vast viaducts, and past mountain villages where cows graze with their distinctive tinkling cloche bells. On arrival in Stresa, check into your hotel for a three-night stay. Like other northern Italian lakes, Lake Maggiore’s credentials as a tourist destination go back hundreds of years. This idyllic spot has attracted visitors since the beginning of the 18th century, who come to soak up the sun, relax and enjoy the many attractions the area has to offer. Lakeside gardens bloom with a profusion of camelias, azaleas and rhodedendrons and the lake’s azure waters are home to numerous species of freshwater fish, some of which can be sampled in the local restaurants. Overnight in Stresa (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 3: Stresa
On the shores of the Borromean Gulf, Stresa is ideally situated as a base to explore the lake’s villages, islands and natural beauty. A regular ferry runs from the town around the lake and the Isola Bella, the most well-known of the Borromean Islands, is only ten minutes away by boat. Stresa itself is a lovely little lakeside town with many markets, churches and botanical gardens to explore. Take the cable car up to Monte Mottarone for stunning views of the Alps and glimpses of the other lakes in the region. Overnight in Stresa (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 04: Stresa
Stroll along the lake front to the Villa Pallavicino, a 19th century villa surrounded by landscaped parkland with beautiful plants, flowers and trees and a small zoo. Or just sit and relax in a café on the waterfront. Overnight in Stresa (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 05: Departure Stresa – London
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and catch a bus to Milan Airport (payable locally). Catch your flight back to the UK from here. Prefer to return home by rail, with a night stay in Lausane? We would be happy to make these arrangements for you. (Meals: Breakfast)
Geveva, Hotel Cornavin • 4 Star – The superior Cornavin Hotel in Saint-Gervais / des Grottes district offers cozy rooms with views over Lake Geneva. Built in 1932, the hotel is a combination of traditional architecture and contemporary facilities. The hotel is nestled in the heart of Geneva, steps away from Gare de Cornavin train station. The property is set within 2 km distance from the city center.
Geneva, Hotel Cristal • 3 Star – Hotel Cristal welcomes guests in the heart of Geneva meters away from a cathedral and a museum. The hotel occupies 7 floors and was renovated in 2001.The property is located in Saint-Gervais / des Grottes district, 3.5 km from PalExpo. Hotel Cristal is within about 20 minutes’ walk of the center of Geneva. Offering climate control, high-speed internet, a laptop-size safe, TV and a refrigerator, modern guestrooms boast an English interior. Hotel Cristal offers rooms with the lake view. The bathrooms come with a bathtub, a shower and a hairdryer for more comfort.
Geneva, Hotel Les Nations • 3 Star – Les Nations Hotel is a 3-star property in Petit-Saconnex / Servette district of Geneva close to restaurants and pubs. Featuring original architecture, the hotel occupies a 7-story building opened in 1975. This comfortable hotel is situated 1.7 km from Lake Geneva. Set within a 30-minute walking distance from Geneva city center.
Stresa, La Palma Hotel • 4 Star – La Palma Hotel is a modern hotel with traditional decoration. The hotel has 120 comfortable bedrooms. The hotel has a restaurant, bar, garden, pool and private beach. The hotel is on the shore of Lake Maggiore, close to Stresa train station.
At a Glance
Lake Maggiore Via The Alps
5 Days from £839 pp
- Starts: London Ends: Stresa (Lake Maggiore)
- Departs: Any day
- Tour Type: Independent
- Hotel Rating: 3/4 star hotels
- Meals: Breakfast: 4
- Visiting: Geneva & Lake Maggiore
- Countries: Switzerland & Italy
Highlights
Spend a night in cosmopolitan Geneva en route to Italy. Travel through the majestic scenery of the Swiss and Italian Alps to Stresa.Explore Lake Maggiore and the surrounding towns and villages nearby.