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United Kingdom
Gardens of Highgrove
Dates Available
- NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
Fully
Guided
2
Nights
B&B
Flights &
Transfers
Gardens of Lake Maggiore
Fully
Guided
7
Nights
Half Board
Flights &
Transfers
- Explore the gardens of Lake Maggiore on this 7-night garden holiday to Italy.
- Stay in Stresa for easy access to the main sights of Lake Maggiore.
- Discover a variety of wonderful gardens including Isola Bella Palace & Villa Taranto.
- Enjoy guided excursions to Lake Orta & The Borromean Islands.
- Cross the border into Switzerland to visit the charming towns of Brissago & Ascona.
- Be accompanied by Frances MacDonald, a qualified and experienced gardener and guide throughout the tour.
Please contact us for more information
Your Guided Group Holiday To Lake Maggiore
Situated on the south side of the Alps, Lake Maggiore is brimming with quaint towns, rich in Renaissance and medieval architecture, and is famous for its scenic views and beautiful gardens. On this 7-night garden tour, we will visit San Giulio on the picturesque Lake Orta, sail to the Borromean Islands to admire the azaleas and citrus trees in the botanic gardens, and fall in love with the terraced gardens of the Isola Bella Palace. In the Villa Taranto Botanic Gardens, we'll discover many different types of flowers and marvel at the water fountains and statues. We’ll also have plenty of free time to discover Lake Maggiore at our own pace, where we can enjoy the views from Stresa’s lakeside promenade and the relaxed atmosphere of this lovely resort town. Travel with us to Lake Maggiore and be inspired by these wonderful gardens in Italy.
Trip Itinerary
Day
1
Travel to Italy
Transfer To Lake Maggiore
Afternoon
Upon arriving in Milan, we will be met by our local representative at the airport and transferred to our hotel.
2
Lake Orta & San Giulio
At Leisure
Morning
Enjoy a free morning to relax, shop or alternatively take a trip by cable car to the Alpine Gardens and enjoy the superb views of the lake and the Borromean Islands.
Explore Lake Orta & San Giulio
Afternoon
In the afternoon Frances and our local guide will accompany us on a visit to the Statue of St Charles Borromeo near Arona before we journey onwards to Lake Orta. We will take a short boat ride to the island of San Giulio to see its pretty village with a wonderful square, town hall and frescoed houses. This lake island is not only quaint and pretty; its hilly landscape will give you wonderful views of the rest of the lake and the surrounding area.
3
Borromean Islands
Guided Tour of the Borromean Islands
Full day
On this full day tour with Frances and our local guide, we will visit the stunning and secluded Borromean Islands. The first stop will be the villa and botanic gardens of Isola Madre, where the spectacular gardens are well known for the azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and an ancient wisteria. There are also citrus trees, hibiscus and ginkgo biloba for you to see, smell and photograph. Next we will have some free time on Isola Pescatori for lunch, before visiting Isola Bella garden and palace. The splendid gardens, which are on ten terraces, consist of geometrically designed hedging, water lilies, citrus trees and lotus flowers. At the highest point of the garden you will see a great unicorn, the symbol of the Borromeo family who made the island look the way it does today.
4
At Leisure
Free Time In Lake Maggiore
Full Day
You will have today free to revisit islands if you wish or attend local market. You may also choose to spend your day relaxing.
5
Isola Brissago, Ascona & Cannobio
Explore Isola Brissago, Ascona & Cannobio
Full Day
A full day guided tour starting with a visit to the beautiful gardens on the Swiss island of Brissago. Later, we will visit Ascona and the town of Cannobio at the foot of the mountains close to Lake Maggiore.
6
At Leisure
Explore Lake Maggiore Independently
Full Day
Today will be free to spend as you wish. Enjoy some time by the lake, or visit Stresa to pick up some souvenirs or local Italian treats to take home.
7
Villa Taranto & Intra
At Leisure
Morning
You will have the morning to spend at your leisure or alternatively, take a short walking your around the village of Stresa with Frances. Close to the hotel, it has delightful shops and a local market with wonderful views of the lake.
Discover Villa Taranto & Intra
Afternoon
In the afternoon, travel by private boat to the Villa Taranto Gardens, a botanical garden situated on the west shores of Lakes Maggiore. Established by a Scotsman Neil McEacharn during the period 1931 to 1940, he planted the 16 hectares of land with 20,000 different plant varieties. Afterwards, continue to the small town of Intra, situated on the Borromean Gulf. Intra's historic centre is ideal to stroll around, with its many cafes and little shops.
8
Return Home
Depart Italy
Afternoon
Today we will be transferred from our hotel to the airport for our flight home with guide assistance.
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes
Know before you go
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
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