Lake Maggiore, Zermatt & the Centovalli Railway – Premier Collection

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Fly to Milan and transfer to Baveno - Today, fly to Milan airport, where you’ll be met by your friendly, local tour manager and transferred to the hotel in the charming town of Baveno. Set on the banks of Lake Maggiore, this upscale property is surrounded by stunning gardens and backed by the Italian Alps. The rest of the day will be free to unpack and get settled in.
• Day 2
  A full day at leisure in Baveno - After breakfast, you can make the most of the day at leisure to take advantage of the hotel’s amenities, including a wellness centre and outdoor swimming pool. Alternatively, take a short stroll to Baveno city centre, with its shoreside villas, waterfront promenade, pink granite quarries, and historic mineral water springs. A wander around the town will reveal an assortment of cafés and gelaterias, as well as the Church of Saints Gervasio and Protasio, dating back to the 11th century and boasting impressive frescoes.
• Day 3
  Included visit to the Borromean Islands - Following breakfast, you’ll board a boat at the nearby harbour and cruise across Lake Maggiore. As you sail, the enchanting Borromean Islands will come into view, each with its own distinctive character. Your first stop is Isola Madre, the largest of the islands, home to a 16th-century palace located within an extraordinary botanical park, which you can choose to visit (on your own account).  Here, rare and exotic plants bloom throughout the year, and peacocks, golden pheasants, and other species roam freely among palms, camellias, and azaleas. A short journey then brings you to Isola dei Pescatori (also known as Isola Superiore), the only island that has been permanently inhabited. There will be time to walk around its narrow lanes and traditional houses before having lunch (on your own account) at one of the family-run restaurants, many of which serve freshly caught fish from the lake. The final highlight of the trio is Isola Bella, dominated by the magnificent Borromeo Palace and its spectacular terraced gardens, a baroque masterpiece adorned with statues, fountains, and rare plants. You can opt to visit the palace (on your own account) or discover the pretty village with boutiques and cafés. Later, return to the mainland and the hotel in the evening.
• Day 4
  Full day at leisure or optional tour to Lake Lugano and Lake Como - Another day of leisure awaits today, or you can join an optional tour, which first includes a visit to the town of Lugano, based on Lake Lugano. Located in southern Switzerland’s Italian-speaking Ticino region, this city offers breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains and the lake. There will be time to experience its ‘Monte Carlo of Switzerland’ atmosphere, complete with casinos, a lively waterfront, and high-end shops. After exploring, you can enjoy an Italian delicacy in a Swiss setting. Back on the coach, you’ll continue to Lake Como, stopping in the scenic town of Tremezzo, where you can visit the celebrated Villa Carlotta (entrance not included). This 18th-century villa is renowned for its impressive gardens and ancient trees, as well as its collection of sculptures and artworks inside. From here, travel south to the lakeside town of Como, which has drawn poets, artists, and travellers throughout the years. Discover its historic centre with cobbled streets, sprawling piazzas and boutique shops, as well as the towering Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta or Duomo di Como, which dominates the skyline. Located in the main square, Piazza Duomo, this place of worship is one of the most important religious buildings in northern Italy, dating back to the 14th century. The nearby waterfront is another highlight, lined with monuments, lush gardens, and villas, including the splendid neoclassical Villa Olmo. At the end of the afternoon, return to Baveno.
• Day 5
  Included journey across the Simplon Pass and shuttle train to Zermatt - Begin the day with breakfast before driving along Lago Maggiore and through the dramatic Ossola Valley, following the Simplon Road to the Swiss border. Here, the landscape opens up into the majestic high Alps as you ascend the Simplon Pass, reaching an altitude of 6,500 feet. At the Belvedere viewpoint, enjoy the panoramic vistas that stretch across snow-capped peaks and valleys. There will be time for refreshments and to take some photographs. After the mountain stop, descend into the picturesque town of Brig, the gateway to the Alps. Continue along the Rhone Valley to Visp, a bustling town, before turning south into the narrow Matter Valley (Valle della Mattera), following the River Vispa-Matter. Next up is the village of Tasch, where you’ll leave the coach and board a shuttle train to Zermatt. Situated at 5,300 feet above sea level, Zermatt, the ‘Queen of the Alps is a car-free resort town. Famed for its backdrop of the iconic peaks, it overlooks the Matterhorn (14,680 ft) and Monte Rosa (15,200 ft), the highest mountain in Switzerland. Upon arrival, you’ll have time for lunch (on your own account) and the opportunity to explore Zermatt at your own pace. For those seeking more mountain vistas, take a cable car or the Gornergrat rack railway, promising sweeping views over the glaciers. Later, return to Tasch by train and travel back to Baveno, retracing the route through the Rhone Valley, Brig, and across the Simplon Pass.
• Day 6
  A full day at leisure or an optional tour to Milan - Have breakfast and embrace a free day to relax, or join an optional excursion to Milan, one of Europe’s most dynamic and captivating cities. This city is not only a global fashion capital, but it is also steeped in history, culture, and art. During this excursion, discover some of the city’s most well-known landmarks under the guidance of your tour manager. These include Sforzesco Castle, a magnificent fortress housing several museums and art collections, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an exquisite 19th-century arcade filled with boutiques, cafés, and sophisticated architecture. You’ll also see La Scala Opera House, internationally renowned as one of the world’s greatest theatres. Finally, marvel at the Duomo di Milano, a Gothic masterpiece and one of Europe’s largest cathedrals, crowned with a towering spire. After the tour, the afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. Perhaps wander through Milan’s fashionable streets, browse world-class galleries or museums, or simply take a seat in a pavement café and watch the world go by.
• Day 7
  Included journey on the Centovalli Railway and a visit to Locarno - Once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll travel to the Italian town of Domodossola and board the Centovalli Railway. This scenic 52 km (32 miles) metre-gauge railway is also known as the Vigezzina Line and links Domodossola in Italy with Locarno in Switzerland. Opened in 1923, the line crosses the landscapes of the Centovalli and Vigezzo Valleys, often referred to as the ‘Hundred Valleys’. The train journey takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes, and the carriages feature large windows, perfect for taking in the views. Upon arrival in Locarno, a delightful town on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, you’ll have free time for lunch and to explore. Make your way along the lakeside promenade, enjoy an espresso on the Piazza Grande (one of the largest squares in Switzerland), or enter the flower-filled gardens of the Madonna del Sasso sanctuary, sitting above the town. The pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso also boasts fantastic views of the landscapes. Later this afternoon, depart by coach for the return journey to Baveno.
• Day 8
  Transfer from Baveno to Milan airport and fly to the UK - Enjoy your last breakfast and board the coach for the journey back to Milan airport before flying to the UK.