
Highlights
- Apine peaks and sparkling lakes
- Elegant villas and gardens
- Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano, and Lake Como
- Travel by boat and cog railway
- Walk on stony mountain paths (Hiking boots are recommended).
The spectacular Italian Lakes, a long-time favorite haunt of the rich and famous, is our home for this seven-day trip. Walking alpine peaks and mountain trails, lakeside paths and flower-filled meadows, we discover a world beyond the society glamour, one filled with dainty plants, elegant Renaissance villas, marble cathedrals and vintage railways. Cruise across Lake Orta to admire San Giulio Island's Monastery. At Lake Maggiore we explore the Borromean Islands and the Palace. From Lugano we travel by private boat and cog railway to Monte Generoso, where we eat lunch in a rustic mountain hut before descending to Lake Como. This is a great escape to a peaceful and stunningly beautiful part of Italy.
Sunday Overnight: Hotel San Rocco
Monday Overnight: Hotel San Rocco
Tuesday Overnight: Hotel La Palma
Wednesday Overnight: Swiss Diamond Hotel
Thursday Overnight: Hotel Royal Victoria
Friday Overnight: Hotel Royal Victoria
Saturday

TRIP DETAILS
(Single Supplement US $795.00)
Dates

Departure: Varenna Rail Station or Milano Malpensa Airport

Hotels - Where we stay

Hotel San Rocco
A superior First Class hotel located on the fairy-like Lake Orta, the San Rocco was converted from a 17th century convent. The interior has a charming historic atmosphere. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and terrace, full service spa, piano bar and award winning restaurant. All rooms have a private bathroom, refrigerator/mini-bar, hair dryer, a safe for valuables, television, phone, and an extra phone jack for Internet access.
Website: http://www.hotelsanrocco.it

Hotel La Palma
Hotel La Palma is surrounded by a large flowered garden, located in a quite and central position on 'Stresa' lakeside. Recently refurbished, all rooms have private bath with jacuzzi, shower, hair dryer, 2 telephones, radio, satellite TV, safe, mini-bar, air conditioning and terrace. Suites, Junior suites and connecting rooms available on request. The rooms, stylish restaurant, fitness room, swimming pool and private beach make this an ideal place to relax.
Website: http://www.hlapalma.it

Swiss Diamond Hotel
This exclusive hotel has a stunning position on the shore of Lake Lugano and is surrounded by majestic Alpine peaks. The hotel spa offers a wide range of relaxing treatments and facilities include a large indoor pool, sauna, solarium, Turkish Bath, hammam and outdoor pool on the lakeside. Bedrooms are elegantly furnished featuring Persian carpets, Venetian crystals and refined paintings. They have every modern comfort including LCD TV, safety box, minibar, Wi-Fi internet connection and air conditioning. The luxurious ensuite bathroom includes shower, bidet and plush bathrobes. The hotels chefs are passionate about producing the finest contemporary Italian cuisine using the freshest local ingredients.
Website: http://www.swissdiamondhotel.com

Hotel Royal Victoria
The clue to the most illustrious guest of this hotel is in the name: In 1838 Queen Victoria herself stayed here. In the heart of beautiful Varenna and on the shores of Lake Como, once a spinning mill the hotel has retained its 19th century charm while providing all the modern comforts. Manicured gardens lead to a swimming pool and sun terrace, with access to a small shingle beach. The ferry to Bellagio departs from a dock just 550 yards away. The 43 bedrooms are each decorated with care and equipped with air conditioning, telephone, satellite TV, hairdryer, private bathroom, safe and minibar. Enjoy a variety of local, national and international cuisine in either the lakeside Gourmet Restaurant with its charming terrace, or in the relaxed atmosphere of the grill restaurant, watching the bustle of the town square.
Website: http://royalvictoria.com/1/1/EN/Home_page.htm
Start planning your trip
What Is Included in the Price of My Vacation
- Full-time services of two staff - a Walk Leader and Walk Manager
- A backup vehicle for resting walkers and moving luggage
- Comprehensive Travel Information Package and Reading List
- Diverse itineraries with an emphasis on history, geography, culture, peoples, flora and fauna
- Demonstrations, wine tasting, admissions to museums and historic sites
- All ground transfers (ferries, cable cars, trains, etc.)
- Maps and unique souvenirs to commemorate your trip
- First-class accommodations with cultural and historical interest
- All meals - with choices - (Special dietary requirements? No problem!)
- Wine with dinner
- On-trail snacks and refreshments
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants