Mountains And Lakes Tour
Nestled between snow-capped Alps and the azure waters of Lago Maggiore, Stresa beckons visitors with eighteenth-century villas and gardens, medieval castles, music festivals, and the wonders of the three Borromean Islands. Perfect for first-time visitors, this Stresa package highlights the very unique splendor of the lake region of Piemonte, its foods and its wines, its breathtaking scenery and its culture.
1st Day: Arrive in Stresa and settle into your lakefront hotel room, close to the center of town and the departure point for boats to the islands. Stroll to the piazza for your welcome aperitivo at Buscion Wine Bar.
2nd Day: Begin by visiting the mesmerizing Borromean Islands. Private water taxi will take you to Isola Bella (“Beautiful Island”) with its outlandish baroque palace and Italian gardens, to Isola dei Pescatori (“Fishermens’ Island”), the quaint home to local fishermen for hundreds of years, and Isola Madre (“Mother Island”) with its grand villa and English garden. A private guide can be arranged to explain the wonders of the Palazzo Borromeo. Enjoy a relaxing lunch overlooking the lake in a famous restaurant on one of the islands (prebooked). Your three-island tour returns you to Stresa in the afternoon, to enjoy the town and a dinner of your choice in one of many restaurants.
3rd Day: In the morning visit Villa Taranto in Pallanza, lovingly created by a Scottish sea captain and now considered one of the most important botanical gardens in Europe. After a cappuccino break on the bank of tiny Lago Mergozzo continue to Lake Orta, said by some to be the most romantic of Italian lakes. Orta S. Giulio is a gem of history and art; medieval buildings in the town centre, Isola San Giulio with its Romanesque church and narrow alleys, the Sacre Monto dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, and much more await. End the day
with a dinner of traditional Piemontese cuisine (prebooked).
with a dinner of traditional Piemontese cuisine (prebooked).
4th Day: After a good breakfast travel up the mountain by cablecar! The summit of Mt. Mottarone offers 360° views of the Alps, seven lakes, and on a clear day, even the Duomo in Milano! Hike a bit, then enjoy lunch in a restaurant where local mountain dishes are served. Return via cablecar with plenty of time for shopping, strolling, then dinner and gelato in town.
5th Day: Breakfast and departure.
5th Day: Breakfast and departure.
And… depending on the time of year and the day of the week, enjoy the weekly markets in Stresa and the opportunity to attend a performance of the world famous Stresa Festivale Musicale!
SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE:
4 nights in a lakefront room with en suite bath;
Breakfast at your hotel.
Aperitivo wine tasting at a favorite local wine bar;
Private water taxi for sightseeing in the Borromean Gulf;
Private car and driver for visiting Pallanza, Lago Mergozzo, and Lago Orta.
Lunch in a restaurant on Isola Pescatori or Isola Bella (3-course meal, drinks not included);
Piemontese dinner in a restaurant with a view (3-course meal, drinks not included);
Lunch (tasting-session) in a restaurant on the Mottarone Peak (3-course meal, drinks not included).
Entry tickets to the palaces on the islands (Isola Bella and Madre, Euro 16.50), Villa Taranto (9.00 Euro), and the Mottarone Cableway (18.00 Euro) are not included.
Rates are based on availability, season, and number of travelers. Please call or write for more information.
Rates are based on availability, season, and number of travelers. Please call or write for more information.
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