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Friday 04th: Our Italian adventure begins this morning as we leave home and head for some time in York to enjoy the historic city before travelling to Hull and the overnight sailing to Rotterdam. Cabins are included, meals can be purchased on board.
Saturday 05th: Disembarking the ferry this morning, our journey today takes us through the Netherlands, Belgium and into Germany and our overnight hotel.
Sunday 06th: We continue the final leg of the journey today, travelling towards and through Switzerland before crossing the border into Italy and on to the lovely town of Stresa.
Monday 07th: We enjoy a leisurely day in Stresa today. The ferry terminal is close to the hotel where you can take the boat out to the beautiful Borromean Islands. Isola Bella has the majestic Palazzo Borromeo a 17th century stately home and gardens, Isola Madre centrally located in the lake has botanical gardens and a smaller Palazzo to explore and finally the smallest, Isola dei Pescatori (Fisherman’s Isle) has a charming village with shops and delightful lakeside restaurants. Later return to Stresa to wander through the delightful town centre.
Tuesday 08th: We enjoy a superb day of touring today with fabulous vistas from our coach throughout. This morning, we travel along the scenic west coast of Lake Maggiore with a coffee stop in Locarno. From here we continue to the stylish city of Lugano and enjoy free time for lunch on the shores of the elegant lake. This afternoon, we make our way to the renowned Lake Como. There’s time to explore the attractive streets of Como before we make our way back to Stresa.
Wednesday 09th: Lake Orta, one of northern Italy’s best kept secrets is our excursion today. The capital, Orta San Giulio, has a quaint medieval centre full of traffic-free, cobbled streets, galleries, and local crafts. Today is market day, browse the many stalls offering a range of local produce and when in need of refreshments you will find a wonderful choice of cafes and restaurants. For anyone wishing to do so, a boat trip can be taken over to Isola San Giulio to visit the picturesque monastery, where cloistered nuns still live today in rigorous silence and prayer.
Thursday 10th: This morning, we take the short drive to Verbania, the largest town on Lake Maggiore with a picturesque lake front and enchanting old town. We return to Stresa in time for lunch with the afternoon free to enjoy a final afternoon in the charming town centre, or perhaps hop on a boat to visit one of the nearby attractions.
Friday 11th: Time to say ‘arrivederci’ to our hosts, make yourself comfortable, sit back and relax as we make our way out of Italy, through Switzerland and into France for our overnight stop in Laon.
Saturday 12th: Leaving after breakfast, we make our way to Calais where we board the short ferry crossing to Dover. Our journey continues arriving home later in the day.

Hotel Astoria, Stresa
The hotel is ideally located, opposite the lake with wonderful views of the Borromean Islands and just a short stroll along the promenade to the town centre.

All Travel by Executive Coach
Return Ferry Crossings & Cabin (Outbound)
Seven Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Excursions as Detailed
Porterage (Except Laon)